Jul 10
26
My Personal Weight Loss Turning Point
Lucinda’s personal journey to wellness.
My personal weight loss turning point came during a Weight Watchers meeting some 10 years ago. After 2 years of “yo-yoing” – trying every diet in the book from Atkins to cabbage soup – I felt exhausted and on the verge of hopelessness. Maybe I was just supposed to get okay with the bulges and the rolls and my tent-dresses? But that persistent little voice in the back of my mind kept telling me otherwise, so there I was at Weight Watchers willing to try one more strategy.
Six weeks into the program and after yet another disappointing and embarrassing public weigh-in; I sat through the class distracted and only half listening. Then at the very end of class the instructor asked the questions that for me would change everything. She asked, “Why are you here?” and “What are your goals?” Most of the answers were what you might expect. “I want to be a size 8 again.” “My goal weight is 135 pounds.” “I want to feel comfortable in a swimsuit.”
Well, I had had those same kinds of goals for myself for the past 2 years and they had not been enough to motivate me to permanently change my eating and exercise habits. Suddenly and surprisingly my hand flew into the air and, seemingly without conscious thought, I spoke aloud to the group that thing that would change my health and approach to life forever. “I am here so that my daughters never have to be. If I can learn how to live a healthy lifestyle of moderation and balance then I can become a true role-model for them, and they will never have to fight the battles I have had to fight with food and weight.”
I will always be grateful for the unseen forces and circumstances that let me to that meeting and to that flash of deeper insight. I quickly lost almost 50 pounds and have never looked back. My daughters, now teenagers, are both normal weight and have an in-depth understanding of good nutrition and what it takes to keep both their bodies and minds in top working order.
Like many coaches and consultants my life’s struggle has become my life’s work. As a Wellness Lifestyles Coach, I encourage my clients to be on the lookout for those moments of deeper insight, for motivation that will weather the storms of life and stand the test of time. Bodies age, priorities change and the High School reunion will come and go…
“Why are you here?” and “What are your goals?” What is that deeply personal inspiration that will keep you motivated for the long haul? What will keep you firmly grounded on the path to living your best life – to becoming the next greatest version of you?
Below you will find books that have inspired me on my personal journey:
- Let You Life Speak by Parker Palmer
- Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James
- Creating Your Future by Dave Ellis
Susan’s personal note: Lucinda is my wellness coach, and has truly had a major impact on my life over the past nine months. Read more about her and her program here.
