I’ve decided I’m in my “me” era

[BrassMonkey]

And I’m so glad to be among friends here who are also focused on improving themselves, too!

I’m an early 40’s woman from southeast USA.
I’m very brand new to all this and am at the beginning of my journey. I am currently 180 and know my happy place is around 130. Or it was my happy place (I hope I can get back there but realize that even though I am working on a slimmer body, I’m won’t get a younger body! 😂)

Life has really done a number on me these last few years! In addition to getting into a bad car accident, I had a thyroidectomy, moved, started a new job, had a hysterectomy, and became caregiver to a parent with Alzheimer’s.

That’s probably the only explanation I need to give on how I got here. 😂

I feel like with my life being set up as it has been for the last few years, I have not been able to take care of myself the way I should have. I’m realizing the old adage about “you have to put your own mask on first” might be very true.

So, I’m burnt out but re-energized by this. A little scared but very excited. And so hopeful. So, so hopeful.

I want to make sure I’m being safe (especially considering my thyroid crap) and also want to do all the extra workouts, hydration, and healthy eating I can to give this my best shot.

I’d love to talk to any of y’all who have tips on carving out time for those changes. Other topics I’d love to talk about are dealing with the psychological changes of biologically changing (as a person who has been all sizes, the way people will treat you differently as a slimmer person is wilddddd! Takes some adjustment.)

Mostly, I just want to learn from and get to know all y’all, so please reach out!

 

[ohemaaluxe]

My eyes kept widening as I read this part. So sorry you’ve been through so much in such a short period of time. You’re obviously a strong person! Being scared but hopeful is soo real, but it sounds like you’re already on the right path to reaching your goals. Welcome and good luck on your journey! 🤗

Life has really done a number on me these last few years! In addition to getting into a bad car accident, I had a thyroidectomy, moved, started a new job, had a hysterectomy, and became caregiver to a parent with Alzheimer’s.

 

[BrassMonkey]

My eyes kept widening as I read this part. So sorry you’ve been through so much in such a short period of time. You’re obviously a strong person! Being scared but hopeful is soo real, but it sounds like you’re already on the right path to reaching your goals. Welcome and good luck on your journey! 🤗

Thank you so much for your sweet words and the warm welcome, friend!

 

[Sun_Seeker]

Wow. You certainly have been through the fire! Kudos for making changes to take care of yourself. I have found that as I'm losing the weight, and feeling better overall, my energy is skyrocketing. More energy means more hours in my day that I want to be active, and get my fanny off the couch. ( You wouldn't believe the long-ignored projects I've been getting done too.)

Here's a few of my favorite tips specifically for the areas you mentioned. Hydration - carry a water bottle or big cup you love, and drink! Invest in some electrolytes. For healthy eating, I'm a "batch cook"... as in cooking up a few pieces of chicken and throw it in the fridge for adding to salads or eating with veggies. I pre-prep raw veggies - washed & cut, and keep fruit the same way. Bagged salad kits, and pouches of salmon to throw on them. Roast veggies in batches for reheating. I try to set aside a couple of hours on the weekend and get ready for the week. As far as adding time for exercise, I'm trying to use home improvement tasks and yard work as more than just chores to add steps and use some unused muscles. I think otherwise, you just have to do it. I try to use my lunchtime at work to get in a walk as well.

As a person who has gained and lost over a hundred lbs more than once, I can attest to how one is treated differently at different sizes and the perceptions people tend to have of you. I think this is especially true for women.

Best of luck. You have a lot on your plate, but you got this!!