Make It a Great Day

Back in the 90’s I had a colleague, who shall go unnamed, that had a very irritating voice mail greeting. The beginning of the greeting was standard “Hi, you’ve reached such and such. I’m unavailable to take your call at this time. Please leave your name, number and a brief message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.” And then…the clincher… “make it a great day!” Now say it out loud in a high-pitched and overly cheery voice “make it a great day!” Ugh!!! It annoyed the living daylights out of me. I mean didn’t it occur to her that when I called and got her voice mail that potentially, on occasion, especially at work….MY DAY WASN’T SO GREAT!?!

These past two weeks haven’t been so great for me, as a matter of fact, they’ve been downright stressful. I’m not going to fill this page with my whining, moaning and complaining, but please do let me get out of my system. Whine. Moan. Complain. There…I feel MUCH better now! 

What I will say is that, even though I’ve lost 30+ pounds and am a Weight Watcher’s evangelist who practices what she preaches (for the most part). Stress can get the very best of my well intentioned eating habits. What happens to your healthy eating habits when it’s not such a great day?

As I’ve mentioned a time or so in this blog, many of us, including myself, use food as a medication to fix our pain, soothe our souls and ease our hurts. But let’s get real here. You know, as well as I do, that food is not the fix. You may be thinking to yourself “girl, I have so much pain right now, and am so caught up in a cycle of over-eating that I don’t know where the pain ends and the food begins.”  And for that I can truly say, I’m sorry. I’m sorry you’re hurting so bad that food seems like your only friend and solace. I’ve been to that painful place and on occasion, I go back there; but I don’t stay as long as I used to.  

The good news is there’s a way out. YOU can break this cycle. You have the power right in between those beautiful ears of yours- your mind. You can use your mind to develop a strategy (or a variety of strategies) to help you cope with your overeating triggers. And you don’t have to go it alone. Enlist a friend or reach out to an expert in wellness. There are endless resources out there designed to help you regain control, to lose and maintain your weight. I just happen to be a proponent of Weight Watcher’s.  Whether it’s group meetings, one-on-one counseling, online tools, books, church- there is a system out there for you that WILL work for you.  

I’ve certainly had my ups and downs over the past few weeks. I’ve had days where I made unhealthy choices and I’ve had days where I was a wellness rock star (in my mind at least). The point is we’re all going to have days that just plain annoy the living daylights out of us and stress may just win. It’s about having more good days than bad and finding ways to manage those rough days instead of letting them manage you.

Ask for help. Make the choice. Commit to the choice. Continue with courage. And don’t forget to “make it a great day!”  J

Hugs and friendship,

Tara

Thumpity Thump Fear

Well, it’s official! I start my Weight Watcher’s leader training on September 8^th! Can I get an amen? Some of you reading this might be thinking big-whoop-dee-do….but what I’m thinking, no, what I’m feeling is yahoooooooooooo!

Have you ever set a goal for something that you REALLY wanted to accomplish? I mean REALLY wanted? Did you reach your goal? Or did you let your thumpity thump fear stop you in your tracks?

When I walked out of those meeting room doors this past Saturday, holding my leader paperwork, I was absolutely overjoyed. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m very aware of the hard work that it’s going to take to get through the certification process, yet I am still blissfully excited about what lies ahead. Because I want it THAT badly! I have dreamed about being a Weight Watcher’s leader for 15 years and I’m finally going for it!

At the beginning of the group interview/orientation process, I was a nervous wreck. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect nor was I certain what was expected of me. At one point while sitting there, I honestly thought I might die of a heart attack right then and there. I thought to myself, can someone please get some baby aspirin up in here? Disclaimer: those of you who know me can apply the TEF, Tara Exaggeration Factor, to the aforementioned statement. While I was waiting my turn to speak in front of the group, my heart started thumping so hard and so loud, I thought it might jump right out of my chest. Tha-thump, tha-thump, THA-THUMP! I don’t know what came over me. I’ve spoken many times in front of a group, and this was a small group. Yet tha-thump, tha-thump, thumpity thump!

As my heart was tha-thumping I began to use one of the Weight Watcher’s Tools for Living to calm myself down. If you’re a Weight Watcher’s member, you’re probably familiar with it- Winning Outcomes. It’s when you visualize a successful outcome before it even happens. I took a big exhale, slowed my breathing and envisioned myself in the front of the room, smiling and confident, leading a class of my own. Whatever you want to call it- Winning Outcomes, positive visualization, the power of positive thinking, mind over matter- it works (if you want it to). 

This week, I ask you to think about something that you’ve wanted to do for a very long time but let that thumpity thump fear get in the way. Close your eyes and envision yourself in that moment, see the end result, really see it. Wait a minute, you’re there! You did it! After all this time! You did it!   

Y-O-U! Congratulations you finally did it! How does it feel? How do you feel?

Now…ask for help. Make the choice. Commit to the choice. Continue with courage.

Hugs and friendship,

Tara

Why Weight Watcher’s?

This Saturday I am heading to the Weight Watcher’s Lansdale office for a group interview/informational session- my first step toward my goal of becoming a leader.  I am very excited (and nervous) for Saturday to finally get here. I am so close to a goal that’s been 15 years in the making.

As I prepare for my meeting, I can’t deny that walking through those meeting room doors, way back in 1996, was a life-changing decision. I also cannot help but reflect on what Weight Watcher’s means to me and why the program has worked for me for 15 years.

It makes me think about something my husband noticed as we were climbing Mt. Monadnock.  He noticed that sometimes I would follow him and sometimes I would branch off and make my own way. Other times I would lead and blaze the path ahead for both of us. Every so often I would take a leap, but most times I was carefully watching my steps and shifting my footing. On occasion I would slow down and ask him to lend a hand. When the trail got really scary (and it did), I would examine my intent and question my sanity a bit, wondering if I could keep moving forward. Why on earth do I want to do this? Can I do this? Is it worth it? And after a little bit of self-talk and encouragement from my husband, I forged ahead, refocused on my goal and taking it one step at a time.  

This is exactly what Weight Watcher’s has done for me! From the start, they helped me set healthy and manageable goals. They set me up with a plan and provided the tools and support I needed to reach those goals. Weight Watcher’s kept the plan flexible, giving me the ability to stay within its parameters but to customize a path that would work just for me.  They provided leadership and guidance when I needed it while encouraging me to stand on my own. And when I faltered, they welcomed me back with open arms into a judgment free space.  They cheered me on when I lost and picked me up when I gained. Weight Watcher’s made me realize that it’s OK to ask for help. They made me see that failure can be a way to learn and grow.  I love that Weight Watcher’s has changed with me over the years;  keeping to the core of who they are while updating their program and  staying current with technology and trends. My online tracking tool is my best friend for life. J Weight Watcher’s understands that losing weight is not about will power, it’s about mind power. The Tools for Living they provide to help me re-think my thinking always keep me on point. Weight Watcher’s knows that the journey is worth it. Their leaders and staff have walked in my shoes; it’s what makes them relatable and authentic.

Lastly, Weight Watcher’s knew there was something great in me even when I didn’t. They saw right through that chubby embarrassed depressed gal that walked through those doors 15 years ago. Weight Watcher’s knew that she was destined to be a strong, content and joy-filled woman, bent on changing the world!

Why Weight Watcher’s? Why not?

Ask for help. Make the choice. Commit to the choice. Continue with courage.

Hugs and friendship,

Tara

Guatemala Reflection #3: Beauty

It wasn’t until I spent a week free from TV, internet, radio and billboards that I realized just how barraged we are with messages about beauty. Everywhere we turn, we are told that we can be more beautiful by using anti-ageing creams, drinking protein shakes, following extreme diet programs, injecting chemicals into our skin and stuffing ourselves into Spanx. We need to whiten, tighten, lift, nip, tuck, lather rinse and repeat. Our hair should be softer, eyelashes should be thicker and longer, waists should be thinner, breasts perkier. We should buy the best to be the best and if we don’t, we’re less than.

For the love of God and all that’s holy---enough!

The women of Guatemala were beautiful and I’m pretty sure they didn’t know it. Their hair was natural, shiny and smooth. They wore no make-up yet their skin glowed. The wrinkles in the faces of the elderly women added to their character, every deep line a testament to their lives. Some of the women’s bodies were muscular from the physical demands of their surroundings while others were soft and curvaceous. Their teeth, while not perfect, were framed in smiles that went all the way to their hearts.

I didn’t give my appearance much thought during the trip (some of you who travelled with me are probably like, ah yeah, we noticed) and it was absolutely refreshing! Admittedly at home, I’m a wrinkle cream toting, hair color wearing, mani-pedi sporting, fashion loving kind of gal. But let me tell you it was soooo nice to be free from societal pressures and just be me.

In Sara Haze’s song Lovely she sings “…just want to be little old me. Shouldn't have to think who am I supposed to be today? And what gives you the right to tell me who I should be? Who gave you that right? Cause I, I feel lovely just the way that I am. Yes I feel lovely, the way that I am”.

I was reminded during this trip that being beautiful is simply being me. I have struggled with body image my whole life. Yet in Guatemala, I felt lovely, just the way that I was.

I felt beautiful as I shoveled stone, wielded a hammer and carried wood, thanking God for the strength of my body. I felt beautiful as I connected with others, being able to share life with them. I felt beautiful as I tried new skills, thanking God for the ability to learn and grow. I felt beautiful being out of my comfort zone, thankful for the opportunity to do so. I felt beautiful as I served, as people encouraged me that I could do more, be more. I felt beautiful when I laughed, truly appreciating the joy that comes from fellowship with others.

As it turns out, I didn’t need my hair dryer or mousse. I could do without my Clinique makeup and face creams. I didn’t need a gym or workout equipment. I left behind my jewelry and nice clothing.

My beauty came from serving, connecting, learning, growing, jumping, risking, laughing, encouraging, praising, praying, appreciating and loving.

Loving God, loving others and loving me.

Ask for help. Make the choice. Commit to the choice. Continue with courage.

Hugs and friendship,

Tara

Twists and Turns

This past weekend, my husband and I climbed to the summit of Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire. The peak, at 3,165 feet, is twice as high as Cadillac mountain in Maine that we hiked 6 years ago when we were much MUCH younger. Going into the weekend, I honestly didn’t give the task at hand much thought. My husband had mapped out a few state parks for us to hike. Note the word hike, not climb. And on the morning of, even when we pulled up to the base of the mountain, I thought to myself “I got this!” and we were on our way!

The incline started almost immediately, but we were feeling quite cheery, laughing and calling it the slow burn. It was a nice wooded path, with a few larger rocks, but mostly dirt and pine needles. About 20 minutes into the hike, the inclined steepened and turned to all rock. For a good long while we clamored up the rocks, using our hands, performing spidey-like moves, finding our footing, taking it step by step. And finally, victory! What a relief to see the tops of the trees and know how close we were to the summit! Ah…no! False alarm, the trickster mountain twisted and turned for several more miles. We came to that false summit several times, each time, overjoyed that we had FINALLY made it!

Once we got the real summit in sight, we realized that it was still another 45 minute climb, some parts straight up, and we had already been working vigorously for two hours. After some discussion over whether or not our 40 year old bodies could do it, we went for it. Those last minutes of the climb were downright scary! You see, I’m terrified of heights. It wasn’t pushing my body hard that got the best of me, it was convincing my mind that I wasn’t going to plummet to my death (highly unlikely I know, but try and tell my brain that). Reaching the top was incredible! It’s an accomplishment I’ll never forget! I’ll also never forget what my husband said on the way down, that he was more proud of me for overcoming my fear than the physical strength it took to get to the top.

I couldn’t help but think about how that same message applies to weight loss. When we first begin a weight loss program, we are pumped, enthused, all in! And even when the going gets tough, we put one foot in front of the other, taking small steps, keeping our goal in sight. But what happens when the path we’re on changes? Do we finish the climb or pack it in and head home?

On our way to the final summit climb on Mt. Monadnock, the trail started to go down and I almost lost my mind. I was thinking, why on earth do we have to hike down and THEN back up, this is insane. I don’t want to do this anymore. This is a joke. I started snickering to myself, saying things like “this is brilliant God, I have to climb down the mountain before I go up”.

This often happens on our weight loss journey doesn’t it? We’re chugging along, making great progress and then BAM the scale stops moving or even worse, the scale goes up. And sometimes this causes us to lose our focus. Instead of focusing on the end result, we get caught up in the obstacle. Instead of appreciating how far we’ve come, we can only see how far we need to go and how hard it will be. It gets the best of us, it psych’s us out.  We stand in the shadow of the mountain, frozen and filled with self-doubt.

Yet each and every one of us has the courage it takes to finish what we started. Even if your trail map blows away in the wind, you’ve got the tools needed to finish the climb. The power to push through is in your heart and mind. Don’t turn back now, you’ve almost made it to the top!

Ask for help. Make the choice. Commit to the choice. Continue with courage. 

Hugs and friendship,

Tara

 

Just Jump

One of the (many) things I learned in Guatemala is that I am mentally and physically capable of far more than I ever imagined. So when I got back from the trip, I started to mull over some personal and professional goals that I’ve been thinking about but have yet to take action on.

Last weekend after we dropped our son off at camp in Maryland, I vocalized a few of these goals to my husband. And he responded “just jump”. He went on to say something like this. “When faced with a pool of cold water, do you choose to jump in quickly or ease yourself down the ladder? Either way you do it, the water is still cold. You might as well just jump. Do it, get it over with. You’ll feel so much better once you do”.

My response “well, when I was a kid I didn’t like to get water up my nose so I’d have to wear nose plugs and even then I wouldn’t jump in. I’d probably just sit on the edge”. Yep, that pretty much describes me now, certainly not a risk taker. I’m cautious and over-analytical, sometimes to my own fault.

Yet this past year, and especially after Guatemala, I feel the need to be more, do more. To take action, make an impact. So after my husband and I had our goals talk, I jumped.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, one of my goals is to be a Weight Watcher’s Leader. Once I hit my WW Lifetime goal again, I filled out the paperwork and it sat on my desk.  I have wanted to be a Weight Watcher’s Leader for 15 years, yet I’ve never taken the final step to make it happen. Sometimes, I get locked up in my own “what ifs”.  What if I don’t know enough? What if I’m not good enough? What if people don’t respond to me? What if I fail? Have you ever been so caught up in yourself that you don’t do something you really want to do?

So I jumped. Last Monday I mailed my Weight Watcher’s paperwork and by Thursday I got a call that the Lansdale office has a potential opening. Holy cow, this is really happening! I have an interview set up for August 18^th and if I make it through, training starts September 8^th! Buckle your seat belts baby, it’s gonna be a wild ride.

Here’s the question folks, are you sitting at the edge of the pool, too worried about the cold water to make your move? Jump! Have you had a goal that you’ve been thinking about but are too afraid to take action? Jump! Maybe it’s a new job or a change in career? Jump! Pursuing a new friendship or re-kindling an old one. Jump! Facing your finances or a difficulty with your spouse or children. Jump! Trying a new activity or hobby. Jump! Tackling a project you’ve been putting off. Jump!

Maybe it’s walking through those Weight Watcher’s meeting doors for the first time? Or getting back to your health and wellness plan? Jump!

The reward of what can happen certainly outweighs the fear of what may.  

Ask for help. Make the choice. Commit to the choice. Continue with courage. And jump! J

Hugs and friendship,

Tara

Guatemala Reflection #2: Abundance

It’s really hard to explain what third world poverty looks like to someone who hasn’t been there. Back in 2005, I had the opportunity to fund raise for a group called Stephen’s Children that provides education, moral guidance, spiritual development and medical care to the poorest of the poor in Cairo. These families live in devastating circumstances in the garbage dumps. I also had the opportunity to visit and interact with the families which changed my life forever. I wished that my husband and kids had been with me so they could understand the change that happened deep within me.  

This is why it was so important for me to take our entire family to Guatemala, to not only witness the change you can bring to someone’s life, but to experience that change within their hearts. The experience of the trip far exceeded my expectations. Given what I felt in Cairo, a part of me it couldn’t be beat. But I guess it’s just like parenting, there’s always more love for one more person.

What hit me on the head over and over again during the trip is just how abundant our lives are. The people of Guatemala that we built the home for lead simple lives. They lived in a corn cane hut, with a tin roof, dirt floor and no windows. Their running water came from a hose. To get hot water, they boiled it. Their kitchen consisted of an open fire. They had no refrigeration. Any furniture was hand-made with scraps and burlap sacks. They had minimal clothing, no dressers or walk-in closets. They grew or raised a lot of their food. And the bathroom? Let’s just say it makes the port-a-potty at my son’s baseball games look promising.

The families were extremely poor, yet something about them made me see how rich they were. They were always smiling. They understood the value of family. They lived within their means. They weren’t afraid of hard work. They appreciated everything. Their children were with them during the day. They were kind to each other. An education was something to be treasured. They were generous and courteous neighbors.

Witnessing widespread poverty like this can sometimes be overwhelming. You think to yourself, with so much need, how will it ever be met? It is comforting for me to know that while they might need everything, but they wanted for nothing. They had something that eludes so many Americans, happiness. And I also know that God changes lives, one person at a time.

It’s this belief that now has me collecting donations for some proud parents in Guatemala. These parents have children in the Morning Glory school marching band. We had the pleasure of watching this band perform and man OH man, they were rock stars.  They played their hearts out all while having HUGE smiles on their faces. And they have such a gift. They not only won National’s in Guatemala, but they are now going to Central American finals. These children are in need of band uniforms, without them, they might have points deducted from their performance. The school needs 118 uniforms at $60 US dollars each. ONE band uniform costs TWO month’s salary for these hard working families.

Over the next week, I will be taking donations for the band uniforms. If you’d like to give any amount big or small, please mail a check made payable to NIMA to: Tara Watson- 2021 Sandstone Terrace-Phoenixville, PA 19460.

Remember to count your blessings today, they are abundant!

Hugs and friendship,

Tara