Ahoy Me Mateys!

Arrrr, avast ye mateys!  Shiver me timbers!  Drop the bow and hoist the anchors!  Arrrr! 

No, wait, I'm not a pirate; but I do want to talk about anchors today . . . but not the kind an a pirate ship.  I was a bit confused there for a minute.

As a repeat Weight Watcher, I've heard more than once about anchors.  Yes, an anchor is that big metal hookie thingie that holds a boat in one place; but in this case, I'm talking about something that reminds you of an accomplishment, event, memory, or goal you have in life.  Like the anchor on a boat, it can help to hold you in place.  In weight loss, the anchor is meant to be something you can touch or hold during times of weakness or temptation - something that will help you to stay strong.

Several years ago, I purchased a Chamilia bracelet to be my anchor.  The thought was when I felt tempted I would touch my bracelet - hold to it - and resist the temptation.  I then decided to combine my anchor with a goal and reward system.  I decided that for each 10 pounds I would lose, I would buy a bead; and the beads would symbolize something special to me.  Back when I bought my bracelet, I was never able to wear more than 1 bead as I never lost more than 10 pounds. 

Since then, my bracelet has remained in my jewelry box.  My beads reminders of my previous failures.  UNTIL, I decided to change for good - to not diet but to live a healthy life.  Since that change, I can now honestly wear the 3 beads I had purchased way back when.  For those of you who are mathematically challenged, that means I have lost over 30 pounds!

I now wear my bracelet every day as a reminder of how far I've come and also as a reminder of where I'm headed.  Each bead has a special meaning and represents a goal I have. 

The soccer ball represents my love for the sport.  I would one day love to play in an adult league.  I would also love to do more with the Columbus Crew - travel to away games, attend special events, even purchase gold circle seats - all things I'm too afraid to do because of my weight.  I worry too much about others thinking "why's that fat girl here."  OH!  And I would LOVE to have every Crew jersey made and wear them to every game with pride, but I can't do that as they only go up to XL and are fitted.  Well, I could do it, but it wouldn't be pretty . . .

My shamrock bead represents our coming trip to Ireland.  When we go, I want to be able to skip across the Giant's Causeway.  I want to be able to perch upon a bar stool and chat with the locals.  I want to kiss the Blarney Stone!  There's so much I want to do that will be so much easier with less of me.

The third bead is hard to make out, but it is Disney's Thumper.  If you know me, you know I love Disney.  Sadly, my weight has prevented me from enjoying the parks to their fullest.  First, it makes it hard for me to walk the miles and miles it takes to see the parks.  It has also kept me from visiting the water parks.  While it hasn't kept me from riding any rides, I could see it happening at some point especially as I want to visit Disney parks in other countries.

I am now just 3 pounds from my next bead!  I hope to add it tomorrow.  If I don't, I will at some point.  Plus, I refuse to remove a bead.  That means no turning back - only moving forward!