Still Working on Things, Still Working Things Out: Month 5 on Shaklee180™

Remember my first Shaklee post where I talked about my sister-in-law? Well, she came to visit last month for the first time since then. I had lost over 15lbs and 12" since the last time I had seen her. I don't know why, but I hoped and somewhat expected to hear her notice and compliment me on what I'd achieved. She didn't. To be fair, it was a super busy, super short visit, and she had just finished a 10k that morning. Even so, I felt disappointed and deflated. If you've ever read the book The Happiness Project - I am that person who desires a gold star for everything. I just want you to notice that I've done it. Well, on some level at least.

It was kind of an eye-opening, ah-ha type experience for me. All this time I've been saying I'm doing this for my health, I'm doing this for my kids, I'm doing this for my family. Of course, all that is true, but I don't seem to be doing it for myself. Or at least, I don't seem to be enjoying the fruit of all my hard work the way I should. I look in the mirror and I KNOW that I look different. When I work out, I KNOW that I feel healthier. I enjoy clothes shopping more now because I do't hate the way the clothes hang on me. So why am I still holding out for other people to tell me I'm doing enough?

These pictures are from Easter, but this is how I still view myself, and I view myself as frumpy and overweight. 

I didn't think I was, but then this. So how do I get past it? First, recognize the problem (which makes up the first half of this post). Next, I guess I work on accepting all the good that I've done. I accept how good it feels and that's it's okay to be proud of my accomplishments with or without someone giving me permission. It's oddly far harder than it should be. It might be harder than losing the actual weight. And like making healthier choices to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle, being happier with myself and with my accomplishments is going to be a lifelong change. It won't happen overnight, but it will happen. Just another way I can be a better example for my kids, right?

Okay, and now for the fun part:
My starting numbers March 1st:
Weight: 170lbs
Bust: 41"
Waist: 36"
Hips: 43"
Arms: left: 14"           
          right: 14"

And my current numbers:
Weight: 153lbs
Bust: 37"
Waist: 31"
Hips: 39"
Arms: Left: 12"
         Right: 12"

I know - I need some more recent pictures, but all-in-all this one's not too bad, right?

How do you fight the voices in your head when you're not being nice to yourself? And how do you reinforce the good thoughts? Also, how long do you go in between family pictures - because it's been almost two years for us!

This is a sponsored post as part of the Shaklee Corporation blogger program.  I have received free products, online support and incentives for participating in the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. My opinions are my own.  I am also a Shaklee Independent Distributor.  

People following the weight-loss portion of the Shaklee 180™ Program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.