The weight that everyone can see.

Physical weight.

And I have a lot of it.

I've always been a bigger girl. 

When I got married:

After having our twins:

Once they hit 6 months old I decided I would lose weight and I did. I lost 40 pounds 

And then within a year gained it all back and then some

Then we were living in Tempe, Arizona. I loved living there. But I hated how I had to dress. It's no fun having to cover up in that gorgeous sun!!! I worked at a high end salon in Scottsdale where are the girls were so fashionable and beautiful. I decided to start loving myself and made the decision for a change and I rocked it. I went from 211 to 160 within 6 months. 

I felt strong. I had started running and I loved it - I was addicted. 

Then the move to Ohio.

I got pregnant with our precious Addison.

I did pretty good at the beginning.

But then at the end I gained like crazy and didn't think. I didn't make the proper choices I had been making and stopped working out when I was 2 months pregnant.

And now I'm back to where I was. So many times I've been here.

This is a picture my sil took 2 weekends ago

Talk about reality slapping you in the face. 

That's exactly what it did.

I know my husband loves me as I am, I know my family loves me as I am. 

But this is not ok. I want my family to love me for a long time!

I don't want a short life.

And I don't want to take pictures of other people swimming at the pool - I want to be IN the pool with them laughing and having a good time. 

So I am at this spot. Where the extra physical weight is effecting too many other areas of my life. 

I have been trying for the past year. Coming up with new plans, researching fad diets. And finally had a good talk with my husband. Oh, that man, how he loves me! I finally came to the decision to do what I know works. No crazy new diet. Eat within my calorie limit and workout at least 30 minutes a day. 

And then I remembered how much I loved running. Ok, maybe not the actual running part, but I loved the challenge, I loved how I felt when I beat myself. I loved how I felt after a good run. I loved that I felt strong, not with just my body, but with my mind.

So I am starting a beginners running program and still doing Zumba two nights a week. Before I was doing Zumba just for me, for my "me" time - but you can't lose weight by eating whatever you want dancing 2 hours a week. 

 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31.