New Year, Slightly Better You?

Happy 2012, friends! I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday.

Can I jump on my soapbox for just one minute? What is with the phrase "New Year. New You."? I just don't get it. I'm all about making positive change, but it's not like I've morphed into something new.  "New you" makes me feel like I regret something, and even though I've made some pretty bonehead decisions in my life, I like to think those experiences have brought me to the place where I am and helped me become the person that I am. I don't want to be new. I want to be slightly better. Because being just a slightly better version of myself means that I'm moving forward and even a small change can make a big difference in the long run. Ok. Off my soap box.

There's been a lot of talk about New Years resolutions around the blog world. Do you or don't you set them? What makes a good resolution? How do you keep going with your resolutions past January? Do you set resolutions or do you set goals? The questions go on and on.

I tend to be one who skips the New Years resolutions. Yes, the start of a new year is a natural time to take stock of ones life and to begin new habits, but I found it all a bit cliched. I mean, I was pretty sure I would be part of that 98% of people that quit their New Years resolutions before they even really got them started.  So instead of making a list of New Years resolutions, I decided to put together an accountability group. Basically, a group of friends and family who are also on the journey to better health or who would just like to have some friends to work out with. In addition to the group meeting regularly for work outs and weigh ins, there is also an 8-week weight loss challenge with a cash prize at the end for the person who loses the most weight by percentage. There's nothing like a little healthy competition, a little cash, and someone waiting for you to come work out to get you off the couch. And what better day than January 1st for the first weigh in?

Now I have to admit, I knew I had gained some weight this year. Between some health issues, and lets face it, majorly slacking on any form of healthy eating or working out, I knew the scale had budged a bit on the not-so-great-side. I was under no delusions of what state my weight is in. Honestly, I don't really care what the scale says. I just want to feel better. I want to be able to keep up with the Dude, and not have to tell him, "Mommy can't play. Her back hurts." I don't want him to be limited in what he does because he sees me being limited in what I'm able to do. Weight has always been somewhat of a struggle for me, and I don't want that to be an issue for him. When I got on the scale today, it told me the brutal truth. I had been neglecting my health.

I'm thankful for this group of friends, some in the same boat as me, some just wanting to have a little accountability in their routine. I'm thankful that they are choosing to take this challenge and go on this journey. Facing a difficult task with friends makes the task more bearable. Plus, it's nice to know someone will be pushing me along when I feel like skipping a workout to go have a milkshake.

Good luck, to all those committed to getting healthy in 2012!

Get Healthy in 2012 Day 1 Stats:
Weight: 261 pounds
Hips: 54 inches
Waist: 47 inches
Bust: 53 inches
Arms: 14.5 inches
Calves: 19 inches
Thighs: 28 inches

For we are all God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so that we can do the
good things he planned for us long ago.  Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)