Sunday, April 29, 2012

Starting Fresh

I'm starting a new weight loss program this week. I have taken care of all the preliminaries for a work/insurance sponsored plan. It's a pretty sweet deal - a 6 month all-inclusive program.  I get doctor visits, blood work, dietitian visits, 6 months of health club membership (including a personal trainer), group support meetings. There is a small out of pocket expense for me, but a huge investment in terms of my time and effort - all supported by a team of professionals.

It's a very exciting opportunity for me and also a little intimidating. In all my previous attempts at weight loss, there has always been an "escape route" ~ a way to blend into the background and then show up again with my head in the fridge ~ all the newly formed habits fading into another weight gain. Don't get me wrong. I have had some real successes, but it's all relative. I'm hoping this is truly a lasting effort - I know It's 99% me and 1% others. I'm very fortunate for the opportunity and I look forward to it.
 
This is THE year of new beginnings for me. I moved 100 miles from my childhood home of 50 years and a job of 22 years to began a new career. I bought a new home - my first with the love of my life and my 3 little dogs. Our place. All our boys are grown and on their own, each doing well in their endeavors. We are very proud of them and we miss them. Of course we don't see them often enough, but we are happy for them. We see evidence of our parenting efforts, letting us know we did some things right. 
Am I enjoying myself? You betcha. Sure, beginning a new job is pretty stressful, and there are times I question the sanity of it. I enjoy my job. As I know more, I am busier and there are times I spend whole days (it seems) hitting dead ends, but I love the challenge.
The bottom line ... We love our new town, our home, our yard. Our neighborhood is an older neighborhood - nearly 60 years old - the landscapes are mature and we have seen a continuous bloom over the last month or so.  Just beautiful. We have cleaned up the yard, planted a few things. We go out every day and discover still more beauty in the emerging plants. 
Everything  just feels fresh and new.