You know, I can pack on the pounds like nobody’s business, and that’s just what I did this year. I started in January, carried on throughout that long winter that felt like it might never end and the spring that came far too late, and kept going well into the summer months. I kept gaining and gaining and gaining, like a champ, until it added up to me carrying around an additional 20.5 pounds on an already far-too-heavy body.
But I can also be very, very stubborn when the cause is important enough to me, and that’s just what kicked in when I found out that I’d be returning to Victoria for a visit in October. Determined to get back to the weight I was when I last saw my family at Christmas, I started trying again on August 4th. I got back on the path of reduced calories, (mostly) healthy eating and (usually) drinking enough water, exercising every day (even if it was just for five minutes), and logging my progress on MyFitnessPal. My stubbornness paid off this morning at my last “official” weigh-in before I get on the plane to Victoria, when I discovered that I’d almost reached my goal by ditching 20.1 of the 20.5 pounds I’d gained. (Hey, what’s 0.4 pounds between friends?!)
For those of you keeping score at home, that brings me down to a total of 38 pounds lost from my highest weight.
So today’s happiness, tinged with a little bit of pride, is brought to you by… me! I’m happy that I’ll be seeing my family at pretty much exactly the same weight as I was at Christmas, and proud that I channeled my stubbornness into making good things happen for myself.
Going forward, I’ll use this achievement as a reminder to myself as to just what I can accomplish when I put my mind to it.
Now, on to the next goal!
→ What is #MicroblogMondays?
→ #MicroblogMondays 6 linkup here!
→ The 100 Happy Days web site
→ My 100 Happy Days posts
What made you happy today?
Please share!

Twitter: dramamamafive
October 6, 2014
Yaaaay! Good for you, Laurel! I’m proud of you!
Amy recently posted… Lighthouses, Seagulls, and enough Charming Miscellanea to choke a cat: Road Trip Part 4
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 6, 2014
Thank you very much, Amy!
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: monicadeshp
October 6, 2014
Laurel, congratulations! You’ve really inspired me to keep going. I’ve been struggling with similar aspirations and it’s been a few steps back for every one forward. I’m going to keep at it. Here’s to a fabulous Christmas. 🙂
Cheers!
Monica Deshpande recently posted… Apple butter
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 6, 2014
Thank you very much, and all the best to you in your own efforts!
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: doreeweller
October 6, 2014
I swear those pounds attach when you turn your back! But good for you! And I’m so impressed that you took off the weight. I supposed I should use that as inspiration that it can be done. I just started back on my own weight loss journey. It’s certainly not as much fun as putting the weight on, but in the end, it’s a lot more satisfying. 🙂
Doree Weller recently posted… Philosophical Graffiti
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 6, 2014
I agree, it is definitely a lot more satisfying! All the best to you in your weight loss journey.
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: blacktortoise
October 6, 2014
Good for you! Keep up the good work.
Adela recently posted… Pearls and Movie Star Kisses
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 6, 2014
Thank you – I will do my very best!
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: RamblinGarden
October 6, 2014
Good for you! Too many of us know that weight struggle, and we are all cheering. What made me happy today? Walking after work on a warmish October day.
Alana recently posted… Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Pumpkin?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 6, 2014
Sounds lovely! Thank you. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: obsessivemom06
October 6, 2014
Yay! Laurel..that’s so huge. As a serial weight gainer/loser I can feel your happiness. You look great. And I’m inspired. I’ve been consulting with a dietician but haven’t been following her advice completely. Need to get there. Thanks for the post. PS: Love that nosestud.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 6, 2014
Thank you on all accounts! 🙂 And best of luck with your own goals.
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations! That is a huge feat of willpower.
I am so there right now. I’ve put back on the weight. I’m trying to find the motivation to go back to MyFitnessPal, etc. I’m leaving myself a note to drink more water tomorrow. It starts there.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 6, 2014
It really does just start with one single step, doesn’t it? Sometimes great things can grow from the small. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: vidyasury
October 6, 2014
Laurel, few things bring more joy than the loss of weight! I’ve lost 3 kilos over the past six months and feel happy-o-happy!
Hey that nose-stud looks fab on your pretty face!
Have a great trip!
Vidya Sury recently posted… Live With Intention #MicroblogMondays
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 7, 2014
Wonderful – congratulations to you! And thank you very much. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: cynthiavin
October 7, 2014
Yay!!! That’s amazing Laurel. Even I need that stubbornness I guess to shed those extra pounds. Thanks for this post. Its an inspiration.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 7, 2014
Thank you, and you’re welcome!
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Hi Laurel. Good on you. I shall remember your story as I start my own weightloss journey. What made me happy btoday? The gorgeous sunset, beautiful fullish moon and a hot cup of coffee that I so needed. Have a wonderful time on the Island.
Joslyn Boulden recently posted… International Day of Older Persons
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 7, 2014
Sounds beautiful – a happy day indeed! Thank you. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: Boomeresque
October 7, 2014
Great work and I know from my own experience that weight loss IS work. Safe travels.
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted… Ode to a Brigantine, New Jersey Summer
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 7, 2014
Thank you very much!
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
that’s amazing. Congratulations … you are so strong willed 🙂 I have been trying to reduce some extra flab for long, but lazy me!! sigh!!
Rajlakshmi recently posted… Paper Quilling – Flowery Frame
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 7, 2014
Thank you so much, and good luck to you! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Too woot! Great that you have beat the nasty weight! Enjoy your holiday!
Michelle Liew recently posted… A Pin Drops
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 7, 2014
Thank you very much!
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Yay! So proud of you for losing that weight and sticking to your goal! Congratulations, Laurel! Have fun…so much fun while you visit friends and family amidst the work 🙂
Life Breath Present recently posted… Gratitude Linkup – Week of 10/5/14 + 31 Days of Photography
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 7, 2014
Thank you so much – I am greatly looking forward to it!
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: nabanita21
October 7, 2014
Good on you Laurel..So happy for you..these personal achievements are so joyous no?
nabanita recently posted… #MicroblogMondays : All Hogwash & that Celebrity Crush
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 7, 2014
They really are! Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: shyvish
October 7, 2014
This is super cool, Laurel! Congrats on the weight loss. have a fun vacation!
Shailaja V recently posted… Giving it your best- #AmWriting
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 7, 2014
Thank you so much!
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: SusanF_mt
October 7, 2014
WOO HOO! Congratulations!
Susan – ofeverymoment recently posted… Please Help Me Pick Out My Birthday Present!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 7, 2014
Thank you! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 6 – Achievement Unlocked + 100 Happy Days – Day 24
Twitter: BatteredHope
October 7, 2014
Still here rooting for you and know you will make it and more!
Carol Graham recently posted… How Can You Leave Me? I Love You Too Much
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 9, 2014
Thank you very much!
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 26
Twitter: ellytreehugger
October 9, 2014
Way to go Laurel! You sure done yourself proud! Now go enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner! 🙂 <3
elly stornebrink recently posted… Tree Days Part 2 – Indian Summer!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 9, 2014
Thank you! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 26
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