Something that truly means a lot while
on the weight-loss journey is the support you get from others. I'm
sure everyone's story is different, but it is genuinely amazing the
amount of comments I've received and sometimes even the source of
some comments is also surprising. I've had so many people who I
haven't really talked to in years (some of you are perhaps even
reading these words) telling me how well I am doing or how good I
look. Just today a girl, who I knew but really didn't talk to all
that much in high school, told me how good I look. I don't think
people realize just how encouraging those words truly are, but they
honestly are much appreciated. One thing that truly is a key factor
in success is the support you get from others. Yes, I know I said in
my previous post that you should only be doing this for you, and I
stand by what I said, however, the encouraging words and actions of
those around you can give you the extra boost of confidence you need
to keep going!
There are two main points for me of
outside support. I'm sure I am going to sound completely cliché when
I say that these sources are my friends and family. So many of my
friends have been completely encouraging and supportive this entire
time. There are far too many to list but I know you all know who you
are and you also know how much I appreciate you! As far as family
goes there are also a number of people to list but the main three of
course would be my Mom, Dad, and sister Cheryl.
My sister Cheryl is also a big
influence in my life and has been especially encouraging during my
weight-loss journey. She always comments on my pictures and lets me
know just how proud of me she really is! I do have to admit though
when she decided to try and lose weight and was constantly asking me
questions she was driving me absolutely crazy, but I was glad I could
offer her some advice! Although I clearly became annoyed at times (I
mean really Cheryl, how am I suppose to just know how many calories,
if any, are in lemon pepper?!) I was genuinely honored when she came
to me seeking advice. Although the amount of junk food I typically
consume at her house is typically criminal, she is a huge part of my
support system.
Although I did not list the number of
friends that have offered me a huge amount of support,there is one
person that deserves a lot of credit. I have known this girl for
almost 16 years now (we met in 1st grade religion
class—she swears the head popped off of my doll although I have no
memory of this) and she has been a huge part of my life in many ways.
Her name is Stephanie. I cannot even begin to describe just how
supportive this girl really is! When I had weeks in which I was
getting frustrated with my results she knew just what to say to
encourage me. She is also my gym buddy and motivated/motivates me to
keep going to the gym (on top of driving me there on many occasions).
I honestly can't even begin to describe the ways in which this girl
(as well as my parents and sister) have helped keep me on the correct
path in my weight-loss journey.
I wanted to use this post to obviously
thank all of the mentioned people as well as all of you that have
offered me an encouraging word or comment and thank all of those who
are constantly supporting me. Even though I did not list you all, I
completely appreciate all that you say/do! For those reading looking
for a word of advice: embrace all of the support and encouragement
you get from others! Words cannot express just how good they make you
feel and just how much of not only a confidence boost but a boost in
motivation as well that they provide. The people and loved ones
around you genuinely do have a lot of power with their words.
Although some of the sources of this encouragement will come from
expected places, you may just be surprised what another source may
be.
