The season of 2014 holidays is just about over, and there will no doubt be many who look at their beltline and realize they may have eaten two (or three or four) plates too many between Christmas, Hanukkah and Thanksgiving. But let’s be honest. We all know we inevitably gain a few pounds during this time of year just based solely on the amount of food at the work place, holiday parties, etc.

Well, I know I did.

So, what’s the meaning behind the 265? Is it the number of songs on my iTunes account? Naw.  Is it the amount of money in my checking account? Naw. Is it the number of days left before my next vacation? Naw….but close. 

The other day I chose to weigh myself. I purposefully hadn’t done it in quite some time because I knew I had gained weight and figured if I didn’t acknowledge the actual number then it would somehow mean the extra weight really didn’t exist. I know, I know. That sounds crazy even as I type it, but in my mind it made perfectly good sense at the time.

I paused for a moment before stepping onto the scale realizing there was no turning back. I had to take the first step to reclaiming my life and curvaceous body. See, I love my curves. I embrace them. I feel they add to my personality. Unfortunately, life (and all that entails) turned my curves into much more and now I want them back. My hips! My thick thighs! My derrière! My breasts! Yep, all of that!

Okay, okay….I’m once again delaying the inevitable. Yes, I stepped on the scale. I was unbelievably shocked. I was saddened. I was speechless…..well, almost. The scale read 265. Oh hell naw. I wanted to cry. I really did. Instead, I looked at that scale and told myself (yes out loud) enough is enough.

I am a fighter (you’ll learn more about that later in upcoming blogs….duh, I’m a communication professional so of course I have to leave you with a teaser), and I will fight this weight head on. For the last two days, I not only woke up early when I really didn’t have to, but I took my butt to the gym. Talk about a shocking experience….my body didn’t know how to react when I walked through those doors! Nevertheless, I did it. I spent a solid 30 minutes on the treadmill (20 of which was on an incline), and I have to say I was pretty damn proud of myself. It may not seem like much to some of you, but to me it was the first step in the right direction. Hey, you have to start somewhere, right?

Why am I telling you this? Well, for one it is pretty damn therapeutic for me. It’s also a way to hold myself accountable. I mean think about it…..in two months I should be writing about my weight loss instead of gaining another 10-15 pounds, right? But there really is another reason for this blog.

With the new year comes many around the world who make New Year’s Resolutions, most of which are to lose weight. With these resolutions comes an influx of individuals at the community gyms. For those of you who regularly frequent these establishments, I know you absolutely HATE this time of year because the new gym goers take all the treadmills, elliptical machines and free weights. What these people need is encouragement from you. Tell them to keep up the good work. If you see someone sweating profusely and struggling to even walk to the locker room, let them know the pay off will be so well worth it!  

As for me, I have set my own personal weight loss goals, and I will keep my blog updated on my progress.

Until next time…….these have been just a few thoughts “From My Hart.”