Over the course of the last 18 weeks, I have embarked on a journey.  Mission Minus Thirty.  The goal was to drop 30 pounds in four months.  I knew I was in for a challenge.  I’ve come to learn losing weight in your 30’s is a lot tougher than losing weight in your 20’s.  But I had gotten to the point where I wasn’t happy with the person staring back at me in the mirror.  So, I had no choice.

I have to say, the mission was not as difficult as I worried it would be.  Once your mind forgets how much you love chocolate and candy and sweets, you stop craving it.  Just last night, a bag of bite-sized candy was dumped on a table in front of me.  I wasn’t even tempted.

So, here’s the thing.  I didn’t drop 30 pounds.  But I don’t feel like I failed.  My weigh-in this morning boasted a drop of 13 pounds.  Nearly half my goal.  The thing is, I’ve been gaining lots of muscle.  I FEEL so much better.  My clothes fit me again.  I don’t hate my reflection like I once did.

After // Before

My work is far from over.  I still want to hit that 30 pound mark.  And I really believe I will get there.  Maybe another four months is all I need.

But today, I’m happy with how far I’ve come.  For anyone struggling like I was, or hoping to drop a few pounds, there’s one piece of advice I can offer.  Find a motivation partner.  Mine pushed me every day, checked in on my every week and celebrated victories with me.  I owe her so much.  That constant voice in your ear really does help.

Part 1: Mission Minus Thirty is complete.  On to Part 2.