Eight weeks.  It’s taken eight weeks since I started this journey with you to muster up the courage to go back to a Weight Watchers meeting, knowing that the scale would show a gain. Nevermind the fact that I already knew what the scale would show – it was just the thought of having to face a person who would reiterate that number to me. Out loud.

Despite my crippling trepidation, last Thursday, I finally marched through the door and faced my fears.  And of course, no one laughed.  No one scolded.  In this case, I was my own worst enemy, because my fear inhibited me from making healthier choices with the support of a group (and I know from past experiences that this is what works for me, personally).

Now that I’ve overcome this hurdle, it feels like a tremendous weight has been lifted from my body (no pun intended).  It felt so good to reconnect with all these men and women who are in the same situation and who continue to work towards a healthier life.  Looking back, it seems so incredibly silly that I created such a big deal out of one small moment, which made me think about the value we put on milestones during a weight loss journey.

Most of the time, milestones can be incredibly positive and motivating.  Beyond the numbers on the scale, how good does it feel when you drop a dress size?  Feel more energetic?  See your blood sugar levels balance out?  These are the types of milestones that help many people stay on the right path toward a healthier life, and it’s important to remember that weight is just a number.  That even if the number on the scale goes up, it doesn’t mean your milestone is over – it just means there’s a new one waiting to be achieved.

As part of my own journey, I’ve set new goals, which will turn into mini-milestones each and every time I attend a meeting.  Guess where I’ll be Thursday night?

Photo Credits:  Cover Image – Rob Owen-Wahl; Inside Omage – Ivan Petrov