How Did That Happen?
Two years ago I started a new job. I was excited and eager for a new challenge, a fresh start, a new beginning! A few weeks in I learned the position was not as billed during the interviewing process. The team I was taking over was filled with dysfunction, unhappiness and a staff of people that were under performing. This was as we say in my business a “rebuild”. I am not new to rebuilds and in fact have created a successful career turning around poor performing organizations. I knew I could do it. I just didn’t expect it. Here’s the thing, rebuilding an organization takes about 18-24 months, requires long hours and leaves little room for working out or meditating. On top of that is it very stressful!
Which brings us to the problem. Stress and I don’t do well together. My reaction to stress is to comfort myself with food and drink. Think pizza, burgers, fries, chips, popcorn and beer. Lots of beer. Is it any surprise 2 years have passed and I find myself 25 pounds heavier. Managing my weight has been a life long issue but this is the heaviest I have ever been. Ugh! It’s feels icky and makes me terribly unhappy. Every morning I wake up and think, “What can I wear today?” Not, “What will look cute?” or “What do I want to wear?” but “What can I wear?” It is a daily depressing encounter with my wardrobe. My closet is filled with things I love that no longer fit. It is all about what can I squeeze my body into that will pass as serviceable and can be worn comfortably for ten hours.
The Dilemma – To Shop or Not to Shop?
So what to do? Nothing fits, I feel uncomfortable in my clothes and I am terribly unhappy. The answer seems obvious. For Pete’s sake go shopping and buy some new clothes! It sounds so easy but it isn’t. Shopping is hard work even when I am happy with my size. It is daunting and almost feels impossible when I’ve gone up three sizes! In the back of my mind I’m thinking “this is the week, I’ll start a diet and lose the weight. I’ll be back into my old clothes in no time!” Another reason not to shop is it’s expensive. I don’t want to spend money on clothes that probably won’t look good anyway. Weeks passed and turn into months and then years and my situation hasn’t changed. I still wake up every morning and think “What can I wear today?”
Then A Fortunate Stroke of Serendipity!
Christmas came and saved me. I was shopping at Kohl’s looking to buy cute tops for my sisters. I was browsing through the Apt. 9 section and saw this top! What caught my eye was the beautiful color. It is so pretty. I also loved the flowy waist. Perfect to hide my chubby middle. I tried it on and it fit. I felt cute for the first time in a very long time. It went into my cart!
As I continued along I found this pretty sweater in the Vera Wang Section. I loved the pattern on the front, the pretty blue color and the bow sleeves. Things were looking up! It too went into my cart.
Feeling embolden and having forgotten about my sisters completely I continued shopping and found this blouse from the Jennifer Lopez Collection. Once again it is all about the details (bell sleeves, silver design, high low length and flowy waist). You guessed it! It went into my cart!
This experience at Kohl’s completely changed my perspective. It proved to me that I could find clothes that would look good even with my heavier frame. My spirits were lifted beyond measure. I felt good again! It spurred me on to solve my pants problem. All mine were ungodly tight! I went online and ordered two pairs of black leggings from Express. They are my salvation with their stretchy waist and they paired beautifully with all three tops. I was comfortable again! Also, this wasn’t an expensive proposition. Kohl’s is very reasonable and with my 30% off coupon these purchases were a downright bargain!
I was no longer opposed to shopping. My partner Julie and I went to check out a new boutique called The Little Red Ribbon and I found this beautiful cape. To say I love this piece is an understatement. It oozes style, is comfortable and camouflages all my sins!
A Few New Pieces Created Breathing Room
Buying some new tops and bottoms gave me more than comfortable clothes to wear. They helped me to feel stronger and more confident. I no longer dreaded getting dressed in the morning. I was still unhappy about my weight but these new pieces created some breathing room and allowed me some time to figure out how to solve my weight problem.
Weight Watchers!
My FTF partner in crime, Julie, and her husband joined Weight Watchers. She lost 7.2 pounds in her first week! Her success inspired me to join Weight Watchers too. I immediately went online and found a meeting near me. That was 7 weeks ago. I am happy to report that I’ve lost 13.6 pounds and Julie has lost 14! We are on a roll and yet have a long way to go. We are going to share our journey with you through a new feature called “Weight Watching Wednesdays!” Look for it on our Facebook Page and in Future Blog posts. We are hoping you’ll enjoy it and find some inspiration through our experience!
I love that you found tops that will look equally as good when you lose the weight. I hate it when I put on weight because I can wear so few of my regular clothes. Good luck and you lokk fab..
Thanks so much Hilda! I appreciate your kind words! We’ll keep everyone posted on our weight loss journey!
Lori XO
Congratulations, Girls! One it is fun to find new clothes that fit well but losing weight is a big deal… as it gets more and more difficult as we age! You go girls! I think you both look wonderful! XX
Jan,
Thanks for your kind words! It is difficult to as we age to loss weight so we’re hoping our journey is a success and maybe inspires others along the way!
Julie XO
I have found that if I feel better about the way I look, I am more confident and happier, thus I act better and more positive in everything I do. Therefore, I say whatever your size, you need to have clothes you feel cute in, do shop if necessary. Oh, who am I kidding, I shop when it’s nit necessary. If I don’t feel like shopping, I order a few cute things online to find something that looks good and I feel better in.
By the way Lori, you look great!
Hi Patricia,
We couldn’t agree with you more! You do better and feel better when you look better! No matter size!
Julie XO
Thanks Patti! I agree with your sentiments exactly!!
Lori
I love this post!!!
It’s so important to feel good about how we look in our clothes. I agree that it gives us confidence to even begin dieting.
You look beautiful in everything too!!
Good job to both of you. I will be following your journey, for sure.
Thanks so much Loretta for your kind words! Sometimes it’s really hard to take that first step! I think we’re pretty motivated and we have each other for encouragement. I agree that everyone deserves to feel good in their clothes. We appreciate you following our journey!
Julie XO
Thanks so much Loretta! Julie and I couldn’t agree more about the importance of feeling good about how you look no matter the size!
Lori
Awesome. Good for you. I’m sort of partial to WW myself😉.
There are cute clothes in all sizes. If you feel good about yourself you are more likely to make healthy food choices.
Debi,
You know I love WW! It’s the one thing that always works well for me! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support and kind words both in person and on all of our social medias! Thanks much my friend!
Julie XO
Thanks Debi – I agree no matter the size you can still look and feel good about yourself!
Lori
I’m so glad you found some options because it can be depressing otherwise!
When I’m between times, I will even find great things at the thrift store because of the deals!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hi Jodi – what a great idea to go thrifting and to find deals! I love it!
Lori
Thanks Jodie! That’s a great tip to shop thrift stores while on a weight loss journey. I tend to easily frustrate due to the lack of organization and feel overwhelmed. I think I need you to school me on thrifting! Any trips to Chi Town in your future?
Julie XO
Good luck ladies. You will find Weight Watchers is a great program. The support of the meetings is wonderful and make the process fun.
On my way to Kohl’s to check out some new tops. Love the blog.
Hi Lynn! I couldn’t agree more about the meetings. They help so much beacuse as you say the support is great. I really look forward to them!
Lori
Lynn,
I do love the WW meetings! I truly enjoy all of the people that attend and support each other, offer tips and words of encouragement! I’m really liking the new program and zero pt foods! Hope you have some great finds at your Kohl’s and keep us posted!
Julie XO