Love, Yourself - January Update

For those just tuning in, for the last two years I have been writing letters to myself that automatically post on my blog each month throughout the year. It's my way of keeping up with progress and showing myself the difference an entire year can really make. Instead of obsessing on the little things, I'm looking at the big picture.

So earlier this month the letter I'd written myself from January 2011 posted.

And here is the difference that one year can make.

January 2010 Letter - You were working at the gas station and you could barely walk less than a block to work without your legs hurting.

January 2011 Update - You and Matt went to Santa Fe and walked everywhere and you loved it! Make it your goal to walk more. Even if it's just around the block every other day or something. Even if you're just walking around the backyard a few times. Get outside and walk! You can do it. Your legs are not broken anymore and despite what doctors said when you were two, YOU CAN WALK. My guess is, somewhere inside of that body, you even have the potential to run!

It's January 2012 now and I've fallen behind a lot. Since we now live with Matt's parents, we have a large backyard and the need to take the dogs on daily walks has decreased dramatically. It's been a few months since I've been to the gym, but I am hopeful. I know I can do this because obviously I've done it in the past. Just need to get over this current sinus cold, and then I'll be ready to get going!

This time last year . . . you were taking care of Motherlys home while she went on vacation. It was a mini vacation for you too, but unfortunately you didn't get to spend much time with Motherly. She's one of few "parents" you've got left so go out of your way to call her every now and then. Which reminds me . . . call Debbie too. And Dad. And call your Grandmother while you're at it! At least once a month for crying out loud.

Luckily I was able to visit Motherly again this year for New Years, and I was even able to stay a few extra days to spend time with her which was much needed. Not only that, but Matt, MIL and I went back to Colorado on a road trip to visit Matt's brother and his family which include one of our nephews and two of our little nieces. Family is so important, and this month we've really had our eyes opened to that.

Also, you and Matt went to Santa Fe - which turned out to be one of your favourite places on earth! This is something that you both really love to do. It gets you out of the house, there's good food to be eaten, good sites to be seen and you get to spend real quality time with one another. Maybe from now on tho, you should PLAN to go to Santa Fe. So do that this month. Make a plan to go, and start saving up for it.

I'm not sure how we'll the planning will do for this. On our way back from Colorado, Matt and I insisted on driving through Santa Fe since we were going to be in the area anyhow. We went back to our favourite little french bakery and took MIL there to enjoy the experience with us. Then the three of us made messes of ourselves while eating cream puffs, fruit tarts and napoleons while trying to drive through the city.

Your Weight . . . 

January 2010 - 250 Pounds

January 2011 - 243 Pounds

January 2012 - I started the year off at 239, which wasn't my best weight from 2011 but still in comparison it's better than a year ago, and for that I can say that I am proud!

Picture Yourself . . .

January 2010

January 2011

January 2011

I can see a little bit of weight difference in my face, my chin especially. And of course there is the hair. I think cutting your hair is a blogger trend for 2012 (I know of at least two of my blogging friends that have chopped their locks recently). I went into Sallys last week to check out some hair dye as my roots were looking nasty. Matt told me that he thought I could go bolder and that he wanted me to have the confidence and self esteem I used to have.

So bold I went. And I'm loving it.