Non-scale victories

So in my journey to an improved me, I've often relied on the scale to tell me if I was on track.  And it's amazing how de-motivating that number can be when it is not going in the direction you want it to go in.  I have really tried to not let that silly number determine how my day goes, but it's hard to break out of habits you've had for awhile.

My amazing boot camp instructor, Liz, shared what she called a "non-scale victory" after one of our sessions.  Got me thinking - I need to start looking for other ways to see progress. 

All I can say is Eureka baby...had 2 a-ha moments in the last couple of weeks that have had me realizing how much my hard work is paying off - and neither of them have to do with a number.  I had these two dresses hanging in my closet that I loved.  Both I bought when the number on the scale was lower than it is now, but I never felt comfortable wearing them - I could just see too much jiggling for me to feel confident in them.

I pulled both of them out this week to see how long before I could wear them comfortably and boo-yah - they both fit well enough that I wore them!  Not naïve over here - still going to push hard to get my body to where I want it to be, but I can't tell you how eye opening it was to realize that the "number I hate to see" is not the only determination of progress.

I am stronger, I jiggle less and I am pushing my body to do things that a year ago I never would have imagined doing.  And I have my boot camp girlie to remind me of how far we have come together in those moments when I forget.  I am back to enjoying running, but am loving the way boot camp a couple of times a week just makes me feel stronger.  I think I've finally found two things that I love enough to stick with them!!

Thanks Liz for making boot camp fun (visit her site if you want to do the June session - she truly rocks) and thanks Sonia for reminding me how awesome we really are.  And remember as long as you are having fun, the results (whatever your definition of results is) will come.  Find something you love and stick with it - and get a group who can kick you butt when you need it.  Makes all the difference in the world.