Get started today! Don’t put it off another day!

I know we’re only halfway through the month, so now is not the time to update my new year’s resolution for 2024 at the end of the month. But on Friday, I reached a big milestone and I want to share it with you and encourage you.

As of Friday, I have officially lost 20 pounds since January 1st! And you know? It’s not even difficult! I can kick myself for not doing this all those years ago, but when difficult things have to be done, we have to be in the right frame of mind and we have to find that will in ourselves. And until January 1st of this year, I didn’t have that resolve.

Yes, I wanted to lose weight and get healthy (after completely losing control in 2020), but I wanted cake and cookies more. I wanted the temporary satisfaction of dessert more than I wanted to be healthy.

I don’t know why the scales went off at the end of last year, but I’m so glad they did! Because now, after a scant 2.5 months (they flew by), I’m down 20 pounds. And while I fought off every single one of those pounds, the journey actually seems pretty easy in retrospect.

So here’s where I started and where I am today. I’m not ready to do those full body before and now pictures (but eventually I will), so for now, I’ll just show these face pictures.

There’s more to this journey than cutting down on sugar. I will share more in my update post later this month. (I have so much more to share with you!) But I’ve fought hard for every one of those 20 pounds I’ve lost since January 1st. I didn’t use any magic pills or shots. I worked hard. It’s all diet and exercise, and trying to get more (and better quality) sleep.

I have just started this journey. If I can keep up this rate (it’s doubtful, but I’m going to try!!), I’ll reach my goal by the end of this year. And just like the first 2.5 months flew by, I know I’ll get to the end of this year, looking back and saying, “”Where did the time go?” So working hard in real time, I know this year will fly by, and I won’t waste a single day. The fun part is that with each passing day, and the more progress I see, the more determined I become to push myself further towards that goal.

The first part is really difficult. That first step seems impossible. But that first step leads to step two and step three, and before you know it, you’re seeing some real progress and feeling incredibly motivated!

So don’t put it off! Whatever you’ve wanted to do for years — lose weight, regain your health, start that business, write that book, take up that new hobby, learn a new skill — start today! Imagine where you could be in 2.5 months! Heck, imagine where you could be at the end of the year!

Yes, I can beat myself up for losing control in 2020 and having to start over. But I could have pushed myself harder by not starting in 2021. Why did it take me until 2024 to start again?! I can’t answer that, and unfortunately, I can’t go back in time and change things. But I am so glad I made that decision to start on January 1, 2024. It’s been 2.5 months and I’m loving the progress I’m seeing. I know these next 9.5 months will fly by too, and I can’t wait to see where my newfound determination takes me then!

PS I finished work on the studio cabinets this weekend, but I don’t have anything exciting to share yet. The priming and caulking process will be slow, but barring any unforeseen circumstances, I’m sure I’ll be able to paint them in the next couple of days!