I like me.

And I know for some that’s a really easy thing to say, but for me it’s been a real work in progress. I remember Oprah {the Queen!} saying that life gets better when you’re older, and I assumed it’s something she said to make herself feel better for aging, but I feel that it’s so true, especially when it comes to liking, and even loving myself. There’s less resistance {more flow!} and I am liking who I am more and more.

I like me. I like that my body is strong. I even like my jiggly legs for carrying me everywhere I need to go. I like that I am kind. I like that I am imperfect, but growing and changing each day. I like that I have so much love to give. I like that I’m weird and a little bit quirky. I like that I own all that I am.

I feel like this is a story I tell often, but so many people don’t know it, and it’s an integral part of this story so I’ll tell it briefly again. Ten years ago I started this blog to keep me accountable for losing weight. Blogs weren’t really a big thing back then. I had just been on a walk around Bondi, my then home town, and I felt discouraged and wanted something to allow me to write my thoughts and hopefully inspire me. And so, Fat Mum Slim was born.

Of course, my blog changed directions over time as I’ve grown, my family has grown, technology has changed and the world changed, but my desire to lose weight has always been a consistent. I’ve never wanted to get a six pack or swan around in a bikini {although I respect those that do, or have a goal to do just that}. I’ve always wanted to be healthier, and for me something that is intrinsically attached to better health is more happiness too.

Just as my blog has changed, so has my body and my attitude towards losing weight. There was a period where I tried different diets, and then there was a while where I passionately avoided diets {that was fun momentarily! Until my knees begged to differ}, and then there was last year. For such a long time I tried to hate myself into change, I would look in the mirror and be disgusted at myself. I would tell myself horrible things. I would avoid photos, and sometimes even being social. It was a real challenge.

Last year I made some really big changes, I got to know myself better and I learned lots about my body. I worked with a wellness clinic to lose 25kg, and I felt good. But the diet I did, although really informative and successful, was one that wasn’t sustainable in the long term. I learned so much; that my weight is hormonal, and which foods just don’t work for me {refined carbs and cheeses} and what does {real, whole foods}. It was also really isolating {impossible to do social gatherings and there wasn’t a team feel or support to that way of living}.

Which brings me to now. I like me. I’ve said that a few times now, I think you get the gist. I’ve been in a plateau for most of this year. Happily so, because I knew that I wanted to just sit in it for a while. It’s a lot of weight to lose, and it’s been a big mental shift too. I have goals. I have more weight to lose. I want to be able to run. I see people running and I get super envy. I love the freedom that you feel when you run, and the way the air pumps in and out of your lungs. I want to get better at netball {and jumping around with 25kg less weight on me has been amazing, but I have room for improvement and my knees are still groaning when I jump!} and my biggest goal is to reverse my insulin resistance {a medical condition which can possibly be reversed or best managed with weight loss. Fingers crossed}. All of these go hand in hand with improving my health and losing more weight.

Over the past year, since I created this recipe for Weight Watchers, I’ve been talking with the team behind the scenes. I’ve shared my goals, and I’ve shared my needs. My goals I’ve talked about above, and my needs are really simple. I don’t do shakes, or meal replacements, I don’t like frozen foods much at all and I love good food, so I want to be able to have my cake and eat it too. Most of all though, I know that I can’t do it alone. I need support, from people who know what I’m going through {coming from a family of naturally slim people – no hate, just reality, I crave people who have walked my walk}. I think it’s important for this next part of my journey, because I’ve learned that this journey needs to become a lifestyle for me… not a sprint, but a marathon if you will.

A few weeks ago, I walked into my local Weight Watchers Group Coaching session and signed up to the WW Your Way+ Program. The lady behind the desk recognised me from my blog, and we had a good chat. And then I sat down next to another lady signing up, and I recognised her from the local markets, and said, “Oh, you’re the avocado lady!” See, I’m always weird-ish. We became fast mates and hung together as newbies. I felt the love.

I’ve also been trying out their 1 on 1 Phone Coaching, and I am the biggest fan. Each Friday Abby calls me and we talk about my stuff, my struggles and my wins. I hope Abby realises she is stuck with me for life. Best of all, she’s pretty much me in another body. Same medical stuff. Similar weights. And similar stories. We talk about how to develop healthier habits, and make changes that take me in the direction I want to go, that I AM going. So far, I love that Weight Watchers works {proven by Abby and millions of other people around the world}, and that this isn’t a diet… this is changing my life and my lifestyle. With Winter here, being the season that I find most challenging because comfort food, I’m glad I’ve got the support and accountability of Abby and the WW program.

I’m loving the real food. The community. The recipes. The focus on wellness. The WW app. The simplicity. The sustainability. And the support.

Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing more about my journey {and I know a few of you dislike the word journey but there really is no better word! Or if there is, tell me!}, sharing my favourite recipes, stories, challenges, wins, and more. I’m stepping into an exciting role as ambassador for Weight Watchers {seriously that’s one more step closer to Oprah, and I can feel that I’m gonna meet her one day soon!}. I’m excited. I feel good. I feel hopeful. I feel proud of how far I’ve come {physically and mentally} and of where I’m headed too. I’m gonna run, friends. Just watch me.

Where are you at with things? I’d love a little update on your health and life too, if you’re up for sharing.

If you feel like joining me on this journey, you can sign up to WW Your Way+ here. We can cheer each other on. I’d like that.