BLOG: Clark plans to continue weight loss in new year

This past week was week 43 of the FIT Challenge. As this past week went by, I became more aware of compliments received from others.

They tell me I'm looking good. As I have said in the past, these types of compliments were only heard from my husband before I lost all this weight. 

Compliments from others certainly gives me a boost of confidence, as well as a darned good feeling inside and out. It's just been lately where I am actually beginning to not only receive these compliments but to believe them as well. 

I have also received much encouragement. Encouragement from strangers feels awesome. I have wanted to be an example for others through this competition. I have wanted to be an example of encouragement. This gives me the strength I need to continue with the weight loss even after this competition is over. 

I know I am not going to reach my goal of 70 pounds down by January. I could feel discouraged by this fact and how the weight loss is going a lot slower than I want it to be going right now. But I don't. I am in the best shape I have ever been in my life.

Although I am not going to reach my goal by January, that's OK. I am going to continue to lose and finally reach my goal. I have developed new eating and exercise habits that I intend to use for the rest of my life.

The second statement in the above paragraph is all I really wanted to gain from this whole competition. 

For me, it's never been about winning, although if I do win the competition, it would be icing on the low-cal, fat-free cake. For me, this competition has been about gaining the tools to lose weight and get into shape and learning how to eat right for life.