any of various devices dropped by a chain, cable, or rope to the bottom of a body of water for preventing or restricting the motion of a vessel or other floating object, typically having broad, hooklike arms that bury themselves in the bottom to provide a firm hold.

a person or thing that can be relied on for support, stability, or security; mainstay: Hope was his only anchor.

Like I said, I’m not going to get too heavy in this post but going into this new journey I knew I needed this.  According to the first definition there, an anchor is strong, it’s a force that is stable and provides serious power. It  holds a vessel which is a ship or a boat. It keeps it from moving, it holds it down.

In the second definition it talks more about relying on something or someone for help, to keep you safe and give you support.

I ask you, what is your anchor?

I’d like to share with you my own anchor’s and how they are helping me.

1) God is my Anchor – I have always known that God is with me always, but what I have learned is that He will never leave me and that I can rely on Him for ALL things.  When my daughter was fighting cancer from 2007 – 2009 I relied on God for everything my hopes for my baby, my dreams for her future, a very sound mind through the turmoil, strength through the scary parts and a hug every night when I lay my head down. I felt His presence in a huge way.  The biggest thing for me during that time was I was able to focus on my daughter and not worry about being an emotional wreck – I was strong and I know it was because of Him. Through every single blood transfusion, through every single operation, through her miraculous stem cell transplant. I was strong and so was my daughter. We had many laughs through those hospital days,  all I can say is God is good!

(I know I said I wouldn’t get heavy, so here are some lighter thoughts for you)

2) The Color Pink Is My Anchor – I purchased an Iphone – I was a cell phone hold out for long enough. This I have to say was the best decision ever because the case I got for it was PINK. Of course pink represents to me women cancer awareness which of course reminds me of my daughter. But Pink also reminds me that I am more than just a Mom, I am a WOMAN, through and through. No more abusing myself, no more bad words to myself, no more character deflating thoughts. I am a woman, I am beautiful and that’s all there is to it. So, I started with a pink Iphone and then I wanted pink shampoo. So I went over to Wal-Mart and got my Herbal Essences PINK shampoo. I also grabbed a black bag with silky pink lining. The funny thing is this PINK thing has really hit my brain because when I got home to take pictures of everything I realized there was way more pink that I bought without even realizing it! You can see the new pink razor, pink shaving cream, pink gum and more.  I had a little chuckle and know that this PINK thing is working.

3) Plus Size Bloggers – Seriously, I LOVE this site. I was so happy to take it over from Kelly and knew in my heart of hearts this was the RIGHT decision for me.  I realized what an Anchor this site was for me when I was planning to go to the movies with my husband (who has lost almost 90lbs by the way…) and all I could think about all day long was how much I was going to enjoy the big bag of skittles (you know that kind that’s meant for 4 people) while I watched the movie.  I posted my pictures that day and shared more of my journey and why I’m on the road to weight loss and then something happened. A very kind Shan wrote this to me:

Hey Vera I just wanted to add how pretty you are. This is such a good picture of you! Just saying hi reading your blog.
Shan

Just that ONE little comment stopped me from eating the skittles that night, it also covered me when the pizza came around by hubby. I just sat there and chewed my PINK gum. LOL! That makes me laugh but it also truly warms my heart that someone actually cared enough to stop by and let me know they thought I was beautiful.  So here I’d like to say to you reading this today, “YOU are beautiful too!” Thanks so much Shan, you’re such a wonderful member here. You can see Shan’s blog here “The Me Within.”

I’m sure I will collect more Anchors as I go along – do you have any?

Motivation is a very important thing when it comes to losing weight. Without it you do not feel like watching what you eat in the first place. You also will not feel like exercising in fact you will just want to zone out in front of the TV or just go to sleep (this was me).

How do you get motivated though?

1. Make A Goal

The first thing to do when trying to get motivated to do weight loss is to make a goal. Also, make this goal a reasonable attainable one. Don’t set as your goal that you want to lose 50 by next month. This is so hard to do. Set your goal for say 10 pounds by next month. It is a goal that is more attainable in that time period. Write the goal down on a chart and hang it on the wall. You can record your progress during the month. This is your first step to get motivated.

2. Get Inspired

Have your eye on the prize. Do you want to look better in a bathing suit or a dress you have? Use this for your inspiration. You could include this on your goal chart so you can read it each day. It does not matter what you use as your inspiration as long as it will help you want to focus on losing weight.

3. Don’t Get Negative About The Process

Remember it is a positive thing you are doing. Be happy that you want to do this. Staying in a positive frame a mind is one of the best things for getting motivated. Eagerly plunge into having a healthier lifestyle with a smile on your face.

4. Talk To Yourself!

Each day get up and tell yourself that you are going to eat right that day. Also tell yourself that you will be active like you are supposed to. A tip here on being active is if you do not like working out in the gym take up a sport or other physical activity that you can have fun at which getting exercise.

5. Get A Buddy

Seek out support get a diet and/or workout buddy. Join a weight loss group of some kind if need be. This can be of great help in motivating you to start and stay on your path for weight loss. There are many great organizations out there to join either online or in your own locale. You can talk about the problem of staying motivated and others going through the same journey will have tips that work for them that they will share with the group too.

Once the weight starts coming off it will be motivation enough to keep you going. Remember your goal and once you reach it you just reset it to keep going.

Another fun question for you today,

What program are you on to lose your weight?

How is it different from others you’ve tried?

If you’re not on a program, how are you doing it?

Personally I’m not on  program (yet) I’m trying to choose, but also afraid to because I’ve always failed at them.

Would love to hear your thoughts on it.