25% Ain't Half...Bad!

When I began this process, I decided that I wasn't going to overwhelm myself with the huge, big picture goals. I decided to set smaller goals that seemed easier to handle. When it comes to weight loss, I am setting the true goal of 20 pounds. My plan is that once I reach that goal, I will assess how I feel and look and then decide if another goal is needed.
 Well, after one week of the 6-week Body Makeover plan, I am down 5 pounds! Woo! Let's take a moment to celebrate that!
That means that I am 1/4 of the way to my goal. Now doesn't that sound better than looking at some huge overwhelming goal? I realize that I can't lose 5 pounds every week and, of course, I realize that the likelihood of setting many new weight loss goals in the future is pretty much 100%, but if we don't accept and celebrate each victory, no matter the size, then how can we ever stay encouraged enough to truly attain all of our goals including the big picture ones?
 Even better, I checked more fully into the plan and refreshed my memory with it all and realized there are so many vegetables that are considered freebies and balsamic vinegar (even the flavored ones) is perfectly fine. I am already planning the glazes that I can now put on chicken!
I guess the bottom line here is that I have to celebrate each step towards a better me. Even if this 5 pounds is not noticed by anyone but me, I must celebrate it. I remember getting frustrated once before when I had lost about 20 pounds and my daughter had lost about 8. Everyone noticed and remarked on her loss and no one, not one single person, even noticed mine. I realized, even then, that it is easier to notice an 8 pound loss on someone who only needs to lose about 10 or 12 than it is to notice a 20 pound loss on someone who needs to a lot more than that. Even knowing this, it was hard not to become discouraged.
That's why this will be different. Even though I am an extrovert, which by definition means I need outside stimulation, this time I will call on myself for the encouragement and celebration needed.
I believe that is part of what this new journey of mine is about, to learn to focus on me and let how I feel be enough.
I can't promise that I can report a 5 pound loss every week (wouldn't that be awesome!) but I will report a loss. I am also adding in exercise this week in the form of bike riding and some boxing on my heavy bag.
So yeah, reaching 25% of my goal ain't half but it ain't half bad either!