A Gift to Me

I did something last weekend that is very rare for me.

I went shopping.

I've said before I hate to shop. Still do.

But, true to my norm, I went with a purpose. I went to replace a long string of fake pearls. I had a long one that could be doubled, used to could triple it before Scooter broke it the first time. And I found one. On sale even. Could have left then.

But the store was having a 50 to 70 percent off sale.

Surely I could look at the just a couple of sweater dresses? That wouldn't hurt would it?

Well, I spent too much money, but I got several very nice sweater dresses and one suit for work. With busy season hours, the sweater dresses are nice. They are comfortable for all day and still look nice.

But here's what I want to share. I've said before, and will continue to say, I'm more than just a number. I'm more than the number on the scale or the one on the label in the clothes.

But, true confession time now, it was really quite nice to be able to look at the rack where the size in the label is a single digit. Or a single letter that is not an L. It really made me feel very good inside. Because it's been a long time since I could. I believe I was just out of college the last time I could buy single-digit sized clothes.

I know that wasn't the purpose of the weight loss. Wasn't really even a consideration. I went two years before I even started buying new clothes so it wasn't foremost in my mind.

And I fought having to shop even then!

So it really was a pleasant surprise when I walked up to a rack and realized I was starting in the smaller sizes. Sort of like a bolt from the blue.

Lots of programs tell you to reward yourself with non-food treats when you meet goals or reach an achievement. And I have to agree. It was really pretty cool.

Now, when I got home, I laid the receipt on the bar, which is the rule in our house, but I circled in a BIG circle the amount SAVED. I felt like that would be the place to start. I did save more than I spent. Which is a very good thing.

So, if you're having trouble meeting a goal, then pick a reward. Maybe it's a massage or a facial. Maybe a new swimsuit. Find something you want and go for it!

Sometimes focusing on the reward at the end is easier than focusing on the journey to get there.