23-Years Later

Twenty-three years ago today, I changed my life when I walked into a Weight Watchers center for the first time.

I was depressed. I was disappointed in myself. I frankly didn’t know who I was.

I was tipping the scale at 200 pounds, when half of my life to that point I had been in peak shape, as a competitive gymnast weighing less than 120 pounds. I didn’t expect to get back to that weight or shape. In fact, I didn’t think I would lose anything. My self-esteem was in the gutter. That needed to change, even if I didn’t think I was capable of it.

I met some amazing people during my journey. 18 months later, I had shed 65 pounds and was tumbling in an adult gymnastics class at Chelsea Piers. I felt like me. I felt like a winner.

What made me feel even more like a winner was playing a role in the journeys of thousands of other members losing tens of thousands of pounds over my twenty-year career with Weight Watchers.

For people who have not had the opportunity to be a part of someone else’s journey to health and happiness, trust me, there is not a lot that feels as special as watching others succeed in monumental ways.

My life journey now includes empowering people to make sustained behavior change in all areas of their lives. Building ThoughtFully Coaching has been everything from exciting and overwhelming to satisfying and gratifying.

Developing the Design Your Healthy Life Strategy program was a herculean effort that I don’t think I ever thought possible. The last time I read and wrote so much was back in college over three decades ago. I am immensely proud of what I created.

I am even more proud of my team of “Strategists.” They have been a supportive group of like-minded people who are working on losing weight and removing the figurative and literal clutter in their lives. We meet weekly via Zoom and have learned so much from each other. And slowly but surely, this team of amazing people is growing. And, occasionally, we have an additional “bonus” meeting, as well as motivating one another as a community in a private facebook group.

If you had told me 23 years ago that I would be where I am now, helping people and guiding them as they strive for healthier, happier lives, I wouldn’t have believed you. Thoughtfully Coaching wouldn’t be what it is today, were it not for my own journey, and all the friends, colleagues and WW members that accompanied on my path. I am thankful for all that has come before and excited for what the future holds!

If you are interested in hearing more about Thoughtfully Coaching and what we do, please, drop me a line. I’d love to share with you how we can help change your life for the better.