Small Wins

 I was talking to my grandma, who happens to be one of my very favorite people on earth, and she was asking how I felt about having the RNY surgery a little over two months ago. I told her that the first couple weeks were definitely rough, but that I'm at a point where I'm realizing how it was the best decision I could have made for myself at the time. 

For me personally, I look back at the last 10 years, and realize that my entire focus has been on being a mom first and foremost, and other things (jobs, friendships, family, even my marriage at times) came second to that. Having this surgery was one big step towards choosing my health, no matter how hard or inconvenient the changes would be on my kids (who had grown accustomed to frequent fast food and dinners and lunches out for meals because it was convenient with our busy sports and activities schedules). 

Now, I can start to see the little victories in the day-to-day since having the surgery. I have a few people in my life that give me positive feedback on a regular basis, but not everyone is as great about words of affirmation as I might like them to be. That's definitely something that makes me feel seen and heard, when someone verbally says "hey, you are doing great" or even with work-related things, if someone acknowledges a job well done, that speaks volumes to me and fills my cup. 

So when talking to my grandma the other day, I really thought about the small wins I've seen over the past several weeks. Here's a few to note:

1. I feel lighter. I don't feel as heavy when I move around which is fantastic and makes me want to move around more!

2. I save a lot of money not spending it on getting food out all the time (not just for me but for the kids). 

3. I'm providing a good role model for my kids on healthy portions and good eating habits. 

4. I am starting to see the changes in my face (photo below) and when I see the picture on the right, it feels like I'm getting back to myself, the one I'm comfortable with. 

5. I feel stronger. Mentally, physically, emotionally it's been a hard start to 2023 - lots of changes and heartache. I feel stronger having had the surgery and knowing that I can do whatever I set my mind to.