Success is ...... ?

success  (səkˈsɛs)
— n
1.	the favourable outcome of something attempted
2.	the attainment of wealth, fame, etc
3.	an action, performance, etc, that is characterized by success
4.	a person or thing that is successful

I love the first meaning given on dictionary.com for the word success. It's something many of the men and women at my Weight Watcher's meetings strive for, on most days, and in most weigh ins.

Success it seems holds a very different meaning for many people.

I've witnessed a lot of my members recently, outwardly feeling let down and expressing disappointment in their weekly achievements.

Statements passing the lips like "I so don't deserve this", "I tried so hard this week, I thought it would be more" "Oh I'm just disappointed it's not more"

I love that my members feel comfortable and safe to share their frustration. But I wish so very much that there was a way to help these lovely people see that every little step forward in the right direction, is a step closer to their ultimate goals.


Every 100 grams loss that has followed a week of following the program isn't a reward for "good behaviour" but the bodies way of releasing energy that is superfluous, and is thanking you for creating a more hospitable environment to function in.

Every 100 grams loss following a week on the program, is a 100 grams closer to making solid habits that will see you through a happy, healthy, LONG and vital lifetime.

5 weeks of 100 gram losses is a whole block of butter!

I currently believe that successes are overshadowed by high expectations, perhaps set so high to save ourselves from facing up to the fact that we may actually achieve something so great and so wonderful as being at a healthy bmi; in a place where we will have to be accountable for what goes in our mouths, and whether we get butt off couch for 30 minutes to get the exercise our body so craves....

Okay, it's becoming clearer now....if we only see the dark side and what we haven't achieved, we'll never ever get to goal....we wont have success, I guess that makes it easier to justify the chocolate cake huh!

And means we wont ever truly fail either, because we've never REALLY let ourselves try.

But being in a constant state of "fat person" limbo isn't right either is it....

So what is success???

To me success is just as the first explanation describes it: The favourable outcome, of something attempted.

It's favourable to me that I live a long, healthy and vital life.

It's favourable to my bank account to not have to replace my wardrobe because I've busted out of my pants.

It's favourable to me that I can go for a run in the park with my children, and not "Mummy is just going to watch, you guys go ahead"

Success for me is being true to myself, no games, no pretense....

Success is getting on the scales and gaining 200 grams, knowing that I did the best I could for me during the week, making healthy decisions that will impact on my long term future.

Success is drinking a bottle of water on a cold and dreary day, because it helps keep my body running efficiently.

and ....

Failure......can only happen, when we stop trying!


Ali xo

From behind the darkness....we have to find "new normal"

It's incredible how time can stand still, rewind, or fast forward and catapult us into the future, within seconds.

I realise that sounds a little ass about face. (Let's be honest, most of what I say sounds like that at times)

Life for me recently has been measured in earthquakes, and Richter Scale.

I can guarantee that I'm not alone, but fleeting thoughts have made it feel that way.

Finally nearly 3 months since the emotional devastation of the February 22nd earthquake, my emotional balance is starting to return....it's not that I went crazy, but the dark clouds that enveloped my thoughts, the sleep deprivation and trying to keep the emotions and confidence of my children and husband up, certainly took it's toll.

I haven't blogged recently, not for lack of plenty to say, but because of an inability to put how lost I was feeling into words.

Since February, I've made a few positive changes, I think that the Earthquake and surrounding events really helped me put a few things in perspective - if I keep dreaming about the things I want to do, and continually put it off for a 'better time' will my dreams and goals ever become the reality I hope for?

I think not.

In my last blog I mentioned having dread extensions put in, what a liberating feeling to finally not give a toss what anyone else thought of my personal style.

I have had my dreads now since March, with a small break of a week when I had them out to tidy up my natural hair.

Dreads look great, but not when they look like I don't wash :P

I've also started a course with Ayla's Burlesque Academy, how fun to learn a new style of performing arts, some reactions have entertained me, with my husband asking if it meant I was going to have relations with other people.

Really, NOT what burlesque is about. (there are OTHER sorts of places that will cater to that)

The way I would describe it is more like the circus without the big top and animals.

It's comedy and theatrics, contortionists, fire dancers, belly dancers, pasties, hula hoops and so much more... slipping into a character and performing outside your normal social boundaries.

It's re invigorated my relationship with my role as a Weight Watcher's leader, especially when I think about how large I became before I had the courage to change.

Now that I am healthy and vital and eating in a way that is good for my body, and makes me feel good, it really is the most essential ingredient to redefining my self esteem and the confidence to entertain people in such an over the top, theatrical way.


I wonder if Sept - Feb and til now have had similar results in others motivations and desire for a better self?

I kind of hope so....don't you?

I know not everyone desires to be a belly dancer, or twirl tassels on their boobs or even to have florescent hair, but sure we all want better for ourselves? Maybe events like major and destructive Earthquakes can create  that desire to do something about it, instead of constantly whinging on about "I wants"


Me xo