One of the most emphasized, and perhaps counterintuitive, pieces of advice in a weight loss contest is: Don’t focus on the scale!

 

So here are some of my non-scale signs of success so far:

• The water: I used to only like it on me and around me; now I like it in me and I guzzle it with pleasure.

• The brown pants:  When a friend gave these to me last year, they were too snug to be buttoned and worn; now that I can slide them off without unfastening them, it’s time send them to a different home.

• The stair rail: The railing along our stairs is loose in part from all the pulling I did on it when my legs protested the burden of my ascent.  These days not only do I leave the railing untouched (for the most part), but my knee cap no longer feels like I’m prying it off with each step.  And I’ve been spotted bounding up the stairs!

• The dance: Our kitchen remains a place where food is prepped, but now it’s reclaimed its title Locale d’ Happy Dance.  Sadness and worry have been replaced by optimism and joy, as evidenced by unfettered happy dancing.  (Note: Happy Dancing attracts small people who not only increase the calories one burns, but whose giggles and laughter make a nice accompaniment to the music.)