Leader!

Since February I have been training to become a Weight Watchers leader. There have been a mix of online classes, at work practices and an awesome conference in Orlando that have given me the tools I need to become a leader. Throughout this whole process I have been getting more and more excited about the program and helping people succeed. Orlando was such a great experience. It was 3 intense days of learning with 25 of the greatest people on the planet! It was great in that not only did I learn the ins and outs of leading meetings, but I really learned a lot about myself in the process. I gained more confidence in myself. I gained a better understanding of who I was, am and want to be. I gained some pretty great friends. I didn't gain a pound (woot). Since my trip to Orlando, I have had the opportunity to lead 2 meetings while being observed. I've received great feedback and feel ready to take this on.

Next Tuesday is the day to take it on! I'll be leading the Tuesday night meeting here in town. I am super excited. Can I just say I'm super excited. I feel so comfortable doing this. I have been a receptionist for meetings since March and have loved it. I love getting to know people and their stories. I feel like it's such a privilege to be apart of their lives. This is my chance to give back. My life, and the lives of those closest to me, have been changed for the best since I joined Weight Watchers 9 months ago. There's no way I can repay my leader, my meeting family, the whole program in general. What they have given me is immeasurable and you can't pay back something you can't quantify. So I pay it forward. I love this stuff so much and believe in it, and the people, so much that I am truly excited about my job.

I'm nervous and yet eager to start. I feel like I'm such a newbie still. There are members that have been there much longer than me yet I'll be the one guiding them? But everyone has to start somewhere. One day I'll be the leader up there saying I've kept off my weight for 12 years and still feel awesome. Being a leader totally fits who I am and I am excited. It's awesome to be able to help others and keep myself in check all at the same time. Bring it on Tuesday nights!!

On a quick side note, I kind of impulsively made the decision to run a marathon on my 40th birthday. But it sounds pretty good. So I'm sticking with it. 5K for 30th birthday, 26.2 miles for my 40th. And 50th. And 60th.