As we move from one year to the next, it’s fun to look ahead and make resolutions or set goals. But, before doing that, it’s important to take a look back and celebrate the wins of the year we’re leaving.

Here are my wins of 2009.

1. Maintaining my weight loss of 70+ lbs.

When I set out to lose weight, I was determined to keep my new weight. I was tired of “renting” weight loss and having to give it back at the end of the diet. So, I set about losing weight differently. In March, I will celebrate 10 years at my current weight!

2. Spreading the word about Permanent Weight Loss.

Through my company, Catalyst Coaching® LLC, I spent the year coaching individual and group clients, giving presentations to companies, and literally teaching thousands of people about permanent weight loss. I want everyone to experience peace with food, exercise and their bodies. I’m on a mission! I’m grateful to be taking that mission into my 9th year!

3. Debut of new blog, “Stop Renting Weight Loss!”

I’ve wanted to write a blog for several years now but found it difficult to fit it into my schedule. If you’re reading this now, please subscribe and join the conversation for 2010: methods and journeys to permanent weight loss! I love reading your comments.

4. Building a Treadmill Workstation!

Inspired on twitter by @WannaBeSkinny, I built my own treadmill workstation. My son and I designed and constructed it together – we had so much fun and it works great.

5. Exercise!

Exercise long ago became a fixture in my life. I love it. It’s the only investment of time and energy I know that pays you back a thousand times and a thousand ways. Stress-busting, muscle building, attitude adjusting… exercise is absolutely necessary for anyone who has a sedentary job. As a writer and coach, I spend a lot of time sitting at the computer. Since my weight loss clients are located around the world, I do most of my coaching by phone, which means more sitting.

I track my exercise in the easiest possible way – by copying a monthly calendar and filling it in day by day. At the end of the month, I tally how many days “qualify” as exercise days and how many don’t.

Tip: Establish “minimum activity levels”

My minimum activity is 30 minutes walking or, if I’m using my treadmill workstation (see #4), where I have to walk more slowly in order to work while walking, the minimum is 1 hour to qualify as an “exercise” or “activity day.”

This year’s totals were: 346 exercise days and 19 non-activity days.

Of the non-exercise days, 2 were days when I was not feeling well.

And isn’t that the point? My health? I’m proud of two “down” days last year. My weight loss and exercise adherence have had enormous impact on my life and my health. The other 363 were definitely UP days!

Thanks to all of my twitter friends who played guessing games with me last night and guessed my totals for the year!

The winner is @storygirl who guessed 310!

She’ll receive a Weight Loss Catalyst Product from the Catalyst Store!

6. Family Closeness Boost!

Most importantly, my family is closer than last year. We have spent more time together this year and really enjoyed ourselves. We had fun cheering for the NY Yankees – all the way to the World Series – and facing life together.

I’m looking forward to a great 2010. I’m wishing you a great one too!

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