Changes

Sometimes life has a way of changing right in the middle of things.

















And, suddenly you end up going in a completely different direction than you had planned or even intended.

When I first walked into a Weight Watchers meeting on Saturday, February 2, 2008, I never imagined the way in which it would completely change my life in more ways than just the weight.

On Wednesday, April 8, I parted ways with Junior Achievement. Good, bad, or indifferent...

Now almost 3 months later, I'm much happier and content with the direction my life is taking.

Don't misunderstand me... I certainly wasn't dissatisfied with my "old" life. I have an absolutely amazing and wonderful husband, Bob, who I sometimes wonder why he's with me. I have unbelievable parents and a great brother, sister-in-law and adorable niece --- as well as wonderful aunts and cousins and my "in-law" family too! And, I have many, many friends who are always there for me.

However, it wasn't until I made a major life altering change that I realized something that I'd been missing in my life --- purpose!!

I am now pursuing a career with Weight Watchers as a meeting leader! My weight loss journey was an incredible experience for me! (http://zeliecat.blogspot.com/2008/08/success.html) Now, I am able to help others reach their goals and find their own journey.

I began working for WW in January of this year as a meeting receptionist. I weigh-in members, distribute materials, prepare meeting stats/tallies, etc. I decided to work for WW at first to keep me in check with my weight loss. As employees, we have to weigh-in monthly and maintain our goal weight.

However, after working at a couple meetings, I loved it!

Soon after starting, I was given a permanent position as receptionist at the WW North Olmsted Center on Saturday mornings. (Yes, those of you who know Bob and I boat are probably wondering... how do you work on Saturdays and boat?? It's not easy... but, I have an incredibly wonderful husband --- I mentioned that already, right?? --- and he's been very understanding!)

I loved working at the meetings!! And, I know it showed both to the members and to my family and friends! I need to be at the WW North Olmsted Center by 6:15AM on Saturdays (Yes, I did say AM... as in EARLY MORNING!), so I have to get up at 5AM in order to get ready and get there in time. When the alarm goes off, I bounce out of bed and I'm on my way. Bob immediately noticed my change in attitude and happiness level.

Shortly after starting at North Olmsted, I met with my Territory Manager who suggested that I should attend BLS in May in Cleveland (BLS = Basic Leader Skills --- training to lead meetings). I said that I hadn't thought much about becoming a leader... but, I was honored that she considered me "leader material".

So, in mid-May I attended BLS and had an AMAZING experience!!! I met so many wonderful and inspiring people!!!

(Side note... all WW employees have to have been members and achieved Lifetime status, meaning... the members reach their goals, go through 6-weeks of maintenance and as long as they're within 2 pounds of their goal weight at the end of maintenance become Lifetime WW Members and can attend meetings for FREE.)

The day after BLS ended, I was given my first meeting assignment as a Leader at Strongsville Rec Center on Wednesday mornings. My very first meeting as a Leader was on my birthday (May 19)! (Check out my name under Strongsville Rec Center - Wednesdays @ 9:30am!!! http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/mtf/location_results.aspx?&pg=0&s=ZIP&z=44136&t=7&d=1,2,3,4,5,6,7&mt=)

Since then, I've been given 7 additional meetings... including one meeting At Work (where I go into a business once a week and hold a WW Meeting). In addition to my 8 meetings, I'm the Location Coordinator for the WW North Olmsted Center. I order inventory, merchandise the products, create bulletin boards, and keep the center running.

I'm absolutely loving my new "career"! I'm working my way up to full-time status with WW.

I feel as if I have PURPOSE!!! I'm so excited to be able to inspire members and to help them find their way along their weight loss journey. I've met so many wonderful people. And, I'm always amazed at their determination and attitude.

This new journey is unlike anything that I've ever done before. I'll be honest... at times, it's scary! But, the majority of the time, it's exhilarating and very exciting!!! I haven't been this happy in quite some time. (And, I must thank my husband for being so incredibly understanding and patient with me! I'm so lucky to have him with me on my journey through life!!)

I haven't been very good at blogging... actually, I've been downright awful! And, I keep saying, "I'll get better!" I will try. I promise! I've been busy with life's "detour". But, it's been worth it!