What's your anchor?

[purpleangel]

At my meeting last night, the topic was anchors. An anchor is something tangible that can help you stay OP. Your anchor can be whatever you want - a stone, a medallion, a brightly colored glass bead. Use your anchor when you are feeling like you are going to stray. My weak time is night time snacking (and yes, it happened last night :crazy: ). When I felt weak, I took out my anchor (it happens to be a small smooth rock pulled from the ocean) and put it in my hand. I concentrate on what's in my hand and why its there. It worked! :headover:

So, what's your anchor??

[Tessaroo]

I have two anchors:

The first is a "fat" picture of me taken 1 year ago in August at my one-year wedding anniversary--I went from 134 on my wedding day to 160 in 1 year! I keep this picture in my walet to remind myself of what I DON'T want to look or feel like again!

The second is my 10% keychain, with my 16 weeks clapping hands attached. I hooked it onto the zipper of my daily planner, which I keep with me at all times. Every time I open my planner, I am reminded of the commitment I made to myself and the WW lifestyle!

[brantley96]

We had this topic at our meeting this week also. My anchor is my scale in my bathroom. Every morning I weigh before I take a shower and this anchors me for the rest of the day. Just knowing that I've done so well and continue to do so helps me to keep anchored.:)

Jackie

sw 245.2
cw 222
gw 145

[iteachem6]

My anchor is my kids...I take a look at them, or a picture of them, (DS age 9, DD age 3) and remind myself that how I live my life will affect them in ways I can't even imagine. Telling them that they need to eat healthy, and that too many sweets is bad...all the while I top out at 240+ pounds is hypocritical, not to mention un-healthy for me. I want to be around...not only to see my children grow up, but to also see my grandkids grow up. For me this journey is about losing weight, but my overall goal is for my family to eat healthier, not just now, but forever.

[TrueBlue24]

My anchor is less tangible ... my anchor is my belief in myself. :)
Also, my husband is very supportive.
Like Tessaroo, I went from about 137.5 on my wedding day to 163.8 one year later ...

Yesterday completed my first week OP.

sw 163.6
cw 160.8
gw 135

[lismith]

I have a few. I have my before picture that I carry in my purse. It was taken a year before I joined WW. So I was around 254 and I am now around 133. I also have the I Know I can (picture of the little engine that could) given by my WW leader and at this last meeting a stone that she gave us and had us visualize a time when our inner resources were used (patience, self control, determination, bravery, positive thinking, etc). So know that stone will remind me of my inner resources. Because once we use them we never lose them. They might go into hinding but they are still there.

[kimmibear]

i think that right now it's my pictures of myself from my soror's wedding that was about a month before I joined WW. Nothing more humbling then looking at pictures of yourself and your size 0-8 sorors. Also this website is great for me in the evenings. I always was (and always will be) a night eater. I get home from work/gym/wherever and if it's after 5pm, I'm ready to snack away. Ever since finding this site, I've been coming home, grabbing a good snack (fruit (with ff cool whip in desperate times)) and reading this site. I make dinner and read and sometimes I read later when I want to snack on bad things. Reading the training manual and just the other posts that you all make really helps me stay focused. I hope that one day, I won't need to distract myself so much to stop night eating, but right now, it's working for me.

[ashlee]

At our meeting this week, our leader gave us all a green marble as an anchor to carry with us. She said to bring it back to the meeting next week too.

I've had various anchors, including my before pictures, various pieces of jewellery,ie. charms, etc.

However, I think I'm going to start wearing my Mom's engagement ring and her family ring (Mom passed away in 1990). She was such a supportive person of me and my endless weight loss efforts that I just know those two things, plus my rememberances of her, would be great anchors.

I have the blue CANADIAN Cancer Society rubber bracelet too. I ask Heart and Stroke about one, but they don't have them.

Ashlee

[shrinky]

My current anchor is a post-it note that I stuck on my workplace monitor. It's a tiny note that says in block letters "OCTOBER 11". That doesn't mean much to most people, but to me it reminds me that on July 11 I re-read the BCB thread on how in 3 months you can be glad you did something or you can wish you did something - and 3 months from then, October 11, I am determined to be able to say that I am glad that I stayed OP. It's a constant, tangible reminder.

[photobug]

My anchor is definately not tangible but it works. I think about my baby. We have been TTC for 3 1/2 years and are going to a fertility specialist. He told me that I need to lose some weight (10% to start) before we can start treatments. When I want junkfood or feel like skipping the gym I just ask if it is more important to me than a baby. I haven't found anything I would rather eat. :)

[plcm111195]

I have a few too.
I always have a before picture with me. I keep one on my work badge and one in my purse. One look at that and I'm no longer tempted.
I also have a couple of the rubber bracelets. The first one was the Lance Armstrong bracelet that said Live Strong. That was my anchor a lot when I first started weight training.
I then got one of the WW "make a difference" bracelets when they gave them out during the Cancer Society week.
I've got a couple rings that I've used as anchors.
I've even used my hipbones (once I found them) to remind me that at one time I didn't know I had bones there.
I can't think of any more right now, but I know I've been through any number of them over the years. It works!

[wwirishprincess]

my anchor is my health. i remind my self of how i use to be, and how i am now

[WanaBthinMOM]

I joined WW and I like the program I just cant seem to get excited about it?? HELP!!!!

I need to loose weight to have another Baby So I Guess thats my anchor!!

I lost the weight befor I had my daughter (shes 2 1/2 now) but I gained it all back!!! Help:sobbing:

[IWillBeThin]

At my meeting, my leader also gave out a marble - I keep it in my wallet, which is not always ON me when I am heading to the fridge or cabinet. I love the idea of the charm bracelet and I will definitely be getting one and then I will add a charm for every 5 pounds I lose. Also, I loved the idea of putting the post-it note with the date on my computer screen, I will also put one on my fridge and my cabinets and it will be three months from today. Thanks so much for those wonderful suggestions. You buddies are great!!!!

[nunezbabygirl]

My anchor is my new car (Lexus RX)!!! When I feel like giving up, I jump in my car, blast my favorite CD, and drive to see a friend, to the library, to the store... It sounds bad, but I go shopping all the time now!!! I haven't lost on the scale, but I've lost inches!!!! So just trying on new clothes is awesome... I live by the beach too, so I can drive there on weekends... I spontaneously drove to Vegas this weekend with friends... My car has really helped me!!! And during that time of the month when I want chocolate, I drive to the market and get my WW Fudge Pops!!! They are only one point and get the job done... Of course my family is also my anchor... My sister drags me to the gym when I'm in the kitchen looking for something to eat when I'm bored... Or my mom will ask for help in her garden.... They do help keep me out of the kitchen.... LOL... I also have a section in the pantry with low point foods, and it helps that they eat it with me so I'm not tempted. During movies, or poker night, we all munch on baked lays or popcorn. We make Sugar free Jell-o... They really do motivate me!!! I also just ordered a charm bracelet, so I will add a charm for every 5 pounds lost.... I can't wait to have 10 charms on there!!!!

[kitchendiva]

my anchor is my "hottie" picture taken about 15 years ago when I had achieved my goal weight and became a lifetime member. Since then, a marriage, fertility treatments, etc...I gained it all back and then some. I take that pic out and look at it and remember how good it felt when I was such a "hottie". Great thread for getting grounded!

[ashlee]

My Canadian Cancer Society rubber bracelet says "Together Strong" - makes me thing of all my WW. buddies at our weekly meetings and BCB. - together we are :strong: for each other!

The girl I sit with at WW. today has her marble glued to a chain around her neck. Her DH. put it together for her. Cute idea too.

Ashlee :walking: (downtown, grocery store, WW. meeting and home - so far)

[CBANKS]

I had one and didn't even know it! Last week, we also talked about anchor's I sat there and listened wondering what was my anchor. The next morning when I got up I went to make coffee like I do every morning and notice MY JELLY BEAN EGG. At another meeting our leader had given out jelly bean eggs. I forgot what the meeting was about... she keep asking us if we wanted another color, trying to get us to change. But I stayed with my original pick it turned out to be about not letting people influence or hinder your weight loss progress. Anyway, there sat that egg, I see it everyday and everyday in the back of my mind I remember that meeting and my commitment to Weight Watchers. It hit me right then THIS IS MY ANCHOR. and I didn't even realize it.

Funny huh?

[FBurt]

I have several anchors too. My ww leader gave out a small flower made of eraser material. This was last week also. I keep it with my ww materials so that I can look at it whenever I need to. I also have a picture. This has been a very interesting post to read. Thanks everyone.

:kiss: Fay :wave:

[Hoosier Daddy]

Here (http://www.healthdiscovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=48887&highlight=charm) is a good thread by lilbunnygirl about charm bracelets. After reading that I decided to try and find something that would work for me. (I'm just not the charm bracelet type)

I ended up digging thru my dresser trying to find and old necklace that might do the trick. I saw a little stone Buddha looking up at me. Perfect! He had a big potbelly and a happy smile. (Just like me!) :D

I wear it every day. Most of the time I forget it's there, but I must remember it on a subconscious level, because I've had more willpower in the last two weeks than I recall having before.

If it ever starts losing it's charm, I think I may dig out my old dogtags.
I was in pretty good shape back in my Army days.
Maybe some of that will rub off. :)

[losing it this time]

My ww leader passed a jar of paperclips around and asked that we all take 2 paperclips. They represented 2 lbs. She said by follwing the program you can lose about 2lbs per week. She got the tip from someone else who would lay the 2 paperclips on the table whenever she would sit down to eat and by looking at those two paperclips it would remind her to stay on track. I put my two little paperclips on my quiktrak journal on the day I am on so I see them everytime I journal my food. It has really helped me stay on track!

[TenaciousG]

I also use a rubber bracelet as my anchor. It is the blue one for Ovarian Cancer. It runs in my family and weight can exacerbate the problem. Someone at the meeting today got a bracelet from Kaiser. It is green and says be your own cause.

[NewMe1]

Losing it this time - Thanks for passing along the paper clip idea. I like it so much that as soon as I get done here, I'm going to go put 2 of them on my quik-trak journal. I have been averaging about 2 pounds loss per week so that is a great way to remember to stay on track. Great anchor!

[APCullip]

I have a teal rubber bracelet that says Make the Time on it, supporting health and fitness and I wear it all the time. It pushes me to the gym when I'm feeling lazy, it keeps me from reaching for that snack food when I'm really just eating for taste and it has influenced my chosen career path.

[candyb_21]

I also have a fat picture that looks really gross. I also love to needle point, if i want ot eat i just niddle points it keeps my fingers moving. Even though alot of people are like your 21 and niddlepoint. They think i'm wierd but i do really nice work.

Candace:kiss:

[scorpio rising]

My anchor is my law school ring. I have problems staying motivated for the long haul, which is why I've never been successful in making my goal on my own. Law school was one time when I couldn't rush it--it was 3 years, one way or another, and I did it. It wasn't easy, and neither is getting to goal--I plan to find out what THAT feels like!

[NewMe1]

I put myself though college (graduating summa cum laude) while working full-time and taking care of my family and house. And if I did THAT...I can certainly do THIS!!! I'll use my tassels or my honor ropes as my anchor. Good idea!

[kickin]

I don't have a tangible anchor, but I like getting my exercise in the evening by walking the park with a WW friend/neighbor. We usually walk around 8:00 p.m., which JUST HAPPENS to be my normal sit-on-the-couch-and-have-a-snack-time. I get the exercise plus am not eating!

[bearland53]

My anchor is my wedding ring - I hadn't worn it in over 15 years, it somehow shrunk (LOL) - also a pre-weight loss pic.

[bearland53]

My anchor is my wedding ring - I hadn't worn it in over 15 years, somehow it strunk. And after 15 years, it returned to its original size - absolutely amazing.

Also, a pre-weight loss pic.

[Medb48]

I keep a "before" picture taped to the mirror in my dressing room. It's a great motivator for me.

[darela]

I keep a before picture on the side of my refrigerator to remind me of the accomplishment so far. Also use my engagement and wedding band that my husband replaced in March this year. It was what I had always wanted and he was able to buy it for me this year in March for our 17th anniversary. A dream come true.

[kcityroller]

My anchor(s) is/are my Martial Arts Medals and My Black Belt Dobok(Tae Kwon Do Uniform). Something that keeps me motivated because not very many people expected me to go as far in Martial Arts because of my physical disability.

[Hoosier Daddy]

I've taken to wearing my old Army dogtags lately.
It seemed appropriate for Bootcamp Buddies. :bcbsalute

[Keri C]

At work I have several. First, the photo on my work ID is terrifying. It has more chins than the proverbial Hong Kong phone book. I also have a post-it on my overhead bookcase right in front of my face that has NOV 29 in the middle in big letters, with "239" in the top left corner, and "214" in the top right corner. I put it there on August 29, indicating my goal of being down 25 lb by November 29. I'm half-way there, nicely on schedule!

I also have a printed chart of my weight loss journey with goal weight (2 lb / week) and actual weight graphed, that's hanging via magnet on a whiteboard in my office, with the number "64.4" and the letters "PBA" written above it on the white board. Nobody knows what it means but me... and you. The graph reminds me what I've done over time since the end of March. The number, changed weekly, reminds me of my total loss to date, and the PBA stands for PERCEIVE -- BELIEVE -- ACHIEVE (http://www.healthdiscovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=97498) (thanks again, Jo Skinnie!)

Keri C

[cherylco]

I have an anchor goal.

I have not been able to wear my wedding rings for 6 years. I am working for the day they will fit me again!!

[DonnaM04]

I have several. My first being my engagement and wedding rings...I wasn't able to wear them for a really long time :sobbing: and now I can. I love that I can and I wouldn't give that up ever again.

I also have a heart made of foam that our leader gave out. It reminds me that I am doing this to get healthy. I carry it in my wallet with a picture of me pre-WW. That really does the trick. ♥

I have a string of paperclips hanging from the top of my desk- 1 for each pound I have lost.

I have a glass vase on the coffee table with colored glass stones in it...1 for every ½ lb I have lost. I really like this one because it doesn't mean anything to anyone but me, yet is very elegant.

I have inspiring quotes on my refrigerator in large bold print.

I keep my 10% keychain and clapping hands charm on my key ring.

These are only some of the ones I can think of right now. I am sure there are alot more.

[Minelli0205]

I have a few...

At work: I have my 25 pound magnet and a picture of me at my heighest weight.
At home: I have a pair of size 8 jeans that I bought with the hopes of fitting into them by the start of next year.
With me at all times: My 10% keychain!

I just recently reached 40 pounds lost and I looked over at my niece and I weighed her and she weighs 43 pounds. Now everytime I look at her I think to myself, WOW I've almost lost the equivalent of my niece...LOL....

[infinitereverie]

I have a St. Therese medal that I carry with me at all times. It was given to me by my best friend who is in the convent in Rome right now. St. Therese is my patron saint and my confirmation saint, so it's very fitting. :angel

[chaffin88]

Our leader gave me a blue rock the other day as my anchor. I put it in my pocket every morning.

My keychain is on my keys...which I look at many times every day, my magnet is on my frig...

I also look at my daughter... and say I lost a whole "M".. .. but my biggest anchor is her.. :)

[Tianzi]

I din't know I had anchors, but that is a great idea. I do agree with Jackie and weigh every morning. It really helps me, I have heard it's bad and I can see how it would be. I do so much better when I weigh....It keeps me on track every day. I also agree with immi, this website is great and if I get on every day and especially post. Your buddies ask how you are and you are accountable to them. Its so great:kiss: !!!!!
I also have a picture of my head on a runners body on the fridge. I run and want to keep it up. I also wouldn't mind looking like her!!!!
I love the paperclip idea and made a chain, 1 paperclip being 1 lb...I taped it to the side of my desk...wanna see it get longer!!!
Great ideas girls:kiss:

[mitchee]

This was our topic last week also. I realized I don't really have any anchor. But, I'm stealing your idea now TINA!:D
I love the paperclip link getting longer and longer each week...Thanks for such an awesome idea.
So, my anchor now will be those paperclips!

[Pamala]

I don't really have an anchor either. Each week when I do the grocery shopping I stop in the potato aisle and figure out how many sacks of potatoes I have lost. I am almost at the 5 kilo sack mark, but now it is one 2 kilo sack and one 2.5 kilo sack. 10 American pounds.


I will think on the anchor. It sounds a good idea. I guess right now my anchor is that I don't want to be fat anymore.

Pam

[chopper]

I never really thought about anchors. I guess I would use prayer as mine. I quit smoking cold turkey four years ago and I know that I couldn't have done it alone. I try to remember that every time I want to binge. I pray at night for strength and courage to stay op and not give in to temptation. Whenever I find myself in a position where I'm tempted to give in, I know it's my own doing. We all make choices.

I have skinny clothes in the closet that I try to get on once in a while. And I have tons of pictures of me from 10 years ago when I was at my healthiest. All great motivators. But wanting to be around for my daughter (she's 3) is what got me started up. My mom died when I was 22 and I'm guessing lifestyle had a lot to do with it. I want to be there for my child as long as I can.

[DorisDay]

My anchor is the Lord. He gives me the strength and wisdom I need to get thru each day!!!

DD

[motheroftwo1973]

I have a couple of anchors, but the major one is my Grandma's engagement ring. She passed away last year, and I haven't taken that ring off since! She lost over 200 pounds doing weight watchers a long time ago, which is something I didn't know until after she died. I figure if she can do that, I can lose 20!

I also carry pictures of my kids to look at when I get discouraged. I want to be the "hot mama" at their wedding :embarrass

The charm bracelet thing sounds like a great motivational tool though!!

[youngfrankenstein]

Funny this thread has resurfaced now that I can say I have an anchor. My anchor is Joanne's (http://www.healthdiscovery.net/forums/member.php?u=25990) 5# bookmark. Now that I've gotten mine, when I look at it I can visualize Joanne's (http://home.comcast.net/%7Eplcm/) with all of the "5 #" stickers on it. Worn on the edges....I find that very inspirational! It just works for me. I am not here to lose X amount of pounds. I'm here to lose the first 5, then the next, then the next....

[Creampuff]

My Kitties. When I lost 9.8 lbs, I said.. "I've lost a Gibby" When i lost 21 lbs, I lost a Gibby AND a Paige, and in about 1.4 lbs I will have lost a gibby, a molly, and a paige. :)

Also Gibby always runs to stand on my dresser after I've been to the gym, and trills at me until I let him give me about 5 minutes worth of headbonks, and is all purry. I like to think that he's telling me he's so PROUD that I've been to the gym, and that he loves me!

[sunni2day]

I have two anchors which I use together. One is an Italiam charm bracelet which has a Weight Watchers charm, a Pink Ribbon with the word Friends charm (for the 7 close friends who've died or survived breast cancer) , a Pink Ribbon/Survivor, a weight lifting charm, and swimming charm. The other anchor is a pink breast cancer gel bracelet I wear above the other.

Last January I had a partial masectomy and it scared me to death. I've already lost my uterus four years ago to cancer and it appeared that my breasts were following suit IF I didn't change my eating habits and loss the weight.
Seeing both the WW charm and the pink charms remind me why I embarked on this journey and they keep me going.