Column - A 20,000 milestone reached

Talk about it

I did it. I finally reached the number I’ve been aiming for.

And I only have my readers to thank.

So, thank you. Thanks to all of you who have taken an interest in something I have become so passionate about – my blog.

I reached the 20,000 mark for the number of hits I received on my blog in one month. My total so far for the year is 51,363 – 16,703 for January, 14,425 for February and for March, my best month so far, 20,235 hits.

Thank you.

Started on January 9, 2009, my blog was first titled, Confessions of a Fat Girl. At 190.2 pounds, I started the blog anonymously.

Since that time, however, I revealed who the blogger, the “fat girl,” was – me. I didn’t think hiding behind the “fat girl” persona was fair to my readers.

Additionally, I have also added a word to the title – former. Why? Because the 190.2-pound woman doesn’t exist anymore – she is my former self. She, I mean me, is now more than 40 pounds lighter.

Confessions of a [former] Fat Girl can be found on the homepage of the Echo Press website, www.echopress.com, toward the bottom.

It can also be found directly at www.areavoices.com/fatgirl/.

You see, I started the blog shortly after I joined Weight Watchers, which was on November 19, 2008. Yes, right before the holidays.

I decided to start the blog, to write about my weight loss journey – my journey to a healthier lifestyle – because I thought it would make me more accountable for my actions, or at times, lack thereof.

It wasn’t about the “diet” I was embarking on because truthfully, diets don’t work. Plain and simple. Period. A diet is temporary. A lifestyle is forever.

In the first month of blogging, I received 1,927 hits. Now, a little more than a year later and I have multiplied those hits by more than 10.

That’s crazy. Unbelievable. And, to be honest, a little awesome.

In my blog, I write about my ups and downs, my challenges, my successes – no matter how big or little. I share stories about my eating habits, my exercise habits or lack thereof. I have even shared recipes and tips that I have learned – not only from Weight Watchers, but other websites, such as Hungry Girl (www.hungry-girl.com).

I am honest and forthcoming and sometimes, people might think I reveal too much information.

I’ve written about the times when I have totally noshed an entire bag of chips or package of cookies or container of ice cream or the times I have hid cookies under the front seat of my car.

I talk about my feelings – both bad and good. I even divulge information about my weight – you know, the actual numbers. I really don’t hide anything. The numbers on the scale and my clothing sizes are discussed on a regular basis. I put it all out there for everyone to read.

Why? Because I want people – both women and men – to know that they are not the only ones who struggle with weight. They are not alone. There are plenty of us out there who struggle on a day-to-day basis.

Now that I am where I want to be weight wise, I hope that my blog encourages others to take on the challenge; to begin their own lifestyle change. I want people to know that if you really, truly, honestly put your mind to it and put forth an effort, you can do anything.

By some of the comments I have received, I think I have been an inspiration to others. And by that, I am humbled. Truly humbled.

In addition to my blog, I have also now started a Confessions of a [former] Fat Girl Facebook site. It’s a fun way to interact a little more with my readers. If you want, check it out, become a fan. I would love to have you.

And, if you have some time, I would love to have you check out my blog. I’m not an expert by any means. I am just a normal person who struggles just like the next person. But I’ve come a long way in my journey and to be honest, I have enjoyed the ride – no matter how many bumps I’ve endured.

So feel free to jump on board. Maybe next month, I can reach 30,000 hits.

“It’s Our Turn” is a weekly column that rotates among members of the Echo Press editorial staff.

Tags: our turn, celeste beam, opinion, beam