Spark Spotlight: Pamela (PAMBROWN62)

By , SparkPeople Blogger
At SparkPeople, we love helping people accomplish big goals—but we believe it's equally important to celebrate the small successes along the way. Each week in the Spark Spotlight, we'll check in with a featured member about his or her proudest moments, biggest challenges and advice for others on living, thinking and feeling healthier. We hope these quick snapshots will help motivate you to keep moving steadily toward your own goals, week by week.

This Week's Spotlight: Pamela (PAMBROWN62)
Age: 64
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Pamela's Small Success of the Week

Despite a three-month plateau at the scale, Pamela is celebrating lost inches, lowered health numbers, reduced medications and smaller clothes. On top of all that, her doctor recently changed her designation from "obese" to "overweight" on her medical records. It’s a great reminder that the scale is not the only measure of our success.

What's your overall goal? 

I'd like to achieve better health numbers without medication. My weight loss is helping me accomplish that, and more. 
 
How is SparkPeople helping you get there? 
 
SparkPeople has helped me because it is such a judgment-free zone. Lots of social websites try to direct your feelings and actions. Since I joined SparkPeople two years ago, I have received nothing but positive support and encouragement. It’s important for success in any journey to be surrounded by like-minded people; I have that here. 
 
What's your biggest challenge right now? 
 
My biggest challenge is working through the plateau I have been on for several weeks. You read about plateaus, but until you experience it for yourself you have no idea how it affects your journey. At first, I figured if I stayed on plan it would be over quickly. Not so much. In fact, because my plateau has lasted so long, I needed to look beyond the scale to find success on my journey. When I did, I was thrilled at the changes that were happening, all without the scale moving at all. 
 
What advice do you have for someone who just joined SparkPeople today? 

My advice: The scale is not the only measure of your success. Look beyond it. Take a "before" picture; I regret that I did not. Track, track, track. Whatever plan you choose to do, make sure it is one you can do for life, not just to lose. Don't diet, live-it and make sure it’s a lifestyle that you can sustain. 
 
Want to be the next small success we spotlight? Share your successes on the goal feed or in the comments below, and you might be the next person we contact!