Counting the milestones ...

Today, looking out my window at my office the sky is a brilliant blue and the sun is shining. Sunshine does my soul good, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. I realize too, that I am not only happy with the outside weather but I am increasingly content with what has been happening inside of me. As I continue on my journey I thought I would pause to look back and reflect on how far I have come since Sept of 2011. Just a few minutes ago as I was standing at the printer I suddenly realized my black trousers were beginning to sag on me A LOT, a reminder of my 40 lb lost, that feels darn good, although not so good if my pants should drop to my knees. That would not be a pretty sight! Two days ago, I went into my closet and tried on a "just in case" pair of jeans and they FIT (they still had the tags on them from 3 or 4 yrs ago), I was ecstatic. I have lost over 7 inches on my waist and 7 on my hips. Inside, I am more peaceful and content  then ever before in my life. I have walked this journey from the inside and out and I am starting to notice that it has affected many areas of my life. I have a very calming and gentle peace about my childhoodd now, I am thankful for every experience that has brought me to TODAY. I am less stressed, sleep better and I live in the PRESENT, listening and observing life in its simplicity. I am more aware of my surroundings. I appreciate myself and I know I have value, my self worth has increased by ten fold. I am not so hurried and panicked, which is an accomplishment for a type A person. I no longer feel the need to text at the stop signs, or feel the need to call someone the minute they call me. I care less about the "theys" in my world and I care more about my family and genuine friends. I journal often about my progress, in fact, this Blog is my journal. When choosing food I try to make healthy, organic choices because I want the best fuel possible for my body because I am worth it. I look for ways to exercise in the simplest ways, such as  floor exercise while watching TV, squats while brushing my teeth. I can even do housework aerobically, working up a sweat, it looks kind of crazy but it works. Once in awhile my dog Bailey looks at me like he is terrified as I dance and run around the house, he is worried he might get in the way of the lunatic. I have signed up for a 5 K run/walk or ROCK as I call it at the end of this month, can you believe it. I jump out of bed and sing at the top of my lungs silly made up songs. I have more energy then I have had in years. I dream more than ever before, I dream of taking ballroom dancing and gliding across the floor looking smashingly feminine. I want to try kite surfing, parachuting, hiking, skiing, you name it. I want to be a participant and not a bystander any longer. I feel alive!


Yes, the journey is taking time but I have time. It is about a healthy lifestyle rather than a diet. I have lost weight previously by fasting for 3 weeks, drinking shakes, Jenny Craig, Nutri System, even Weight Watchers only to gain my weight back. This time I have literally dug deep and done surgery on myself, as painful as it has been, it has been twice as rewarding. I know I will see this journey through I have no doubt, always before I have had doubt but NOT this time, none whatsoever. Because this time it is about lifestyle and self worth. Some evenings I can hardly wait to go to sleep so I can wake up the next morning because my life is SO good! And one of my very biggest dreams is to inspire and encourage others who find themselves overweight, defeated and hopeless. If I can do this one step at a time, you can too, guaranteed!