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| June 1, 2012 - just back from my walk on the day I didn't reach my goal... but that is okay! |
As of this blog post I have now lost 56 pounds, but I truly do seem to have hit my biggest wall since starting this whole process. I am thinking it might actually be my body telling me that I am in a 'good place', so I am not fretting over the last 4 pounds. I have so much energy and I feel fantastic. My body actually moves like I want it to! I enjoy shopping for clothes and have even (gasp!) felt pretty in some of them! That really IS a big deal. It had been awhile... years, actually.
I now weigh less than I have since before I had children. Not quite to my goal of matching my wedding day weight, but pretty darn close. I have gone from wearing size 18-20W to size 10-12. Amazing. Even to me, it still seems remarkable that it has happened.
But, there are still times when I 'feel fat'. Or when I see a photo of myself and I really don't like the way I look. I guess losing weight doesn't automatically take care of all the insecurities we feel, does it? However, it HAS provided me with some perspective... painful though it may be. I might look at a current photo and think, "I don't look very good" but then all I have to do is compare it to a photo from a year ago and suddenly, I think I am looking just fine. That is, after the stab of pain subsides from seeing the old photo. You see, I may have lost the weight on the outside, but I still feel very deeply and viscerally the agony of how I felt when I was big. All I have to do is look at one photo and I am *there* again in my mind. That is tough stuff, folks.
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| This one is so hard to post... taken with my beloved fellas on my birthday in 2011. |
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| Taken with my boys on my birthday in 2012. I thought I looked awful in this photo... until I looked up last years birthday photo. Wow. |
I just want to encourage anyone who is out there who is struggling with their weight. Please know that you CAN change your life! You CAN lose the weight! It truly IS possible. I went for years believing there was absolutely no way I could overcome how large I had become. But, in just 9 months I have changed not only *my* life, but the life of my family (who got ME back!). Anyone can do it. You have to start with your mind. If you want to know more about my own personal journey, you can look in the sidebar under 'Categories' and click on '6 Weight Loss Tips' and/or 'Health'. But the main thing is to begin.
Who knows... maybe in 9 months you can celebrate a grand 'failure' with me!
Way to go Laura! I think you have so much to be proud of and that is what you should always go to when those moments come - well that and think about all the health benefits. It is about how you feel and not that number on the scale!
ReplyDeleteMy mom had commented on how remarkable you look! I am beyond impressed and am inspired by you! Laura, you look fabulous! Keep up the great work and be proud-you deserve it! Way to go!!!
ReplyDeleteMelissa Truitt
I am so, so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteYou DO look awesome, Laura! To be below your pre-pregnancy weight, too--WOW! I bet every single one of your guys are so proud of you, too, for all of your hard work over this past year!
ReplyDeleteLaura, you have done a wonderful job setting a goal and almost reaching it, but I have to tell you that I think you were lovely and beautiful before you started. I'm sure you feel better and I know how I feel when I have lost weight, so I get it, but you are beautiful no matter what you weigh.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of you, Laura!! WAY TO GO!!!!! What an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLaura, you have always been beautiful. But I am proud of how active, and healthy, and radiant you are now.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs, my friend!
Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing, sis! And Karen has it right: you have always been beautiful. But how radiant, young and pretty you are now! :)
ReplyDeleteLove, Kerry
Congratulations!!! You look just lovely!!! I'm so happy for you and admire your steely nerves battling the boogie man of self doubt!! Thanks for having the courage to post!! Tina
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you. Such a beautiful wife and friend.
ReplyDeleteLove, Marvin
You are all so sweet, kind and encouraging. Thank you. :) I really do feel good about everything and know that I can maintain this. That is so key to feeling good about it all.
ReplyDeleteAnd all I have to do to feel blessed beyond measure is come back here and see your encouragement. Although, I have to admit that the most special (and unexpected!) comment was perhaps the one my dear hubby snuck in here. Wow. That truly made my whole week! :D
Laura - You have helped me get back on the bandwagon and boy, does the comment about still feeling fat ring true. I was really struggling with that this week. I am so happy at what I've accomplished over the last several months, but then blam-o, I'll get down on myself all over again. I think - at our age - the muscle tone is the hardest thing to recover and our expectations have to be adjusted. Are you weight lifting at all? That's the piece I'm considering now, but I dread it. Still - I hope you can hear us all when we say, nee shout to the deepest part where your insecurities reside - YOU ARE GORGEOUS and LOVELY and so full of beauty and joy, it speaks to all of us. I just hope we can echo back enough for you to feel as good as you make us feel! Love you, lady!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Laura! May the Lord continue to bless you!
ReplyDelete