I want to thank everyone who left comments for me after my last post. I had many friends comment via Blogger and Facebook. It really makes me feel good to know I am inspiring so many others to lose weight and get healthy. When I first began my journey in August of 2009, I felt completely overwhelmed by the amount of weight I needed to lose. I looked for inspiration through the experiences of my fellow bloggers, and through TV shows like The Biggest Loser and Ruby. I now feel like I'm paying it forward by sharing my journey and inspiring others to take action in their own lives.
I will never forget where I used to be in my life. I was overweight and miserable, and it showed in my face and through my eyes. When I look around me today, I see many women in the same place I was in less than three years ago. I literally feel pain in my heart when I see someone like that. I want to reach out to them and tell them everything will be alright. I want to tell them it IS possible to lose weight if only they want it bad enough.
There is one particular women who inspired this post today. The funny thing is, I see her almost every day, but I don't even know her name. She works for another company that is located in the same office building where I happen to work. I normally eat lunch in the atrium of the building and the past few weeks she has come down and sat alone at one of the other tables. I watch her walking across the atrium floor, moving with difficulty. It appears as though she has some pain in her knees. I would guess her age to be around the same as mine. I wish there was a discreet way to talk to her without insulting her. I would like to encourage her to take action and do something about her weight before it's too late. It's really sad to see her like this, but I have to confess, at the same time I feel a huge relief that I am no longer in the same position.
I am so thankful and grateful to all of my blogging buddies who have inspired me along the way! I have attached links to just a few of my fellow bloggers who have shared their journeys and inspired many others just like me. Although we have all had our share of ups and downs, triumphs and defeats, one thing that sets us apart is we refuse to give up. Our weight loss may not be as fast as what you see on reality television, but we are all immersed in the same journey. We are all real women struggling to get healthy while leading busy lives. I hope these ladies will inspire you just like they do me!
Katie J is on a journey to lose 100+ pounds and nurturing her mind, body and spirit along the way! Thank you, Katie, for sharing your story with us and inspiring me along the way!!
Loretta is on a journey to lose 260+ pounds. She has lost over 100 pounds so far, and she looks simply amazing. She is living proof it IS possible to lose weight, no matter how daunting a task it may seem in the beginning! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!!
Helen is one of the people I met at the beginning of my journey. She has never failed to lend me much needed support and encouragement. I have never really expressed my gratitude! Thank you, Helen!!!! You ROCK!
Diane has successfully maintained her weight loss of 150 pounds for more than 13 years. She did all of this in spite of four pregnancies and numerous life changes. She has been featured in SHAPE magazine and has appeared on Dr. Oz. She also blogs for Dr. Oz on his website. Thank you, Diane, for showing me it is possible to lose weight and take control of my life no matter the circumstances!
Pam is one of the few ladies I met at the beginning of my journey. We share a special connection, and refer to each other as sister. I have never met Pam in person, but I know I would love her. We are friends through social networking sites and she never fails to give me support and encouragement. She has some wonderful ideas for food makeovers! She is a very special lady. Thank you, Pam, for sharing your story with us! Love you!
Now for the results of my last two weigh-ins:
03/05/12 (2.00) 144.25
03/12/12 (0.00) 144.25
As you can see, I have lost a total of 2 pounds since my last post. I have less than ten pounds to lose to reach my final goal!! I am so excited, it almost seems surreal to me! I went shopping the other day and not only bought size 8 clothes, I found out this weekend I accidentally bought a pair of size 6 pants and they fit me perfectly! It all seems like a dream to me. Just this morning my son told me he doesn't even remember what I used to look like before I began losing weight! This journey has all been worthwhile. I am so thankful to everyone who has encouraged me and supported me along the way!!
Much love,
Debbie
