Here's a piece of my response to her questions...I'll post a link to the article if she is able to have it published, but if not I'd still like to share a quote from what I sent to her:
"I knew that I really had lost myself somewhere I wanted to regain confidence in the person God created me to be. To truly be "me" again. I knew I was loved by my family and friends but I didn't really see myself anymore and struggled to love the person I was since I felt unrecognizable. I felt buried. I wanted to start digging my way out of the hole I created for myself."
I haven't posted much about my weight loss journey on either of my blogs, but it has been a huge part of my life for the last year. I wanted to share the before and after photos that I have because a few people have asked.
Here's a side by side before and after:
And here's the "journey" from the beginning of my tracking and recording to a recent side view shot:
I know the pics aren't taken from the same angles and distances but hopefully you get an idea of where I was and where I am now.
I think anyone can do this. I thought I couldn't for the longest time, but really it's a simple choice. I'm going to exercise and eat right. I don't always do it perfectly...I'm not always on track, but the key is to always get back on track, be kind to yourself and start over.
It reminds me a lot of the journey I make as a Christian. I may not always be the perfect example of how to be holy, but I always ask for God's mercy, allow Him to forgive me and accept His forgiveness while forgiving myself...I start over. Losing weight is a lot like that. I have to accept I'm not perfect but not allow those slip-ups to discourage me from continuing to strive toward a goal I've made. Being healthy, like being holy is a lifelong decision...to work toward and strive for constantly is the part that isn't easy but that is always worth it!!!
Blessings!
