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Happy Anniversary

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I knew it would be an emotional day when I saw the date on the calendar. March 31st-exactly one year from the date I started my weight loss journey.

This journey has been emotional, to say the least. It's taken me to places in my life I'd never been. Frustrating, grateful, joyful...and so much more. It has definitely been a struggle but one I'm very proud of. I've battled with my weight for all of my adult life. I've exercised, I've done diets, but nothing I was truly dedicated to until now.

The support I've been given in the last year has been insurmountable. It's pushed me along in my journey, kept me encouraged and helped me to fight for what I truly wanted; a healthy life and a complete change in my self esteem. My attitude towards myself has changed tremendously. I still have those moments of weakness but I know mentally and emotionally, I'm not who I was a year ago.

I had a lot to prove to myself. I still feel I do. I want need to know that I can complete this journey and see it through until the end. I plan to continue living a healthy lifestyle and I plan to continue my weight loss journey. At some point, I will get to a weight that I'm completely and totally happy with but I always want to be healthy. I want to set a good example for my children and for those around me.

Every time I look at this photo, I think back to what brought me here. The people in my life have influenced me, the careful thought and planning I've done to make these physical and emotional changes- it's been no small feat. It has taken an enormous amount of courage to bring me to today. I never thought I could do it. I did not do it alone either.

In the last year, I've learned to be patient with myself, I've learned to love myself more, I've learned that it's ok to struggle and I've learned it's ok to allow people to love me just as I am even when I didn't love me.

On the way to the gym this morning, I told Matt it had been a year since I started my journey. He paused for a moment, took my hand, kissed it and congratulated me. He told me how proud he was. He's been my #1 supporter from the beginning. I then text Kym, my closest friend who has seen me through this all the way. I told her "I'm not done yet!" To which she replied, "we're never done. That's the beauty of it." How right she is.

I am my own worst enemy. I'm hard on myself more than anyone will ever been. I'm a terrible critic of myself. But there are no obstacles that will stand in my way to get to where I want to be. I'm still learning that my weight does not define me. My biggest reward to this path I chose is that it has made me a better woman inside and out. I've learned what I'm capable of. I'm stronger than I ever gave myself credit for and there is nothing I cannot do.

Happy Anniversary to me. :)

Comments

  1. MichelleMay 14, 2012 at 9:29 AM

    I enjoyed reading this, Shannon. You have come so far.

    ReplyDelete

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