Day 488: I Promise It Gets Easier

I am writing this post to any of my readers who are struggling with their weight loss. There is light at the end of the tunnel. You are worth it!

Back on April 1st of 2009, I didn't think I would last a day at this. I just found this cool website that does date calculations. I figured out that I've been on this journey now for 488 days. That is amazing. If I could do it, you can do it. Trust me.

I remember my turning point. The last and final straw that made me realize that I had to make a change. One day, Larry and I went and did errands with my mother-in-law. I was just so tired from not sleeping well. I really just wanted to stay home. I liked staying home then. I didn't like going out because it would tire me out. Anyway, to my dismay, I went with them. My mother-in-law pulled up in front of Target. I told her I was too tired that I'd wait in the car for them. The next thing that came out of her mouth is what sealed my fate. She said, "Aww Jodi, why don't you come in, we can get you one of those motorized carts so you won't have to walk the store". WHAT? Did she just say that? Is that how she saw me? So that my friends is what finally pushed me over the edge. I knew I had to make a change because I was not going to have people think I needed assistance to get around. Was I really that big? Umm yes. I wasn't at the point of needing assistance, but just the fact that she "thought" I did was really enough for me to say, "you have to do something about this". Two days later, I started my journey. I have not looked back.

Now 189 pounds later, I feel phenomenal. I can do anything, I can go anywhere, I don't get tired anymore. Some people find it hard to keep up with me! How is that for change? Nothing is worth every feeling like that again.

What a difference a year makes! Some positive changes I have made:

• lost the weight
• purchased some new clothes. I was wearing size 30/32!! I'm now a size 16. I was actually in a store this weekend and had "work" black trouser pants on that were a size 14!!
• joined a gym
• went back to school
• Changed my career totally and got a new job!
• I am now a blonde!! I wanted to look completely different.

Anything is possible. Anything is attainable if you put your mind and your heart into it. Trust in yourself and you can do anything. Trust me, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever say these things back 500 days ago. I was watching life pass me by. Now I am living my life and enjoying myself. I am free from that person that held me back for (then) 36 years. I don't even know that person anymore. It is weird. I feel like I am talking about some other girl. It is hard to explain. What I do know is this: there is light at the end of the tunnel. Just be strong enough to make that first step and when you see the light...keep walking towards it.