A Looooong Journey

applcorp

These are over ten years apart, but what's important for me here is the first pic is shortly after I got out of an abusive relationship. I was somewhere around 220 (I think - no scale, and the last time I had weighed myself was at 220).

The second picture was last weekend, March 20, 2021. I have gained about ten pounds back during the last year, but that was after losing 50 lbs in 2019.

So I'm back, ready to get at it and get healthier. And if you're wondering about the outfit, I'm a belly dancer, and I was trying out costuming for a show tonight - my first solo in over a year!

Anyway, I'm posting this for accountability. I'm single, and I have a bunch of wonderful and forgiving friends who believe I'm beautiful at any size - which is lovely, but my goal is health, and I want to keep going with this.

Thanks for indulging me!

goal06082021

Your costume is lovely! Break a leg, as they say in showbiz

NecessaryChange

You look great! Keep at it, it's great to see you doing well after working your way back from a bad situation. Looking forward to your progress!

AKTipsyCat

Love it! You're looking great and I'm digging the natural hair!

riffraff2112

Let us know how your solo goes.

applcorp

Thanks, everyone, for the support. The show Saturday night was awesome, even though I can tell I've been away from stage for a while.... time to step up my work outs!

AidaF430

Every little bit counts and you've done an amazing job even with all the adversity in your personal life. Kuddos to you!

FABRICWOMAN

Love your post and your costume. Keep up the awesome work. You can do it!

Poobah1972

Your amazing applcorp! Have a fantastic Show!

mittenswillet

I'm a belly dancer too! Been doing it since the start of this year........I love it. Love your costume xxx

applcorp

mittenswillet wrote: »

I'm a belly dancer too! Been doing it since the start of this year........I love it. Love your costume xxx

Thank you! I'm a Tribal Fusion dancer, with a little cabaret on the side. Belly dance was how I started getting healthier at the beginning, and now I want to be healthier so I can be a better dancer! It's done so much more for me, beyond being physically healthy - my studio is my second home now, and my troupe is like family.