365 Days and counting…PICS!

betsij

Well, Its here. It’s been 1 year since I made a choice to lose weight (to put it mildly) and not find it again. Lots of things have changed along the way. My Weight, my pants size…. but more than that, my heart, my goals, the way I see people, the way people see me. I’m not sure I will ever get use to that. The look on someone’s face that hasn’t seen you in awhile, It’s a pretty amazing feeling. I have ran a few 5K’s, 2 10K’s, dropped 4 pant sizes…heck some of my shoes don’t even fit anymore. All that is really great and I thought that was the point of this journey I find myself on, but the best part, the part I didn’t expect, is the effect I’ve had on other people. For someone to say because of the changes they see in me and my determination, makes them want to change. WHAT!! You saw something in me that has motivated you to change for the better. That is something I didn’t see coming. When I tried on a dress and Blake is noticeably shocked and says with emotion “mom you look so little”. When Haylee hugs me, smiles and says, “I can wrap my arms all the way around you”. That is something I didn’t see coming. I didn’t realize that changing myself would be a good thing for them. They are proud of their mom. Haylee goes to Zumba with her mom, Blake runs with his mom. I didn’t see that coming. Okay so now I’m going to brag a little. I started on Dec 3, 2012 at 240 lbs with a goal to get under 200. Now you have to understand the most I had ever lost was 20 lbs. so at the time this was an unrealistic goal. On April 22, 2013 199.2! Happy Day, I hit my goal, was I done?…no! Changed my Goal to 180. (Again I was dreaming). On October 16, 2013. 180!! Am I done? No! Changed my goal to 160. As of today I have lost 66lbs, and a total of 34 inches but I have gained so much more…strength (Physical and Mental) confidence (that’s a biggie), I can take a compliment without fighting it. May sound stupid but it was hard for me (still is sometimes) to just say thank you instead of trying to argue or down play a compliment. I have new goals. I wanna be strong, I wanna run, I wanna dance. I wanna encourage. It’s not so much about the number on the scale anymore. Even though a good day on the scale always helps!! The last thing I want to say is THANK YOU! Thank you for every kind word. Thank you for that unexpected text, Thank you for exercising with me, Thank you for running with me, Thank you for going to Zumba with me, Thank you for listening to me. This applies to so many people, you know who you are. Now lets see what the next 365 days have in store.
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PS if the pics don't work…someone please fix! Thanks! xoxox

DonnaAnn64

Congratulations. .you look and must feel amazing!

sammyantics

dude. you are fantastic. i haven't seen any of your previous posts, so i don't know how you were before this post, but you sound so happy and enthusiastic! i'm still in the mood-swinging, downtrodden one day-upbeat the next, early beginning phase of my journey to better health, but stories like yours, filled with such optimism and pride in your accomplishments make me want to keep pushing on toward better things.

thank you for sharing your story and keep up the amazing work

fsucrack

Congrats!!! You look great and you should be proud that you are motivating to others. Your story is very inspirational....

niricava

Fantastic story. Very inspirational! Thanks :flowerforyou:

kkmalay

Beautifully written, what a fabulous story. Love the comments from your kids, all the best for your journey, you truly are inspirational

verptwerp

Oustanding accomplishment ....... a huge round of applause ....... and thanks for sharing :drinker:

thistimesucess

A huge congratulations! It is so obvious from your photos but more so from your post what a life changing experience this has been. Keep up the great work - who knows what the next 365 days will bring.

gmthisfeller

From merely good looking mom, to a knockout fit mom is an amazing transformation. Good going!

betsij

Holy Cow!! Thank you so much for all your kind words!!!

betsij

bump

Nicole9187

You look amazing! Congratulations!

Rays_Wife

Betsi you are beautiful :flowerforyou: You have done so amazingly well and I am very proud of you. Thank you for sharing your journey with me over this past year. I feel blessed and privileged to have you as a friend here. And you sure got that right about becoming an encourager!! You encourage me so much to keep trying and never give up. Way to go girl!! :drinker:

betsij

Betsi you are beautiful :flowerforyou: You have done so amazingly well and I am very proud of you. Thank you for sharing your journey with me over this past year. I feel blessed and privileged to have you as a friend here. And you sure got that right about becoming an encourager!! You encourage me so much to keep trying and never give up. Way to go girl!! :drinker:

Thank you so much! I feel the same way about you!!! :smooched:

xoeva

Thanks for sharing. This is exactly what I needed today. I liked that you have 'mini' goals. My first goal is 10% of my weight and I'm almost there. Then I will try for another 10% etc... great photos and congratulations!!!!!

betsij

A huge congratulations! It is so obvious from your photos but more so from your post what a life changing experience this has been. Keep up the great work - who knows what the next 365 days will bring.

chantalscott1

Awww I could feel your emotion, passion and excitement! Congratulations, you have earnt it! Now enjoy your rewards xx

ptroses

Congrats!!! You made it! Keep inspiring others, we need you!

betsij

thank you!!

betsij

Make that 5 pants sizes!!!! SIze 10 baby!!!!! woohoo

Sunshine2plus2

Congrats!

JewelsinBigD

Awesome!!!

jensiegel39

You should be so proud of yourself and the role model you've become for your children and the people you inspire. I'm at the beginning of my journey, but seeing those like who who have accomplished what they set out to do makes me feel I could do it too. Way to go with everything, and I'm very happy you found such great success with your new way of life!

FindingMyself24

amazing job!

haymancm

Make that 5 pants sizes!!!! SIze 10 baby!!!!! woohoo

That's so awesome!! I wear a size 10 now, too, starting from a 20!! Isn't it a nice feeling!!??

Add me if you'd like!!

betsij

Make that 5 pants sizes!!!! SIze 10 baby!!!!! woohoo

That's so awesome!! I wear a size 10 now, too, starting from a 20!! Isn't it a nice feeling!!??

Add me if you'd like!!

me too!!
Added!

red_road

great job

michellesz

Congratulations to you on your wonderful lifestyle change, success and fire and determination to continue to set and reach new heights and goals for yourself. You look amazing! I read your story and it mimicked mine in numerous ways when seeing your pictures even including you mentioning shoes not fitting-lol. From over 235 lbs down to setting a goal for 165 then lowering it again & again not thinking I would continue to reach the next level I kept setting; it was invigorating. Now for the first time ever having lost 85 pounds & been maintaining for over 1 1/2 years I know how much healthier you must feel and am sure you are too an inspiration to your family and so many wonderful friends met along the way on MFP. Friend request sent!

betsij

Congratulations to you on your wonderful lifestyle change, success and fire and determination to continue to set and reach new heights and goals for yourself. You look amazing! I read your story and it mimicked mine in numerous ways when seeing your pictures even including you mentioning shoes not fitting-lol. From over 235 lbs down to setting a goal for 165 then lowering it again & again not thinking I would continue to reach the next level I kept setting; it was invigorating. Now for the first time ever having lost 85 pounds & been maintaining for over 1 1/2 years I know how much healthier you must feel and am sure you are too an inspiration to your family and so many wonderful friends met along the way on MFP. Friend request sent!

I can't wait to say the same thing this time next year!! Congrats to you!!!

Jacson53

Congratulations on your progress. It is a continuing journey.

Thank you for the holiday inspiration.:happy:
Much appreciated.