You just never know...

maureendonahue

I was talking to some friends tonight from Joplin, MO about the tornado-one year ago tomorrow. That was the incentive I used to start this journey. I was there, but too fat and out of shape to help. I would have been in the way. And I lost 50 pounds in the following 6 months. Then I stalled. It was the holidays; it was tax season; it was the anniversary of my Mom's passing...you know all the excuses. And I have not been eating right or working out the way I know I need to in order to reach my long term goals.

As I shared my story with my friends of how I started and my current struggles, they told me "You are an inspiration to me."

Oh my God! I inspire someone? But I fail all the time!

And they told me that the inspiration comes not just from my success (and 50 lbs is success!), but from me not giving up and trying again, continuing to rebuild my relationship with food and my body even if there are missteps along the way.

The people of Joplin, and their continuing recovery, are amazing and inspiring. That someone from there, who has been through so much, finds my journey inspiring is humbling.

I guess you never know who and how you will touch someone when you share your journey.

tistal

Im in Springfield MO and the people of Joplin and those who helped are all amazing strong people! And fantastic for you for not giving up! And a HUGE congrats on the 50lbs loss!!!

Athena413

:flowerforyou:

I you! I'm so proud of what you've accomplished. The tornado was devastating, but we're rebuilding. Likewise, things in life can be devastating - the loss of loved ones, job struggles, financial struggles, etc... - but just as we're rebuilding, it's important that you don't let the storms of life get you down and keep you down. You've done an excellent job of rebuilding your life and have come so far in just a year! Can't wait until you come back to Joplin and we can meet for real!