One Year Today!

SteffieMark · February 2013

One year ago today, I decided to take back my life. I was obese, unhealthy and miserable. I never left my house. In fact I had not ventured outside in 5 years. I was basically just waiting to die. I didn't think it would be much longer until I did. I was sad, afraid and ashamed.

I changed the way I ate, the way I moved and more importantly, the way I think. I cut out all "High Glycemic" white carbs, from my diet. I stopped eating red meat. I stopped eating sugar. I stopped eating processed foods. I started moving, a little at first, a little was all I could do. But, I built up to more, I got stronger and I started gaining my stamina and endurance back.

Life has sure changed in this last 365 days. I have lost 93.6 pounds! I have gone from a BMI of 38.8 to 24.2! I climb mountains, I snowshoe for miles, I hike to some of the most beautiful places in the PNW! I am no longer afraid or ashamed. I am no longer sad. The most awesome thing is...I am no longer waiting to die! I am living my life the way I was meant to live it.

I can do anything that I think I can! I can't do anything that I think I can't! That is seriously the most important lesson I have learned from this. I believe in myself and my abilities! If I didn't, I would still be where I was a year ago. I am so thankful that I'm not.

If you struggle with things in your life, you can take control. You can own it and you can conquer it. At 55 years old, I am doing it. Anybody can!

Last July, I started blogging my progress and a bit more details of my story and how I got where I had been. I did it mostly for myself, but a few family members were given the address, so they could follow along with me. It also contains the return of my love for sewing my own clothes, which I do a lot now! It documents most of my hikes and contains pictures at my worst and best! If you'd care to read more of my story and how I got to where I was, and how I managed to come back to life, you may visit... http://toasl.blog.com/

RepsnSets · February 2013

Wowzers, you look 20 years younger too. Well done on your loss

jenndymond · February 2013

You look like you lost 10 years! You look fantastic. Great work!

SparklyPinkMom · February 2013

Amazing - Congratulations, you look great....and your story is so inspiring!

5ftnFun · February 2013

Nice going! Definitely makes you look younger and more vibrant.

30ismyyear · February 2013

You look AMAZING!!! You must feel amazing. You should be so proud.

NobodyInParticular · February 2013

Wow!

april_mesk · February 2013

Wow, you look so much younger! Awesome job! Hope to be as successful as you in one year!

Topsking2010 · February 2013

You prove that its never too late to change!!!

Very inspirational!!!

twinketta · February 2013

You look at least 10 years younger and so much fitter!

Well done you!

goldied01 · February 2013

What an inspiration you are! Congratulatiions!

SteffieMark · February 2013

Thank you all. I feel so much better!

tpittsley77 · February 2013

I am so proud of you. You inspire me on a daily basis. It has brought me so much joy watching you progress and change this past year. I am proud of you for all of your accomplishments and can't wait to see all your future triumphs and successes!! You are truly amazing!

JaneMills0 · February 2013

You are awazing. I am so proud of you

Maribabewhich · February 2013

You look so much younger. Great job!!!

plumbobet · February 2013

You look wonderful,great job

amysue1971 · February 2013

You look amazing! Congrats!!!

felicia8604 · February 2013

Holy crap! Look how young you look now!!! your awesome!

meaningful99 · February 2013

You look beautiful! Congratulations on your inspiring turnaround!

issyfit · February 2013

Steffie--As you know I've been following you from the beginning and your story is so inspiring. I am so proud of what you have done, and so happy that you can take all of those wonderful hikes to many of my favorite places.

PunkyRachel · February 2013

You look like a new woman, and younger even! Congratz!

Sweetfi · February 2013

Holy man!! I have rarely seen a more drastic before and after on here. And I am on here a lot!! It is like two different women in those pictures. I guess it is really. What an inspiration you are! Thanks for posting.

SteffieMark · February 2013

Thank you all so much! I seriously wouldn't have been as successful without MFP and the friends I have made here. I have found so much inspiration and strength from reading stories of triumph here. The encouragement and support has been priceless. My friends inspire me every day. I am thankful for y'all!

ericadawn92 · February 2013

You look amazing! so inspiring! WONDERFUL job!!

ColleenRoss50 · February 2013

Absolutely amazing transformation! You look like a whole new woman. Congratulations on your success!

bitsyland · February 2013

This brought tears to my eyes....I am you....the only reason I leave my house is because i take care of my grandsons and that's my motivation...that and anti anxiety meds. I am 48 and feel like I could keel over any day...that scares me. I can't even bend over and tie my shoes without huffing and puffing....you look absolutely amazing...you are an inspiration ...thank you!