What a difference a year makes!

Today marks the one year anniversary of my decision to change my life (MFP came along a couple weeks later). One of my favorite motivational sayings is, "A year from now, you'll wish you had started today!" Well, a year ago, I quit wishing & started doing! It's not been easy, and every single pound I lost put up one heck of a fight! But it has been SOOOO worth it! I have been reflecting today on how much my life has changed over the past year. It's still hard for me to wrap my head around it, really. I half expect to wake up, only to find it was all just a dream! Here are just a few of the comparisons I've been thinking about today:

Then- 351+ pounds (the scale only went up to 350lbs, so I'm giving myself the benefit of the doubt).
Now- 214 pounds! (Was 207 before my vacation ????, but I'm getting back there).

Then- often couldn't tie my shoes without breaking into a sweat (seriously).
Now- I run 5K several times a week, and have even run a couple 10K's!

Then- with a 4XL shirt size, I had to do all my shopping at Big/Tall shops.
Now- with a shirt size of Large, I can shop at any store I want!

Then- when I flew, I would have to fly business class because I would not fit in the narrow coach seats.
Now- not only do I fly coach, but I have about 6" to spare on the seatbelt strap!

Then- when my kids hugged me, their arms couldn't reach all the way around me.
Now- they do!

Then- the nurse would have trouble finding a vein to draw my blood.
Now- I have veins, muscles, and bones, all in plain sight!

Then- I had trouble getting out of my chair.
Now- I climbed a mountain! (see profile pic)

I am so grateful for all of the encouragement my MFP friends have given me over the past year. I don't think I could have come as far as I have without their support!