Never Been Normal...

As far back as I remember, and this is documented in family photographs, I've been extremely overweight. I was born at 5 pounds, six ounces...but it didn't stay that way. I remember peeing my pants in third grade and the school nurse offering me about ten different pairs of pants that she had on hand (for these types of occassions) and none of them fit. I remember weighing in at 208 in 5th grade. Even at my lowest adult weight, I was still 298 pounds - at 5'10". I have never been "normal", though I've always been "extraordinary." :happy: Haha.

Like so many of you, I'm starting again after many successes and failures. This summer I lost my father to Parkinsons at the age of 61. He was trapped in his body for almost ten years and died unable to speak, swallow, and with his body completely wheelchair-bound. It seems to me now that every time I put a cheeseburger in my mouth, I am making a choice to remain trapped in my body. I am doing myself a great disservice and choosing a life for myself that limits my ability to experience so much in this world. My life is a gift. So about a month ago, I decided to start making better choices.

Part of the excitement of this journey will be discovering my body, my ability to move, and my energy levels as I become a "normal" weight. Since I've never had the ease of walking into a store, for instance, and buying a pair of jeans that fit; or been able to walk down the street and not been the focus of attention (negative); or been able to hike a mountain or rock climb or surf or do any of the things I wish I could do with my skin, muscle, and bones, I don't know what to expect. I don't know who I am if I'm not fat. I don't know how to live if it's not tugging along this weighty burden...so I'm a little scared too.

I am curious if any of you have attained a "normal" weight for the first time as an adult after losing 100 + pounds. What was that like for you? What did you discover about yourself and your place in the world? What was great and what was unexpectedly hard? I'd love to hear your stories...

Keep Smiling,
Abby xoxo