a different type of NSV

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pattycakes80
pattycakes80 Posts: 118 Member
i started my weight loss journey last may. i landed a new job that forced me to walk with my commute - nearly 2 miles/day. i was never really active before and once i realized that i was capable of moving and how much i enjoyed it, i began to make other healthy changes. one year later, i am down nearly 110 pounds. it is nuts.

i take the train into the city. the morning ride isn't bad - everyone is snoozing into their coffee cups or hidden behind the paper. the commute home is different. people are more electric. they are going home and leaving the city behind them. the mood is bright, most conversations feature laughter. initially i dreaded the ride home because i wanted everyone to ignore each other like we did in the morning. i could somewhat disappear in the morning - everyone was miserable. but on the way people were friendly and i was embarassed about my looks and i just wanted to hide. the car i always sit in had the same group of people. i imagined they didn't want to sit with me or invite me in their little cliques. i made it a point to read or keep my headphones secure so that i could remain removed.

as the pounds dropped, my confidence began to climb. i was offering a smile, even commenting on the weather. with the help of a few train delays, my personality began to tricke out and i made some very successful jokes. this girl, who i believed was the prettiest person on train became MY friend. for thirty-five minutes we talk about everything and anything. nothing is off limits because once we exit the train, we don't see each other. i told her about my weight loss and shared some of my before pictures and she was crazy with pride.

just yesterday, a woman i will nod to but never really speak with sat beside me. i could tell she wanted to say something but was nervous. and after careful deliberation, she leaned in. "have you lost a ton of weight? i saw you walking the other day and had to do a double take."

"hell yeah. almost 110 pounds."

"are you serious?"

i was nodding like a puppy on crack. my train bestie gushed, too.

"i have seen her before pictures. it is unreal."

a heavier girl looked up as her jaw dropped.

"for real?"

i pulled up an old picture on my phone and shared it. when the heavier girl saw the picture, her eyes teared up.

"oh, my god."

she went on to share that she is striking out with weight watchers. she is stuck, but most of all, she is miserable. i promised her that i was where she was and i understood everything she was feeling. but i promised her that anything is possibe. i offered my support or advice should she ever need it. as others listened in, i shared some of the tricks that had helped me stay committed this far.

at my stop, we all smiled and expressed how happy we were to have met each other. on my walk home i could not help but think back to the days where i dreaded that ride. i would never speak, let alone discuss my weight. i couldn't even have an honest conversation about my weight with myself. but i have found hope. i have found happiness and not sharing that doesn't seem very fair.

never hide yourself. you have no idea the impact you can make.
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Replies

  • Veil5577
    Veil5577 Posts: 868 Member
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    Nicely done! You definitely seem happier! :happy:
  • ashdawg8790
    ashdawg8790 Posts: 819 Member
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    That is wonderful! It is a truely great feeling to be someone else's inspiration! :)
  • LadyDeadlift
    LadyDeadlift Posts: 136 Member
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    Gosh, what a lovely experience. Thanks for sharing!
  • rebeccawesterfield5
    rebeccawesterfield5 Posts: 132 Member
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    Pattycakes, this is AWESOME!! I am wiping away tears, you should be so proud of your hard work and commitment! What a great inspiration you are! Thank you! :)
  • mandybear014
    mandybear014 Posts: 209 Member
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    Beautiful! :heart:
    Your experience brought a smile to my face.:smile:
    Thank you for sharing.
  • kdsp2911
    kdsp2911 Posts: 170 Member
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    Thank you for sharing :flowerforyou:
  • joanthemom8
    joanthemom8 Posts: 375 Member
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    That's wonderful! You are truly inspiring!:drinker:
  • moviestarsara
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    This is one of the best success stories I have read. So happy for you and your accomplishments! Thank you for sharing!! :smile:
  • MelisMusing
    MelisMusing Posts: 421 Member
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    I love this post.

    :)
  • silverstarrlyte
    silverstarrlyte Posts: 83 Member
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    Nice!!! Congratulations. You never know whose life you may touch without even trying.
  • _Pseudonymous_
    _Pseudonymous_ Posts: 1,671 Member
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    So many feels today! You really are so inspirational and I am glad that you got to share your story and further inspire people! :D
  • Chain_Ring
    Chain_Ring Posts: 753 Member
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    Love this. Love it.
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
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    Awesome. Love this. Brought tears to my eyes!
  • pattycakes80
    pattycakes80 Posts: 118 Member
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    thanks, everyone!

    it was a very rewarding moment. i felt all her emotions and so badly want her to feel joy. :)
  • stephicozar
    stephicozar Posts: 36 Member
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    Right in the feels! Nice one.
  • spirit095
    spirit095 Posts: 1,017 Member
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    That is a great NSV! Definitely right in the feels for me too :)
  • Roger_Vaughn
    Roger_Vaughn Posts: 49 Member
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    AWESOME!!!! Great Post
  • HanamiDango
    HanamiDango Posts: 456 Member
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    Just amazing! :flowerforyou: :love:
  • H0llyG0lightly
    H0llyG0lightly Posts: 214 Member
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    warm and fuzzy!
  • RUNNING_AMOK_1958
    RUNNING_AMOK_1958 Posts: 268 Member
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    What a beautiful story. What a beautiful message. Thank you for taking the time to share yourself.
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