Post #100

Admittedly my mind works in odd ways. So the thought of my 100th post has been one that has filled me with reflection about my time using MFP – of course deep down inside I wanted to do a mock rage quit (I love those things) – but instead I decided on reflecting on my journey from being over-weight to be being a size that makes me happier. Granted there is more work to be done to be truly happy and I am not sure that journey will ever end – but I am closer to it now than I was a year ago. All told I am close to minus 60lbs counting my loss prior to MFP.

The best thing that has come out of this time is that I was able to take control of my life at a time where I started to have doubts if that was possible. It sounds silly but once I was able to take control of what I ate it seems that I was then able to take better control of all other aspects of my life. Not that both are not with out challenges and pitfalls. But no question I feel much better about life in general.

Of course the down side to all of this is that I have spent a small fortune in replacing all my clothes that had to be given away. I never realized how many clothes I had until I packed up close to 100 dress shirts and sent them to my nephew. I feel bad because he need to lose weight but at least he is well dressed over-weight person now.

However that is a small price to pay for looking and feeling better.

One of my biggest regrets is that I did not take any before pics. I am not a big picture taker to begin with but I do wish I had done. Of course when I started on MFP my only goal was lose 6lbs to get myself under 230lbs for the first time in several years. After that came off quickly I realized I could go further and I did. I made it to number I had not seen in 10 yrs.

While its very easy some days to just want to let go and go back to my old ways I know that those feelings do not last long. I feel compelled to log my food now and seeing those red number will bring me back to where I need to be.

One of the real surprises for me through all of this is the people that I have met. I do not have a large FL – actually its very small. But I find that I enjoy each of the people on it. Some I have got to know better than others but all are enjoyed. It is nice to be able to share thoughts and ideas with others and its funny how you come to rely on them. Even even feel an attachment to people who you have never met but yet feel like you know.

Now the process of getting to the ideal FL is amusing.

For each nice decent person I come across there are those who are less than ideal. My favorites are the ones who are so self-absorbed that you realize the troubles they have in their lives are self-inflicted problems. These people are annoying but also a source of amusement at times.

I had one person add me – and when I looked at his profile he had over 500 people on his FL. Needless to say he had no inaction with anyone other than to add and delete people. Odd. Then of course my favorites – the ones who post their every lift – whether it be 300lbs squats or picking up their toothbrush – but offer very little in return because the world is about them and only what they accomplish. Again – amusing – and you do learn from it all – just makes me appreciate the really nice people all the more.

However to all of those who have helped answer my stupid questions, or offered well intentioned advice or just made me laugh when I needed one – and most of all to those on my FL who I interact with the most – I thank you all for improving my life.