30DS-L1 Done! NSV & Progress Pic

This is my 1st time posting pics in the forum so I hope I get it right. And I NEVER thought I'd post pics of my tummy...EVER!...but I'm proud of my results so far so I thought I'd share for anyone who is just starting their journey to a healthier life like I did 3 wks ago when I joined MFP (@ 227 lbs).

SOME BACKGROUND (in case you're interested):
I've always been a big girl, but never a wallflower. I never worked out before except for walking a few days/wk if I had the time or energy. My life was pretty unhealthy for the longest time - I was a severe workaholic, my life revolved around my Blackberry, I ate 1 (if lucky, 2) meals a day which usually involved a drive-thru, something breaded & deep-fried and/or around 10-11pm after I finished working. I have high blood pressure & I'm on daily meds for it (hopefully not for long?). I broke my leg & tore ligaments in my knee twice in '08...it became a running joke that I should just "bedazzle" my crutches since they became a permanent accessory! LOL

I was also involved in a very unhealthy relationship for 5 yrs which added 40+lbs (almost 250 lbs) by the time I finally found the strength/courage to end it a couple yrs ago. It was easy to run to the comfort of food when your siginifcant other always says things like "You'd look so much better if you had a boob job" or "If only your *ss was like Serena Williams- Man, you'd look hot!" The donut/chips/cake/ice cream never criticized me or made me feel bad...or so I thought!

Since then, my spirit is healed & lifted. I've learned to forgive others, most importantly myself. I lost over 20 lbs. I'm feeling so much happier & after an amazing 12-yr career, I'm no longer w/the same company. I also packed up all of my Ex's belongings (including his suits, coats, watch, Playstation & games) and donated them to Goodwill :happy: I originally wanted to have a "Waiting to Exhale" moment and burn his belongings in his BMW, but 1) I'm better than that, 2) there are hopefully people out there who needed or are enjoying these items and 3) he took his car so I had nowhere to safely burn his *kitten*! LOL

SINCE JOINING MFP:
My BFF joined MFP earlier this yr & inspired me to do the same - I've made so many great changes these last couple of yrs, it was time to have the outside match the inside! I've been making much better food choices, working out w/30DS & Zumba & going for the occasional walks at the beach (when the heat isn't melting my skin off! Lol). I'm learning as I go, making mistakes every now & then, but still pushing forward. I did 30DS-L1 for 15 days, modified some movements at the beginning, and just started L2 yesterday. I couldn't believe how much stronger I felt & was so proud when I could keep up w/the movements by D7-8 (after which I increased the weights, so I added an add'l 5 days).

RESULTS SO FAR:
I'm 5'8" & I've lost 10 lbs and 7" (mostly in in the torso & thigh areas). I'm re-learning how to eat when I'm hungry and not out of boredom. I LOVED drinking pop alot, and I'm proud to say I've only had 1 can of pop since I joined MFP-water has become my best friend. Clothes have become looser, I see traces of my old friend Mr. Collarbone, coming back for a visit, and I'm seeing cuts on my legs/thighs that were non-existent for several yrs. Still a long way to go, but I'm happy w/the progress so far.

Posting this is one of the scariest things I've ever done, but I'm challenging myself to try & step out of my comfort zone. And I figured, if there's a place to share my progress so far (to help motivate others & feel proud at the same time), MFP must be it. Reading the success/progress stories have been so motivating for me, I thought I'd share too.

Good luck on your journeys, everyone! You deserve to celebrate every single one of your victories! *So sorry for the long post!