Birthday Goal Accomplished!

Happy Birthday to me! ☺

I am 41 today! What a perfect day to share my story with all of you.

Last year, for my 40th birthday, a couple girlfriends and I went to Banff, a quaint little tourist town nestled in the heart of the rocky mountains. I was very grateful for my friends to be so thoughtful and want to celebrate this birthday milestone with me, but deep down I was dreading it. I was so unhappy with my weight and the way I looked. I felt frumpy and large. But I made the most of it, held my chin up high, and smiled just a little more than usual. But deep inside, my heart was weeping.

I will never forget that night when we went to a dance club. As we were standing in line, the words of one drunken stranger, branded into my mind and unfortunately I can remember it like it just happened yesterday. This guy was wearing a shirt that read, “I don’t date skinny chicks”. My “skinny” friend remarked, “Your shirt has quite the biased comment don’t you think?” The guy slurred back, “No, just how I feel. And you’re not my type by the way. I like ‘em big. Like your friend here.”

And that was when I felt like crawling down a dark hole. I did not like how this “guy” perceived me as “big”. But, I was. I was overweight. This was a turning point for me. I vowed that I would not be considered “big” on my next birthday.

I didn’t start getting really serious about trying to lose weight until the end of January of this year. But when I did, there was no stopping me.

Although the stupidity of a drunken idiot’s t-shirt was the catalyst of spurring me to lose weight, it was not what motivated me each day to continue on. It was the memory of me being a healthy weight, and how I loved the way I looked and felt. My family also planned a trip to Walt Disney World in August and I really wanted to ensure I felt good about my appearance because I knew there would be a lot of family photos.

So I diligently entered what I ate each day and I exercised. That’s the secret to my success; tracking calories and exercising.

On July 19, 2011, I lost 40 pounds and attained my final weight loss goal. I was officially on maintenance. Now, three months later, I have successfully stayed within the 5 pound range I chose for myself.

I have continued to exercise diligently. In May, I made the decision to start running. I began the C25K program and graduated on July 21st. So far I’ve participated in five 5K races. I have 2 more races to run this year. One in November (8K) and one December 31st. I am very proud of myself for accomplishing this goal. Running is a great way to be active and if I can do it, anyone can!

My family holiday to WDW was one made of many cherished memories. I am so thrilled with all the photos that my family and I can look back on and when I do, I know my mind won’t be whispering, “Boy, you look fat.”

So here I am, one year older, one year wiser and living in one body so much healthier and happier. I’m glad I could share my story with you and hope that I may inspire you to continue with your journey. So many of you inspire me to continue with my journey. I know that my journey will never be over. I am just on a new path. I quite like this path, and I am excited to see what I see along the way!

Happy trails to you!