I experienced what I would describe as an "affirmation" that where I am in my life, specifically in my weight loss/fitness/health journey, is exactly where I need to be. Let me provide some context. I started on my journey right before Thanksgiving, with a fitness program called Power 90. As inferred, it is also a 90-day program (like JMBR). I followed the program and lost 38 lbs, finishing in mid-February. I intended to take a week off and do another cycle of that workout; I found JMBR and ordered. By the time I received the program and then got it together to start, it was March 26th. Needless to say, during the 6 weeks "off", I didn't exercise consistently and didn't make the best food choices. I gained 8 lbs back.

I started JMBR 3/26/12 and lost almost 16 lbs in my first month (Phase 1). I loosened up my eating, but not my workouts during Phase 2. I added a couple of extra weeks for workouts 5, 6, 7 & 8, because I didn't feel ready to progress. After week 3 of workouts 7/8, I took an unexpected two-week break. Unexpected because it wasn't planned...in fact, nothing about it was planned, including the lack of workouts and poor eating (I let a couple of stressful weeks get the best of me). I gained back 3 lbs.

I restarted Phase 2 (I wanted strong phases throughout) a week and a half ago and have been doing great ever since. I lost 4.7 lbs in my first week back and I feel great.

I share all of this because, today, I started pulling out more of my summer clothes to prepare for our vacation this Saturday. Most of the summer clothes I pulled out I hadn't worn in years (or never, because I bought a lot of "they almost fit" clothes). I started trying on items and shirt after shirt, and shorts after shorts, were either too big, or loosely fit. I quickly built my vacation wardrobe with clothes that I feel good in and will be comfortable (versus "barely in" shorts, if you know what I mean). I feel amazing that I'll feel comfortable my whole vacation because everything is on the cusp of being too big, which means clothes won't make me look dumpy and will hang well.

Many times throughout my 7-month journey, I've reflected back on the "what-ifs". What if I hadn't taken six weeks off between programs? What if I had eaten better in my first attempt at Phase 2? What if I hadn't taken two weeks off and ate like I was pregnant? Realistically, I would be 25-30 lbs lighter than I am right now.

HOWEVER, if I was that much smaller, NOTHING I own in terms of summer clothes would fit. I would be left with less than a week before vacation, needing to go find clothes that fit and try to feel cute. That process would be incredibly stressful and rushed. As an aside, I waited until now because I've been very busy at work and with home projects and haven't had time to prepare for vacation.

After reflecting about all of this, I just had this overwhelming feeling that I am in this place, the size/weight I am, because that's the way it was meant to happen. I've learned from each of my "breaks" and poor choices and will continue to do so. Having this level of confidence going into my vacation is new for me and I'm excited to have the experience.

Sorry for the long post...just had to share my gratitude (and forgiveness to myself)...