epigirrl Member

Exactly 1 year ago was the day I made my commitment to a new life. I enrolled in my first "intro to kettlebells" class and my first yoga class. It wasn't until the day of my first kettlebell class that I also signed up for a community weight loss challenge. Although the classes did not start until September, I want to…

I have known him for 9 years through work. We worked closely and socialized outside of work for the past 3 years. We were both single and neither of us had dated for many years. About 9 months ago, as I started getting [physically and emotionally] healthier, I started viewing him in a different light AND being open to…

AbbeyDove, I agree. It has hard to feel like you are doing good things for yourself if you feel hungry. Changing the types of foods I was eating and focusing on the distribution of macronutrients made a huge difference for me. Also...the weighing and logging was really key. I actually found that I need to eat much more…

I am almost 5' 3, but still under so technically can classify as 5'2... I started at 155 last September and now hover around 110. Here is my crappy [because I avoided cameras when I was heavier] before/after pic: And, here is my story about what I did and the intended, as well as unintended, consequences of my journey:…

I am almost 5' 3" and have lost more than 40 pounds. Never did any formal before and after pics, so this is the best I have... Here is more about my journey, if anyone is interested: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1313459-success-beyond-the-scale-my-journey-to-health-wellbeing

I completely understand this right now. I too have become a little inconsistent in my food logging AND my posting to my pushup and plank challenges daily. I like your idea of upping the stakes a little and posting a quote or thought each day AFTER logging your food. I am here with you, so state your intention and let's do…

Thank you all for taking the time to read my story. I am glad that it resonates with some and perhaps inspires others. Connection with others is often what fuels our journey. Sharing our stories is one way to open that connection. I am truly grateful for the connections I have made here on MFP. Your stories continue to…

Thank you for sharing, ChristinWrites. I am so pleased for you, too, that you have your inner peace and your commitment to your self. It really does make a difference in this journey. Best wishes to you in your ongoing journey!

Thanks, all! Just curious how the kettlebells are going for you, rubbie78. Some of my friends tease me as I often refer to kettlebells as my higher power. Hard work...but so worth it from a physical fitness and stress reduction standpoint. Keep it up and good luck on your journey.

Thank you all for your kind words and support!! I had been asked to share my story several times in "real-life", so it seemed worthwhile to share it here as well.

I am 5'2" and 3/4 [not quite 5'3"]. My starting weight last September 2013 was 155. I am now hovering around 115. I was at 140 by November, 130 by New Year's, and 115 by April 2014. Relatively slow and steady from 140 to 115 over 6 months. I recently shared some thoughts on my journey here:…

^This. I definitely fall into that born-again virgin category; wasn't even really interested in dating or anything else for over a decade. Started eating better, exercising, and losing weight last September. Became aware of increasing libido late fall/early winter. Back in the saddle since February. I am certain that it…

Kjurassic, My biggest secret is that I found a path that worked for me. In other words, I looked for things that spoke to me...not what others told me I "needed" to do. I wanted to lose weight, but I also wanted to feel more inspired about life. So, I tried a variety of things [many through the local community education…

Thanks HailDodger and NextPage. I feel beautiful and feel amazing too!

This is me, too. Just turned 50 last month. I am now healthier, happier, fitter, less risk averse, and have more clarity on what matters to me. Was single by choice for over a decade...now in a great relationship with someone I have known for years. Had a good, well-paying job...that I just left last week...because the…

This^^ Double thumbs up!!

Here's to continuing strong...as I no longer see finish lines [the journey never ends], only milestones to achieve. You are doing great!! Saying out loud that you are at a major turning point that has historically been difficult is the first step in overcoming that self-destructive side that we all have. But keep in mind,…

Another serious post... Escaping abusive ex 15 years ago, and solo-parenting a bi-cultural son who did not lose connection to his American Indian culture/heritage, who does not resent me for his dad's actions, and is now reconnected with some of his extended AI family. 26 years alcohol and drug free. PhD at age 40. 40…

From personal experience...I totally agree with this. I have always [thought I] hated exercise, too. Turns out it was because I had not found the right thing for me until this past fall, and I will be turning 50 in less than 2 weeks. I still generally hate cardio. I don't run, bike, aerobics, etc. But I found that I LOVE…

I, personally, don't think these are mutually exclusive. Acceptance does not need to mean giving up. Yes, accept where you are today AND set your sights on where you want to go. I will turn 50 in less than 2 weeks. Last summer, I was at this same crossroads. I looked like crap and felt like crap. But, I realized that I…

I have read the entire 72 days worth of posts...jumping in for the last 18 days.

I am staring down 50 [less than 2 weeks to that magic milestone], and I too am in the best physical and emotional shape of my life. This most current leg of the journey began last September, and I have shed nearly 40 pounds [overshot my goal weight by a little bit] and 47 total inches. I am stronger, fitter, happier, and…

Oddly, butts keep coming up in conversation for me these days... I have NO butt to speak of. My son refers to it as having "an extra long back". So, recently I have begun incorporating more squats, lunges, and other butt enhancing techniques into my daily regimen. Hoping to someday fill out the backside of a pair of jeans.

I weight it all...not so much for the calories but for the other macros and things I watch (e.g., fiber).

This is a great compilation of thoughts, inspirations, motivations, affirmations. I am printing out for daily reflection...especially for days when things feel particularly difficult and it is hard to remember to breathe. Thanks for the many reminders that I actually need right now.

I started last fall for ME and my own realization that I looked and felt like crap. After a month or two of success and feeling better than I had in a long time, I started to also be motivated by impure thoughts related to a secret crush I had on a colleague. After almost 9 months, still motivated by my own selfishness AND…

Since the OP posted yesterday, I am going to address yesterday... I think--although I am not entirely certain--I would have redirected a conversation that went in a direction that I did not intend. I am being challenged by a couple things in my personal and professional life. I spoke broadly about challenges, which he took…

Scarred -- Johnette Napolitano

Wow...speechless...congratulations on reclaiming your life, and thank you for sharing your inspirational story. Whether it is the weight loss, the health & fitness, the alcohol, the depression & anxiety, or the increased well-being, your journey has something for everyone!!

Me, too, please!