Sweat & Sparkle

I can barely sit still to type this post today. To be honest, this is a post I was starting to believe I would never write. But finally, at long last, I can proudly and triumphantly say: I DID IT!

I have struggled with my weight for a long time. Most of you know that after my mom died a few years ago, I gained a lot of weight. I stopped taking care of myself in so many ways. It took a long time–over two years–for me to feel ready to tackle my weight again, but when I did, I made myself a promise: no half-assing. Give it my all, all the way to the finish line.

No pills. No injections. No surgery. No cheating. It was tempting, I’ll admit, especially when an injury and then illness sidelined me for weeks, and I re-gained about 11 pounds. I was frustrated and looked into weight loss injections, but ultimately, I decided that chemicals, side effects, and unknown long-term risks just aren’t the way I want to go.

I decided to stick with just me, sweat, hard work, and dedication.

One step at a time. One rep, one workout, one meal, one decision at a time.

Day in, day out, making changes, pushing myself, talking to myself out loud if that is what it took. Reminding myself what I want to look like, what I want to feel like, how badly I want to prove to myself that I can accomplish this. On my own.

And I did. It still doesn’t feel real to me, but I sure as hell did.

Instead of setting a goal weight number, I decided to use my favorite pair of jeans as the measuring stick. They have no stretch, zero forgiveness, and haven’t fit in years! When I first started this challenge, I was lucky to fit my legs up to my knees into them.

This morning? They pulled right up, zipped, buttoned. I almost cried.

I have lost over 70 pounds and dropped several dress sizes. My BMI and blood pressure are back in a healthy range. I am stronger, happier, fitter.

I am beyond thrilled to finally be here, but now that I know what I am capable of, I want even more. Running goals, weight lifting goals, pushing myself just a little bit farther.

But for right now? I am going to enjoy reaching my goal. I am going to bask in pride and victory. I am going to keep whispering “I did it” until it really sinks in. And, something I have been waiting a long, long time to do…I am celebrating by going shopping for new, smaller clothes!