Monday, December 3, 2012

Remembering, Acknowledging, Celebrating

One of the main reasons I started blogging about my weight loss was so that I could look back and remember how hard I'd worked to get the weight off - I was, and still am, determined to not do the weight loss/gain dance anymore.  However, I rarely look at my older posts, but lately Debby has been rereading my archives and leaving me comments on them, which has made me go read what she's commenting on.

It's been fun, taking a walk down memory lane and seeing where I was back when I started in 2008 - not only with how my food has changed, but also how resistant I was to exercise.  I'm amazed at how things have evolved over the last four and a half years, and all for the better.  I am really glad that I started this blog, because in rereading the posts, I realized that I'd already forgotten a lot about my weight-loss journey.

On that note, I failed recently to recognize my 3 year anniversary of hitting 100 pounds lost; a milestone that I never want to forget, as getting that weight off was such a huge life-changer for me.  I went from being someone who stayed on the sidelines of life most of the time to becoming a much more active, energetic, adventurous and confident person, and while I still have my share of insecurities, I don't let them stop me from trying new things.  One of the phrases that my Grandmother used to say a lot was "why not?" and I find myself saying that more and more.  Why not run?  Why not zip line, or climb a cargo net?  Why not learn how to knit?  Why not try things that deep down I've wanted to, but outwardly never had the nerve - why not?  I really like that I'm doing now, rather than wishing.

So today, I'm remembering the old me.  I'm acknowledging how far I've come in this weight-loss and maintenance journey.  And I'm celebrating - heck yes, I'm shouting it from the rooftops - the fact that three years ago I not only reached my 100-pounds-lost milestone, but that today, I've kept that weight off. 
November 15, 2009 - GO ME!

21 comments:

  1. **TOSSES CONFETTING SHAPED LIKE YOU YOU YOU!!**

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  2. WooHoo - now that's an awesome reason to celebrate! You are an inspiration, Shelley.

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  3. Rooftops, indeed. I love it that you've shared with us that amazing transformation is possible. That what a life looks like at one point in no way means it has to stay that way. Congratulations, Shelley, for your accomplishments and for sharing your amazing, positive outlook with the rest of us.

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  4. You're story is amazing and inspires me every day over and over again. I'm so glad I found your blog and hope we will be virtual friends for a long time from this point on.

    (or if one of us wins the lottery: real life friends)!

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  5. Your why not is my YOLO - you only live once! You should be so proud of yourself Shelley - can't believe it's been three years already since you hit that milestone!

    And now I want to go back to your older posts :D

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  6. Bravo Shelley! Thank you for blogging and sharing your story with us :D

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  7. I think this is so awesome ... what a journey! And not many people can say they've done what you have done! WTG!!

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  8. Well you know how much I've loved reading your archives and how much you've inspired me. Love that it reminded you how much you have to celebrate!

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  9. BIG BIG congratulations Shelley. You are indeed an inspiration, and I'm so glad you shared (and continue to share) your journey with us!! Big hugs.

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  10. Congratulations Shelley! It's so important to look back and appreciate how far you've come. I find myself starting to take for granted all the things I can do now that I couldn't for so many years. Taking a few minutes to look at old pictures brings it all back. It makes me anxious to run today- because I can!

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  11. Congratulations Shelley, that's a fantastic and inspiring achievement. I have loved following your journey and watching you bloom. Such a privilege and a joy.

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  12. What an awesome anniversary! Congratulations on keeping the weight off too!!!!

    I think it's so important to remember exactly how far you've come - I already re-read my blog, and I've already forgotten how hard some things used to be, even though it's only been a year since I started working on being healthier.

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  13. I didn't realise that you have lost 100 pounds, that is awesome! And the fact that you have kept it off and stayed healthy for 3 years is double awesome! Congrats!!! :)

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  14. Late to the celebration but still so very, very proud of you, what you give to the blogging community and to call you my BIF!

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  15. You are seriously amazing. I just started my exercise program a few months ago and am capturing some of my experiences on a blog as well. I was inspired by reading so many great experiences.

    100 LBS!!! Holy Schnikees. . .it's a HUGE deal. A HUGE DEAL!!! You're amazing and quite inspiring. I can't wait to get there.

    Cheers to you!

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  16. If I ever neglected to say it - Cousin, I'm proud of you! Wow, I just sounded really Hallmark-y. But it's true. You are one awesome chick. BTW, I recently started to learn to knit. Probably your fault.

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  17. Goooooooo Shelley! 3 years skinny :) is such an amazing achievement.

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  18. Yay! Celebrating with you and hoping to join you in reaching that goal someday!

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  19. How funny that you posted this, since I just recently started going over my old blog posts, too. Unfortunately, I'm still doing the "dance" with loss and gain. On the right track again, though, and loving that I've got your posts to get me through. :-) So happy to see that you've made the complete lifestyle change, and have remained at a great weight for three years! WTG, Girlie!

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