We just spent a week in Orlando, where we walked around Universal Studios every day and rode all the rides; where we went swimming and floated around the lazy river at the hotel, where we went bowling and played arcade games - and I was an active participant in everything, even the swimming. I had enough energy to play, plus I was comfortable enough with my body, imperfect as it is in looks but oh so perfect in strength and health, to put on a swimsuit and get in the pool every day. The Shelley prior to May 14, 2008 would not have lasted more than a day or two with all of that activity, and putting on a swimsuit would definitely not have happened, but thanks to some pretty major lifestyle adjustments, I was able to keep up with my kadults and enjoy our vacation.
I'm no longer the soon-to-be 45-year-old who started this blog, who was facing some big changes with becoming an empty-nester as our last child left home for college. Now, I'm approaching my mid-fifties with glee - life is good, and I'm able to partake in whatever I want to do; my size no longer limits me, plus I've developed more confidence in believing that I belong in this active world. I am not afraid to put myself out there anymore. It's been a process over these last nine years, and it certainly didn't happen overnight, but losing weight was a big step in giving me a much bigger playground.
Once again, as I've said on these blogiversary posts for the last few years, thank you for coming along on the ride with me. I really do appreciate all the support and camaraderie from you, my internet friends!
Cheers to nine years of blogging!
Congrats on your nine year blog anniversary that is a long time to keep it going! I love reading your posts though I don't always comment. Again, congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan!
DeleteActually just found your blog! Congratulations on your 9 year anniversary!
ReplyDeleteThanks, and welcome! :)
DeleteYours was the first blog I ever read way back when I didn't even understand what blogging was or had even started blogging myself. You have come a long way! Thank you for sharing so much of your "journey to fit" with us - here's to enjoying every minute of your fabulous 50s!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helen - shoot, I didn't quite understand what blogging was back then, LOL.
DeleteCongrats on 9 years of blogging! That's a long time in the blogaverse!
ReplyDeleteHaha, it sure is!
DeleteHappy Blogiversary!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo many blogs have come and gone these last nine years, and I'm always so thrilled yours is still here. Don't know how you manage to stay so inspiring and fun and real week after week, but sure appreciate it!
I love too that it's not just about how your blog is still strong after all this time, but how YOU are so strong, and such a great real-life demonstration that common-sense diet and exercise changes aren't always easy, but can be sustainable and mostly enjoyable and in the end, are so worth it! The "before" and "after" contrast was really powerful.
Congrats on nine years and thanks again!!!
--Crabby from CrankyFitness.com, too lazy to log out of her other gmail account.
Thanks, Crabby - I appreciate your comments. And I'm a bit sad for all the blogs that were around back then that are gone now - I would love to hear how everyone is doing now.
DeleteHappy Nine! I loved reading how comfortable you are with you now and how much you can do! It sounds like a huge difference from when you started blogging - congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim!
DeleteIt must feel so awesome to be able to see just how far you've come in that 9 years, as proven by your recent trip to Florida! I think I started following your blog about 5 years ago, and I've always really enjoyed reading whatever you have to say. Happy Blogaversary and here's to many more years!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anne - and you're one of my internet friends who I've actually met in real life!
DeleteHappy blogiversary!!!! I love reflections on where we were and how far we have come!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, MaryFran!
DeleteHappy Blogiversary!!! You are still one of my inspirations - I may not always comment, but I always read. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for always reading, Jill! :)
DeleteHow about that! I'm always surprised when I read your anniversary blogs and realize that we started blogging THE SAME MONTH OF THE SAME YEAR!!
ReplyDeleteYour healthy attitude continues to be an inspiration to me. I only achieve that attitude part time, I'm afraid. So glad you had a good time in Orlando--the picture of you is great!
I know, it's eerie, the similarities we have in common. Eerie in a good way. :)
DeleteCongrats on your anniversary. We started at the same time LOL.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog and consider you a virtual friend. Maybe we'll meet in the flash someday.
flesh not flash
DeleteThanks, Darlene - I hope we can meet and run together one day!
DeleteLove this!!! Happy 9th blogiversary Shelley!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Roz!
DeleteThank you for being here and sharing your life with us Shelley! You are such a strong and beautiful person and I love reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you, M/L! :)
DeleteThank you for sharing Shelley! I can't believe it has been 9 years. And we haven't met in person yet...
ReplyDeleteI know, what is up with that nonsense?!
Delete9 is Fine, and I'll be cheering on you on to 10 for the Win!!!! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI think I began following your blog about 6 years ago, starting with bingeing on your archives and catching up to your new posts. It's been fun reading as we cruised into our 50's. I don't have many active friends my age, so you have been a great virtual role-model, as has your inspiring running club. Looking forward to year 10!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary. I haven't been around all 9 years but I think about 8 years now and still enjoy reading your blog plus I found a great friend!
ReplyDelete