With brothers, daughters and mother in Los Angeles, Thanksgiving 2003
Look at the rest of my beautiful family. I wanted to look as good as they did...

I worked my way up to this journey for months before I actually started. I knew that I had to do something but wasn't ready to make a change. I had so many impending health issues that couldn't be ignored. I was borderline diabetic and hypertensive. My legs HURT from the weight that they were carrying around each day. I literally hobbled around in the morning as my legs and feet (cracked, could only wear Birks) got used to the burden that I put on them. My back hurt every morning because I couldn't assume a comfortable sleeping position with all the extra weight and having my spine out of line. I twisted my knee in the spring of 2003 and it would get better...then I'd hurt it again with some simple movement. I had heartburn on a regular basis and felt so out of control.

In November of 2003 I took a trip to LA for a mini family reunion. I had a TERRIBLE time. I barely fit in the aisle of the plane. The seatbelt almost strangled me.  It's a good thing that I was able to raise the arm between my seat and that of my 3.5 y.o.! The baby on my lap barely fit and I couldn't put the tray down even when she wasn't in my lap. I forgot my pajamas and was appalled when I had to buy some in 30/32.

Then came the evening of December 27, 2003. I had overindulged during the holidays as usual, and I had just eaten a huge prime rib dinner. Then a family friend pulled out the pics she'd taken of the trip. I was astonished when I saw how bad I looked. The mirror had been lying to me for a long, long time. I went to bed that night, flushed and upset. I tossed and turned, awoke at 4 a.m., and with blurry eyes joined WW online and NEVER LOOKED BACK. I went shopping that day for some healthy food and joined Curves that first week. I was amazed at how good I felt immediately. The heartburn was GONE and the exercise gave me much needed energy.

I focused on the quality of the food as well as the quantity. I had learned a lot about healthy eating from having had gestational diabetes with both pregnancies.

I had hit rock bottom and there was nowhere to go but up. Every Sunday WI was like Christmas Day. I couldn't believe how "easy" it was. I'd had a true epiphany. Spending months in the "I have to do something" mode helped me realize that this was going to be a forever thing, not just a diet. And then the catalyst of the miserable holiday season jump-started my life.

I have my life back. I have never felt so healthy and strong ever! I can take on almost any physical challenge. What an amazing feeling! It's very empowering.

Keep the faith. YOU CAN DO THIS!

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