Long time no see...

Hi! All, It's been awhile but I am still around. I was catching up on some of your posts and see there is a real struggle with weight loss now. I am still holding at 178 and living my life. I refuse to be in diet mode or self loathing over what I am not. I am a size 14, I am 5'7, I have pretty blue eyes and a kind smile, I am a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend, a source of support and encouragement, I am a believer in all things holy and good, I am a volunteer, a community coordinator, a director of a school, a sarcastic comedian who makes nice jokes, I am a liker of white wine and the occassional beer, I am the designated driver, dependable, I am responsible, I am a singer, a writer,a cat lover and an overall good person. I define myself by what I have to offer the world with my spirit and not my pant size. I would love to lose more but I won't lose myself and love of life trying to do so. I am happy and accepting of whatever other blessings come my way. I wish all those struggling, peace and success, take care and God bless, Dawn. 268/178/ whatever comes my way

Dawn, Great Post, I started looking at what I have also & what I have accomplished & sure enough the weight started dropping again. I also stopped worring so much about that scale & what a difference in my outlook. Its good to hear from you. Marilyn, the Bearlady

Thank you Dawn!! I have been guilty of getting crazy over numbers on the scale which is something I've tried to discourage in others......makes me seem like a bit of a hypocrite eh??!!!! You are so right in focusing on the positives. I have so much to be thankful for: MY health; a wife and children who love me despite all of my foolishness; good friends; a stable job; a nice home........ and if I wanted to, I could continue this list for a long time. Despite all of my faults, there are things that I like about me and I should try to remember them as I'm beating myself up over some nonsense!! Thank you for being so wise and sharing your wisdom with us. Your post is helping me re-focus on what's important in life. You're wonderful!! Mike

Oh, Dawn, your post is pure music, just wonderful! Thank you! I'm going to take your cue and think about all the ways I define myself apart from my weight, my fatness, my successes or failures...this post really lifted me up and out of my poor me box of unrealistic and unfair expectations. Thanks so much. Reenie

Hiya Dawn! Nice post! I am one of those who is still in diet mode. I still have about 65 pounds to go before I am even near goal! 74 to goal! So its really hard for me not to think in that "diet" mode. I have to remember not to beat myself up for my failures. Each day is a new day though. I am still so very thankful for what I have lost. God has really blessed me and everyday I thank Him for what He has done in my life. Its so wonderful to hear that you have found peace in your life. Tons of blessings to you! Nice to hear from you again! Elizabeth M