THESE FIVE YEARS...

What is the measure of success? For me, I suppose it's a feeling that the struggle is over; that I have beat my food demons down and that I have a sense of peace in my heart and in my head about the way I am living my life and the choices I am making on a daily basis that honor my commitment to health, fitness, and strength. So in this regard I am not successful. The struggle goes on mightily every day of my life and although the scale suggests I am a "success" - the war between me and the food demons tells me otherwise. The biggest lesson I've learned these past five years is that losing all that weight did not come close to solving my problems. Five years after surgery, I know myself better than I ever have and I no longer live a life of pretenses and denial. I commit every day to passionate, truthful, healthy living - and some days I am more successful than others but far too many of those days, I fail miserably. Yesterday - my anniversary date - was a huge failure. But today is a new day. And I give myself to it with renewed commitment and hope that I will know that peace of mind and heart that I so desperately seek. I wish everyone who has ever been a part of this incredibly March 2004 forum of support and friendship that you each are at peace with your journey and that you will continue to move forward with the greatest sense of love for yourself and for everyone in your lives. Peace, my friends. Maureen

Happy Anniversary & I think you have done great.
We all fight those food demons, some days we win, some days they win. Probably all our life will be like that. I will post on mine in a few days.
Marilyn C (Bearlady)

You have done a wonderful job. Maintenance is sooo hard and you are doing a great job. A few pounds up and down, thats part of life. The struggle will always be key for those who are like us, but the key is to never give up and never give in. Never to ignore that we have to continue the fight. To never loose sight of what we have to do to stay in control and not loose ourselves. I struggle every single day as well, so do all of us I'm sure. Hang in there, as long as we are here for one another we will be ok. I have to think that. Congrats everyone on our anniversary month! ((hugs))

Elizabeth, Kim and I are planning a buddy-system goal program - I want you to join us, what do you think? Look at Kim's 5-year post and let us know! Maureen