anxiety

Hi guys! I decided to go ahead and clean out my closet. Never would I have thought I would be cleaning out my closet because my clothes were too big. I find it very hard to part with my things. I love my clothes and now my closets are bare. I have three trashbags full of really nice clothes that I'm giving to my two girlfriends who need them. I just have anxiety of letting that part of me go. I tried on a pair of shorts that I wore in August and they look like I could fit another person in them. I talked to my husband on the phone tonight and he said he was proud of me for finally making the time and getting rid of the clothes. I told him it is so hard for me and that I was thinking about taking some of the clothes out of the bags and keeping them. GRRRRRRRR anyone else have this problem?? Or am I the only one? Oh and yes...I also have anxiety when I go to a restaurant with friends or family. I just hate going anymore. I usually just take a few bites off of other peoples plates but last night, I had to order my own dinner. My husband and I went to the Outback Steakhouse for his birthday and I knew he was going to get a steak. I can't tolerate steak at all. So, I ordered the grilled chicken with artichokes on top..it looked great but I was only able to take a few bites of chicken and I was done. The waitress was all butt-hurt because I didn't eat my dinner and she thought something was wrong. What do you tell people?? I mean it's really none of their business. I guess overall, today I'm not having such a great day. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!!

You should be so proud of yourself with all the clothes that are going bye bye...I have sent two boxes out from the clothing exchange to people that need the bigger sizes...Hey I am stoked that I am in the smaller sizes..., , the happy dance...don't worry about the meals...bring home and eat for leftovers....take care and enjoy this ride...as it is a ride of a life time....you are doing great... Dennis

I know exactly how you feel. I just sold some of my best items on Ebay and I am getting ready to mail them tomorrow. I had to do it but I am going to miss them. Not the size but they were some really nice things. And...in a way they defined me. But I have already purchased things in smaller sizes and I've been given some and for now, this is what I will wear. Try and enjoy the fact that you CAN fit into smaller clothing and now it is a choice as to what you want to wear. I wish you well. Hugs, Loretta

You are not alone. I sold 4 trashbags full of my beautiful clothing to a resale shop for trade credit, they took almost everything. So here I am, only needing to say yes for a couple hundred bucks of trade credit to spend on other clothing and I couldn't leave the counter. I just stood there staring at all my stuff. My husband must have seen my face because he grabbed me by the arm and said, "Let's shop! You don't need those sizes anymore." It was a bittersweet experience to say goodbye to my former clothes and pretty darn intimidating to start digging through racks of unknown-to-me sizing. It was really hard to let go and I don't know why. I try to remind myself that it is only clothing and I am still the same great person. I can't believe I am actually starting to enjoy shopping! So, yes, I think many of us understand it's hard to say goodbye---but don't stand at the counter too long...get rid of it!!!!! As for restaurants, I usually order my own plate so I have leftovers for the rest of the week (packed lunches mostly). Many waitresses have asked me if the food is OK, I tell them yes, I'm just not very hungry, please bring me a to-go box. Some people use the restaurant cards, but I don't think it's my server's business, so I just keep my answers basic. Feel better! -Laura

I haven't gotten rid of anything yet. I love my clothes too, and it was hard enough for me to put some in a corner to think about giving away, let alone to actually give them away. Did you keep 1 pair of pants so you can take a real cool "then, now" photo when you are at goal? I have a 2 piece bridesmaids dress from my bro's wedding in August and I don't want to throw it away no matter how small I get. I will use the skirt for photos to show how small I've gotten. Sheryl 292/220/160

Thanks to all of you for responding to me. It really did cheer me up THANKS!! I didn't go back through the bags, even though I was really tempted to. I did keep one pair of shorts that I wore back in August and they were kind of tight on me..now, I am able to fit both legs in one hole of the shorts and able to pull the waist way out. It's hard to believe that I was that big! I am proud of my accomplishments, it's just hard to let go of certain things that defined who I was. I'm definately a changed person now. Again, thanks!

You're my kind of girl, ms rachel ... I love the "set them on fire" routine. Gave me a good laugh!