I'm finally average!

I'm not "normal" yet, but I'm finally "average" for my age, height and weight! I'm wearing a size 10 pants now and I still wear a 12 or 14 in my tops. Technically, I'm still overweight, but I have to say that I look and feel more normal today than I have since I was little girl.

Physically, I feel so much better today, than I did this time last year or even this past spring. Yesterday I worked in the yard for a couple of hours. I worked hard enough to work up some heavy breathing and a sweat, but I was able to do it for a couple of hours. I would not have been able to do that 5 or 7 months ago.

I saw myself in a window last night and realized that this slimmer, more fit person is the new me. I'm taking responsibility for me in ways I never have before. I am owning up to my weaknesses and looking for ways to mitigate or steer clear of them. It's taking a while to get used to her/me this way, but I like what I see in my reflection; the physical and internal.

I look forward to eventually being "normal", but today I'm happy with being "average."

Suzanne -

Thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate them and you, more than I can say. I know that it feels like you aren't moving very fast. When I see Jennifer, Diane, and Ellen flying past me I can feel the wind; but then I remember that this is not a race and my weight will leave me in it's own time. You are really doing very well. Keep working on it. By this time next year, we'll all get together, look at old photos and wonder at the blessings we've enjoyed during the past year.

Re: where did I find average ... a couple of places. The easiest place to find it is http://www.thinnerself.com and click on the Chart Wt and Inches button. Plug in your info and click the Calculate Current button. It will tell you, based on statistical averages, the percentage of excess weight you can expect to lose based on your start date and the weight you've lost to date. (My percentage has fluctuated from 87% to 100% expected loss of excess weight.) After you do that if you Click the Create Report button, a new window will open and will display a chart that plots your weight loss to date. It will also show you a low percentage of excess weight loss projection, a high loss expectation, "average" and "ideal" weights for someone your age, hieght and sex. If you scroll down, if provides a whole bunch of other interesting tidbits of information. I don't take it all as gospel, but I do find it interesting and it matches up closely with the information my dr gave me.

Hope you enjoy!

Barb

Connie -

You made me blush and smile at the same time!

Thanks for the lovely sentiment.

I hope that you have a great day too.

Warmest regards,

Barb

Diane -

Thanks for your kind words of support and encouragement. I'm glad that you are doing so well and look forward to your continued success.

Enjoy your week-end.

Barb

Barb,

You are such an inspiration to me!!  I love your posts and how eager and willing you are to help any and all no matter what.  You offer so much encouragement, strength and uplifting that God gives to each of us if we will only use it and let Him use us.

Keep up the good work - look forward to hearing from you soon.

Love ya,

Nancy