Last day...

Last day of my old life.  Today I will wave goodbye to the old me.  I will thank her for the "body armour" of protection being overweight gave me.  For too many years I used my weight as an excuse to hide and be invisible.  I unconsciously did this on purpose after an assault that left me much more scared inside than outside - make myself go unnoticed so something that horrible will never happen again.  Years of therapy, personal growth and loss of my mom made me realize how much of life I was really missing out on.  How I'd just "existed" for the last 15 years - and hardly a photograph exists to prove that I was here, being an active participant in life.  I learned a lot from the old me, and I'll take the good stuff with me as I start this new journey.  

Tomorrow I start Opti and have my pre-op appointment at TWH.  Taking myself to Toronto tonight to stay in a hotel, and maybe go out for a nice Italian dinner.  I am excited about starting Opti.  It's the warm-up lap - and I'm ready for it.  

Hello new self - where have you been all these years?  I think we're going to be besties.  

Congratulations! Just wanted to mention Summerlicious is on, check out their website. A lot of restaurants participating in a little Italy (near TWH).

Thanks for sharing your story.  There were a lot of things you said that we have in common and it really helps to know that so many others struggled through years and feeling like that they merely existed as well.

All that will be soon behind you.  You have a great attitude, and you will do amazing!!!  Enjoy your night in the " big city "!! :)

Best of luck to you!!  This is such an exciting time.  It'll be hard, it'll be frustrating, but it will all be worth it. 

I start Opti on Saturday, so I'm right behind you.

Sounds like you have some a long way already. Good luck with your up-coming surgery.

You are in a terrific headspace...enjoy every moment of your journey.  BTW I really dig your "handle" & now even more so knowing more back story.  Give 'em HELL gurl 

Yay! You are so close now! Good for you!  Treat yourself tonight and make it a good one. Opti is tough but you will get through it!

You. Are. Ready. Awesome post and very best wishes. 

Many of us have hid behind an obese body so no one would hurt us again.  Sad but we do it. It's our way of protecting ourselves. But now you are ready, so strong to start your new healthy life.  You don't need to hide anymore behind your weight.

Congratulations on the new chapter in your life!!

Thank you everyone!  Much appreciated! :)