Nervous about seeing my family...

On Friday, like I mentioned before, I'm going to Twin River to see my cousin's band play.  My mother's side of the family will be there including my aunts, uncles and several cousins.  I haven't seen them since before I had my surgery and I am so nervous to see them.  I have been stressing out about this all week.  I dont know what to wear, how to do my make-up or my hair...   One of my aunt's knows that I had the surgery, but I dont know if she told the rest of the family.  I'm happy with the way I look right now, but I am so used to needing and wanting everyone's approval and it is making me a nervous wreck.  I'm scared that they are going to have expected me to have lost more, be thinner, look different etc.  I dont know how to overcome this.   I'm definitely going to go, if I dont, I'll never hear the end of it, but I am just so scared.   Any words of advice?  Does anyone know how to calm myself down over this?   Thanks in advance.

Laura 

Laura- I can't believe you are beating yourself up over this!  You look AMAZING!  You have lost nearly 150 lbs!!  In such a short time too!!  I can't possibly imagine them to think you should be smaller, look different, etc.  Go in there, head held high and knowing you look damn good!!  They will all be in absolute awe of you!

Please dont be so hard on yourself.. you are so pretty you dont have to worry about make-up or your hair!!  just relax and be proud of everything you have done for yourself.  Kim

Laura,
Listen, I just read your post, read your ticker and then went on google. I found this - Mayweather weighs in at 147. http://www.mlive.com/mayweather/index.ssf/2007/12/mayweather_weighs_in_at_147.html

YOU HAVE LOST AN ENTIRE PROFESSIONAL BOXER!!!!!!!

Hold your head high! Be proud of your accomplishment!!!! You are a gorgeous person inside and out! You have worked very hard and have been so disciplined through this whole endevour!

Now, step away from your computer, go look in the mirror and say out loud..."I have lost an entire Professional Boxer". I bet it'll make you smile! Love ya girl! You'll knock'em dead!

I agree with Alexia, Kim and Lauren! Stop beating yourself up! You have come such a LONG way in such a short time! I, for one, am EXTREMELY proud of you! Have you thought of bringing along a 'before' picture? If nothing else, it may help convince YOU that you've done one hell-of a job! Taking the pic out to show people will help reiterate that! Maybe this will be a really positive thing for you and you'll come to the bowling alley on Saturday beaming with pride!!!!! As you clearly are beautiful, inside and out, how can they POSSIBLY be anything other than PROUD of you! Go! Have a Great Time! Lavish the moment! Create, yet another, wonderful memory in your life! You deserve it! {HUGS} Jules

Okay Missy, I said this to you at work. I am in agreeing with everyone. I know it is hard and I do the same thing but you have come soo far and have done EXTREMELY well! I guarantee that you will see when you go they are going to say more than likely that they cannot believe how wonderful you look. I am sure of it!!! Wear your cute new jeans and shirt you were talking about and do your make as beautiful as you always do.  (Chin up and keep smiling beautiful)

I wouldn't stress yourself over it. There is only one person in life you need to please and that is youself. If you spent everyday trying to please everyone, you'd be a complete phoney and somone would still not be satisfied!  Wear what you feel good in, do your hair however you like it best and have a good time. If questions get too pushy...excuse yourself from the conversation and let them know you're there to have a good time and enjoy the band.  Good luck and have fun!

So many words of advice.. but you will be fine and are just making yourself more nervous. But as far as calming the nerves.. try some lavendar oil or lotions... anything soothing..like soft music, white noise, nature sounds. just meditate for a few minutes before you get in your car that night.. and again when you pull in the lot. look at yourself in the mirror(so theres no mascara or eyeliner under your eyes)lol and have a blast visiting your family!!!!!

LB,

You've so well 150lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!  Just be yourself and the beauty that's within you and on the outside will definetly shine.

Robin

I'm sorry I cant go with you tonight Laura! I wish I could be there and reassure you that you are beautiful and no matter what you wear or how you do your hair, they are all going to be wowed at how great you look.  I know it must be nerverwracking, but remember. They are your family and noone can help but notice the changes in you in the past 5 months! THey're going to be floored and if you get really nervous, give me a call when you're on the way there!