3 feet of me

I haven't talked about this much on the blog because, you know, fear of public failure and all, but I have been working really hard the past 3 months to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle. It has not always been easy, but, to be honest, I don't think it's been as hard as I thought it would be.

I went in this morning to meet with my weight loss counselor (who has been KEY to the success I've had!), and she did measurements for the 1st time since I started losing. I've lost 26.4 pounds, but even more exciting might be the almost 3 feet I have lost off my body! 34 inches of me are gone. I was really amazed that inches came off of every part of my body, even my neck (1 1/2 inches smaller -- weird), ankles, knees.

Maybe I'll do some "before and after" pictures at some point. I still have a ways to go, but nothing motivates me to lose like losing does. : )

I do have to say that this experience has been much more than just a physical change for me. I've tried so many times to lose weight, and I have really had food addiction/emotional eating issues my whole life. I had to begin to look at this as a spiritual issue and find strength from God to deal with the frustrations along the way. He loves me and wants the very best for me --including the very best for my body and my health. It's not about looking better, but about living better, serving Him better, loving myself more so I can love my family and others better, etc.

Hopefully He will continue to give me victory in this area of my life and continue to teach me along the way.

Here's one other important lesson from this journey. I have always had LOTS of clothes. I love them, I love to shop, and I love having variety in my closet. Well, as I've lost weight, of course, I've "lost" clothes. I haven't wanted to buy much at all because I want to lose more. Plus, it's summer, and I'm not working, so I don't need too many nice things right now. As a result, I've worn the same few items repeatedly this summer. I have had to learn to put less importance on my clothes, and that I can have confidence in ME, not just in my attire.

Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE clothes, but I do see that much of my having to dress "just so" was a result of a general dislike for how I looked and felt about myself.

Of course, once I get to a point where I really like how I look, I will enjoy dressing that new body! I pray, though, that I will keep it all in perspective.