Oh Noel Honey, There are many who have lost quickly...maybe you should start a thread and ask for responses. I can only speak of my strength, hope, and experience...
It has taken me since May, 2004. This is my way of life of now and at least it is a life. I don't regret how long it has taken me, 'cause that feels really short compared to the 45 years I fought the call of food and substances...and depression. Maybe you don't have as much to overcome as I did. I would not wish that on any one.
I kind of enjoyed the journey--okay, not the withdrawal from alcohol addiction. I stopped creating dramas and began seeing small blessings. Here is an example: I spent a year on what I called, The Wal-mart diet. I stuck to my low carb plan and changed my "uniform" to inexpensive shirts and Wal-mart jeans. [This was before my current principal and his Monday-Thursday ban on jeans.] I had such fun moving down from the 2x blouses in into "regular" store pants. Getting into and out of 16's...14's...12's... I felt no guilt in purchasing since they were inexpensive. As I moved down, I did a massive closet cleaning. It felt good to bag up lawn bags of clothes to send to Second Blessings--our church's thrift shop. I blessed the clothes and told them to help others. It helped relieve the feelings of anxiety. My closet got down to the bare essentials of things that made me feel good about myself when I put them on. Even if something fit, if it made me feel frumpy, I sent it on. When I hit a size 10, I began shopping a little more. I hit Goody's and the 75% off sales at Stein-mart and online Spiegal and Newport News. I also began to invest in some really beautiful skirts from my favorite skirt place, SoftSurroundings.com. I still tend to buy the new smaller size off of a sale rack. I dunno why.
My point is, I didn't gain weight for a particular event...just through a bad everyday way of life. I'm on a new path now. This is the real me...the me I've prayed for. I take it a day at a time...a miniscule 1/2 pound off at a time....and enjoy the slower pace, the relief from the self-destruction, and the tiny adventure of it all. I see the big picture.
Yes, I am a princess and I have agreed to do a ridiculous thing. My school is having a fashion show as a fund raiser. I was asked and agreed to be in it. Believe me, the former Sara would have never done this! It will occur next week. Anyway, I ordered (full price, no less) an absolutely beautiful aegean skirt with beads, sequins, and tiny mirrors. [See Soft Surroundings] I will wear an off the shoulder, tight bodiced shirt, sparkly chandelier siver earrings, lots of bracelets, and silver thonged sandles. The skirts run very long so I bought a petite small!! hello!! This outfit will double as my Easter outfit....following my spiritual experience of Lent. (See the thread I've started called, "Let's Give It Up for Lent to understand how I am exploring the final leg of this weight loss.) I am enjoying myself and not taking me too seriously!! I am a silly creature living on a wonderful new path.
Do what is right for you. I wish you blessings and success!!!!
Have a great one everybody. I am rested and glowing this morning. [blush, blush]
Sara<><
|