Wow, all of you are so sweet!
You really put a spring in my step.
You know, these pictures were taken at my daughter's 1st communion at the end of April. And it was a very important day for our family. We had family in from Mexico, and a huge party of over 35 people afterward.
I was so preoccupied the whole time about how I looked, and couldn't really enjoy myself among my (skinny) in-laws. I tried to keep my chin up, and kept the focus on my daughter's great day (she is so sweet, by the way).
The kicker came a week later, when my cousin emailed me these pics. I was mortified. I knew I was overweight, but somehow didn't realize how out of hand it had gotten. But, truth be told, I barely look in the mirror anymore. It's funny how we see what we want to see. I just sat there, not believing my eyes. I tried to blame it on the camera, but why would my husband and daughter look normal? What kind of cruel joke was this??!!
I confessed to my husband, just how depressed I was about my weight (he NEVER comments on my weight, he's ALWAYS supportive).
He said a few words that would motivate me like never before.
He told me that I was such a strong person, reliable and always accomplish what I set my mind to (professionally, educationally, as a mom). If I was this upset, I should apply the same strength and resolve to giving myself the gift of freedom. Freedom from the hold the weight has on me. He told me how it hurt him to watch me get ready to go out to dinner, say; then go back and change, because nothing fits me right. He said that he can tell, as we're on date night, for example, that I'm worried about how I look. I was so surprised that he could tell what I was going through due to my weight. He NEVER said anything like, "do you really want to eat that?"
I just cried. I wondered, how did I let it get this out of hand?
Well, fast forward a few months.
I tried to eat healthy on my own, found Medifast to be a much easier solution. I never imagined that I'd get such support from you all. I'm a true believer in these message boards, and know that I'll do it this time because it's not a diet. It's a community.
Thank you all for your kind, supportive words and for letting me join you on this exciting path!!!