30 pounds gone in 7 weeks!

From 298 to 268.

From feeling hopeless, fat, frustrated, alone, listless, stuck...

to feeling hopeful, excited, motivated, surrounded by love and support.

I have all of you to thank for that. Friends that I only talk to on facebook, friends I talk to on the phone and who motivate me from afar and friends that I see frequently who have buoyed me with support and encouragement!

The sheer fact that I posted my original post on facebook and that I weigh-in each week to my little blog, keeps me motivated during the week. I like the fact that I am accountable to myself.

This week has had its challenges. But I am realizing that every challenge can be overcome and it doesn't take food and overeating to meet those challenges head-on. I think I yell a little bit more now. Just ask my husband and kids. But I am sure that they will take a mama that raises her voice over one who is six feet under because she ate her way through her stress....right? Or maybe I should start saving all the money that I am not spending on fast-food for their future therapy bills ;) But in all seriousness...I have so much more energy and more importantly than that....I have desire. Desire to do more, go outside, garden, play with them, dance, engage and just be. I am not drowning myself in hamburgers, taquitos, fries, fast-food, heavy casseroles, mexican food...you name it. I am not disconnecting in front of the TV or facebook. I am making time for the things that need it, letting go of the things that don't and placing myself in the forefront instead of just in the background.

That is probably the hardest thing to do as a mother. To verbalize that I am just as important as my children, my husband, my career, my family and to make time to show how important I am. By placing my health in the forefront and not the background I am showing my daughter how to be a strong, independent, forward thinker and I feel that I am showing her how to value herself and to never dull her light at the expense of others.

Hope you all have a great week!

<3, J