And the Winner Is....

It's official. I've let go of 100 lbs. of unneeded body. I'm still a ways off from my goal, but in some ways this goal seems almost bigger than my final goal. I'm elated, of course, and I'm motivated to continue!

I feel like I've won an Oscar...I have so many people to thank.

My family has been the rock of support that I have built on. Kris, my partner, has changed his life almost as much as I've changed mine. We are eating healthier and being more active together. He has watched my ups and downs and given me strength through every turn.

My parents have been motivators and supporters. My mother's financial incentives have become something of a legend in the local WW community: When I reached my 10% goal, mom gave me a cash reward of $1 for every pound lost. As my -50 mark loomed near, she gave me $50 but told me I couldn't spend it until I'd lost 50 lbs. She did the same for 75, and I have a crisp $100 bill that just moved into my wallet today.

My sister has achieved a remarkable weight-loss herself, recently, and has gifted me with new (to me) clothes when I desperately needed them. Both she and her husband have been supportive and encouraging in ways I never expected.

I spend almost half of my waking hours at my job. Without the support and encouragement I have felt from everyone I work with over the last year, I couldn't have done this. Everything they say and do to help me along means more to me than anyone will ever know. My sincerest thanks go out to all my coworkers.

Sphinx coven and my friends have put up with my obsessive point calculating and my effusive self-congratulations so well I don't even begin to know how to thank them. For all their help, both in simple care and magical work, my thanks go out to my friends and family.

Rosa, my leader, is an inspiration. I was talking about her style with another of her members (from a different meeting)...she's like the preacher that makes you want to get up and sing! She and all the members at the 12:15 Wed Carew Tower meeting have provided support, answers, ideas when I was confused and so much self-esteem!

The folks at DWLZ.com, and especially the 100+ board. Those message boards are my daily meetings. The advice I've received and given there keeps me on track and reminds me to always live one day at a time, no guilt, move on!

And last but certainly not least, the two terrible terriers that light up my days and nights and get me up and out of bed when I really don't feel like running, who lick my nose while I do my yoga and who show me the proper form of Downward Facing Dog, Carmen and Cassie. Woof.

It's weird, but I feel now like I've really achieved something. The last weigh in of my first year and I did it. I have the slightest worry in my mind about maintaining it for next week, but what I need to remember is that all I have to do is maintain it. If I lose, great, but maintenance is 100% acceptable this week.

To celebrate, I have a number of things planned. I will do a handstand at yoga class tonight, even if it's not part of the program. I will take a day off and ride all those rides at Kings Island that were too uncomfortable for my oversize body last year. I will find a reason to put on a bathing suit. I will treat myself to a sweat & massage. I will buy some very frivolous underwear.

When I went to weigh in, I knew this was a possibility. I was nervous. When Lynda told me the number, I started shaking. I felt like I would pass out. Wow. I can't being to tell anyone how much my life has changed. It's astounding.

Posted by foxydot at August 23, 2006 4:09 PM