The Love of Friends

Back in February, I wrote about a new "program" three of my friends and I were starting.  A page was created on Facebook titled "She-Woman-Weight-Haters Club".  This is a place for the four of us to go and tell each other what we have eaten each day, what exercises we've done, etc.  The only people that can see it are the four of us.  That gives us the freedom to be open with each other, post our real weights each week, and state our goals.

It's also served as so much more, to me at least.  It has allowed me to realize the true meaning of friendship.  We've talked about so much more on this page than just our weights and body sizes.  Things from our regular, busy, and stressful lives have spilled over and become bonding experiences.  I've been able to talk about things in this group that I never thought I'd be comfortable talking about with anyone.  I've shared my feelings, vented, screamed, and cried on this page.  I've also celebrated, danced, smiled, and laughed. 

Sometimes, you don't realize how far you've fallen or that you've given up.  It takes special people to make you see it, and help you up.  And while this journey originally began as a "weight-loss" motivator, it's turned in to so much more.  It's helped me out of a pit of despair I didn't even know I'd fallen in to.  It helped put the sparkle back in to my eyes and added a bounce to my step.

I feel like I've become a better mother, a better wife, and a better friend through this adventure.  I'm happier than I've been since ... I don't even know.  Maybe I've never been this happy (which is quite ironic since this study just came out).

I will more than likely not reach the goal I set for myself before I go to Miami in 11 days.  I've still got 2 more weigh-ins before stepping on the plane, but I also still have 7 pounds to go.  I think I've realized, though, that the number's not really what it's about!  I've lost 23 pounds since February 26.  That's pretty awesome! 

However, what's more important is that I'm feeling better about myself.  I'm looking in the mirror and smiling now instead of being disgusted.  I'm looking at my husband and thinking "let's go to bed" instead of "don't look at me".  I'm hitting my real goals which were to feel good in my own skin, look in the mirror without cringing, and play with my kids until they're tired. 

I'm doing this with my friends and with the support of my husband.  But, more importantly, I'm doing this for me.  And I'm succeeding!!!!