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At the risk of sounding like a Spanish soccer announcer,

GOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!

It took 3 years and 3 weeks, but I am finally 44% of the woman I was on May 11, 2006. When I started the journey, this day was not even in sight. All I could honestly think about was how to take those first steps to get through the first day and the first week. I had no idea how I was supposed to do 5 minutes a day of activity, when it took all I could do to put one foot in front of the other. But if nothing else, once I make up my mind to do something..........

Here it is, June 4, 2009. I am 228 pounds lighter and a quadrillion times better. I made it through that first day, that first week just fine. I did the 5 minutes -- okay, really 10 minutes, all huffing and puffing and barely able to walk out two blocks and back. Then 20, then 30, and joined the Y, and ..... got the dog and had to walk him. Then said, "I can do a 5K." And then watched my race time improve each time I tried.

In losing 228 pounds, I have gained so much. I wasn't exactly shy and retiring ever, but I'm way more outgoing now. I have energy I never imagined. I can truly drive right on by Krispy Kreme or Dunkin' Donuts without the overwhelming urge or need for a sugared-up treat because... I've had a bad day and deserve it, or one little one won't kill me. While my self-confidence was starting to really blossom before I joined WW, losing the weight really boosted it. I also gained self-awareness -- not just of my body and what it was telling me, but of my inner strength and inner spirit. I learned that I had an iron will.

All these things will serve me well in the years to come as I continue...... because the journey is far from over. On the contrary, it has merely turned a corner and is going in a different direction -- EVER FORWARD!!!!!

So dear readers, stay with me as I take this part of the journey!!!! I cannot wait to see the adventures that lie before me, and how I can enjoy the life I have grown to love!

Comments

Talmadge said…
Hmmmm ... the only thing "big" about you now is the point size for this post.

This is many levels above awesome ... the inspiration you've been for my own journey, for my wife's, Susan's ...

Bask in the glow. And stay there.

At this point I can't think of anything which cannot be cheapened by triteness, so I'd best quite while I'm ahead. :-)
S said…
You are truly an inspiration. You have done what so many have tried and failed in the past. I have started WW once again and hopefully this time it will stick. I have lost 11.2 so far and need to lose almost 100 more. You give me hope.
Talmadge said…
QUIT while I'm ahead. Geez....
Ballz said…
FANTASTIC!!! You know I read faithfully and every time you gain an ounce or didn't meet goal, I was all--well, she'll do it NEXT week.

I am so proud of you! Congratulations--you have earned every accolade that you get!
S. said…
Wow, that is so amazing!! Congratulations on accomplishing this huge, huge goal. What an inspiration!!!
Unknown said…
CONGRATULATIONS!! You are such an
inspiration. I read your blog faithfully each week, it helps me to stay motivated.
Hua said…
Hi NettieMac,

Congratulation! I am so happy for you and your achievements.

I'm Hua, the director of Wellsphere's HealthBlogger Network, a network of over 2,000 of the best health writers on the web (including doctors, nurses, healthy living professionals, and expert patients). I think your blog would be a great addition to the Network, and I'd like to invite you to learn more about it and apply to join at http://www.wellsphere.com/health-blogger. Once approved by our Chief Medical Officer, your posts will be republished on Wellsphere where they will be available to over 5 million monthly visitors who come to the site looking for health information and support. There’s no cost and no extra work for you! The HealthBlogger page (http://www.wellsphere.com/health-blogger) provides details about participation, but if you have any questions please feel free to email me at hua@wellsphere.com.

Best,
Hua
Nancy said…
Congratulations! I've been reading you for quite awhile now, and am always inspired. You tell it how it is-
What a fantastic accomplishment.
Thank you for sharing with us all.
I look forward to the next "chapters"!
Kate/Susan said…
Congratulations, Annette! So sorry I'm late to the party, but am so happy for and proud of you!!!! Big hugs!!!

Love,
Susan
KimmyDarling said…
YOU
ARE
AMAZING

Beyond that, words fail me.

Much love to you-- Kimmy

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