1fatgirlthin

It has been one year since I started on my diet, reached my weight loss goal and began concentrating on maintaining that goal. My anniversary date was March 16th, 2012 and I weighed exactly 70 lbs. less on that day than a year ago. It is with deep gratitude that I look back on this year and realize what I have been able to accomplish. While dieting and weight loss is a personal thing and only you have ultimate control it doesn’t mean that there aren’t people around that have truly helped you get there.

This is my chance to thank all of those people. First and foremost are my husband and children. They never said anything about my weight but were so supportive when I was ready to make the change and do the work and they were very proud of me every step of the way. My mom and the rest of my  family and friends were also supportive. They have seen me struggle through the years with my weight and know how hard I have worked and I want to thank them for their support. Of course I can’t forget my personal trainer, Dawn Morris, and all of my friends at the Lake Forest Recreation Center who were also an integral part of my journey. Dawn was an inspiration herself as well as being there to inspire me. She had lost 85 pounds a few years ago and had changed her life. She is now a fitness instructor, personal trainer, mentor and friend. You can check out her blog at http://fit2bfree-fit2bfree.blogspot.com/2012/03/motivation.html?spref=fb Dawn had been there so she could see through all the excuses and the struggles but she kept believing in me. I met her three years ago when I showed up to one of her Zumba classes. That one class changed my life. The other women in the class were so friendly and welcoming and I found an exercise that was fun. I actually looked forward to going and still do. It is one of my favorite times of the week. You can definitely find a Zumba class in your neighborhood. http://www.zumba.com/  Their motto is “Ditch the workout, Join the party! You can’t argue with that 🙂 Weight Watchers also deserves my gratitude because their plan gave me the tools and guidance I needed to achieve my goals. http://www.weightwatchers.com

I am so grateful to all of these wonderful people in my life and feel so blessed. Thank you all. You are my strength, my support, my everything ((Hugs))