What are you accomplishments from 2008?

Since we're almost in 2009, I've started to reflect on all of the things that I've experienced in 2008.  Some were good, or wonderful, and some were things I'd rather forget.  I'd like to know what things other people are also reflecting on from the past year.

I have maintained my weight, and while doing so, paid attention to everything that goes in my mouth. 

I have watched my girls grow up quickly, and get one year closer to being wonderful, mature, and lovely ladies.

I made a risky career move that appears to be a rewarding risk that will pay off in the years to come.

I have learned that nothing is more important that family.

I also learned that I will not be defined by what others think or see in me.  Only I can define me.

Great post!

I have lost 150 lbs and I am working hard on accepting the new person I have become

I have enjoyed physical activities, like bicycling and hiking, that I hadn't really enjoyed in more than a decade

I have changed my eating habits in both quality and quantity

I have found some truly wonderful kindred spirits here on OH

I have made significant progress on improving my marriage

I am more at peace with the frustrations of my job

My oldest son got his master's degree and is working on his doctorate

My oldest daughter started law school

My youngest daughter graduated from college

My youngest son got back on track and is attending college again

We built a lake cabin
 

My biggest and by far best accomplishment is I finally got a surgry date after workin at gettin were the doctor wanted me to get for a year I am set!!!

I got my grade point average up to a 3.0 now instead of a 1.5!!!

I made it thruogh sucessfully one summer as Program Director at camp without the place falling down and I am still employeed so I must have done somthing right!!!

Excersized more then I have ever in my life and feeling great!!

2008 was a good year but I am excited for 2009!!!

Wow, Leia - great post!  I gots me some thinnin' to dooo...

First off, my weight has continued in a downward pattern.  Not as fast as I'd have liked over the past 6 months, but it hasn't gone up, so that's a good thing!  This tool is mine for life, and using it is a journey - not a race.  As long as I continue to make strides toward where I'll feel "right", it's all good!  (that is, of course, assuming someday I WILL feel "right"...)

I've come to realize that I don't have to be everyone's friend.  Whereas I used to bend over backwards to find acceptance from any and every person I encountered, I've come to understand that I don't HAVE to.  I now value myself enough to not tolerate disrespectful treatment from others, whether I've known them for a long time, or a relatively short time.  Sometimes that hurts, sometimes it's empowering, but it's always a move in the right direction.

I've learned, or at least I've been assured, that I will survive my daughter's teens.   Hopefully, she will, too.

I've learned that it feels WONDERFUL to meet new people and NOT feel intimidated or frightened or humiliated by how I look!

I've learned that in order to enjoy all my new friends, I also have to nurture and enjoy my family.  And attempt to intertwine the two whenever possible, so one can appreciate the other.

I've learned that sometimes, I think too much.

Darla:

When you hugged me at the MG coffee last Saturday, I came to the conclusion that you do, indeed, "feel right".....just sayin' .  You do have a tremendous capacity for caring about and engaging other people in social settings.......it is good to hear that you plan to manage that part of your life for purposes of establishing a proper balance between friends and family at the expense of negative Nancys and Neds.  God, you are inspiring.

RP

                     


oh - and by the way,      You, RP, are TOO KIND.  Promise me you'll become at least a semi-regular at MG?  I realized after coffee last week that I only got partial answers to a couple of questions I asked you.  My own fault for trying to multi-task...

In 2008, I realized WLS was the next step for me to take for a healthier self.  It was a big step for me and never thought it would come to this, but I am embracing it and know that it will improve my life for the better.

I have met so many wonderful people through OH.  The support and unconditional friendship has been invaluable.  Even if WLS is not the topic of conversation, it feels good to be around people who know exactly what you are going through.  Outside of family and a select few, I have not told many about my future surgery.  So, it feels good to let my hair down around you all!

I began attending a WLS support group, through my psychologist, that meets twice monthly so that I will have and continue to have all the ammunition I need to make my WLS a total success.

Outside of WLS....My daughter started preschool and was potty trained with NO TIME TO SPARE!!!  What a battle that was!  I was so proud of her and can't believe she is growing up so fast.  It was just like yesterday I was holding her in my arms and feeding her with a bottle!  I realized that it will not be selfish to take care of myself and have WLS.  There is no doubt that she will benefit from it as well.  I can be a better mom with a lot more energy!!!

Can't wait for 2009!!!

Awesome, Stephanie - you're already participating in a support group, and you see the benefit WLS will provide your daughter? 

I applaud you... 

Thanks Darla...Can't wait to meet you someday!!!  Sounds like you give great hugs!!!   There's nothing like a great, big hug!

Stephanie

In 2008.. I got my life back.

I started learning to love my body regardless of its imperfections

I learned the meaning of a real portion size

I learned that I CAN make friends and have made SO many on OH

I learned that I truly CAN earn my health back!

And so so so much more!!