LadySteeler

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 I RAN my first 5K!  It was awesome!  I cannot believe I actually ran the entire race! my official time was 59:52.  I'll take it!  I am very proud! A year ago, I never would have conceived of achieving such a feat!  I can now consider myself a runner!

I had the privilege of running the Susan B. Koman Race for the Cure.  Not only did I achieve a milestone in my life, my dedication is helping find a cure for breast cancer. 

If you get inspired, I did the Couch to 5K program. I began training March 1, never having run a step in my life.  Don't get discouraged!  Your body will respond!

A word of advise, spend the time and money to get your shoes sized at a proper sports store.  I had no idea there was so much involved... It took me an hour and a half to get my shoes; and the sales associate was only serving me!

I am so incredibly proud of myself!  It's a great feeling and I encourage everyone to find that thing that they can work toward!

In the meantime, drink your water, take your supplements, eat sufficient protein and plug into a support group!  Then you will be able to soar with the eagles the rest of your fantastic life!

Oh... and I posted some pics in my First Year Post-Op folder... more to come!

For the past 3 months, I have been training to run in my first 5K! It's tomorrow!  I am soooo stoked!  I cannot believe that I am going to actually RUN in a 5K!

This time last year, I was just learning how to eat again... and now I have morphed into a person I only hoped I could have been!  This is awesome!

I have trained injury-free; am off a blood pressure medication now; and dreaming of whatever is next!  

I promise, after the race I will finally post some updated pictures!

Ta-ta-for-now!

Was the day my life changed forever... And yet I missed the day!  My surgery was one year ago, yesterday!  I totally missed it!  I am so busy living, I missed it!  How's them apples?

I want to say all the right things... that I am grateful, healthier, thinner, etc.  But You know what?  All I want to do is DANCE!!!!

How fun is that?  I am planning a big move... contemplating a new career... selling my house... I promise it is a mid-life REBIRTH, not a crisis! 

I am fabulous, sexy, healthy and wise!  So after one year on this journey, that is just how I am!

Hello Self,

Its been awhile since I have seen you.  I mean really seen you! Somehow you are different... like you've been traded up to the ultra-deluxe self.  Wow!  I see you are courageous and strong; open and searching; bold and beautiful!  

Seize that strength and walk in your destiny! To gain something you've never had, you will have to do something you've never done!  Your friends and family will not recognize this ultra-deluxe model, and may try to derail your plans.  Keep them close, trust yourself and just do it!

You are making incredible strides every day! Trying new things; seeking new adventures.  You CAN do it. It will be scary at first. But trust that you are capable; God loves you; and the Universe will protect you!  

Now... just LEAP!!!

Love,
Self

I feel like I am embarking on a brand new life... I can feel the breath of God on my back... moving me not from one chapter to another; but into a brand new volume of my life!  I pray that I continue to have the courage to walk onto this new Path...

I have new people in my life... I have reconnected with a friend whom I haven't seen since in 30 years... and I have reconnected with a friend that my soul has known for what it seems like eternity... I have made new friends that I can't imagine what my life was like before!  I have had to adjust with other friends; asking myself questions like: Do I remain open?  (yes) Do I hold a grudge? (no) Am I the same with them as before? (no) Am I better? (yes) Do I keep looking? (yes) Do I throw them away? (no)...

And in the midst of the emotional upheaval of the last month, I remain strong, sexy, confident, kind, rational and loving!  This is who I choose to be. It is not an easy task, requiring purposeful living and loving every step of the way. 

Physically, I am in stall #one bazillion and one... I have begun journaling my food again.  I am not eating enough.  Have to fix that... I started training for a 5k... training totally sucks... but my body is responding well so far. 

This journey is not what I expected... I thought I would just loose the weight and that would be that. But I have shed more than pounds. I have shed irrational thoughts, intolerance and denial.  I have gained when I thought all I would do is loose.  I have gained health, love, confidence, courage and peace... I am one truly blesses woman!

This story is far from over... it's just beginning, again!

The sound of waves gently cresting in the ocean.  The soft caress of a gentle breeze. The scent of freshly baked bread. Children's laughter. An amazing sunset.  All this inspires me...

But I've found a new inspiration...Precious moments. Uninterrupted time. The Primary relationship.

Being able to share myself fully, and grow into uncharted territory. Fully trusting that my Precious Uninterrupted gift will travel with me; expecting me to be my best self. While simultaneously, allowing me to reciprocate with a gift of my own. 

I am inspired to allow the best of me to radiate into the Universe.  With the full expectation that I deserve and will receive the same. 

It all seems brand new to me. My walk, my attitude, my capacity for love and forgiveness... My heart is so full!  God continues to love me through the people and opportunities He continuously places in my path. As I turn into this new chapter of my life, I will be so careful to reciprocate the love I have been shown. I will be careful to listen first.  I will be careful to blossom fully. 

I cannot thank you enough for being present in my life. I cannot thank you enough for being open with me. You will never be able to fully comprehend the gift you have given me. 

New life, new possibilities... I love my life!

Some sleepless nights might caused by stress.  Some sleepless nights might be caused by worry. Some sleepless nights might be caused by anticipation. But tonight, my sleepless night is caused by the overwhelming knowledge that I have been touched by love…Sleep well family… I’ll be up a while…

With each pound I shed, I become more visible. With each pound gone, more of me shines through. With each pound gone I open, like a rose. 

But I think it takes more than just shedding the weight for me to live my best life.  I have to also be willing and able to poke holes in my self-induced shield.  I have to be willing to walk the world fabulously, brilliantly...and exposed. 

I am worthy of all the great things life has in store for me!  My head knows this, but it is taking just a bit longer for my heart to catch up.  I am presented with gifts everyday that will aid me on my journey.  Some I recognize, and some unfortunately, I do not.  But I am working on it.  

I want the sun to shine on me!  I want to feel its rays massage the deep places in my soul.  I want lazy, rainy days to replenish me.  My relationships will feed me as I sojourn on to become the strongest, sweetest flower in the garden.  The world will be a better place because I dared to bloom!

And after a season, I will open just like a rose. ..

I am not complaining. There is nothing to complain about. I am just letting others know that this journey is not predictable. I am getting rather used to them actually... It lets me know my body is adjusting, wrestling with itself. And in the end... I win!

Let's go over some happy stats about my journey:

Started at a tight 26-28. Now in a loose 16-18.
Asthma no longer needs to be treated.
No tossing and turning in my sleep anymore... breathing normally!
I can walk in 3-inch heels ALL DAY!!!!
People don't move when I pass them in a hall or on an airplane!
I no longer need a seat belt extender.
I can CROSS my legs on the airplane!
I can fit in ALL chairs!
My skin is clear.
I get  "hit on" by better quality men (you know what I'm talking about) 
My friends tell me I walk with a new "swagger"!


I no longer wonder if I will have enough energy to do anything... I am always ready... I don't care about my shoes, or where the benches are... or anything... this is freedom at it's greatest!

So do I care about another stall??? Absolutely, positively, NOT!  I am doing what I am supposed to do... I hit my vitamin goals 95% of the time; lead with lean protein; exercise (although since the holidays I have been just a tad slack, I will admit); drink my water.... go to support group faithfully... and there you have it... the secrets to my success so far! 

Month 10... here I come!