Happy 1 year anniversary to WSWE!  Last year this week was a whirlwind!  I had just returned from Haiti, did a photo shoot for WSWE and put this site together for the May 29, 2013 launch!  I’m stressed thinking about it!

The first half of this year was an emotional mess (some of that lingers every now and again).  When I started WSWE I really thought that everyday would be a walk in the park and that my desire to lose weight would automatically stay and keep me forever motivated because this is a public thing.  Well, that didn’t happen!  I went up and down within 10-15 lbs for a loooong time.  At one point, as I shared in a previous post, I went back to the weight I was when I started WSWE.  Those were some super crazy and really sad times. 

It’s because of the sad and dark times I have stuck this out.  After speaking to many people and hearing stories I am convinced there are men and women alike, held in bondage by the very own skin they are in.  And I know God is helping me to prove to you that you can find freedom!  It isn’t easy but my friend’s success, victory and freedom is possible!

I thought it would be interesting to go back and give you an update of long-term goals I had posted when I first started blogging last year, in a post entitled “Overcoming.”  I am going to comment next to my goal in bold to update you on where I am with these:

• I want to walk at a pace that won’t require using my inhaler- I haven’t had much use for an inhaler really.  I wogged (walk/jogged) 3 miles without it last week! 
• I would like  to go to a store and buy clothing that does not begin with an X (or in some cases 2)- Unfortunately the X’s are still hanging around. Well at least there aren’t as many X’s…1 is enough for right now, sometimes there aren’t any!
• I want to tie my shoes without suffocating. When you’re overweight your feet are a long way down.  IT’S TIRING! (You know what I’m talking about)- Not only have I not suffocated, I wore wedged heels and I buckled the buckle all by myself.  THAT is a huge victory!!
• I look forward to ending the “Just Because” sweating; it’s like sweat attacks my face because it misses me- I abhorred these sweat attacks.  Those haven’t happened in a while.  Now if they do happen, it’s because my afro is down and wild!
• Take a picture that does not require 4 attempts and an angle that only a squirrel in a tree can accomplish successfully- YES!!!!  ACCOMPLISHED!  Sometimes the angle is good though!  Don’t hate!
• I want to get off of a sofa without rolling over and using the nearest knee to help me up- Well, that all depends on your sofa.  I have seen some skinny girls have to do this and boy did I feel great.  I stood the whole time but I felt great!

It is so crazy to read those goals and have most of them under control.  I know they seem funny and I even laughed just reading them, but I was SO SERIOUS!  If you struggle with weight you know how serious those are.   One goal I wrote a little more in depth about was being able to wear my wedding band and engagement ring together.  For a couple of months I was wearing a $10 ring because my beautiful ring didn’t fit and finally, today I can say my rings fit!  They fit so well they even get a little loose when I’m cold. THAT.IS.UNREAL. 

So right now this is where I stand, its one year later and I have lost a total of 38 lbs.  I went from a size 20/22 jeans (I fit in 22’s but was in denial) into a 14/16 (edging more toward the size 14).  I went from 2 ½ chins (depending on the picture) to 1 chin ¼  (maybe 1 ½ if you catch me laughing!).  I have had to take all of my clothes to get taken in because none of them fit me properly.   I think I have lost more inches than anything!  I have yet to take my measurements but I am actually looking forward to that for once!   I have been able to wear heels without my ankles and knees feeling disrespected and betrayed.  I fit into clothing that I purchased with hopes of fitting in them “some day.”  I saw a picture of myself just yesterday and felt strange as I looked at the person in the picture and liked her!  I finally didn’t see a picture and say “I Hate it!”  I looked at it twice because I liked who I saw…and it was me! 

None of this is to say “I am amazing” but rather God is amazing!  This journey has been hard.  The truth is its very hard and I’m not done but God has been good, gracious and has given me the strength to continue forward.  If you haven’t started can I encourage you today to not only think about ways to become a healthier, better you but go before God and ask HIM to help you to make decisions beginning now. Don’t wait until Monday anymore. YOU CAN DO IT!  GOD can strengthen you and empower you to become the person you desire to become physically.  I couldn’t have done this without Jesus.  He is the one who has helped me.  I am praying that you allow HIM to help you!

If you are in the middle of your journey as I am, then hold on to Jesus!  Plateau’s are discouraging, missing a couple workouts is discouraging but HE is a gracious God and will help you get right back up.  I have found myself here more than I have wanted…BUT HE always helps me!  I am praying that you continue on your journey without wavering.

If you were on a journey and stopped…It’s not too late to get started again!  I remember gaining 15 lbs. back after I lost a large amount of weight in 2009, instead of getting back on the plan and losing the 15 lbs. I let myself go and this time around I had to start having gained 46 lbs.  I’ve lost close to all of that weight BUT it took a year of my life!  Don’t wait any longer!

And for those of you who have loved ones who are on a journey make sure you support them.  Let them know you care.  Sometimes that means putting down the bag of chips even if you are the skinniest person ever.  Sometimes it’s cooking a healthy meal and then going out to a movie because a restaurant is too overwhelming.  And sometimes it’s telling your loved one how proud you are of them and how much their weight loss means to you. 

Losing weight is about more than just one person. When you win everyone wins!  I pray today you choose to be on the winning team. I did it a year ago and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made! Hoping your next year is a victorious one!