December 30, 2009

Coming Clean

Welcome to Losing My Behind, my personal journal that will document the loss of 120 pounds off my body in the space of 52 weeks! I have made up my mind to get my thin body back. It's been buried for nearly 20 years, covered up by layers of emotions that I didn't want to deal with at the time. No more. I am now arranging my life in order to find those beautiful bones and muscles that I know for certain are there, and prioritizing their care and nourishment as they emerge! I expect bumps in the road but will not take my eyes off the prize. My heart is set. My gaze is fixed. I won't be deterred, so help me God!

I think it's good and helpful to come clean, and sometimes in the public eye, so here's my confession: I have reached for food when stressed. Lonely. Sad. Frustrated. And even happy. Food became my friend which sounds kind of dumb, doesn't it? Well, some friend! That "friend" has cost me dearly. Lost opportunities. Lowered self esteem. Health challenges that require daily meds. These have been my expensive, constant and very annoying traveling companions. I invited them along every time I used food to deal with my emotions.

But!  January 1, 2010 marks the spot in the road where these feet are turned in a different direction! An about-face if you will. I've researched and read all about this. I've talked it to death. I've made half-hearted attempts chock full of planned short cuts. Now, folks, it's just time to get down to business and run the race that is in front of me.

This journey is not about extremes. It's not about a crash diet or becoming an exercise freak. It's about me learning to live life and to enjoy the simple pleasures in the proper amounts. It's about feeling my emotions and allowing them to flavor my life. It's about having a body that serves me, looks great and is as healthy as possible. It's about eating to live instead of living to eat. And, for nearly the first time in my life, it's about me. Me.

So, those traveling companions I mentioned? They've been put on notice! I'll be picking up some new buddies along the way. Confidence. Self Respect. Courage. I can hardly wait to meet them.

And, I hope you will come along too, because I think I'm going to need all the encouragement, support and love I can get!  If you or someone you know is pulling out all the stops on the same road as me, tell them about this blog.  And, feel free to comment with whatever you want to say...ideas, thoughts, inspiration, your own experiences....I think it will all be so helpful!

This is going to be a trip I will never forget, and I hope by me sharing it publicly, we will all reach our goals, no matter what they are.

Cheryl

13 comments:

  1. I am so excited to see the new us! We are going to be FIERCE!!!! So glad we are doing this together. I know we tried this one before together, but girl...this time, it's GAME ON! You are going to do fabulous! Hugs to you!

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  2. I am happy for you and I support you 100% in reaching your goal.
    You can do it Cheryl. You have all the tools needed. You now have
    your heart on board. May God be your constant source of encouragement and strength!
    Love, Sandi C.

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  3. godspeed dear. i wish you all the best on this journey. it sounds like we're in a similar boat. i've bumped up against my body's limits lately too, and am trying to be a little wiser about attending to it's needs. it can be really painful...but also so rewarding when you make some progress. can't wait to see what unfolds here.

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  4. Cheryl,

    I am with you in this goal as I myself is determined to change my lifestyle to reduce my weight and live more healthy with the Lord's help. just know that I'm with you 100%, you go girl !!!!

    -- Don Downing

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  5. Cheryl,
    All the best in your journey to love yourself again and to treat yourself right. You deserve that! I'm happy, proud, and inspired by your story... and you haven't even started yet!
    Only and always the best!

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  6. You can do this!

    And I'd be happy to provide some encouragement on your journey!

    ~ Fat2Fit Mommy

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  7. Wow, you guys are amazing!
    @Heidi: Hugs both ways, and thanks for the inspiration to go public with this! Can't wait to see you next week!
    @Sandi: You are one of the many who have helped to equip me with all that I need to get this done ~ and I'm forever grateful. Thanks for the prayers!
    @Terri: I'm amazed at how you just keep on keeping on. Thanks so much for wishing me godspead, sure can use that! Prayin' for u too.
    @Don: Why, thank you sir! Am honored to have your 100% support...right back at ya.
    @Carrie: You are one of those people who, despite some pretty horrible things, still finds a way to smile and laugh. Thank you so much for your well wishes here...and you have my permission to hold me accountable!
    @Connie: I need to hear these words! I am super pumped up right now, and know that this is just the beginning...I'll be hittin' you up I'm sure for some of that encouragement you're offering!

    Love you all, I am just overwhelmed guys.

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  8. Cheryl,
    You are an awesome woman with some incredible talents! I believe you are going to do this! Looking forward to being apart of this journey and learning from you.

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  9. Pat Suer- Hi Cheryl. You go girl! It will be fun to see your progress once a week and to jurney along with you in this. The best part is we can pray for one another also. We need to always remember the God is with us and in us so we need to take cre of His temple. God bless

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  10. @Pam: You are too kind ~ but, YOU are the teacher!

    @Pat: Thanks for your thoughts here, it's gonna be a great adventure I think!

    Thanks again, all. This is a great way to get started!

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  11. I'm so happy for you, Cheryl! Cannot wait to cheer you on as your journey moves forward.

    ~Annie

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  12. @Annie Thanks, my new found friend thru Twitter! You guys, Annie is a great person to connect with for all things personal-development. I'm honored you stopped by!

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  13. I love this post, it's inspirational and honest. Good luck with all of your goals!

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