i’ve been on this hard, challenging, inspiring and wonderful journey of self-discovery that included a massive weight loss…

starting back in august (the 14th to be exact) of 2007, i took the first steps to losing weight. started slow by cutting out soda, walking a little on a treadmill, and adjusting my diet in little steps. that day, i weighed in at a staggering 240 pounds and i was just 33 years old. *sigh*

it’s now closing in on june 2009, and as of this morning i’ve lost 85 pounds! my initial goal was to get to 150…and now i’m only 5 pounds away. i feel beautiful inside and out, i have energy to spare for my 3 kids, i can walk without gettin winded…and best of all, i’ve finally learned what “eat to live, don’t live to eat” really means. i feel as good as someone might when they climb mt. everest, swim the english channel, run the n.y. marathon…i feel like i’ve climbed my own mountains, swam my own seas, and conquered a demon that’s been tailing me my entire life. slim feels just fine, thank you.

and now that i’m staring down that final five…i’m thinking i might add another 10 to my goal, just so i can say i lost 100. amazing. i used to read about people who took control of their lives and lost lots of weight - i just never though i’d be able to join that group…but here i am. wow.

before and (almost) after :