Hello Long Lost Friend

13 long years. Actually it was longer than that, if you count the several months of rapid gaining. However, almost 13 years ago I gave birth to twins. And while they have been a joy and a blessing, there was something I lost when I went through that pregnancy.

My waistline.

Most of you know that in January 2010 I started living a healthier life style. I don't diet. I choose to live healthy, day by day, with treats scattered throughout. I exercise regularly.

I don't consider myself a fanatic, and everything I do now is basically for two reasons.
1.) To be able to keep up with my kids.
2.) As preventative measures against adult onset diabetes and heart problems, both of which run rampant in my family.

At any rate, I recently bought some new ribbed sweaters for the girls and I from Chadwicks. They were on clearance, and we indulged. I hadn't worn mine yet, and when I put it on this morning and looked in the mirror, I saw something I haven't seen in almost 14 years.

My waistline!

Okay, it isn't tiny, or Twiggy-like, but it is definitely there. I was actually giddy over that.

Oh, and by the way, the sweater I had on was a Medium. I hadn't seen that size in a long time either. I keep forgetting that I don't have to look in the 1X or XL sizes anymore. I have a pair of exercise legging that literally fall off me all the time because they are 4 sizes to big. I wear them for pj's now, but I wore them when I first started down this road a little over year ago, and they fit fine. Now... well, let's just say I'm not sorry.

While Dale was on lay off in February and part of March, I did a closet cleaning. I got rid of 2 garbage bags full of clothes that were too big on me. I had held on to them for a bit, for "just in case". I decided that was foolish. I don't want a safety net. If I fall off the wagon and start gaining weight, my medium sized clothing getting tight will be enough of a reminder to get back on track. So, out the big clothes went. That was a very good day.

I've hit a nasty plateau, but I'm okay with it. The weather is improving and I'm getting in all different kinds of exercise, and even if it takes a while, the principle is the same. No matter what the scale numbers say, I'm doing the right thing. There is no doubt in my mind about it.

Just want to encourage the many others I know who are on the same journey. Keep up the good work, and don't stop, no matter what! Even if the scale isn't moving doesn't it feel good to know you are making healthy choices that will benefit not just you, but your family?