"Yea, we used to sit there and make fun of your thighs."

(Note: Sorry for the long delay...don't you love it when "life" happens : ) )

That is an interesting title isn't it? But it is true, someone did say that to me before. I can sit back and laugh about it now, but at the time my spirit was crushed! I have always had self esteem issues, so little phrases like the title really made my confidence take a nose dive. It was hard enough when beginning my weight loss journey still looking into the mirror and seeing a 190lb woman. The power of the mind really does play tricks on you.



When this "friend" said this to me, I was at the peak of being in shape and healthy. I had gone from wearing a size 14 dress to a size 3/5...my jeans went from a size 16 to a size 2. I had made drastic improvements on my body and the way I was taking care of myself. But that comment hurt my feelings and my confidence went away. When I went places I was afraid of what people thought about me...were my thighs still huge, is there anyone snickering at me? At that time my occupation was being a Youth Pastor so I was constantly in front of people-speaking, preaching, and presenting. I tried not to wear form fitting clothes because I still felt like I was still 190lbs. My childhood memories came back of being teased and put down, making me feel like nothing.




Finally the day came when my husband put his foot down. One day for church I busted out this XL sweater that I apparently just swam in...after the service he said "It's gotta go!". He made me get rid of all of my baggy XL clothes. When we were going through the clothes, I would look at him and ask "But what if I get big again, what if my weight comes back, I won't have any clothes to wear!?" He just looked at me and asked, "Are you planning on putting the weight back on? Do you really want to wear these again?" And that sealed it for me. I had made my decision to never be out of control with my weight again. I did not want to put the weight back on...so with that, bye bye big clothes! Well I did somehow manage to keep a favorite pair of Mount Union sweatpants : ) Thanks Sweetie!



Through time I have learned to look into the mirror and see my real image and have gained confidence. So, do I still talk with the woman who made the comment? Uh, no lol. I believe a key in maintaining happiness is to surround yourself with positive, uplifting people who will encourage you during times of trials and celebrate with you during times of success.



Do not let anyone stop you from reaching your goals! And when you begin or are continuing your weight loss journey never second guess yourself...get rid of that old you...get rid of those clothes and make it a personal goal to never ever let that weight come back! You need to ask yourself that same question my husband asked me "Are you planning on putting the weight back on?" And make that answer: "Nope...I don't ever want to see it again!" Do this for you...you deserve it : )