Getting Through the Holidays.....

It seems like I've received several emails lately on how to eat healthy and still enjoy the holidays. I will be honest with you, just eat! Eat what you want. Enjoy food. Don't feel guilty. The key is to do it in moderation. 

The only people I know of who have ever eaten a "strict certain diet" over the holidays are those people following a "strict certain diet."  Problem is, what will happen one, two, or three Christmas's from now when they are not on that diet anymore? Will their body know what to do? Will their brain be trained on how to eat for enjoyment but in moderation? Have you trained your brain?  Are you willing to give it a shot?

This is really the key with weight loss and maintenance. Yes, initially you have to make some sacrifices on your food choices when you are actively losing, but when it came to special occasions and or the holidays, I always ate what I wanted but in moderation. I never wanted to deprive myself of anything.  I wanted to train my mind most of all, on how to eat normal foods, even treats, and still come out a winner in the end. I often times wouldn't find myself losing that 1/2 -1 pound weight loss for that week but I maintained without a gain and learned I could enjoy that special celebration or holiday and ENJOY the foods I love. 

I was just at a Christmas luncheon for work a week or so ago and one of the gals I work closely with said to me afterwards, " I love how you just ate whatever you wanted. I saw you pick some naughty things and I also saw you pass by other naughty things. (I try to balance out the naughties when I can.)  It made me look at you and think, if she can do it like that...so can I." 

You too can train your body and brain to be successful during the holidays. The key is to eat what you want, enjoy the festive foods you're surrounded with, and keep moving! Yep, you can't do all this and expect not to exercise. If you're away from your gym or the things you're used to doing, go for a walk. Go on a hike....just be active in some way each day. Honestly your mind needs that more than anything. For me it makes me feel empowered. I'm telling my body who is in charge and that even though we may be eating some things that normally aren't consumed, we're still going to have to work for them. You can do it! You make up the rules remember? Just tell your mind and body how it's going to be, and they will follow along. I promise it works every time.

With that in mind, and as we remember this week the birth of our Savior, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

I'm Still Here

I know many of you have wondered where I've gone and why I've stopped posting lately. Just to clarify, no I haven't stopped because I've decided eating healthy isn't for me and I don't want to do it anymore. No I haven't been gaining all my weight back and are afraid to blog. In fact, here is my scale weight as of this morning.

(So, it was early and I used my phone upside down. Whoops. Basically, it says 146! Very NORMAL for me as I am usually anywhere between 143-147.)

No, I haven't stopped blogging because I'm afraid I won't be able to keep the weight off and am just giving up. Nope, none of the above is true so you can put your mind at ease.

I really don't know that I have a good answer as far as why I haven't been blogging. I actually enjoy blogging about my journey. It's therapy for me. It excites me. It makes me feel good to share my story with others and it makes me even more happy to hear about your progress and your own journeys.

I know October was a hard month for me mentally, which had nothing to do with my weight-loss journey. It was the year mark of a time where my son was seriously ill in the hospital and spent a week in ICU and then some. Just the memories that would often come flooding back through my mind (and they still do) of those days spent there and how scary things were for him and our family during that time have left me a little bit in reserved mode these days.  Even though the outcome was wonderful and I'm so grateful God saw fit to let him stay with us, the whole experience, as beautiful as it was, certainly has seemed to shake my world a bit. 

Don't worry, I think I'll be back to regular posting soon. Just trying to get up again and keep moving forward. The good news is, I've found great peace in my moments of exercise. It brings me joy to know that my health is good, and that my body is able to do such amazing things. I'm finding it important to share this post with you so you can see that I too am very normal. I struggle. I have hard times. 

Just because I haven't been blogging doesn't mean I haven't been doing what I always do. Here's a picture of a great hike we took up Rattlesnake Ridge, Thanksgiving morning while in Seattle. (It was about 2 miles up, a great view, and the two miles down.)

Here's to hopefully another post in the near future!

Dare to Dream

One of the things that I found really helpful while embarking on such a task as losing weight and changing my lifestyle was the occasion where my mind would slip into another place and before I knew it, I was living my life in my new body.  I was dreaming.

I had energy.

I was moving in ways I never thought I could.

I was wearing things I never thought I could.

I was talking and motivating people in ways I never thought I could.

I preferred healthy food over any other food.

I was active.

I was running.

I was climbing mountains.

I was happy.

I wanted to keep going.....

 In some ways I give credit for these "small moments" to God. He needed me to embrace just who I was becoming and fall in love with the new me. He wanted me to see that I could be anything I wanted to be and none of it had to be a dream but something that could become a reality. God is the only one who knows the desires of your heart and is so deeply invested in your happiness that He will do just about anything to show you how much you mean not only to Him and to many others, but most importantly yourself. If you can fall as deeply in love with that person as He has, your dreams will soon become a reality.  No matter how long it takes to get there, it will be something you cherish and it will be a lifestyle you will hold on to forever. 

Dare to dream? I say go for it!

 

Ready for a Makeover?

One of the things that was so noticeable in my progress and how I saw myself as the weight began to melt off was how I looked. My appearance. This is something for years I honestly hid from, so to have it be on the front line and something I had to think about was daunting. It scared me. I was so used to being comfortable with who I was and hiding under the layers of skin and fat, that often times even my personality was hidden.

It was very normal for me to wear baggie tops and or a vest of sorts to hide the thing that bothered me most - my mid section. (Even though I liked to look nice and took good care of myself, this was still the pattern and a source of comfort.) It was almost as if I thought, "If I wear a baggie top, no one will notice just how fat I am or notice if my stomach gets a little bigger." It was what I knew. It was what was comfortable for me.

As I lost weight, as the sizes got smaller, I often took the same approach only in a smaller size. I was drawn to the "fat lady section." It took support team member # 3 (click here) and a lot of prodding and convincing to get me to the skinny section. Often times I was rummaging through racks and she was looking several sizes smaller. I would be thinking she was looking for herself and then she would remind me what size I was and re-direct me to the right spot and remind me she was looking for things for me. (Crazy but true story!)

Once a noticeable amount of weight was gone, gone forever, I sorta kinda liked the idea of shopping. (Something that had seemed so foreign for so long.) Not only was I feeling better physically and emotionally, I was catching the vision of what my body was beginning to look like and the physical changes that went with it.  It was excited to try new things. New clothes. New clothes I never thought in my wildest dreams would ever look good on my body. It was a gradual process, but the more I poked around with the idea and the more I was encouraged, the more ready I was to make the switch.

Same goes with my hair. I had had long hair for as long as I can remember. Long as in, can fit into a ponytail long. It was what was safe for me. The long hair hid the rolls of  double chin and chubby cheeks. I remember visiting a new hair dresser (so I was already nervous) after losing my weight and asking her what she thought. She didn't even blink an eye and told me to go back to my natural color (no more highlights) and cut it short. SHORT! I thought she was crazy. I remember sitting in her chair for the next 45 minutes nervous and not sure what I had really gotten myself into but I went with it. All said and done, I loved it! See nervous again for the change but happy with the results

I admit, there are days even now when I feel bloated and/or like my body looks fat - I want to cover up. It's something I've been accustomed to for so long now it's going to take some time and eventually, hopefully, it will fade away for good. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying the new look and feeling of both the clothing AND the new hair!

Are you ready for a makeover of sorts? As scary as it sounds, it gives your body a chance to celebrate what it's been up to lately. It may not be the clothes or hair for you but whatever you chose it to be, enjoy every minute of it. Celebrate what the new you is becoming! 

Here's me in that vest I was talking about. It was seriously my cover-up! I wore it ALL THE TIME.

A little braver these days - more style, more skin! 

Old hair..... 

New Hair!

Support Team #6 - My Mom!

I love to share these posts with you. It really has made me reflect in so many ways about what I've been through and who has been a part of this journey with me. This week we get to hear from my mom. One of the things that I have loved about my mom through this whole journey is that even though I know weight is something that she struggles with herself, never once has she tried to down play or sabotage anything I was doing. (Often I would get this from others who were dealing with weight issues.) She has been so encouraging, full of support, altered meal planning, and just made me feel special for every pound she saw me lose. Not to mention, our time we spend together these days is different. Different because I've changed. In a good way. A healthy way.It blesses me to have a mom that is not only my mom, but also my friend. Thanks mom! Love you. 

I don't know where to begin to express how I feel about the accomplishments Paige has achieved over the last two years.  Of course I am incredibly proud of her for the tremendous hard work and sacrifices she's made in her body transformation and weight loss  achievements.  She has shown fierce determination and developed an  "I can dot it ", "I won't give up"  attitude that I really admire.

 

But, during this process she's also become a runner, a dedicated gym rat,  a fashionista, a dietician,  and even a writer.  She has gained confidence in all areas of her life and to me, these accomplishments  are as great as the weight loss.   Paige  is an example of someone who has shown us that anything really is possible if you dedicate yourself to it;  not  just "talking the talk", but really "walking the walk".  

 

I'd never followed a blog before I started reading  Paige's, and honestly didn't know her  talent for writing.  She inspires me, she makes me laugh-out- loud, she makes me cry and she gives me a sense of calm and peace.  I don't know how she does it but I love that she does. Some postings have been emotional for me and I admit that I've really cried over some things in them.  Most were tears of genuine happiness but there were a few sad tears.   I think I was feeling responsible or shall I say irresponsible for things I may have done that contributed to the unhealthy Paige.  But I don't think about that now.  I truly believe that this Paige;  the healthy, happy, energetic one is the only Paige we'll ever see.  Her new active lifestyle suits her and their family.  There seems to be more running,  hiking, camping, biking, etc at the Morrils and everyone seems happier and closer.   

Have a mentioned that I have this remarkable daughter with the best weight loss/exercise transformation story you'll ever hear,  who is so comfortable in her skin that she's beaming most of the time.  And did I mention that she has a terrific, handsome, husband and two very  smart and talented children who all adore her.   Have I mentioned how much she makes my heart smile and how really blessed I feel to have her as my daughter.  Have I mentioned that I want to be more like her in many ways.  And did I mention how much her infectious laugh makes me laugh and I can hear it now.   Hugs and Kisses Paige!

 

Mom and I at the finish line of the Seattle Rock N Roll Half Marathon. She was there to watch, there to support, there to cheer me on! (I keep telling her she should train and even walk this race one of these times. Go Mom! :)

Instant Results?

I'm sure I've talked about this in some way or another at some point on my blog, but it seems like I've been bombarded with questions recently about people wanting to see results in their body. Like NOW! Like yesterday! It's almost like there is an urgency or something to have things all of the sudden be different over night. It makes my heart hurt to read some of the emails I've gotten but not just because of the things that are being shared, but because I at one time felt that way too.

There are a couple of ways I like to look at it.  I'm the first to admit, it's not necessarily the way we maybe want it to be, but I promise if you can try to catch the vision of what I'm about to say, the way you look at losing weight and or changing your lifestyle will become more natural. Something you're more apt to stick with and make a lifestyle of than a temporary fix.

First we need to remember that we didn't become unhealthy or overweight overnight. It took time. It was gradual. One pound at a time, and before we knew it we were buying bigger clothes and/or feeling out of shape. The cycle kept going until things got out of control and now we are in panic mode and want a quick fix.  If we don't see changes sooner than later we give up and think our bodies are now too old, not meant to lose weight, and whatever other excuse button we can find to push. (Trust me, I'm SO guilty of the excuse button. Even now I get caught hitting it here and there.) Am I right? Anybody have those feelings? Almost like we talk ourselves out of why our bodies are not performing the way we want them to?

I truly believe that this whole weight-loss thing was not meant to be understood quickly. Think of it like a bank account. The more deposits you make into educating yourself, eating healthy, and changing your life, the more interest you will gain and more likely you will be to keep  the weight off. It will have become a way of life for you and not just a phase or something to do for a time period in order to get the weight off and then go back to your old habits. I know for me, this was huge. Every day was an investment into my future. If you're saving for a trip or a new car, you have to work at it right?  Using a credit card would be a quick fix and you wouldn't have learned anything. Weight loss is the same way. No quick fix will work. It will come back to haunt you just as debt does. Take the time and do it the right way. I promise you will come out a better person, and in so doing I bet you'll inspire others.

God didn't create us to "get it" over night. To change in a snap, to go from one extreme to the other in a matter of moments or days. Could you imagine? Going from birth to grey hair in a matter of days or weeks? It would seem odd wouldn't it?  Our bodies are the same way. Be patient. They need to be treated with care and value and respect. Not only that, but God created our bodies to learn and grow. To experience difficulty so we can come out stronger. To take time to get to know our bodies and what they are capable of and in so doing learn and grow closer to Him. What a gift.  It all just takes time. 

Hang in there! It will happen. Some days are frustrating, believe me I know. (I still have those days) The good news is you're far better off than you were before you decided to make some changes right? Even if you're stuck at a plateau and nothing is working, keep plugging along. One day at time. One step in front of the other. In the meantime, celebrate every little victory! 

Might I recommend you go back and read the post I did last spring about about comparing weight-loss to ground beef? (Click here) It's one of my all-time favorites and still seems to bring peace to my heart when I know at times I struggled with seeing success along the way.

Yep, that's really me on the left. Celebrating one of those victories! 

(My best friend Tam and I on a detour trip to the Oregon Coast after running our 2nd half marathon in Seattle in June!)

Support Team Member # 5 - The Blakester!

It doesn't take much for this little guy to put a smile on my face. Since the moment I held him for the first time 12 years ago, I was in love. He melts my heart like no other. I'm not just saying this because he's my child, but he really is truly such a GREAT kid with a great personality. Very sweet, very caring, always willing to help others and has a deep love for God and the things that are important. I wish everyone could experience having a Blake in their midst, but we're pretty selfish around here and don't do much sharing. 

How blessed I am to have had him on my team of cheerleaders as I fought the fight to get the weight off my body. He was exceptional at telling me how good I was doing, how much my body was changing, and how lucky he was to be my son. (Occasionally I'd even find a love note of encouragement.) God sure new I needed a Blake in my life. I will forever be blessed by his presence. The best part is, he'll forever be mine. Love you Blake.

I love my mom and I am so proud of her accomplishments and all the things that she does for me. With her example she has truly changed our lives.  I love her very much. Also I would like to congratulate her for her truly incredible story. It takes a lot of courage, bravery, and faith to do what she did. Not every day was easy but she kept going.

I want to thank my mom for the many things she has taught me to love.  For example, running. Not only did I used to not do it as much, but I also have bad asthma. Once she lost her weight and began running, she inspired me to do cross-country, and she helped me learn to love running. We’ve gone on a couple runs together, hikes, and even on special occasions- one of my favorites - mountain biking. Well, she only did that once and it wasn’t so fun for her but she was a trooper! Shall I mention she crashed? But she was inspiring because she got back on the bike and finished the course blood and all. Needless to say she has not gone back since. I love that my mom is a true supporter in everything I do and she’s always willing to try new things now that she is skinny. I love her very much for that. She is always there for you and will always be your friend. I love having my mom as a friend.

My mom really is wonderful. She is always so nice and willing to teach and help everyone around her. People are always talking to her about how to eat healthy. I love that she has taught so much to our family just by her example and now we love to be healthy too. 

Now, even though I love her so much, there is a downside to having a healthy mom. Yep, you guessed it, not enough tasty and unhealthy snacks in the pantry. This can be devastating for a growing kid like me, but that’s okay. I can look forward to Grandma’s house for the good stuff! She’s always got it stocked! 

I love you mom! Thank you for your testimony that anybody can do hard things!

Before

After

Desire is the Master Key!

Have you ever noticed that most of society reaches more for what they WANT and not really for what they NEED? I want that new dress. I want those red shoes. I want to go on that vacation over seas. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we thought that same way about our health? I want to be healthy. I want to be fit. I want to hike that mountain. The interesting thing is that some of these desires are truly wants. Others are not only wants, but I believe they are also needs. We NEED to be healthy. We NEED to take care of our bodies in a way that is normal so they function properly. Not only is choosing to make bad choices and letting our  bodies spiral out of control not healthy, but it also is very debilitating. I know personally when I was at my heaviest, I didn't have much motivation. Like, it was near to nothing. I certainly tried to put on a happy face and play along but deep down I knew better. How could I have been happy with who I was when I found myself shopping for larger clothes every time I went to a store? Or what about finding myself in pictures and I was 3 times the size of anyone else. Oh, and the wheezing as I sat in a chair doing nothing. That was sad.

The good news is that we all have some desire to do better in whatever it is we each individually are up against. I know you may feel like some days it's not there - you can't see it, you can't feel it, but I promise it's there. I talked last week about stretching ourselves. (click here) This is one of those times we might need to stretch ourselves to dig a little deeper within our soul to find that desire. Just by reading this post proves you have the desire within you to change your life. To do better. Pretty cool, huh? The question is this: How bad do you want it? You have to desire it enough to want to do what it takes to reach for it. The proof of desire is pursuit. Are you pursing what you want? Are you taking action? You must possess enough desire to make it a need. If we can train our brains and do this we will give birth to our dreams. I can testify that this is SO true. It's not always an easy thing to do. Desire is a tricky one. It has to come from within. What might that look like? How about pressing forward, even when you've hit that plateau? What about putting on those gym clothes and getting back to the gym even if you've taken the week off? Or what about getting back on track and eating the way you know you should even though you've been eating horrible lately? Desire is the master key! It's like a fire. You can light it and watch the flame get bigger or you can not do anything, stop halfway to your destination, and watch yourself smother it. 

Desire will not only motivate you, but if used properly it can change your life. The best part is we all have it! DESIRE! I know it was something that drove me full force and helped me to achieve who I've become today. Take a look...

Before I had any desire to be healthy.

After, with all the desire in the world - trying new things! (First time EVER not on the bottom of the pyramid.)

Support Team Member # 4!

It's that time of week again. Time to hear from one of the loves in my life. This week it's my beautiful 14 year old daughter, McKenna. She truly is a gem and has been such a trooper in supporting me through this journey. I know it isn't always easy to give up your Mom so she can get to the gym and get her exercise in, but the rewards that have come to our relationship have been nothing but pure joy. McKenna is the definition of pure joy! Not many people have to be around her before her countenance is contagious and her joy for life is spreading to others. Thank you for being you McKenna. Love you.

      My mom is such an inspiration to me and I know to so many others of you too. I loved her before she lost all her weight and I love her even more since her accomplishment. I'm so proud to have a mom who set such a difficult goal and worked so hard and reached it. Since she's lost her weight, I feel like we've been able to do a lot more activities together. This includes going on hikes, girls road trips, mom and daughter dates, clogging competitions,  and just spending time together!
      Not only is my mom a great mom (Like A+++), but she is also one of my best and closest friends. I love this about her.  I feel that since her weight loss, we've grown closer as mother and daughter and as friends. I feel that because we do all these fun things together now, our relationship has grown closer. She is so much fun to be around, and at times, I forget she's a mom because she can act so much like her teenage daughter, I love it! From lip syncing music, to trying to clog, my mom is the best! 

     I also feel that my mom is a major influence and example in my life. Ever since she's lost this weight, it's motivated me to try to do something new. Someday I hope to maybe join her in running a half marathon, a 5k, or even run with her for fun! Her passion for running has given me the desire to want to start running! Another thing I love about my mom is that she is so encouraging. I know she is encouraging to many of you but she is to me too. Sometimes after reading her blog I feel like I'm the lucky one that gets to live with her. She always has been encouraging, but even more so now. She's the first one to cheer me on and tell me how wonderful I am. 

     My mom is the best and I love her very much! She is one of my dearest and best friends. She motivates, inspires, encourages, and lifts me up! A true woman that walks with the spirit of our Heavenly Father. I hope to be just like the woman my mom is today when I'm grown up! She means the world to me, and I don't know where I'd be without her! Thanks for being such a great influence to not only me but to hundreds of others! I love you mom!

Before

                           

After

What Do You Do When You Are Frustrated?

I was looking through some pictures this weekend and came across this picture of me shortly after my foot surgery. It made me reflect a bit on one of the set-backs on my journey and how regardless of my situation I had to press forward. Sometimes I think we all fall into this trap of sorts, and it doesn't require having bi-lateral foot surgery to get into this mindset. 

Ever felt like you're making no progress? Ever feel like you've tried everything and nothing is working? Are you unmotivated? Has life's circumstances weighed you down and the thought of keeping up with healthy eating and exercise sound daunting? I know I can answer yes to each one of these things as I felt them all at one point or another on this journey. The interesting thing is that each one of these scenarios is different yet can be very debilitating and similar in their own way. 

How would any of these examples be any different than me having foot surgery? There is a BIG difference. You see, each one of these scenarios can be very real but the good news is, you have the power to physically do something to make it better. You can move. You can walk. You can run. After having foot surgery I couldn't to any of those things for weeks and I had to rely on my support team (the people you've been getting to know in my posts recently) to do practically everything for me. It was a very hard, trying time for my little brain. Often times now I find myself thanking God for feet that can walk. For feet that can run. It's not until something you're so dependent upon is taken away that you really gain an appreciation for what your body can do for you. Don't take it for granted!

In the days and weeks following my surgery, I spent many quiet hours with God pondering my circumstance. It was made very clear to me on several occasions that WE have the power within to make whatever situation we're in a good one. Even though I couldn't get off the couch or out of bed to get to the gym or even walk for that matter, I had to train my brain it was all going to be okay - my body would remember what to do when the time came for me to walk again. (This was not always an easy thing for me.) 

We have the power to be who we want to be. We have the power to change our lives for the better. We have the power to make whatever we are feeling into something better.  I am so grateful for all these little things that may not seem important to some but are important to me as I relive my journey. They are helping me to mold this whole experience into something more than just losing weight and being healthy. It's not always easy, but I promise it will be worth it!

P.S. I had the best post-op nail artist ever (Tam-the one you all got to meet on Friday when she guest posted).  Her Nike swooshes kept me motivated and inspired that this too shall pass. Take a look...

Yep, green is my favorite color.

A little Boise State spirit on this one.

Support Team Post #3 - No One Has a Friend Quite Like This!

It's that time of the week again. Time to share another set of thoughts from one of the people who has been part of this journey from day one. One of the people who has spent countless hours side by side with me at the gym and has truly been there for me mentally, physically, and spiritually, every step of the way. 

Do you believe in kindred spirits? I sure do! This person is more than just my best friend, but more like my sister - the sister I never had. Funny thing is, we've even been told several times we look alike and are often asked if we're sisters. You'll see, we look NOTHING alike (polar opposites in fact) but I guess it's the nose and smile that people say are similar. 

I know God knew we needed each other and how grateful I am that He crossed our paths when He did.  What a treasure it is to have a friend that will literally give, hope, and dream your dreams with you and then watch them come true and be there for you every single step of the way. I am forever grateful and truly blessed! Love you Tam.

I was there (a poetic attempt)

by Tam

I was there

When your body was saying

It's over 

A disagreeable vessel 

No longer following orders

Spreading lies

Through your mind

Stuck in frustration

But there was a way out

It took some convincing

Badgering too

(I'm good at that)

But you agreed

With reluctance

With fear

With doubt

And bravery

All mixed together

That's how you met him

That very first time

Jacob saw

What you couldn't picture  

Gave new hope to a dream

That wasn't over

But had just begun

I was there

When you had your first Jacob workout

Sweating as I do

But waiting

While you threw up

Outside the building

You left the gym that day

Unsure

But determined

You came back

Again

And 

Again

I watched you

Find strength

Find courage

Find stamina

Find hope in a body

That had never been acquainted 

With such things

Before

I was there

When you discovered bones 

You never knew existed

Protruding in unfamiliar ways

Many changes

Most you couldn't see

The beauty of your face

Always present

But slightly hidden 

It's true and intended shape

Appearing before our eyes

The form of your legs

Strong, shapely

Coveted by many

A thinner you all around

Top to bottom

Spectators noticed

They complimented

Left you with words

Though hard to accept

To hear

To be thankful for

To be the only one

Who couldn't see what we saw

How unfair 

For you

I was there

When your closet was bursting

With clothes you couldn't

Part with

Several sizes too large

You tried them all on

And were lost

In them

Hanging off your body

Dragging you down

Hiding your smaller self

Piles and piles and piles

Taken away

Layers and layers removed

Nothing left in your closet

To hide under

A quiet empty space

Left behind

Almost too quiet

Like something important

Was missing

Was erased

Was forgotten

But had to go

Room was needed

For your new

Self

I was there

When you made sacrifices 

Repeatedly

For days

For months

For what seemed like

Forever

So singleminded in purpose

Bulldogged and determined

Unwilling to budge

But willing to say no

To yourself

Something most people

Simply won't do 

You said it to 

Anything

That would slow you down

Even the smallest of bites

And sometimes

In the midst

of nay sayers 

Who couldn't handle your

Success

I was there

When you could finally picture

The new

You

I could see it

In your eyes

Once a clouded vision

Never able to glimpse

A goal seemingly out of

Sight and reach

The day you 

Saw it

Felt it

Experienced it

Was the day I knew

Your goal was

Closer

Than you thought.

I was there

When you met your goal

133 pounds gone

From your body

From your mind

From your life

No more to return

Each pound

Lost

The right way

Not only at the gym

But in your mind

In your thoughts

Where the hard work

Really happened

A new

And right way

Of thinking

That would last a

Lifetime

I was there 

When you crossed the finish line

Of your first half marathon

The joy of the journey

Finally 

Rushing to the surface

Remembering the day

When you thought

Four miles was

Impossible

You learned the power 

Of believing

Of dreams

Of hope

Of faith 

In a God who strengthened you 

To do all things 

All this I know 

Because I was there 

And always will be

Forever

(Thank you Paige for including me on your journey.  You've accomplished things that I personally can't imagine pulling off.  You've got a determination like no other, which is inspiring on so many levels.  Even more importantly, you've got a ministry that came straight from God's heart.  He must be so pleased with you and how you bless countless people through this blog.  Thank you for listening and allowing Him to lead you.  I will forever proudly be your one and only best friend.  I love you.  Tam)

Before

After