[Happy Apple]

Hey folks!

Last Wednesday marked three months on the beach for me. I have to admit it I got a bit reflective, thinking of all the changes I've made and things I've learned along the way. Mercy, what a lot of changes - and you know, it's been a lot of fun, too. I have to thank you all for being such a big part of the fun for me. I have several friends who offer me amazing support, but you all are always there, 24/7 and have turned me on to some great things and gave me lots of things to think about and try. Rather than bore you all with the little stuff, I decided to narrow it all down to my five favorite things I've learned along the way. So here goes:

1. I can do a whole lot more than I ever thought possible once I put down my self-defeating attitude.

2. Only God can make a tree - but at this rate I might just be able to climb one of His trees again some day.

3. If these jeans look this bad now, I probably shouldn't have been wearing them 45 pounds ago...

4. Beans are my friends!

5. I have a neck - who knew?!


Thanks to all of you for making these first 3 months so productive and fun. Thank you for welcoming me even though I don't get to post nearly often enough. And a special thanks to Ruthxxx, schatzi, and beachgal for taking the time to moderate this - you all are great!

Of course, this also made me wonder what other folks have learned along the way. Anyone else want to share . . . or maybe fess up?

Thanks again everyone - I couldn't have done any of this without you!

[beachgal]

Happy, I your positive nature! Thanks for sharing such great insights. on 3 months...

I loved number 4...it's my favorite thing I've learned in the last couple years, too. I loved finded that I have hipbones and a clavicle...it's so exciting to see bones emerge (obviously, not the ones that SHOULDN'T emerge...like those on deathly skinny models...) and realize they were there all along. Cheekbones are fun too! But congrats on finding your neck!

I'm too tired right now to be too philosophical, but I'll do my best to come back and post. I think the thing I've come to believe and believe in the most on this journey is Sandi's signature quote:

"If you really want it, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse." Nuff said!

for all the amazing Beachies who support each other so well. You make being here so rewarding!

[little chick]

Happy what a great post, congrats on your three mos.
The things I have learned so far Never to give up, you can accomplish your dreams with a little hard work. And when you are feeling down the beach girls are right there with words of encourgment and a swift kick in the butt if you need that. So I guess my biggest lessson is that you don't need to go down this road alone.

[Schatzi]

What a lovely post HappyApple!
I have to agree...Beans are my friends too! I never really ate them besides string beans and in chili, but now I have them all the time!
I've learned more about nutrition here than anywhere else
and no matter where you are on the journey we've all experienced the same feelings, fears and joys!

[smilintwins]

This is a great post HappyApple!! Thank you for sharing!!

I am back on the beach after some time off and I can say my biggest lesson is that change comes in small portions (literally). It sounds cheesey but for every 2 steps forward, plan for one step back and keep reminding yourself that the net result is still one step forward.