[Gracenote]

Towards the beginning of my weight loss journey I stumbled over some amazing weight loss websites, one of them being this wonderful site, 3FC, that has been such a lifesaver for me, and a few others that I still go back and view from time to time when I need some extra inspiration. There is a woman named Kim (although after she lost weight she looks more like a girl) who has inspired me so much, and I truly encourage you to view this website. The before and after pictures are STUNNING! She has truly changed her life for the better and she is someone I look up to! She still journals and is always updating her website, which you can view by typing http://www.getting2goal.com in your address box.

Here is something that she wrote in her website that really touched me, and I'd like to share it with you all. You can find it in one of her sections called "Reflections," this one is called "The me I used to be" and here it is!

Not too long ago our family spent the day in Boston.
I remember watching closely as this overweight woman pulled herself up this long, steep, set of stairs. When she got to the top she stumbled over to the side and leaned against the wall. She closed her eyes and did her best to catch her breath. Her hand went to her chest...as if it were calming her pounding heart.
Her face was red and she was sweating. I knew just how she felt...
it made me want to hug her.

She was an attractive lady...very well dressed.
I found it hard to take my eyes from her as she walked out of the train station with her family. I could see her day before me. I could feel her aching joints and her swollen feet. I could sense her not being able to enjoy the things she loved because of her own lack of comfort. And I could see much of what should have been the joy of that day being taken away from her because of those extra pounds she carried.

I could see me.

I then remembered that I had just run up those same stairs and wasn't even breathing heavy. I was sure my energy would last into the night and so would my feet. I knew that I was in control of that day...and in the choices I made. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.....but at the same time it disturbed me knowing that I could relate to this woman so well....that I had been where she was not so long ago. It was all so familiar. It's scary knowing that I could be back there if I allowed myself to.

I thought alot that day about all of the things I don't have to pay as much attention to now. I climbed many sets of stairs and made it through turnstiles fine. I fit behind tables at restaurants with room to spare and walked for miles. I sat comfortably in any chair and I got the seatbelt to fit fine in the car. I was able to focus on the things that were really important because I wasn't distracted or limited....by myself.

I still think of her....she reminds me of the me I used to be.
She reminds me of just how far I have come...and of where I am going.
And she reminds me of all the reasons why I am never going back.

~ Kim

Are you inspired yet??? I know I am.

~Gracenote

[canadianchick]

Thanks so much for posting that website! I have seen it before, but I needed to see it again to stay motivated. What an inspiration she is.

Lianna

[Bueller]

I can relate so much that I had tears in my eyes reading her story. I have lost 68 lbs since May 2001 and have 13 to go. Sometimes we forget how far we have come and how much we have improved our style of life. Thanks for posting her story to put some reflection on our accomplishments and to remind us why we did it in the first place.

[michkey]

I'm inspired.

[Posy]

That lady could have been me

I started my weightloss journey on the 9th of february 2001 weighing in at 355lbs, today I weighed in at 234lbs making a total loss so far of 121lbs, I still have 94lbs left to lose, but I know through the support and encouragement of the people on this board and websites like the one you posted I will make it to my final goal...I never want to be that lady agai...I spent too many years wasting my life away like that, now its time to enjoy it

thank you for posting the address

Ali

[angel-eyes]

Hey Ladies......HELLO!!!! It feels soooo good to be back on-line! It will take me awhile to get caught up....(can't believe its been over 2 months without a computer) Our move went extremely well.....and its just great to be living in sunny North Carolina. Oh?...am I just a displaced Canadian now or a resident alien living in the States?...you guys still want me eh?

We had 1 month of hotels (both in Ottawa and when we arrived here) and now that we're unpacked (and Christmas packed up again).....lol , finally just got our internet hooked up oh...as of 10 minutes ago!!!! I couldn't wait to log on!!!! The past 2 months have been okay weight wise, but am adjusting to a few pounds gained and the constant beckoning of the fridge every minute of the day! I'm now a stay at home mom.....and just loving the extra time I get to be with, play, paint, go for walks with my youngest boy....(who will turn 4 in 2 weeks!!)

Hope to see all those familiar faces......I'm so excited to be in touch with all of you again. I really missed all of you....the daily contact....and most of all.....'the accountability'. take care.....

[lessofme]

That was very inspiring. Thanks for posting that!