Like many of you, I saw the article in Oprah and figured "Why not give this a try?" I journal regularly anyway so this seemed like a good way to journal and relate to others who share my thoughts, feelings, struggles and joys. In any case, I'm always writing things down and have been for quite some time. I recently found an excerpt from a poem I must have had floating around in my head that I wrote over a year ago. It goes as follows:

Why does darkness follow,
stemming from within,
bringing shadows over sunshine,
silhouetting the battles I can't win.

A true fighter's heart,
seemed once to be mine,
buried now under darkness,
unhappily subdued with food and wine.

That's me...subduing the pain, although I don't so much with wine, it just rhymed nicely. But food, yes! So that brings me here. I'm not out to set any specific goals or standards for myself that I believe I must "reach" to be a "success story". I just want to feel good about myself and make healthy choices for life everyday. Obviously making healthy choices when it comes to food and exercise is a major part of maintaining optimal health. I've come a long way in the past 3 years (maintaining an 80 pound weight loss for those who want to know, although I still have a good 25 or so to lose to be at an "ideal weight", but who sets that standard anyway???). But the demons remain within so I figured if I keep exploring ways to release them one day I will be successful. Hmm, maybe I am after a success story after all? But not to successfully achieve a certain weight. I'd much rather successfully achieve peace of mind. So, if you share my journey I'd love to hear from you. Otherwise, best of luck to everyone in your own journey!

to 3FC! This is a fantastic site I found it six years ago in the middle of my weightloss journey and have been here ever since. The support has been a major factor for me in maintaining my weightloss and lifestyle

I think you already are a success story! Maintaining an 80 pound loss for 3 years is a HUGE success. It's a significant portion of your total bodyweight and so much that your body chemistry and overall health are surely improved.

I think you'll find a lot of like minded souls here- try looking at the Maintainers Forum- that's what you are! Or any of the many other forums and clubs we have. Everyone is friendly and I'm sure that somewhere here you'll find a corner of the 3FC world to call home.

Mel

Amazon Princess! What a wonderful story... you sound like you've really found an approach that works for you.

Glad to see you here!

Jay