Today is an anniversary for me as it was 9 years ago today (9 years!!!) that I began a program that I was CERTAIN would fail, like every other program had failed, but a program that ended up changing my life in every conceivable way.
I just went back and re-read the very first blog I'd ever written in my entire life, written on my first day on plan. I thought I'd share it with you, because it reveals where I was 9 years ago - hopeful and desperate. I couldn't have imagined all that would happen from that day forward to today, and re-reading it made me incredibly thankful all over again that God led me to this program. I tell people all the time that God led me to just the right program at just the right time, and I really believe it!
Here's the very first blog I ever wrote, on my very first day of my journey to a healthier me:
"Today is the first day of the rest of my new, healthy life. My first shipment came a few days ago, but I waited until today to start because I was out of town (in Chicago) Friday thru last night to celebrate my brother's 50th birthday. Now that the celebration is over, I am more than ready to start.
My first meal was the Dutch chocolate shake. I mixed it up last night (used my Magic Bullet for the first time), refrigerated it overnight and re-blended it this morning with 3 ice cubes. The shake was pretty good and, at least temporarily, filled me up. I'm anxious to try the other foods and figure out what I do and don't like so that my next shipment will be tailored to my taste.
I've been on so many weight loss programs over the past 20 years, which is how long I've been struggling with a major weight problem. Weight Watchers, Atkins, Fit for Life, Herbalife, Weigh Down, Slimfast, South Beach -- all worked for a while, but the weight has always come back, plus some. Last year I lost almost 40 pounds on South Beach and really, REALLY thought I had finally "gotten it." I was thrilled to buy clothes two sizes smaller last summer and, convinced that I'd never see "that" weight again, I gave away all of my larger sizes. It was devastating to have to go out this spring and purchase clothes in that larger size again, and I reached a turning point.
When I found myself trolling the internet for information on gastric bypass surgery (which my insurance doesn't cover), I realized that I had reached the point of desperation . . . then I was introduced to Take Shape for Life through our parent company, Medifast. I remember hearing about Medifast years ago, when it was strictly a liquid diet and available only through a physician. For those reasons, I never seriously considered it. This time, however, the testimonials and the fact that the program includes a variety of food options caught my attention. With the full support of my husband, I placed my order.
And today it begins. I am hopeful, and I am refusing to listen to the voices in my head that tell me I will fail at this like I've failed at everything else.
God is my refuge and my strength, and I want to honor Him with the way I care for this temple He has given me."
I certainly never imagined that I could lose 120 pounds, let alone do it in just 11 months*. I certainly never imagined that my decision to get healthy would have a ripple effect that would impact hundreds, let alone thousands, of other lives. I couldn't have imagined that my decision to get healthy would result in first me and then John leaving long-time careers to work full-time as health coaches, giving us both the financial freedom and time freedom to organize our lives around what matters most to us, and that we would be able to help others do the same thing. To God be the glory for all He has done, and for all He continues to do in and through us!
* Average weight loss for Clients on the Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan™ with support is 20 pounds. Clients are in weight loss, on average, for 12 weeks.
