Two Year Anniversary

Happy Sunday morning! I just realized that this past week was an anniversary of sorts for me, because it was two years ago on June 24, 2007, that I began Take Shape for Life/Medifast and the journey that would finally bring me to my weight loss goal.

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 two 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 that first blog, written June 24, 2007:

"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. I found this suggestion on the message board and thought it was worth trying, and it was a great suggestion! 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 came across the Medifast website. I remember hearing about Medifast years ago, when it was strictly a liquid diet and available only through a physician. I remember hearing (don't know if was true or not) that Medifast was very expensive. 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."

Two years later, all I can say is "to God belongs all the praise and the glory!" He heard my desperate cry for help and He gave me the strength I needed, one day and one meal at a time. He is a faithful God and will answer that same prayer for you!

Who's committed to an on-plan day today?