Happy Anniversary to me!!! That’s right, it’s my anniversary. I have been blogging EVERYDAY for one year about my weight loss journey and today is the 365th day! At this point I need to stop and take it all in. As I’m writing this a lump is forming in my throat because I’m overwhelmed by the sheer accomplishment of my journey. It’s funny, I was prepared to write this post tomorrow because I actually started my blogging journey on October 6, 2011, not realizing this was a leap year and would put me a day ahead.
My initial purpose for starting this blog was because I wanted to lose weight and I needed a way to hold myself accountable. I figured if I went “public” and put it all out there for the world to see, I would keep going and not give up.
My second reason and hence the name of the blog is I needed to “Come Alive”. The year before, I had broken off my engagement and cancelled my wedding and I literally was walking around in a fog. It was a very devastating experience and I felt like a part of me had died. Although I kept my head held high, the truth is I was depressed. Quite frankly I needed something to pull me up out of my depression and setting out on my journey to lose weight was the vehicle I chose. The blogging came later in the year but was key to my continued healing.
My third reason for starting this blog was that I was hoping to inspire someone else along the way. This reason has been the most rewarding for me because it really feels good to know that I have helped other people to “come alive” as well.
Lastly, I wanted to get into the habit of writing on a consistent basis because I want to write a book. This was a good start and in fact I will be turning these 365 posts into a hard cover book using blurb.com.
I have to admit I wasn’t sure I’d be able to be consistent in writing, and Lord knows I wasn’t sure if I’d have something to say everyday for 365 days. So I set out to live my life, lose weight, enjoy the journey and do things that would help me to literally come alive in 365. And I did!
On day 2 of my journey, I set a goal to run around a quarter mile track without stopping just so I’d have something to blog about…LOL. I think I was more excited about blogging about what I had done than actually doing it. In fact there were many days like that. I knew I had to give an account so I pushed myself to accomplish things just so I could blog about it.
Here are some of the milestones of my journey:
I joined Black Girls Run on Day 44 for my first official group run!
I completed my 40/40 Challenge on Day 86. That’s right, I ran 40 miles in 40 days.
I declared my body a no soda zone on Day 89. I had my last soda on December 31, 2011 and haven’t had once since.
I got a chance to share my testimony on Blog Radio on Day 103, with my friend Karen Harcum, the host of My Body Is Temple Blog Radio.
I became a Licensed Zumba Instructor on Day 119. This was a truly exciting moment for me.
I ran 5 miles STRAIGHT without stopping on my Birthday, Day 138.
I taught my first Zumba class AND had 29 beautiful ladies in my class on Day 156.
Day 164 was the day I participated in the Get Your Rear In Gear 5K Race, the first 5K Race in which I RAN the whole thing.
Day 205, my territory was increased when I taught Zumba for the Dezzie B.I.G. Girl Workout and I was able to reach more ladies.
I completed my 2nd 5K of the year on Day 235, finishing 6 minutes under my last year time
I ran in the Color Me Rad 5K race on Day 255, which was the most fun I’ve had in a 5K race.
I celebrated my Woman of Great Price Award with my Zumba class on Day 282.
I ran along the banks of Lake Michigan while in Chicago on Day 327…too cool.
On Day 352 I ran my best time to date in my 4th 5K Race. I ran 3.1 miles in 48 minutes at the Walter E. Brandon Sickle Cell 5K Race.
These are just some of the highlights of my year long journey. In addition to all that, I have lost 48 lbs in one year. My weight when I started this blog a year ago was 315lbs. My current weight is 267lbs, and I’m down 70lbs. from my highest weight of 337lbs.
I have gained confidence, athletic ability, peace of mind, new friends, and awesome opportunities that I NEVER dreamed of. I have new dreams and vision for myself, and a sense of accomplishment that I cannot even begin to articulate.
The journey has been a blessing. I’ve had my ups and downs, challenges and victories and through it all I’ve had so much fun. I’m thankful to ALL of you who have followed me on my journey and encouraged me along the way. I’m praying for all of you who have embarked upon your own journey. I continue to be inspired by all of you have reached your goals, and I am looking forward to continuing the journey until I reach mine.
Although this is the 365th day, this is not the end of my journey or my blogging. I will continue to give updates on my progress AND I will be focusing on helping others to reach their goals. I pray that you will continue to read this blog AND find some inspiration and encouragement. My journey will continue and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter / 365 days will bring. I love you all and I thank you so very much for your love, support, and encouragement. You guys ROCK!!!!!!
Smooches!!
Traci says
Go head with your bad self!!!! Happy Anniversary and kudos to you for accomplishing all of your goals. I’ve enjoyed reading you blog and they have definitely been inspirational.
C. Boogie says
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Miss Missy!!!! Here’s to a job well done!