PICTURE TIME!!!

Hey everyone! Summer is in full swing, and I joined in this year! I can't tell you the last time I wore a swimsuit, but this year, after more than 100 pounds lost, I did it! Not only did I buy a suit that fit me, I wore it and went swimming with friends. I used to work out in the pool at my old gym, but I never wore an actual swimsuit. I always wore shorts and a t-shirt, because I was so big. So this is something to celebrate. 

Me in my awesome cover-up!

Did someone say BATHING SUIT? :)

My weight is actually up a bit, but as I said last time, this is part of the process. I did go away for the weekend – for my church's annual conference – and restaurant foods are always harder to manage, especially when it feels like vacation time.

Weight: 344.6 (up 1.4 pounds... still not a defeat!)

BMI: 60.9 (up .4 from last time... again, not sad, just getting back on track. :-D)

A friend and I will be starting another hCG round mid-August, so be prepared to encourage us in that. I'm ready for more weight loss! I'm on the road to health and freedom in the body I was meant to have, and I want to thank you all for joining me. These journeys, while some aspects are meant to be walked alone, others are meant to be accompanied by friends who encourage. You can't make my eating decisions for me; I have to do that. But you all have walked alongside me in this, cheering me on, and praying me through, and for that I am eternally grateful. 

As you have encouraged me, I will now encourage you: #1 If you are also on a journey similar to mine, keep it up! The only one who controls your choices is yourself. This is something I am learning through this. And #2, through encouraging words from friends, I find the support I need to continue making those good choices that will lead me closer to my goal. Every day is a gift; every breath, a miracle. Remember to thank God for your life. And if you haven't ever considered Him as your life-source, it is time. Jesus paid for your miraculous lives with His own, and you are loved by Him more than you could ever comprehend.

Thanks for your support, friendship, and love.

Much love,

Sarah

Here's to Routines!

I have been having a rough week this week. I want to do the right things, and continue on the right eating path, but lately it is hard. I'm being honest right now. But even more than wanting to eat the things I shouldn't, I don't want to gain that weight back. And that is what is more important.

I know that the Holy Spirit is my helper, and that God won't give me more than I can handle. This week's weigh-in still shows a loss, so that is phenomenal.

Weight: 343.2 (down 2.6 from the last official weigh-in)

BMI: 60.5 (down .5 from the last BMI calculation)

Thank you all for being an encouragement to me. And to be honest, I can really use it right now. Feel free to comment here or to Facebook me, if we are connected, if you feel led to encourage. 

Much love,

Sarah

Busy Summer

Well, the office has been closed all of last week for a little much-needed retreat from the daily hustle and bustle, so I haven't been on a normal schedule. However, I do have a pretty graph to show you of my progress for the last 6 weeks or so. 

I think it's important for people who might be on this same path to understand that sometimes the battle isn't always downhill. Sometimes there are things – especially for women – that happen and we have no control over them, like hormone changes. It's all okay. 

As long as you are consistently caring for yourself and have people who can keep you accountable, you will see progress. It's not always easy. It's not usually easy! But there are times when you look back at your progress and think to yourself, "I'm not doing so bad at all!" After all, I am still more than 100 pounds lighter than I was at this time last year.

Have fun looking at the pretty chart, and keep cool!

(By the way, my weight today was 342.2.)

Much love,

Sarah