Hello everyone,

I bring to you tidings of joy for the Holiday Season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!! :smile1:

I'm writing you today because I have recently had a revealing moment... or two. A few days ago I was walking around our house and I walked into an area where the kitchen light shines against our dining room wall. As I walked by I noticed a shadow appear on the wall, and one I could not for the life of me recognize. I was SO surprised that I had to walk by again, because in all reality I couldn't believe that was me I was looking at. This figure on the wall was tall, slender and super curvy. I was impressed to say the least. I felt satisfied by what I saw.

Let me define for you the word satisfied because this is one I've NEVER used in my entire life when it came to how I viewed myself physically. Not once.

Synonyms: content - contented - pleased - happy - glad

Yes, this was me at that very moment. I'm going to admit something here and now. I've not one time in my life felt this way regarding ME. My reflection would always throw me back an image I couldn't accept. There was always something more I could do, to improve upon. There was even a time in my life where I was even underweight for my frame and I STILL could not accept ME. I always wanted to lose more, a pound here or an inch there. It was a little insane truthfully.

Here I am right now, feeling high from adrenaline and satisfaction - that I am really and truly done with this journey. I put on my first pair of jeans since my final liposuction and they were easy to put on. They slid right up over my thighs without effort. I didn't have to fight them, and I didn't have to wear pants today that were too small in the thigh and too big in the waist. My thighs... oh so lovely thighs... are normal.

Normal synonyms: regular - standard - ordinary - common - usual

Another word I've never used to define myself.

I am me, and I am content, pleased, happy, glad, regular, standard, ordinary, common and I am usual.

I am also a finished product. Now only need to keep up with remaining healthy and staying right here where I am. So, EFF YOU SIZE ZERO!! You do not define me, just as much as my scale does not. My health, both physical and mental - and my happiness does.

Well done Irene! Im very proud and inspired by your great effort and kindness in sharing with us all. Much continued happiness to you!

Awesome job!! I'm so proud you. I'm very, very proud of you!!!!

What a great post; and a great place to be! I am so happy for you! That feeling of content must be worth a million weight related goals all rolled into one!

I truly cannot wait to be where you are today! Congratulations on the final stage of your journey; self acceptance! xx

Awesome! I love this post. I was thin all of my life until I was about 27 or so and never felt satisfied with myself just like you. While I am not at goal, I have another 20 lbs or so to go if I never lost another pound I would still be happy with me now. I love this new life and I love to read your posts. You go girl and live this glorious life you have given yourself.

Being happy/content and being fit. That says it all, Diva. You have arrived. Love it!

Awesome! I love your post! Can't wait until I get to post it as my observation of me.

Wow!! You are my hero! :-) Congrats to you and all of your successes!!

Thank you all so much, sincerely. My journey wouldn't or couldn't have been as wonderful without this awesome communty. I really mean that from the bottom of my heart.

:grouphug:

Irene - You are amazing! LOVE LOVE LOVE you girl - you inspire me - and always say it as it is! Your journey has been so fun to follow - and you will never know how much you helped me through your honest posts. I admire your determination - and am so proud of you!

I wish you continued happiness and satisfaction you have worked so hard to earn it! Hugs

Kim

Irene,

Congrats! I'm so glad you have that feeling of self acceptance and pride in your looks. It truly is the final step in our journey and one that many people probably never arrive at. Thank you for showing us the way to get there: one step at a time, sometimes struggling and sometimes soaring.

Your willingness to share is a gift to all of us, and I treasure it. Your posts have helped keep me focused, help me forgive myself and climb back on the wagon, and help me to understand what this journey means to me and what goal looks like for me.

Lynda

LOVE THIS! I too am CONTENT!

Recently during my bday lunch at work they asked me to make a wish before I blew out the candles and I thought to myself I am content! and said no I'm good, I am content. But they pressured me and even suggested a few wishes for me (like my braces coming off soon LOL). Anyhoo, I totally get what you are saying and I'm so happy and so proud of YOU!

P.s. YOUR LEGS LOOK AWESOME!!!!!!! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! AND LIKE IE GAL SAID, YOU HAVE ARRIVED

Y'all are soooo sweet, thank you!!!! Yayyy!!

Kim - as much as you say I inspire you, the feeling is mutual.

Lynda - I admit this is a really awesome place to be. I never thought I'd ever be able to feel this way about myself, but I do... and I'm on top of the world.

SLM - Yeah, can't get away from that NOW!! Heehee!! Love ya girlie, you have inspired me SOOO much through my journey. You're absolutely beautiful and you should be content, because you're there!

As I have often said... you are lovely. You have been and will continue to be such an inspiration to me. Everyone should realize the final goal is really self acceptance. Like you this is something I never had... even at 110 lbs in highschool ... I thought I was too fat... but I am looking forward to 130 lbs. After what I have been through... I think like you I will finally find self acceptance.

Khy

I'm so happy for you! You are proof that hard work and not giving up really can get us where we want to be. Congratulations on feeling good in your own skin! Since I have always been big I totally get the appeal of fitting into a size zero- hearing you say that you are happy NOT being a size zero is encouraging! Thanks for all that you do for us here.

Everyone should realize the final goal is really self acceptance.

Khy... profound!! Though I felt this in my heart - this tiny sentence said a million words. You will get there, and when you do - please share so we can all Celebrate with you!! PS, you're my new quote in my signature line.