I woke up this morning to a cold snowy Chicago morning and started my regular routine-brushing my teeth and hair, getting my daughter ready, fixing Breakfast. Just your ordinary Wednesday morning. But suddenly, I noticed this person staring at me, someone I knew but couldn't quite put a name to the face. And as I am so blatantly staring back at this person, I slowly begin to realize that this isn't just any person but me, not the me I usually think of, hidden under large sweaters and tunic tops coupled with a pair of stretch, wide-legged pants and sensible shoes but the me I can faintly recall from years ago, before I forgot how to take care of myself and feel as though I look good. Before 12 packs of diet coke and bottles of wine had turned my complection gray and put dark circles under my eyes. Before weight and lack of exercise made my ankles, legs and hands swell to the point that I was in pain everytime I got up because the skin was stretched even moreso.

And I look at this person who has a neck and cheekbones and who's blue eyes are bright and full of life. This person with a twinkle in her eye and broad and secure smile that says "damn I look good!". And I smile at this person who I have missed so much and I say to them "this is only the beginning...".

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all...

You look beautiful! Now you need to post one for your avatar!

You are so cute!!! What a great little vingette! You are doing wonderfully, keep up the good work!!!

Oh, Melissa, your post brought tears to my eyes. I know those thoughts! Isn't it wonderful to get your life back? Congratulations! You're just going to get better and better!

Here is one for your avatar....

OK Kelly, how on earth did you do that? I'v had multiple aggravation trying to get my pic in my avatar or even to be able to attach without it being a link. ARGH! Could you please show me how to do that with the other picture. I reduced to the right size but it still won't show up!! THis pic I took with my phone and is not so clear. Thanks for any help you can give! :banana :banana

Melissa,

WTG! You look and sound on top of the world. You are an inspiration to us unbanded souls. LOL

I was having a not-so-good day... but what a nice post this is. Thanks for kicking me into upbeat mode. Beautiful!

Not sure if this is small enough; but give it a try.....

This one may work it is smaller...if not I will fix it when I get home...

Go to user CP at the top right of your screen and under there you can change your avatar....

Awesome!! This, my dear, is what it's all about. BTW, I think that gray lady you were describing was me. lol.

Thanks Kelly! I am finally seen!! Thanks to all of you and here's to the BEST IS YET TO COME!!!