"In The Mirror"

If you have been reading my blog you know that during my significant weight loss, I discovered self-image and body perception issues, as well as little confidence in choosing flattering, well-fitting and quality clothing to create an entire new wardrobe. I have been studying everything I could learn to help me create a quality new wardrobe on a budget. I have visited thrift and consignment stores throughout the Twin Cities and created a fabulous new wardrobe. Friends, family and colleagues noticed and began to ask me for assistance to edit and organize their closets and shopping with them to create their perfect wardrobes. They have been delighted with the results and told their friends and so “In The Mirror” was born.

My new endeavor, “In The Mirror” offers self-image and style workshops, closet-editing, style mentoring and guided shopping trips. The first workshop is scheduled for January 30, 2010 at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Woodbury. The cost is $50.00. I f you would like more information about the workshop or my personal services contact me at: inthemirror@comcast.net
The available slots are filling up fast, so contact me soon if you are interested! I 'd love to work with you.

Maintenance

I am now maintaining my weight at 114-118 pounds that represents about a 140 pound weight loss- 77 pounds in the H.O.W. Program. It is a whole new life (!) and way of living to be slender and to be incorporating the 12-Steps into my life. It is especially noticeable to me at Christmastime. I am not food-centered! This is an amazing thing. Multiple events with tables full of every kind of food imaginable, including those holiday cookies, candies, and chocolate--and I don't react at all. But it is about far more than food- I have time and energy to focus on people in a whole new way. I am moving away from being judgmental. I make apologies quickly for errors I make. I am forgiving far sooner and more often than ever before. I am a better listener. I am a better spouse, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, friend, and co-worker. I make a daily inventory to help me on focus on MY character defects and not everyone elses. Miraculous changes.

I am no where near perfect at any of this and I struggle to be the person my Higher Power wants me to be--and yet, for the first time in my life, I am focused on keeping "a fit spiritual condition." All of us compulsive over-eaters in H.O.W. know that we are but one compulsive bite away from relapse and that our abstinence is based on maintaining a fit spiritual condition. "One bite is too many and a thousand bites is not enough."

I am grateful this Holiday season and looking forward to 2010 and all that it brings to me. I wish all of you the best.

Goal Weight

Today I am at my goal weight of 115 pounds. I still struggle with realizing how slim and trim I am. I am getting closer to knowing that I am truly quite petite. It is so foreign to me, an alien concept. I am down 137 pounds from my top weight and 77 pounds since joining HOW in the fall of 2008. It seems like magic, but it is not. It is the result of doing what I cannot do on my own (following a food plan, learning to live by the 12 steps) one day at a time, and then doing it the next day.

I still wish every person I know who is struggling with food, eating, and weight issues could know the simple pleasure of "putting your food in a cup" and living right-sized.