Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Team everybody

Overwhelmed. Humbled. Blown away.

Those are just a few words to describe how I felt about my lovely party last Thursday.

I spent many anxious hours wondering how it would go. Would people show up? Would I be able to stand up in front of those who did and speak? Would I start crying and blubbering like an idiot?

I walked into that room Thursday and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Balloons. Streamers. PEOPLE. So many of you turned out just to say hi. And I couldn’t be more grateful.

It was hard for me to express everything I wanted in just those few short minutes. I wanted to say thank you. I wanted to make sure you knew you’d saved my life, just by supporting me and reading my blog. I wanted you to know that if you are struggling with your weight or with food addiction, there is hope.

Eloquence is not really my thing. I tend to stand up and speak whatever words come to me. My knees were shaking and I was sweating from the adrenaline that came from speaking in front of a crowd. So I hope I got at least those points across.

I loved meeting so many of you after the party. A few of you told me of your successes. Those should be shared, too. (In fact, I’d love to feature a few of you here on this blog. Email me and let me know if I can highlight your story.) I have to say one of my favorites was the woman who told me she had been secretly competing with me to get to her 100 pounds first. At 96 pounds down, she’s almost there. I love that I had a covert competitor out there.

Thank you to each of you who came to the party. An even bigger thank you to those who planned the event. And a special thank you to my dear friends who made “Team Erika” signs and waved them—a reminder of those who have been a part of my life long before I started this journey.


I’ve often shared about how hard it is for me to take a compliment. Last week you guys made me feel so special—loved and supported. And that’s a feeling I never want to forget. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Proud member of Team E here! So proud of you!

Anonymous said...

WOW! That is so great and you look awesome in that picture! I am so proud of you as always! Love, Beth

P.s. Your co workers love you so much that they coordinated the Team Erika signs AND your outfit to MATCH!!! :)Love it!

Anonymous said...

You are amazing!
Your Chaplain-fan and Orientation-buddy, Cynthia

Anonymous said...

I am so proud of you! I know you aren't going back, because the changes you made are behavioral, and emotional.

I'm proud of me too. I went to the beach, and let my thighs jiggle for all the world to see. After my massive weight loss, it is what it is. I looked around and saw very heavy women in bikinis. Lots of them. If they don't care, why should I.

My big success...I bought new pants at White House Black Market. Size 4. That's right, size 4!!!
I think I will wear them with the tag on, prominently displayed on the outside. Too think, I once wore a tight size 32!

Keep up the good work! Shopping days ahead!

CD said...

You're awesome, Erika! Sign me up to be a member of Team Erika! You are a rock star!!!

Anonymous said...

You're awesome! An inspiration to all of us!

Anonymous said...

Wow! You inspire and motivate to lose weight. I thank you for your honest words, that some people are embarrassed to express themselves. You look great!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. You've done an awesome job with your journey.

Anonymous said...

Your story is an encouragement for so many people. Thank you for being brave enough to open up to strangers, and motivate us all. Your awesome.

Alex said...

Yaaaay! O.k., I had to look at the picture twice to find you. No one is overweight in that pic, Erika...I hope that's what you see as well. I'm so proud of you! A bike is ready for you to ride on a Saturday with me. :-) Jai

Kellynn18 said...

Thank you for continuing to include us in your life and for allowing us to be a part of your success. Being the center of attention may be difficult for you, but your ability to inspire others is immense. Congratulations, and keep the motivation coming!!!