Happy New Year, everyone!
I’m back at work and ready to make 2012 the best year yet. I
hope you are, too. I’m feeling fairly well after my surgery, though I plan to
write more about that Friday.
For now, I wanted to look back at 2011. I had some
highlights and some lowlights—some ups and some downs. All important steps
along my ultimate journey. All opportunities for learned lessons.
In 2011, I:
- Took a fantastic trip with one of my best friends to visit Los Angeles and hang with Oprah.
What I learned:
Flying—and traveling in general—is much easier than it was
when I weighed 300 pounds. I was able to fit comfortably on a plane (a middle
seat, even!) and take in the sights without dying of exhaustion.
- Tried my hand (er, legs?) at running. Not very successfully.
What I learned:
Running may not be for me. And that’s OK. Trying something
new and getting out of my comfort zone is important—and just because I’m not
good at it does not mean I’m a failure.
- Confronted my younger self when I spoke to overweight children and their families at Camp Strong4Life.
What I learned:
So much. It was one of the first times since I started
losing weight that I was really sent into a tailspin. I didn’t expect the
ripples of that experience to be so far-reaching, but indeed they were. I
learned that 13-year-old Erika, and the things she went through, very much shaped
who I am today. Both for good and for not-so-good.
What I learned:
I can actually accomplish goals. And I still have a long way
to go. But every single one of those pounds was a different lesson in itself—a triumph
over a battle I’ve been fighting most of my life.
- Took a fun, spontaneous road trip with girlfriends to Nashville.
What I learned:
Eating healthy is important. But so is eating the most
amazing biscuits of all time. We all need to treat ourselves. Yay biscuits!
- Celebrated my 100-pound loss with my Children’s family.
What I learned:
I’m a very lucky girl. I’ve never felt so overwhelmed with
love and support. You guys are an essential part of every pound I’ve
lost.
- Met Donnie Wahlberg!!!!! OMG!!!!
What I learned:
I have the best job ever. And dreams can come true—especially
when the timing is perfect.
What I learned:
Dating is interesting. I’ve met some great guys. I had my
heart hurt a little. I had dates that led to fantastically hilarious stories
to tell over cocktails with my friends. I learned that I’m worthy of finding
someone perfect for me. I learned that whether or not a relationship is
successful is actually not all about me. And I learned that I have a lot of
hope for the future.
What I learned:
Cauliflower is the most awesome thing EVER.
- Had what I hope will be a lifechanging surgery.
What I learned:
Stay tuned. The lessons are still coming and, I suspect,
will be for a long time.
I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store for me. For all
of us. Looking back at your 2011, what will you most remember?
5 comments:
wow! erika, you are amazing. this was great to read. and I am so glad you are recovering nicely from your recent surgery.
I am a food addict. Though I have never been overweight, I do understand the connection to food and how hard it is to have a healthy relationship with it. I ate to fill a deep void in my life, i ate to numb the pain i feel. I struggle with it every single day. If I eat one cookie, I am a horrible person and might as well eat 50. Those voices are hard to turn off and I am so proud of you for all the victories you have made. You truly inspire me.
I will most remember the painful lessons I have learned this year, how what I say can hurt people and how the relationship I had with someone I love so much was destroyed because of me. Ouch. It hurts. and I can only hope 2012 brings healing, redemption, and wholeness for me. Because no matter what we have done in our lives, we all deserve it. even me.
I love you, Erika. and wish you only great things always. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Katie aka girl on the phone :-)
Not to say that this year won't be without a challenge or two, but I'm kind of thinking that 2012 is all yours.
Happy New Year, E. So proud of you. : )
Your best post, yet. Thanks for sharing lessons learned.
Jennifer
You have had an amazing year. Wow. Love that you really thought through the big experiences and pulled out a lesson from each one. That's awesome!
I made mashed cauliflower last night (with a little sharp cheddar and Smart butter - salt and pepper) - YUMMO!
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