I couldn't find my sewing tape measure today for a while and so I measured myself with a piece of string and then measured the string. Then I found the tape measure and did all my measurements. I am astounded at how far back I have backtracked over the last few years. And to get myself focused on getting smaller, I am doing something very brave right now. I am posting my measurements since 2004. I have very few here but it is something to go off of and start again. Hollys success has gotten me very brave indeed. Here goes.

2004
Upper Abs 40   Waist 39   Hips 49   Upper Arms --   Thighs --   Weight 195

June 2007
Upper Abs 38   Waist 39.5   Hips 47   Upper Arms --   Thighs --   Weight 185

June 2008
Upper Abs 38   Waist 37.5   Hips 47   Upper Arms 13.5   Thighs 25   Weight 180

Feb 5 2010
Upper Abs 38   Waist 38   Hips 48   Upper Arms 14.5   Thighs 26  Weight 192

Look I know in the grand big picture of things I haven't strayed too much. But OMG you would think that I could have gotten a little farther by now? For "F@#$$%%" sake!!! SO there you have it and now the world knows that I am LAZY when it comes to slimming down.


 

Okay, first of all, Amanda, you are not lazy. So stop being so hard on yourself. As peelers, we already have enough stress on us; we don't need to add to it by insulting ourselves. So stop that right now.

Secondly, lifestyle and stress play a HUGE role in the body's ability to shed unwanted weight. You've had a LOT of stress over the past few years, and your body is holding onto it more strongly than you want it to. If you can find ways to reduce your stress levels - and give yourself A LOT of reassurance - you will find the layers will start to come off again. Also, check what you're eating in comparison to how much exercise you're getting. If you're eating more calories than you're burning, you'll have to make some adjustments.

DO NOT GIVE UP, Amanda. I believe in you and I know you can do this. Just be patient with yourself and try to be more loving by watching what you say about yourself. The body DOES respond to what you give it, and that includes words, hon.

thank you Holly.

Amanda, you have been there for me many times, for many reasons. The very LEAST I can do is to return that love by being there for you. That's what friends do for each other, right?

yes support from friends is very important! We we keep on eating good food and exercising and encouraging each other we will both benefit!!! thank you!!!!!! ((hugs))

Now Amanda you have to STOP this defeatist thinking. You are doing great, you are trying and that’s what counts. Stop with all the expectations this puts limits on what the universe can do for you. Allow it to happen, as it wants to at the time it takes for it to happen, then be ready to receive the miracles that happen daily. This isn’t just about weight loss but more about going inside and learning about yourself and the journey it took to get where you are. Now let yourself explore those things with out beating yourself up and judging yourself, learn to LOVE yourself in any shape or form and BELIEVE in yourself, we believe in you . You are doing fine even if its only a pound, it’s a pound less then before Celebrate you are learning to be healthy and beginning to understand yourself :)

Thank you LWM and you are right. I see how I want to be and it seems impossible all the time. IF I take it one day at a time and do my best even if its only a little I will be fine'