It's been a very long road, but FINALLY, today, I see that elusive number, 130!!!! I've lost 35.5 pounds. Oh, what an accomplishment!!! I'm proud of myself. I don't want to take all this hard work I've done for granted. I have achieved something really special for myself!!!

All along the way, there have been times when the scale has seemed stuck, and I thought it would never go below that number. But through persistence, and sometimes a little tweaking, it did go down eventually.

I truly view this whole thing as a Way of Living. It's been 2 years of persistence, of continually getting myself back on course when I fall off course. My whole life has gotten better by doing this. Through this process, I've learned more about what works in all of life. By getting myself back on track over and over, I've learned more about loving myself and taking care of myself. I've learned to not be too hard on myself; to change my thinking, to give myself credit for even the small things I accomplish (not to focus on the negative). I've learned that what works in life for me is balance and moderation, NOT all-or-nothing. I've learned to accept my body more. It's OK that I don't look like the altered photos of women in magazines who have high-paid staffs of people to make them look just right for the photo-op. Of course, I don't always remember or practice what I've learned. I keep falling off course, forgetting, learning, & bringing myself back on track. I know that as confident as I feel right now, later today I could find myself feeling out of control & eating the wrong way. It's a matter of not giving up when that happens.

I was overweight most of my life. I never knew how to eat in a way that worked for me. Before, I didn't know how to deal with craving, hunger, or deprivation. SBD is the way that works for me. Now I know better how to deal with my emotional eating. And now, just as important, I know how to keep the weight off for the rest of my life. No more of that frustrating, discouraging yo-yo-ing, and its feelings of failure. It will take ongoing, day-by-day persistence, but now I CAN STAY SLIM !!!!! If there's something tempting me, I know how to deal with it now. And I WANT to keep doing this way of eating!

Exercise has been just as important as this way of eating. I've always been a sedentary-type person, & nearly every day I've struggled with myself to get started. Doing it consistently has been vital to losing weight & it has made my entire life much better, in so many ways. Starting a bit of yoga recently has helped me lose weight, not to mention all the other benefits it brings me.

This board is really awesome and supportive, and you've all helped me to reach my goal. You're people who understand what it's like, and I understand what it's like for you. And here, I can actually keep track of who each of you are. That helps me alot! Thanks to all of you for your support and ideas. Sometimes you don't know it, but something seemingly insignificant that I hear one of you, including a newbie, say, sets off a lightbulb or spark that gives me the impetus to make more progress. Actually posting, and not just reading, on this board has really made a difference. By posting my exercise, I can give myself credit for that accomplishment every time I do it. Before, I had maybe posted once or twice on a board. Something about actually posting, and not just reading, helped me to affirm my commitment to get to my goal.

I DID IT!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!! I DID IT!!!!!!!

arty: arty:
So happy for you Nancy!!!!!arty: arty:

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YOU ARE AWESOME GIRL! i am so happy for you...you made it! :happy: what dedication & hard work...you are an inspiration to us all keep on beachin' :joy:

What an awesome, awesome post! I swear I almost felt a tear there for a minute. I just love you right now, Nancy. I wish I could give you a real hug!

I am so motivated right now! :joy: Thank you so much and congratulations on your accomplishment. I am so glad that you came to the board and started posting. Please stay here and help others and at the same time, help yourself maintain. Don't leave us now just because you've made it. Okay?

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Join me at Gather!

Wow! Congratulations!!!!!!! :wave:

:happy: :wave: :wave: :happy: wow nancy..... i dont know what else to say.......you are for sure a inspring to all of us....and way to keep us motaviated as well.....i'm so so so happy for you.....keep on keeping on thats for sure...and right on about what luv said dont stop posting we need you girlfriend...... luv french ump Rope: :joy:

I can imagine how great you must feel!!! Im so happy for you.Your a an inspiration for us all

You go girl! that is awsome and now that you know what works for you you'll keep it off! Way to go!

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:Love3: Nancy, I am still catching up from being on vacation and found this WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!!!
A GOALIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:joy: :joy: :joy:

Congratulations on this outstanding accomplisment!! I look up to you because you have been on the diet longer than me and now you are at goal!! Plus you always have such wonderful, encouraging comments for everyone.

Thank you so much for being you and what a terrifc thing you have done for your health!!!!!

I do hope you stay around. We need advice on how to maintain our weight on this way of eating and we'll definitely be looking to you for help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:Clap: Nancy im so pround of you what a great story that is. I'll be sure to come to you when I need some motivation to stick to it.

Wow you must feel like you are on top of the world!!