PWLP: Week Five - Lesson One

Personal Evaluation

1. Since starting the program, what is the most exciting change you have experienced in "who you are"?    There are two things for me: the first has been how my belt has gone from being on the first notch to the sixth notch in a matter of months. I know this isn't really 'who I am' and yet it totally is. My whole life I've been self-defined as the fat redhead... and for once, I feel farther from that description than I ever have in my life. The second thing is the freedom that I experience daily. I don't feel enslaved or tied down to food anymore - I have the freedom to eat when I want or not to eat... I don't feel uncontrollable urges to consume ridiculous amounts of sugary sweets or breads, and I feel satisfied in general.

2. How has this change affected your life and those close to you?    I have a better perspective on life. I have a better perspective of myself. I take pride in who I am and what I do with my time, and I feel like it reflects better on me as a person, in general. For the people around me, I feel like I'm an inspiration. I know that my success and journey is inspiring to those who want to make changes as I have. For them to see me happy and succeeding, as opposed to starving and uncomfortable, makes them feel like their goals are also attainable.

3. Have you ever before experienced this level of success in a "project of self-change"? When?    No, not ever. I've never felt this way, nor experienced this level of loss in my life. This is brand new and wonderful to me. I feel so empowered and successful most days...

4. What are some of the obstacles you faced in the past as you approached the point of success?    Going to a function/preparing treats for my husband, and gorging/binging on the treats during the process. The binging usually sent me in a downward spiral that I couldn't recover from. Disappointment and frustration from stepping on the scale too often also became a major obstacle for me. Additionally, no support from my family and friends - not that they didn't support my changes, they just weren't going with me on the journey and I felt very alone and like no one understood what I was going through. This time, my husband is very much part of the journey, and my sister is doing it with me. It's a lot easier knowing you have someone walking the same path as you :) Thanks, sister!!!