{One Hundred Days}

by Betty

Hundred days, feels like a long time when I say it out loud, but in just 100 days, I have lost 50 pounds. I recognize that this is just the start of my journey and that I have a weight loss goal that is still pretty far away, but WOW! FIFTY POUNDS. Cara spoke about our journey beginning back on November 27^th which was 100 days ago. In 100 days, I have changed my entire life. In 100 days, I see things completely differently. In just 100 days, I have taken control of an addiction that was completely out of control. And in 100 days, I have become a girl that believes in herself and the tenacity she has inside her. I am humbled by the experiences and stories I have from these last 100 days, but most of all, I am astounded by the support I have around me. It is in our nature as humans to find each other in the darkest of times and come together to make it through, but to actually feel it first hand is like nothing I have ever known. I have never been more thankful for the people in my life. I have gone back and forth through my years pushing people away. I have always struggled with vulnerability, but I have never been more vulnerable than after committing to this blog. Even more than accountability, this blog reminds me of the blessed life I am able to live every day. I have never felt truly worth the unconditional love and support that I have felt these last 100 days. I know that a huge part of my 50 pound loss comes from the support of the people I have in my life and I do not believe there will ever be words that fully describe the appreciation I have for them.

I decided on November 27, 2011 that my weight loss journey was about life and death. Should I have chosen to not do anything about my health, I know without reservation that I would not have lived very well or very long. I am 31 years old and 100 days ago I felt 71 years old. I wasn’t living. I was dying. In 100 days, I have completely changed how I feel. Today, I am living. Though, I do not hide how hard this journey is for me, I am constantly reminded its brilliance as well. I feel so much better. I feel the weight loss off my knees, back and feet. I feel clean from the water and fresh food. My mind is clearer and my heart is full. More than that, I know what kind of life I want. I want to wake up every morning to live as a dedicated, motivated, compassionate person for this world. I will continue to live in the present, be thankful for the past, and look forward to the future.

As I have said before, the last 100 days have not included pills, powders, deprivation, surgery or magical spells. I have just eaten less and moved more. I am mindful of every moment every day.

Shout Out’s:

I am blessed to have many strong women in my life. Two of which are Gretchen Jackson and Christine Owner.

                  Gretchen…HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I want you to know I have admired you from the moment I met you and feel so lucky to learn from you. You inspire me to be patient and thoughtful. I am so grateful for our friendship and your support.

                  Christine…this is a long overdue shout out. There is no one like you. I feel so honored to share our conversations of designer fashion, beauty secrets, handbags, relationships and Bali. You are a strong, lovely woman who lives fully and I aspire to be the same.

“There is time for work and time for love. That leaves no other time.” –Coco Chanel (Christine has this quote engraved in a bracelet she wears and I adore it).

To my support group…you know who you are…(and if you don’t, read my previous blog post shout outs and future ones too:)…I am who I am today because I feel worth it. I feel worth it because of the people in my life. Sharing life with the family I was born into and the friends that I was destined to love is all I have ever and will ever want. There will never be a moment where I am not inspired to live this life as I am surrounded by such unconditional love, support, humor, intelligence and thoughtfulness. You are all paving the path I walk (and sometimes jog) on this journey and I will forever be grateful.

You and I by Lady Gaga is one of my favorite tunes right now. I dedicate it to you. 

“You and I
You, you and I
You, you and I
You, you and I, I
You and I
You, you and I
Oh yeah!
I'd rather die
Without you and I

C'mon!
Put your drinks up!

We got a whole lot of money, but we still pay rent
'Cause you can't buy a house in Heaven
There's only three men that I'm a serve my whole life
It's my daddy and [San Francisco] and Jesus Christ”

Last, but not least…To me: You have lost 50 pounds. Believe in yourself. Trust the process. Change forever. I love you more than bread and butter.

Tips:

I was told at the Resort by Jessica the nutritionist that I shouldn’t need to take a mutli-vitamin if I am eating the right food. The right foods have all the nutrients and vitamins you need. I ventured out for my weekend shopping trip and tried to select a couple different foods to ensure I get what I need. Tonight, I made a dish with kale. Food is fuel.

Have fun! No I mean, like real fun. Friday night my sisters and I took my mom to see the play Mamma Mia. We ate, we drank and we danced. Enjoy all your days.

“Mamma mia, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My my, just how much I've missed you
Yes, I've been brokenhearted
Blue since the day we parted
Why, why did I ever let you go?
Mamma mia, now I really know,
My my, I could never let you go.”-ABBA