Wednesday, February 06, 2008

OMG. Should I share "My Journey"?







Cindy, over at Lean But Not Mean asked us to share our fitness journey.

My first thought? OMG, no!

But dh has encouraged me. He thinks it is good for me, and might help others. So, I share, in trepidation....

Six years ago. Health problems and depression. And I gained weight.

I went from thin to obese.

I was a chubby child ( and my mother had me on constant diets), an anorexic teen, an always dieting, always working out young mum, then an overweight and finally depressed obese person.
I got help for my depression. And for my health.

Over the last six years, I have worked on healthy eating ( again) and have come to love working out ~ again.

So, here I am today ~ a work in progress. Still chubby but not as ,well , fat, as I was. I've lost well over 30 kg - well over 66 lbs.

Cindy asked us to share our fitness journeys. This is mine in a nutshell.

I feel very brave sharing these pics . I forgot how it used to be. I feel sad that I am no longer the thin person I was. But happy I am no longer obese. Yet I live in fear, every day, of going back there. Of getting fat and depressed.

It's a mind thing, as well as a physical journey.

21 comments:

Hopewell said...

THANKS for posting this. I have a dim picture on my FaceBook & MySpace and none on my blog. I worked like a deamon to love 75lbs, kept if off for several years, then adopted the kids went into the worst depression of my life and regained almost all of it. I really appreciate it when others share their hard-won successes. It's the inspiration I need.

Karen Edmisten said...

Leonie, you are beautiful and you look healthy and lovely! Not "chubby" at all, and you have nothing to feel sad about! Congrats on the perseverance and work it took to lose 66 lbs. You're amazing, and an inspiration.

Cindy said...

Leonie,

This is inspirational. I am glad you shared. I find it very encouraging when others share their journies.

It is all about loving ourselves and caring for the body that God gave us. The world can have us so messed up, thinking we need to be skinny, or dieting to match some man-made image.

All of your posts about your love of exercise and finding healthy food for you and your family are very encouragaing. It is about the long haul, the lifestyle and caring for ourselves.

You have done that beautifully. You will not go back, you are on the right path now and are lovely inside and out.

Cindy

mostly young said...

You rock Leonie!

Anonymous said...

Leonie,
Like I didn't already admire you enough, my dear. What an inspiration your journey will prove for countless women and what a courageous woman you are for sharing it.

Michelle Waters said...

The things that we're most afraid of sharing always help others the most. I know this in my head, but have a hard time sharing my heart as openly as you did. Your courage will certainly be fruitful... thanks!

Leonie said...

Hi everyone - posting that was my Ash Wed penance. :-) I went to bed feling bad and fat. :-( But hope its of some help for someone, someone with an eating disorder past like me...I went from anorexic to obese to now ( whatever now is :-) ) ..There's hope for us all...

Lisa said...

Leonie

You are an inspiration....congratulations on the 30kgs.
I'm almost mid-way in my weight loss journey...I'm finding it hard to stay motivated, but I've found some this morning....thanks a bunch!

I've lost almost 7 in 5 months, and I know that the slower that it comes off the better it is...but it's hard to see the results when you see yourself everyday. I'd like to lose another 5-7 kgs, which should be maintainable for me!

I'd do a before and after shot but I can't find the dig camera!

Lisa (homemeadow)

Elena LaVictoire said...

Well first of all Leonie, when I think of you I think of a thin fit person! I didn't even know that you were ever "obese" so good job! You are an inspiration.

Leonie said...

Thanks, Elena.

Hi, Lisa, how are you? :-)

Jacqlyn said...

Thankyou so much for sharing this. I have just experienced a huge "wake up call" with my own weight (causing major problems in my pregnancy which has just ended prematurely) and I really want to change things for my husband and children's sake. The thought of not being around to care for them all is not a happy one! You really are an inspiration.
Jacqui x

Rachel said...

Leonie,

I just think you are FAB! I have really enjoyed your spiritual and educational insights and I am in awe over your continuing triumph over depression and obesity. Praise God!! I think you are beautiful inside and and out. I wish you didn't live halfway 'round the world from me, because I would love to hang out with you, have some tea and listent to some cool tunes. You could probably get me jazzed about exercise again! :-)Congratulations on all your hard work! I found something on YouTube I think you will love. I am going to post it on my blog now.

Luv,
Rach

A Vision Splendid said...

I am so glad you shared. You look wonderful and your journey will inspire others. Thanks again

Leonie said...

I appreciate all the helpful comments. Jacqyln, I'll say a prayer for you. Rachel, I'll check out your blog!

Anonymous said...

Great job! Thanks for sharing your story.

Martina said...

Thanks for sharing...you're an inspiration

Brenda said...

Thank you so much for sharing of yourself, I know how hard to is because I can relate to so much of your journey my friend. I think you are great and you encourage me to keep trying too.

sarah said...

Congratulations on your courage and your wonderful beauty. I am so pleased you are beyond a place of depression now, and are feeling happy and healthy within.

jo said...

Congrats! Love when people share their victories!

Jo from yaya
(another proud homeschoolin' mom)

jo said...

Oops...I meant VF!

Leonie said...

Thank you... And there are a lot of us homeschoolers at both VF and yayas!