Birthday Reflections!

I love birthdays.  One of my favorite television shows of all time is the Gilmore Girls and I could not agree more with the Gilmore Girls’ idea of a “birthday week”- I mean birthdays are so much fun, why not stretch out the celebration as long as possible?:) For me birthdays have always been less about the presents and the cake (though lets be honest what smart sassy sister does not love presents and chocolate:) and more about hearing from all of my friends and loved ones.   Every year I am reminded of how blessed and lucky I am to have so many wonderful people in my life who love and support me.

In the past two years, however, my birthday has taken on an even more special significance for me as it is an annual reminder of the start of my weight loss journey.   The impetus for the start of my journey was when I realized that I would turn 30 that year- and I knew that if I wanted to make a change in my life, now was the time to do it.  Last year, on my 31^st birthday, I celebrated officially losing 100 lbs.   Today, on my 32^nd birthday, I am celebrating successfully maintaining my 120 lb weight loss for over a year!   When people tell me they are dreading turning 30, I just smile, because turning 30 for me was the start of a brand new life- so far my 30’s have been fabulous!

When I talk about my weight loss or health journey, one of the things I always try to stress is that the transformation is so much more than just being able to fit into a size 4 pair of jeans (though that is a great bonus:)  it is about discovering what you are capable of and who you are as a person.  I used to say that I am a totally different person now than I was before I started this journey- but recently I have realized that is not entirely a correct statement.  It is not that I am a different person, but rather that through this journey I have learned to step out from behind the extra baggage and fears and insecurities and let the true Carrie shine through.  Since I drive Lexy crazy when I go on and on about emotional or abstract concepts, here is a list of practical concrete examples of how this journey has changed or impacted my life:

• I believe in myself and I know that I have the willpower and dedication to accomplish anything that I set my mind to.  I no longer think “oh I can’t do that” or “that’s impossible”- instead if there is something I want to do or accomplish, I research it, come up with a plan and do it!
• I am a runner! I have run in 4 half marathons, numerous smaller races, and joined a running group where I met friends who I never would have met if I had not started this journey!
• When someone tells me I look beautiful or that I am pretty, I no longer try to deny it or think they are just trying to be nice- I can graciously accept the compliment.
• Clothes shopping is so much more fun- not to mention I am super excited about the adorable size 4 dress I bought to wear out on my Valentine’s Day date with my boyfriend!
•  I have learned so much more about healthy cooking, nutrition and eating as clean and eliminating as many non-processed foods/poisonous chemicals as possible.
•  I started a blog with one of my dearest friends that has almost 17,000 page views and has given us a forum to share and connect with others who are on their own health journeys
•  I started a garden and learned to grow my own vegetables (yes, its yuppie farming, but still I think its pretty cool:) 
• I can go rock climbing, or skiing, or dancing, or hiking, or numerous other physical activities that I never would have been able to do before. 

The list could go on and on- my life has completely transformed.  So today I’m celebrating my 32^nd birthday a happier, healthier, more confident woman who is truly blessed by all of the wonderful people and experiences she has in her life- and who is so excited about all the future has to offer!