Acknowledging the Pain and Doing it Anyway...

Today I spoke with a dear friend and business partner. (She knows who she is!) She shared with me that she really wanted to write a blog about her weight loss progress, but was too embarrassed to share her weight. I know where she's coming from. I remember not stepping on the scale for years because I didn't want to know! I guess that was my form of denial.

It's interesting how much of our self esteem is tied to our appearance. I knew in my mind I was a worthwhile person, I knew that God loved me, I know that I was blessed to have so many wonderful friends and a loving family, but somehow, carrying those extra pounds, made me feel inferior in some way. It made me feel very much out of control. I always had a cheery exterior, but inside I was suffering.

When I chose to make my weight loss journey public, I had to really think about what the ramifications would be. All my friends would have the ability to access this very personal part of my life. Oh my gosh! What if my high school pals came across this? What about my extended family? Strangers? Confessing my weight to my sisters was like going to confession; Forgive me, for I have sinned. I got fat.

Then I started to think about how I regard people that weigh more than me. Did I dislike them? No. Did I make fun of them or belittle them? Absolutely not. I didn't have two groups of friends; skinny friends and fat friends, I just had friends.

I decided to not let fear rule this part of my life. As a result, I've been blessed! I have the support of my friends and strangers who continue to encourage me. In a million years, I never would have thought my business partners would support me in this way. I also never could have imagined the positive impact that this blog would have on others.

There is something to be said about public accountability. I honestly believe that this change wouldn't have happened if I wasn't sharing the details of this process with others. What I have found, is that it's actually very liberating! At times it's even exhilarating! When you are embarrassed or afraid about something you usually want to hide. Because I have chosen not to hide behind this fat anymore, I'm no longer embarrassed or afraid. I'm very much at peace with myself. I am enjoying the journey.

So, my advice? Let me support you. Let others support you. Just like when people go up to speak in front of a room, the audience always wants them to do well. Your audience will want your success, too.

Blessings!

Susan

P.S. The people in the photo are me, my son and two of the most wonderful people on the planet who "adopted" me and my son as their own, David and Linda Hanson. Not only do they support me in my weight loss quest, they joined me in business. How lovely is that?

Half a Pound Counts! (Or less...)

I have decided to celebrate today! Normally, I only count full pounds as part of my total weight loss, but I started to think about it...every little bit counts! I am down .2 lbs. Okay, it doesn't seem like much, but it all adds up to success!

Today I am going to count all the little wins and successes in my life. Life is too short for anything less. I recently read a wonderful book called The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olsen. It's a life changer and I highly recommend it. He talks about doing a little something everyday to improve. After a while, those small changes and efforts add up. He's right!

What little things are you going to do differently today that will add up in your life?

There's no secret to getting started. You simply decide and then take your first step. With each subsequent step, the next one becomes easier...
—Tom Venuto, fitness expert

Becoming a Butterfly!

I woke up this morning and just felt smaller. I stepped on the scale and sure enough, I had lost another pound. This makes a total of 24 lbs. Wow! Of course it's great having my clothes feel looser ( I can pull down my jeans without unbuttoning or unzipping them!), but what's amazing to me is how different I feel about myself.

There is an interesting dynamic that happens when you start to lose weight...you start to gain confidence. It's not just the compliments from other people, but an inner pride that starts to develop. I want to rejoin society again! Now, I don't want anyone to think that I've been a hermit or a recluse these past years, but I know that I've let my weight keep me from doing the things I want to do and achieving the success I deserve. I haven't allowed myself to live the live I want because of my weight situation. I wonder how many other people are limiting themselves because of how they feel about themselves...

I feel like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly! The transformation isn't complete, but each day brings changes that will help me take flight!

I'm grateful.

I'm Losing It - It's a good thing!

Wow! Wow! Wow!

It's simply amazing to me that Liv Sxinney is still working for me. I now weigh 210 pounds! I have lost a total of 23 lbs since January 12, 2009. I have so many people asking me what I'm doing, so I thought I would share the details, although I have to tell you, there just isn't that much to say. I simply drink Liv Sxinney all day long, about 3 32oz bottles with 1oz Liv Sxinney in each. I eat the Crave before my meals. (I do try to eat that at least 15 minutes prior to a meal), and lastly, I set my alarm so I don't forget to eat something every three hours.

That's it in a nutshell. Very simple. Very easy.

What's exciting to me as well is that I have been able to share this remarkable product with so many people, that my wallet is gaining a little weight as I've been losing it.

I've always been a believer in the networking industry. I'm watching it happen as we speak! I thought that perhaps I would share my story with you.

Back in January, I left my job. I was working straight commission selling mattresses. It wouldn't have been a bad job if I were making money and if I wasn't required to work 52 hours per week. (It's kind of hard when your hubby is working two jobs and you have an 8 year old!) Our neighbors and my family were raising our son, Oscar. Something had to give. It's pretty amazing how God always provides a way.

One day while I was working I saw a woman who looked very much like one of my mentors, but I wasn't quite sure since she looked so slim! I approached her and asked her if she was Glenna de Lisle. Sure enough, she was! She didn't know me personally, but because she is a leader in the home based business industry, I had attended her trainings and had purchased many of her materials. I couldn't believe how great she looked! She shared with me that she had lost 45lbs in 3 months drinking LivSxinney and that she was helping to launch this product and the company, Liv International.

I have to tell you, I wanted to just say, "I'm in!", but my husband and I had recently closed the doors to our previous home business after diligently working it for 5 years. I knew he wouldn't be too open to the idea! So, I told him that I just needed to use the products so I could lose weight. He agreed.

Three days after meeting Glenna, and getting written up for coming to work 2 minutes late (they seemed to forget that I stayed late an awful lot!), I decided that I couldn't take it anymore and I left. I started freaking out! What had I done? How were we going to pay our mortgage that month?

I took a good hard look at the pay plan and new I could do it! After losing 7lbs my very first week, I was convinced that the product worked and started telling everyone. I brought in 10 people. I was able to pay my mortgage! (I received commissions and qualified for a bonus - go to www.dreamonceagain.com and watch the 20 Minute Presentation - Live Without Limits to get a better understanding of how it works).

All I know is that my friends are losing weight and they are sharing it with their friends. It really does make me feel good to be helping them with their household economies as well!

Fit Body, Fat Wallet - That sounds good to me!