Well its been one year

[elaine1961]

Well its been one year today since i started on my journey and i have lost 108.4lbs, though this is ok, i am a little dissapointed i wanted to do 120lbs, so i failed again whats new, so this year i need to lose 107.6lbs, well i need to carry on, I'm no quitter, Its been an interesting year with lots of challenges, but i know that challanges that dont kill us makes us stronger, oh i also won slimmer of the year at the doctors, the doctor said my prize was
"I GET TO LIVE LONGER"
Those that know me know i like poems and stories that help and inspire so here is a story, hope you enjoy

An elderly woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.

'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. '
The old woman smiled, ' Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot ' s side? '
'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. '
'For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.
Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house. '
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.
You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

SO, to all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!  
**Smile! You woke up today didn't you!**

Well on to the next year

[Barb135]

Everything twehner5 said.  

Make sure either you or Steve post to us asap so we know how everything turned out.  

You're a "keeper".

[twehner5]

I know you're dreading your test on Tuesday.  I, for one, will be glad when you have it behind you.  I will be anxiously awaiting the test results and praying for wisdom for your doctor, that the test results will be clear and that they will be good.

We are so proud that you are "ours" !  

[Ranaesheart]

Dearest Elaine ~

You have accomplished what others have dreamed .. and it was INSIDE YOU ALL THE TIME!  Thank YOU for sharing such a monumental milestone with us and for offering your encouragement, wisdom, support and motivation to all those who are on their own journeys of self-realization and weight loss!

Now, in the spirit of friendship and of deep caring, may I offer you one additional goal for this next year?  You have marveled doctors, your husband, your friends and this community at the strength and steadfastness you have shown throughout this past year.  Your accomplishments shout your resolve and wonderful accomplishment .. yet you say, "i am a little dissapointed i wanted to do 120lbs, so i failed again whats new".  Sweetie .. please, please try to learn to not expect quite so much "perfection" and "TRULY REALIZE" what YOU ALONE have ACHIEVED!!!  

YOU ARE AMAZING!!!  ..  and YOU ARE MOST SUCCESSFUL!!!  Throw away ANY feelings of disappointment and really stand back and marvel at what you've accomplished!  Bask in your hard work and see what YOU have done!  Give yourself the much deserved credit YOU HAVE EARNED!!!

Love you girl ... and so very, very PROUD OF YOU!!!

[Barb135]

Elaine, with that kind of love on your side, you have it made!!  You are a winner.  

[steve1954]

I had worked out a Poem to help uplift Elaine, but its not yet finished. But i will say "What an inspiring and wonderful Person Elaine is. The fact that she has achieved the most terrific weight loss in a year is proof. But the greatest achievement is that She has done this through many trials that she has kept hidden. The whole picture of Elaine is that she cares and and wishes to share unconditionally with others. I also have an unconditional part in me, my love for her.
Keep going Elaine - you will always be a winner to me.
(will post that Poem soon)

[Mjthewritermom]

Congratulations on your achievement!!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing the cracked pot poem/story.  It speaks "volumes".

:-),
Donna

[PMoon]

What you have done is amazing! You should be so proud. Do you know  how many people can't even make it through the first month.

You're going to make it! I have faith in you.

[thinkinthin]

I also think you have done brilliantly and the crackpot story is lovely, really made me smile. :D
Thanks. x

[Cheyenne_08]

OMG I am so jealous! I have been at it 6 months and lost between 25 and 30 lbs!! 108 lbs is great! Congrats!

[twehner5]

You didn't fail !!!  You succeeded in shedding 108.4 UNWANTED pounds.  How many people can say that !  

I'm so impressed and inspired.  Hang in there - for ALL of us.  We need you, you're our "bestest" cheerleader !

I can't wait until this time NEXT year !  How are we gonna celebrate?

[Barb135]

Wow, I'm impressed.  You lose 108 pounds and I'm struggling to get off 2 (that's only my "short term" goal).  About the time I rejoice in losing 1, I end up gaining 3.  Can't figure out what's up with THAT, but it makes your success that much more impressive.  

Congratulations and keep working on it.  We're all here pulling for you.  

[msniki412]

Ohh dear you have come so far!!!!! You must be so proud of yourself!! You have to remember that weight loss has to come off slow and steady in order to stay off for good. I know we all set goals for ourselves, but sometimes we just have to take what we can get. I wish you well on continuing your journey.

Good luck Elaine!!!!

[Germur]

Please don't be so hard on yourself.  You are not a failure as you say but a winner for wanting to do something significant about your weight.  Loosing over 100 lbs in a year is a major accomplishment, so give yourself lots of credit and do something nice for yourself.  I know that you will keep your focus and get your weight exactly where you want it to be in the future.  Good luck and have a wonderful day!