So raise your glass :)

Wow, what a year!  I can’t believe 2011 has come to a close.  It was a fantastic year.  It’s been one of self discovery, self acceptance, many accomplishments and amazing change.  It’s also been the start of something exciting and the start of something new.

I was around about 205kg at the start of this year.  I had only just had my lap band surgery and was still getting used to adjusting to my new way of life by way of eating and exercising.  I was a little bit off track from memory as well.  In a bit of a pit.  Being a bit ‘half arsed’ about it all as I was comfortable with things just happening rather than making them happen.  I find myself in the same position as I write this although after weighing myself today, I am 165kg.  That’s 40kg gone this year.  I am amazed J and proud. And feel so much better for it.

In 2011, Lachie turned 12, Callum turned 10 and the Twins turned 3.  They make me smile and mean the world to me.  They are amazing little people and I am so proud of them.  They are all amazing and have so much potential.  I'm very, very lucky that I have been blessed with them.

I got a gentle push along from Aunty Ronda, cried when Tracey was crowned Brisbane’s yummiest Mummy, was inspired by Trishy, felt such a sense of pride for both Bec’s in my life, was honoured to meet Mr Eli and Miss Sage, caught up with an old friend from High School (Jo!), thanked Facebook for the fact that I get to watch my dear friend Rachel and her Children from afar, found friends in places that I didn’t know existed and accomplished more than just weight loss. 

My work life was made easier by wonderful friends like Miss Carly, gorgeous Andi, Brendan, Daniel, Romina, Chris, Lizzy, Robbie, Mark, Faith, Lisa (from oh so far away) and Mandy and although my job can be a tough one at times, people like them make it a lot easier to come in.

I learnt that an Apple Mac was not just a computer but could also be an Uncle, I was encouraged by Clinton’s ‘get knocked down but get up again’ attitude, I am grateful that I have such wonderful friends who I don’t know what I would do without - Trishy, Amelia, Carly, Louise, Chantal, Loz, Yasmin, Cynthia, Phil, Ngaire, Riss, Janelle, Nadia, Georgie, Roh, Terral, Kylie, Brett and Jess.

Thanks to social networking, I discovered a whole community of likeminded people.  People who are fed up of being picked on because of their size.  Those who are overweight and accept it for what it is and those who are overweight and want to change.  I find every one of them inspiring and look forward to continue to follow their journeys. 

And to everyone else who keeps me amused with their stats updates and little windows into their lives – Dot, Deb, Neil, Jacqui, Julie, Chantelle, Suzie, John, Angie, Em, James, Amber, Bianca, Matt, Katie, Russell, Miranda, Camille, Leon, Rachael, Ursula, Sharon, Michelle, Lucy, Michelle, Megean, Sandra, Denise, Marion, Sylvia, Rachael – you make me smile and I thank you for that  :)

After 3 years, I no longer needed my seat belt extension, I ran for the first time in around 15 years, I climbed a 46 story building and spoke up against bullying and fatistm.  I raised over $5,000 for The Cancer Council (thorough my stair climb and Relay for Life), managed to fit in my Mum’s car, realised that being able to do your  shoes up is not something you should take for granted, started studying my Certificate IV in fitness and no longer needed to take the shower door off to be able to get inside.  I had my first ‘exercise induced’ asthma attack, bought a pedometer (and the chest strap fit), got rid of the pants that I have lived in for the past few years (they are too big!), started buying cute knickers, managed to finally fit into shoes as my swelling in my feet has subsided and rediscovered my cheek bones!  Ooohhh, and I got new hair :)

I continued to receive unconditional love and support from my Mother and Father and thank them for everything – they are the reason I am here.  In return, I continue to make them proud of me and not just how I am reclaiming my life but for bettering myself.  I am happy I haven’t let them down by making the most of the life they have given me.

Da has pulled out a few surprises from her bag of tricks in 2011 and I love the person whose name rhymes with bore more than I care to admit.

I watched my Nanna fight her battle with Cancer and had my hand on her arm when she took her last breath.  I am proud of my Poppa for how he looked after her and how strong he has been over the past few months. 

My trusty Freecyclers have continued to keep tonnes of waste from ending up as landfill and I want to thank Bec, Danni and Kel for their time, dedication and commitment to making our little group what it is. 

My family (the ones I hardly see and the ones I see a lot of!) are a fantastic group of people and I am blessed to have them in my life.  Too many to mention!  You know who you are :)
My 'banding together' buddies are an amazing support and a wealth of knowledge.  Thank you for everything in 2011.

I will continue to move forward and not let anything hold me back.  I’ve had to make some tough decisions in 2011 but hold no regrets.  I have closed some doors but have had better ones open as a result presenting new opportunities, friendships and adventures.

There is another person in my life who I wish nothing but the best for.  Things have been tough.  And although we have drifted apart, I believe that we can come back together.  There is a much better life for you out there, if only you’d grab it.  You have to want to do it for you but, if you can’t do it for you, do it for the kids or for me.  I know you want more than what you do.  And I know you can do it.  And I’ll be here for you every step of the way.

To everyone who reads my blog – thank you.  And thank you for all your encouraging, inspiring, touching and supportive comments.  And to those who draw inspiration from my journey, I am humbled that I am able to be in such a position to help you discover and achieve your goals.  It’s all your hard work but, if you’ve ever read anything that I have written that has touched you, that’s gives me  warm, fuzzy feeling inside for a few reasons!

The above is in no particular order – just ramblings and scattered thoughts.  I know I’ve forgotten someone (I bet I’ll remember as soon as I press ‘submit’) but, if I have, give me a good kick up the arse when you see me next!  Without you, 2011 wouldn't have been the same. 

So, raise your glass to 2012.  May it be an amazing one for all full of laughter, love, happiness and health.  Life really is what you make it. Make every moment count.  You’ll be thankful that you did.  As for me, who knows what it will bring.  All I can say is strap yourself in as I plan on making it one hell of a ride!

Steph xo