"Graduation"

***First of all, I want to give a shout out and congratulations to everyone graduating college this season. You've worked hard and it's paid off. Good luck with all of your future endeavors. We're all very proud of each of you.***

Sometime in the midst of my journey over this year, I had my own "graduation." This graduation was from the "Fat Girl's club" to the "Skinny Girl's club." However, I still don't know when this "graduation" took place. This is mainly because I've always been "The Fat Girl" and I still view myself that way. I'm the same person. My personality has not changed, just my appearance. I don't feel like a different person mentally, so it makes it difficult for me to see myself differently physically. My weight changed, my "self" did not. I don't know if this makes any sense or not. I'm told one day that I'll get used to it, that my "outer and inner selves" will synch up, but I'm not so sure. I suppose only time will tell.

I mentioned that on the trip that I just took that I was able to do a lot of reflecting. Some of that reflection was on all of the changes that have taken place as a result of my weight loss (besides my change of appearance). I'll admit, I've already forgotten what it was like to walk around the world 120-ish pounds heavier. (Part of me (a VERY small part) wants to just have all that weight back just for a second, just so I can really feel the difference and appreciate what I've accomplished.)
On my trip, my friend and I were in a coffee shop and I happened to be wearing shorts. She made the comment that a year ago, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing those shorts. She was right, and I had forgotten that. It made me very emotional (I actually teared up), and it caused me to think about what else has changed. I've only just started this list, and will add to it as I think of more things.

Changes I've Noticed
-My ability to run long distances and energy to perform strenuous workouts frequently
-My increased competitive nature and drive for a physical challenge
-My ability to cross my legs comfortably, or sit "criss-cross applesauce" in chairs
- My confidence in my legs to wear shorts in public
-My confidence in my arms to wear sleeveless/spaghetti strapped shirts in public
- My ability to move furniture around my classroom without breaking a sweat
-Constantly being freezing while before being constantly hot
-My awareness of the food that I put into my body; my food choices in general
-Getting "honked at" more often by people passing me in cars (hopefully not for bad driving!)
-Being treated better by people in grocery stores, restaurants (haha! mostly...), and the like
-I'm more receptive to the compliments I receive
-No more chest pains!!!
-Normal blood pressure
-I smile more (added by my Mom!)

There are many more changes, I'm sure, I just need to do more thinking. When changes happen this quickly, it's hard to take it all in. That's partly what this blog is for, I think. Once I realize more, I'll add them to the list. Anyone who knows me can feel free to make note of any more changes they've noticed. :) (And as always, comments from anyone are welcome.)

Thanks for reading as I continue to discover "the new me."

Have a healthy day!