I was walking to the cafeteria today when an old colleague stopped to say that she didn't recognize me from a distance. She commented on how my body has changed. I can't believe how far I've come. I still have a long ways to go, but exercise, while it is still a big pain, is easier. I told her that today, I ran for 20 minutes straight and then had to stop to get to work. When I first started, I couldn't run for 20 seconds, let alone 20 minutes. I couldn't do the elliptical trainer for even one cycle. Now, I can do it for 30 minutes (and then my feet tingle so I have to stop).

It feels good not to be recognized. But I also wish that I had never gained this weight in the first place. I think of all those moments I've lost because I didn't want to do something because of how I looked. I didn't want to go to Disneyland because I was overweight. I still haven't gone to any of my class reunions because I've gained so much weight. And even though I've lost some weight and I'm doing more things without being embarrassed by my size, I'm still not doing everything that I want to do.

Seeing how far I've come and looking down the road and know how much further I have to go has been encouraging. I'm glad I'm on this road. Even though I've stopped losing and have gained 15 pounds back, today, I am encouraged to continue on. I can't do anything about all the yesterdays that I've lost, but I can live today. I can enjoy each moment for what it has to offer.