Friday, September 17, 2010

Big Changes - Up Close and Personal

A few days ago I told you that there has been a big change in my life and I promised to share it with you soon. Today is the day to reveal what has happened to me. It’s time to let you in on the news. I can’t wait any longer.

When I began blogging I used this photo on my profile. It had been taken about a year before and it was the best one I could find. You see, I didn’t like to have my picture taken and you may have noticed that I make myself pretty scarce when cameras come out at family events. I prefer to be on the other side of the camera.

D and A small

One day early this year I met a blog friend for tea in a nearby community. When I walked into the tearoom where we met she observed that I didn’t look like my blog picture. At that moment I determined to have my sweetheart take a new picture to post. So. . . this was what you saw until a few months ago. I didn’t like it but it was more current than the ‘old’ picture.

P1204838

Fast forward to last Spring. If you’ve been following my blog you may recall that my sweetheart and I took our little cabin-on-wheels (and the dog!) and headed to Eastern Oregon for a wonderful week of vacation. While there I asked my sweetheart to take a picture of Joey and me in front of the heirloom roses at the RV park. I liked how it turned out and until today it has been my blog photo .

A and Joey

I liked the picture of Joey and me because when I looked at it I could see the changes that had begun to happen in me – and it made me smile. You see, I was just a few weeks into a weight loss program that was beginning to transform my entire life. I was feeling good – feeling good about what I was doing – and feeling good about myself! For quite awhile I had dealt with health issues that had some serious ramifications. I had no energy to do much more than what I had to do and I often wondered how I could keep going that way. Most days I hardly had the energy to meet the demands of the day. I just did what I had to do! I pushed and plodded through each day and kept my courage up as long as I could but then, when I returned home, I would ‘collapse’ into my chair and wonder how I could get up and go again. I didn’t reveal how bad I felt – or the physical things that were going on in my body – to people around me. I knew my family was concerned and wished that I would take better care of myself but I was too busy taking care of everyone else. When push came to shove I didn’t have time to take care of me!

Then I began to develop some scary problems that affected my heart. My blood pressure had been an issue for a long time but now it was going up and would not respond to increased medication. There were times I wondered if my dear, little eighty-seven-year-old mother would outlive me. But I kept a smile on my face and kept going. Until one day a few months ago. . .when I couldn’t do it anymore!

My sweetheart was working late one night and as I sat alone in my comfy chair I suddenly knew what I had to do – I had to start taking care of me. Out loud I said, ‘It’s enough! It’s over! I’m through living like this. I’m done! Things are going to change.” I told someone last week I really think at that moment my Heavenly Father must have looked down at me and said, ‘My child, I’ve been waiting a long time to hear you say that. Wait till you see what I have planned for you!’ It was an ‘aha’ moment! Something inside ‘clicked’ and nothing has been the same since. I am a new person – not the same. And I love what has happened.

I began a weight loss program (I’ll share more about that soon) and I’ve lost a bit over fifty pounds so far – my blood pressure is in a safe range again – and, about two months ago, my doctor gave me a ‘clean’ bill of health with my heart! My physical problems are gone. Not there anymore. I feel good and have energy to do the tasks of daily life – and more. And I’m wearing clothes three sizes smaller than before! Loving it and having fun trying new styles. I have more weight to lose – this is just the beginning. This time I know I can do it. And I will!

Adrienne - Sept 2010

The change you see on the outside is just evidence of the change deep inside of me! I am not the same person! Everything has changed! I feel like a bird that has been let out of a cage – flying at first and then beginning to soar in high places. I am dreaming dreams I never thought possible. God is opening doors of opportunity and ministry that I never imagined would happen. I have no idea what’s ahead. But I can’t wait to find out! Look out world, here I come!!

24 comments:

  1. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY for you. Oh I am so happy for you! Isn't it true that body, soul and spirit are connected and one effects the other. You look beautiful and happy. Can't wait to see your beautiful face in person.

    Much love to you!

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  2. Whoop!!!! Whoop!!! You look wonderful! I am so thrilled for you. I can imagine how much better you must feel, both physically and mentally. You go girl! I am so proud of you!!!!
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  3. I am so thrilled and excited for you! Having battle too much weight for many, many years I can sympathize with you. You are a natural care given - a gift given to you by our Father. He gave that one to me also. But He didn't intend for us to neglect ourselves to accomplilsh His tasks...we did that all by ourselves. In February I went to Weight Watchers and started walking. I lost 20 pounds in the 3 months before I left on this mission trip and, despite every effort of our great cooks here, have managed to keep it off. I still walk most days and I weigh every morning. If I've gained a couple of pounds I back off, skip a meal or two, double my walking, and it comes off! When I get home in a couple of weeks I'm going back to WW to get off 20 more. My blood pressure is better and I have more energy - I'm so glad that you've done this too. I think we're Sisters of the Heart! blessings, marlene

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  4. Oh Adrienne! Congratulations on your wt loss and new outlook. It's absolutely wonderful. You are beautiful!

    Thanks so much for finding your way to the new Back Porch. This has been an emotionally and physically draining week. I am taking a do nothin' day today, to try to get to my friends who overwhelmed me with love and support. I know it's just a blog, but wow, all that work gone. Oddly enough I have been thinking about moving, so this was the catalyst that got me going.

    I had no idea how many lives I touch. It's just a little blog, written by a senior citizen in the middle of America. The emails I've recieved this week have been wonderful. I am so grateful for all my readers. I hope to keep writing and sharing for a long time.

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  5. Wow! Look'n good! I didn't think my words would inspire this. I think at the time I was thinking about the color of your hair. But if it helped, I am happy for you. And So happy your health has improved. That is what counts. And Oh the avenues that are opening up for you are exciting. Enjoy the ride.

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  6. HI Adrienne! OH, what a wonderful story! You look so beautiful and I'm so proud of you! I know it's so hard to live and eat more healthy but whatever you're doing - it looks good on you!
    I've had a couple of little health scares and it was like someone slapped me upside the head. I think it was God because it's like He was saying - I'm giving you a chance to make some important changes in your life!
    I'm so thrilled for you and I can see the joy on your face! Keep it up, sweet friend.
    You are a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  7. Wow! Good for you, Adrienne. I am so happy for you. You keep going. God is providing the way.

    ♥♥♥

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  8. Dear Adrienne, Congratulations on your weight loss...that is something to be so proud of!

    {{{hugs}}}
    Kim

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  9. Wow Adrienne! Wow, wow, wow! Good for you! I know from personal experience losing 50+ pounds is no easy accomplishment so I tip my hat to you.

    Unfortunately for me, I was only able to keep the weight off for about 5 years and at this point I have gained back most of what I worked so hard to lose. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about trying again but with all the stress connected with renovating the new house and farm, I'm just not there mentally. And I do believe half the battle of successful weight loss IS a person's mental state.

    Again, congratulations! You look wonderful and you are such an inspiration. I hope in future posts you will consider sharing some of the things that worked well for you during your successful weight loss journey.

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  10. Adrienne!
    I am so happy for you!
    The hubs had a wake up call after his bilateral knee replacements. The doctor told him that he was borderline diabetic...and the D word really woke him up! He met with a nutritionist who told him he needed to take off 60 pounds.
    Which he did!
    His health is radically improved.
    He feels wonderful.
    It is good to have him back.
    Press on....
    You can do it!

    D xo

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  11. You look wonderful!! And now Ill know who to look for when you finally come out this way again. :) I have some of the same issues as you.....and said just about the same thing the other day to myself. I have a trip home to visit my folks in a week or so tho and I know Ill be having many of my fav things that Dad cooks so I intend to do this once I get back.

    Ive been saying it for awhile now ....but Ive had so much going on...and like you.... I put me last. lol

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  12. Yeah!!! I am so happy for you and for the "weight" (pun intended) that you have taken off of your families hearts. That is so absolutely wonderful and you look incredible. I love that not only is it an outside transformation, but an inside one as well. Awesome! Congrats my friend. You are an incredible woman and inspiration to so many~ xoxo

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  13. What you did is not easy. I know people that try but never get to the point you have. That is wonderful. You looked nice in the before and after. However, the after is a remarkable difference. Good for you.

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  14. Adrienne, how wonderful you look. Thanks for sharing so honestly and making yourself velnerable as that opens so many doors for connecting with people. As we age many of us hate our photos (me included) but even worse is an 'unreal' one all touched up from the professionsals. Looks like you are doing so well with your weight loss programme so my prayers go out to you for continued success as I know you are not doing it alone. Blessings.

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  15. Kudos to you my friend. I know how hard it is to make that final decision. For some of us it is an lifelong battle. You look great, but the really important thing is that you feel great and your health has improved! Yay for you!

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  16. I'm a little teary eyed with emotion. I know what this happiness means to you. You look marvelous. The change is really apparent.You go girl! Thanks for sharing your story, it is inspirational.I'll be emailing you soon.
    Laurie

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  17. You look and sound radiant!! Congratulations and many blessings -- so proud of you! You are an inspiration!

    Melissa

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  18. Congratulations! As someone that just embarked on my own weight loss journey (5.5 lbs. lost so far) I am inspired!

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  19. WOO HOOO~ Good for you! You are a determined, strong and gutsy gal and I admire you tremendously! I would love to loose twenty pounds, but I can not seem to get going..I need to for my health, too! I have two issues where just losing that small amount would change everything, but as I said, I just can't seem to get the motivation.....I am going to use you for inspiration and come back and read this post each time I fall...which will be often!
    Sending a big hug!
    Jil
    xo

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  20. Congratulations on turning your health issues around! It's wonderful what diet and exercise can do! You look wonderful and from the sound of it you feel wonderful too (which is more important). Thanks for sharing your inspirational story! I'm sure you'll motivate and inspire many people!

    Manuela

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  21. You look great!! Congratulations! Can't wait to hear how you did it, I hope you share it with us!

    Katherine

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  22. OH MY GOODNESS...I am just blown away...you look magnificent, sister friend. I am so so happy for you because I know your health is better and you are happier. This is all wonderful news. A great testimony of what you can do with God on your side.:)

    The same thing happened with me and smoking. I smoked for 40 years. My mom smoked, my dad smoked, my brother smoked and I smoked. I knew it was not a good thing..but a terrible habit..just as overeating can be. When I went on my Walk to Emmaus, I asked God to let me get thru 3 days without wanting to smoke so that I could give HIM my full attention. Well, not only did HE do that for me...HE just took the whole thing away. I never once wanted to smoke again. That has been almost 8 years and I have never looked back.
    WOO HOO for the both of us....
    love, hugs and kisses, bj

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  23. Adrienne, that is wonderful how your work has paid off with good health. That is a great encouragement! It is a real gift to yourself and to your family. God has 'crowned your effort' with success. Hooray!
    Blessings,
    Lallee

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  24. I don't know how I missed this beautiful post, though you told me about the diet. You look wonderful and are doing great. I must do something about my weight, as it is out of hand.

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I am grateful that you stopped by to visit me. Your kind and gracious comments are appreciated and treasured.