Reflections, Retail Therapy, & Results

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends. I know I did—even though I got my butt handed to me in every card game we played. Thanksgiving has always been that one holiday that slows us down just long enough to reflect on what we’re grateful for before the whirlwind of December hits and sends us all into chaos.

We didn’t go around the table this year and share what we’re thankful for, but I want to take a moment and share mine with you here.

I’m thankful for so much this year.

I’m grateful that I found the courage to leave my previous company and discover a truly wonderful home in my new one.

I’m indebted to my mom for sending the letter that gave me the push I needed to return to Thin’s In.

I’m deeply thankful for Thin’s In—and for Dianne—whose program continues to guide and support me every step of the way.

I’m grateful for my family and their unwavering encouragement as I work through this weight-loss journey.

I’m especially thankful for my grandfather, who not only supports me but patiently sits through my brainstorming sessions when I hit writer’s block with this blog.

And lastly, I’m appreciative of all of you who read these posts. Writing this blog has helped me more than I can say and knowing you’re following along reminds me that I’m not doing this alone. When I’m feeling discouraged, your presence gives me the strength to keep going.

As for the last two weeks—I’ll be honest. The day before Thanksgiving, my weigh-in showed a gain. And yes, it stung. But I’ve learned that it’s okay. A stumble happens, you acknowledge it, and then you move forward. It’s a nudge to refocus, recommit, and persevere. As a wise man once told me, it’s only “slip-weight”—it slips on, and it can slip right back off.

And yesterday’s weigh-in proved that: three pounds down.

But numbers aside, something even more exciting happened these past two weeks.

On Black Friday, I went to lunch with my mom and grandparents—great salads at Texas Roadhouse—and afterward, we hit the sales at Torrid and Lane Bryant. I found some adorable tops, picked up new jeans, and then…

Drum roll, please…

I AM DOWN A PANT SIZE!

It’s just in the Lane Bryant jeans for now, but I am finally in a size 18—and the best part? They slip right on. No struggling. No wrestling match. Just a smooth, easy glide.

There’s that word again: slip.

The weight keeps slipping, but my confidence doesn’t. With every pound lost and every reflection on how far I’ve come, I feel myself growing prouder, steadier, stronger.

No matter how the holiday season treats us, don’t give up. Keep going. Take it one day at a time. Even if the scale goes up, remember we are still down overall. And that’s worth celebrating.

This week’s loss: 3 pounds

Total loss so far: 43 pounds