I was so excited after the success of my first DietBet challenge, it was a visible sign of my success which I am many, many pounds away from being able to see on myself.  (When you are as big as I am, 10 or 15 pounds just don't make a dent.)

 

And then, of course, Life intruded.  Family vacation, long hours at work, home projects which kept distracting me from staying focused, staying strong, being mindful.  I know I've gained back what I lost, but I'm afraid because I suspect I even added a few extra pounds on top of that.

 

But, I reminded myself, I can't avoid the truth.  I can't, and I won't, because that's the only real way to lose.  I've joined a new game and in a couple of days, I'll find out what my new starting point is.  And, I'll find a way.  It's not about the money - that's a nice reward, but it's never been about the money.  It's about not feeling scared when I think about standing on that scale again.  About not wondering how many years away is my first heart attack.  About thinking of a shopping trip as fun, and not something to be dreaded because I can't fit into any of the clothes.  About going and doing all the things I think would be fun to try, instead of saying yet again, 'maybe next year'.

 

Good luck to all of us - and here's to not giving in.