Back in September Weight Watchers had a contest. They were going to pick a success story and send the winner to spend New Year’s Eve in New York City. There was actually going to be three winners; they would pick a male and female winner, then 10-12 “runner-ups” and let the public decide on a success story.
I of course HAD to enter! I worked hard on an essay and had Mr. B pull out the camera to snap some pictures to send along. Finally, I finalized everything and sent it off.
Here’s the essay I sent:
I stood in a dressing room desperately wanting a pair of skinny jeans. My cousin brought me another pair and tossed them over the door. I tried to shimmy in them, but they wouldn’t go above my thighs. I told her those didn’t work and she informed me those were the biggest size they had. I fought back tears and put back on my size 22 wide legged jeans.
After that weekend with my cousin, I decided I needed to make a radical change. I was miserable in a relationship, unhappy with the way I looked, and overall depressed. A couple of weeks later I got rid of the relationship and joined my mom at a Weight Watchers meeting.
That was almost 4 years ago. Today I’m 143.8lbs lighter, married to the man of my dreams, and happier than I have ever been. Weight Watchers is still a major part of my life and has brought me many amazing things.
Weight Watchers has helped me lose weight, become active, and believe in myself. When I weighed 327.6lbs, I lived on the couch eating without thinking. My meals came out of a box or from a drive thru window. Now I have found a love of cooking and trips to the grocery store are my favorite. Before I would be breathless walking from my car to the store, now I have an exercise routine and can ride my bike effortlessly. Before I settled for what I thought I deserved, now I know I deserve more and I’ve found it along this journey.
Weight Watchers has also inspired me to share my story. I have a blog where I talk about my weight loss. I receive messages, tweets, and comments daily from people all over the world stating how I’ve encouraged them to join Weight Watchers or continue on their journey when they’re going through a rough patch. I didn’t start this journey to inspire others; I started it for my health and me. Now I do it to also to show others that it is possible.
Weight Watchers has taught me that this is a lifestyle and not just a diet. I’m in this for the long haul and plan on leading my own meetings in the future. I love this lifestyle and inspiring others. I never would have thought a moment in a dressing room would forever change my life.
Then the waiting came. While I waited I shared my essay with family and friends and told them that Mr. B and I would be spending New Year’s Eve in NYC. That I would win this contest, I just had to.
Then the contest ended. I didn’t receive a phone call from Weight Watchers saying I won or was picked at a runner-up. Then I saw the pictures of the runner-ups you could vote for on Facebook.
This picture wasn’t up there….
I was absolutely devastated. I cried and cried. I wanted to win so badly and was so determined that I was going to win. I had my hopes built up, only to have them come crashing down.
It hurt…
But I soon got over it. And realized that I didn’t need this silly contest to prove that I am a success. I wake up everyday knowing that. Everyday I workout and make healthy choices, I am a success. Every inch I lose, pound that melts away, and muscle I gain…I am a success.
Then last week, Tony over at The Anti-Jared posted a picture on his page along with very kind words. And more people posted comments that were so thoughtful. Which again reminded me that I don’t need that contest to let me know I am a success.
I’ve lost 150lbs for gosh sakes and inspire people daily.
I AM A SUCCESS!
End. Of. Story.
