Wasting Away/Month 9

Wasting Away? Not really, but that's what a couple of people have said to me recently. And I have assured them that I'm most definitely NOT wasting away. This is the end of my 9th month of life change, and yes, I've lost 47 pounds, and yes, that's a LOT of weight. I totally get that. Let me share with you a few of the other things that I've lost along the way: I've lost the BMI(body mass index)designation both of morbidly obese and obese, and now find myself merely in the category of overweight. And for me to get out of this category and into the healthy weight category, I've still got to lose 28 lbs. So, no, I'm not wasting away. What else? I've lost aches and pains in my feet and knees. I've lost lots of clothes that were size XL or 18. I've lost the lack of desire to really exercise. And what have I gained? Well, I've gained my health, for sure. I've gained tons of muscle. I've gained the ability to ride long and hard and have learned physical endurance in a way I've never known before. I've gained a real appreciation for those who push themselves to workout every day and keep their bodies in shape. I've gained back some of my youth(I weigh less now than when I graduated highschool). I've gained mobility and energy. I've always had really good self esteem, but I've gained more. =-) And I've gained a real understanding of why it's important to value and treasure the temple of the Holy Spirit. I don't ever want to be fixated on my body, but I do want to take care of it, so that I'm better able to serve others without the hindrances of a body breaking down before its time.

Pictures from today:

47 lbs. lost and 970 miles logged since installing my bike odometer in mid-Nov.