After ever so many months, I'm finally back. I've had such an adventurous few months; I can't possibly tell all, but could hit some highlights, for sure.
The biggest, ongoing adventure is my foray into the world of food addiction. Actually saying that I'm an addict was the hardest part, and once that hurdle was behind me, it has been full steam ahead in the weight department. I've lost 55 pounds in the last year, first losing 25 last summer, but gaining back 10 of that when fall arrived. Those autumn months were when I finally came to the conclusion that I couldn't do it alone. In December I got serious about the program, and started counting my "days abstinent" on January 2. I've had several breaks since then, have yet to accumulate 90 continuous days -- but the weight has continued to fall away, and I weigh less than I have in 15 years! No, I don't have a recent picture to show, but I promise to get some this month. And I don't want to neglect to mention the program I've joined: Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). It's known to be fairly strict, and closely aligned with Alcoholics Anonymous. It's not or everyone, but it's surely for me. I have been living a miracle these last few months.
This adventure is about far more than weight loss, however. There's a saying in FA: "I got in it for the vanity and stayed in it for the sanity." It has been delightful, for sure, to buy clothes in smaller sizes; but I have more energy and order in my life than I have had in years, too. Somehow my garage, my potting shed, and my home have become more organized. They're not perfect, never will be -- but there is room to breathe! I've got a (reduced, more sensibly-sized) vegetable garden in, and I seem to have more time on my hands for the things that count: reading, writing, enjoying my back porch, talking on the phone to friends and family, and taking care of business at the church.
I've also had many adventures this spring:
A mission trip to Honduras, helping in the dental clinic of a school and orphanage (no, I have no dental training, but I learned to assist with some things):
It was an amazing experience -- I think everything that a mission trip is supposed to be. I learned about the kids, the country, the school, and myself. I did a lot of reflecting and writing, and am so happy that I went.
I also attended a writing retreat at Valle Crucis Conference Center, and got re-invigorated to write about the black madonna. I'm currently working on an article that I'm hoping to publish. This group of women, who have been writing together for some time, will get together again in August, and I will join them!
Since I have lost considerable weight, I've been enjoying the heat much more than I ever have. I spend a lot of time reading and writing on my cozy back porch:
I also use my little grill almost every night, and the porch has become my favorite spot! The large pot you see on the left is actually a water feature that I made myself; the sound of water splashing masks the traffic noise from the busy road in front of my house. I sit out here and do work, do meditative writing, and sometimes just kick back and pretend that I'm already on vacation!
So on this Independence Day, I wish you the freedom I'm finding this summer.
What a wonderful post. After ups and downs, I am headed back to OA, a meeting that I like a lot that does not have the very dominant personality that drove me away from another meeting.
Your good news comes on a day when I can feel encouraged, as well as rejoice for you. All the best, Ann. Happy Independence Day.
Posted by: Georgia DuBose+ | July 04, 2011 at 11:21 PM
Georgia, my very, very best wishes for your return to OA. My sponsor says, "Always keep moving toward freedom," and freedom from compulsion is surely the very best kind of freedom!
Posted by: Ann | July 04, 2011 at 11:38 PM
Thanks for sharing....Love you much
Cynthia
Posted by: Cynthia | July 05, 2011 at 07:59 AM
Great news!!!!!!!!!! I am happy for you!!!!!!!!!! AND welcome back to the blogosphere!!!!
Posted by: Kay Dennison | July 05, 2011 at 12:24 PM
How exciting to see you back! Congratulations on all your accomplishments over the past months. I look forward to hearing more especially about your experience around food addiction.
Peace!
Posted by: Barbara | July 06, 2011 at 05:40 PM
welcome back! glad you have had such a wonderful adventure! In the time you have been gone I have accepted a new call and moved and am in the throes of learning a new congregation. Very busy, but here we have a community garden, so for the first time in many years, I have planted vegetables and enjoy the weeding and caretaking of the plants!
Posted by: Terri | July 08, 2011 at 09:06 AM
Ann, I was delighted to see that you came back to the blog this month. It sounds like your life is doing well. Will you visit Cheryl this summer, or will she visit you?
I had not heard of this program, although I worked OA for a while myself. Some people I know go to HOW-OA. Is that any connection to your program? Congratulations on your progress. How I wish I could motivate myself to eat better. I still binge eat at night.
Your dental mission sounds pretty amazing. And thanks for sending your sermons faithfully. I appreciate that.
Posted by: Fran aka Redondowriter | July 19, 2011 at 10:51 PM