Big Pay Day

I went to a wedding reception last night - son of dear friends in our first neighborhood 20 years ago. I've lost nearly 15 pounds since March 1, and more than 40 since about 2004. Since we don't see a lot of the people that we ran into at the wedding reception, it was a huge pay day to see everyone, experience their reactions, hear their comments, soak in the reality that I am succeeding. I had on new pants in a smaller size, and all modesty aside, I must admit that I looked great. Wow, was that a well-timed event. Talk about motivating! My free meal was last night as well - rushed to a graduation party for my niece - and while I did indulge in a piece of cake, it was one of the most controlled free meals yet. It's so lovely, this many years into my life, to finally tap into the reality that food may possibly be one the lesser pleasures. A few greater pleasures recently discovered: working out & pushing yourself, feeling just a tad hungry and eating till you don't (rather than till you're stuffed), learning other soothing / coping techniques that don't involve stuffing your face, buying smaller clothes, being complimented (best one from my darling former piano student John - 23 years old - "HELLO BEAUTIFUL LADY!"). It could be in the Visa commercial: PRICELESS!