PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK

Something happened last night that has finally made me truly realize that all my hard work and effort is paying off. I went to one of my favorite restaurants with my Mother last night that I hadn't been to in about 4 months. My Ma and I were seated and the menus were placed on our table by the waitress that regularly served us in the past. I excused myself and went to the ladies room. I came back to the table and my Ma said "you are not going to believe what just happened!"

She said that the waitress asked her if I was her youngest daughter.
My Ma told her "she's my only daughter."
The waitress asked her "the same one that came with you before??"
Ma said "Yes, she's my only daughter!" The waitress told her "Wow, she looks so different. So young! I can't believe that's her. She looks so great!"

After a few minutes, the waitress came to the table and told me that I look totally different and asked what I have been doing. That was such a great feeling. I felt on Cloud 9. It’s wonderful to hear feedback from your family and friends, but there’s something to be said about “strangers” commenting on your progress. To me, that kind of feedback seems more real because they don’t NEED to say anything – what do they care, right? When family or friends tell me they see the changes, I’m always like “oh sure, thanks.” Last night was special to me.

It’s so strange that even though I’m buying smaller pant sizes, I don’t give myself enough credit. I’m in denial. I need to work on appreciating myself and be happy with my progress. It just seems like I have such a long way to go and sometimes feel so discouraged. I need to take the time and stop and look at myself in the mirror and compliment myself. “Look at you. Look at your progress mama. You are doing this. Stay the course. No looking back. The past is the past. You are doing good.”

See you soon,
Bea