Dear 2011

I'm still sick.  I'm still off of work.  I slept ALL day yesterday, and all night.  Still not feeling better, but I'm not spending anymore time talking about it.

Before I start, I just need to mention that I have created a new page.  It's called Challenges & Progress.  It's where I'll have all of the weigh-in results, information about the challenges that I will be participating in (there will be MANY), links to the posts about the challenges, and the sites that are running the challenges.  Check it out if you want to see what I'm going to be doing this year.

Today, I'm going to do my weekly project for the Power of One Challenge.  It's a really neat project, and I've been excited to do it.  Want to know what it is?  Well, I have to write a letter to myself from the year 2012.  I have to imagine everything I've accomplished in 2011 and share it with my "current self".  It's hard to explain everything - so if you want to know more, you can check out the Project Post.  Next year, I'll be able to look back at this letter and see how close (or far off) I was.
OK, so here goes:

Dear, Joanna

Wow, what a year it has been.  Who would have guessed that you would have come so far after the crappy start to the year that you had.  I remember you being so determined to start 2011 off with a bang, and instead it started off with sickness and you having to hold off for a week.  Boy, were you upset about that.  If you knew what that sickness did for you, in the long run, I'm sure you wouldn't have minded so much.  Would you like to know what 2011 had in store for you?

Well, after you fully recovered from the sickness, you were more motivated than ever to really get healthy.  It really wasn't about weight loss for you anymore, you were more worried about not getting sick, and treating your body like a "temple".  The change in you was so drastic.  Before you put anything into your mouth, you checked the ingredients, the fats, the sugars...everything.  You really fell in love with preparing wholesome, fresh foods. 

With the healthy lifestyle came a Joanna that LOVED to exercise.  You started practicing yoga, just like you said you would, and the C25K was one of the most fun things you ever did.  You decided to put the training to good use, and RAN (yes, ran) your first 5K in April in a little over 35 minutes.  You were shooting for 30 minutes, but the fact that you ran the whole thing had you on cloud 9.  That one race really fueled your fire, and you ran 3 more 5Ks over the course of year - finishing the last one in 26mins!!  After that run, you decided you wanted to start training for a 1/2 marathon.  Everyone thought you were crazy - but you wasn't going to let anyone talk you out of it.  Now, in 2012, running has become your passion.  You go for a run at least 5 days a week, some weeks you're even out for a short run every day.  You have big plans to run your first 1/2 marathon this year, and I have every faith that we'll finish it strong - running the entire 13 miles.

Oh, want some more good news?  You got a teaching job!! Yes, I know, you was so worried about whether or not you'd find a job after graduating from college - and you did.  It took some time, but the offer finally came and you are now a teacher!! Your dedication to school - and your healthy lifestyle - is what, I think, got it for you.  The principal you interviewed with was so impressed with your commitment to living healthy, and being a healthy role model to your students, and couldn't believe the physical changes you made within yourself.  You worked so hard your last semester of school, but with your dedication to sticking with your healthy lifestyle, your meditation, and your yoga - none of it got you down.  Your graduation was AMAZING!! Your family was there, and you won't believe how great you looked in your cap and gown.

That brings me to the next thing - I bet you're wondering what you look like in 2012, huh?  Well, the changes are UNBELIEVABLE!!  You reached your goal weight of 145lbs by October.  You lost 80lbs in 10 months!!  You started out losing a lot of weight - and hit Onderland in March.  I remember that day, you cried.  Not surprising, though, it was so momentous.  You dropped down to a size 14 then, too, and that was such a big deal for you.  Now, in January 2012, you can now easily fit in to a size 8-10.  You LOVE to shop, and your closet is a little ridiculous - that's what Hubby says, anyway.  You love the fact that you can shop in the fancy stores, and even in the juniors department.   No more hunting for clothes that fit for us anymore! 

The strength you now have is amazing.  Remember the days of only being able to do a couple of real push-ups?  Those days are gone!! You can now do 50 push-ups in a minute - oh, and you were able to do your first pull-up this year (unassisted).  You have become a true inspiration to so many people, including your children, your students, and those people that know you and read your blog.

I am so proud of everything you have achieved.  Looking back, it wasn't all a bed of roses - but you somehow found the strength and commitment you needed to overcome every obstacle that was in your way.  I can't wait for you to see, for yourself, how the hard work paid off.  Keep fighting!!

Your future-self,
Joanna

Wow, that was very therapeutic.  You should all try that!!  Now, it's time to go and relax so I can get over this sickness and make all of my future self's words come true.

Till next time.  ;)