Ok.

I try to clarify as often as possible that my journey all along has been about being a better, HEALTHIER version of the person I have always considered myself to be.

I have come a long way, and although I’m still hovering just under 200 lbs, most would agree that I look like a completely different person…but I would like to think that they’ll tell you I’m basically the same Sondra. I still do, say, and wear what the heck I want!

It makes me really sad to think of the old me (the REALLY old me) back in middle school, who felt that her smile was her only redeeming quality.

I ALMOST GAVE UP ON MYSELF OVER THE YEARS.

But there is something to be said for people in the world. I was blessed with friends who claim they never really noticed the fact that I was big….they just liked hanging out with me. People ask me if I still sing, or still go shopping and get the best deals!

I wish I could inspire the world to see themselves for all the great things they have to offer, and let them know that the key is to ACCEPT yourself.

I was NOT happy being 315 lbs. I was miserable, and hated the idea that my life could be made shorter in the long run. I was tired of being tired, and not being able to run more than a block without wheezing.

I may not be a size 6 (But I wear a size 8 dress occasionally….HEYYYY!), but I am happy with my new body. There are still some fine-tunes I have in the works…but overall? I am still strong, and healthy…and just a little more svelte!

My newest challenge to myself is to start ignoring that number on the scale, and focus on how I feel.

Your weight doesn’t define your worth. It doesn’t measure your significance, and it doesn’t determine your destiny.

All those things? Those are up to YOU!

Me, personally? I am just trying to be a more streamlined version of the weight I am right now. More contoured, if you will.

Here are some of MY ideas of my “Dream Body.” You’ll notice that some of them tend to conflict with my dream bathing suits. Lol.

My challenge to you?

Take the time to appreciate what you have, and you who you are RIGHT NOW.

If you’re not completely contented, that’s normal….but if you just can’t even think of one thing that makes you proud of the way you look, then I want you to bust out the pen and paper, and start writing out what will change that.

WHAT IS GOING TO MAKE YOU HAPPY WITH YOURSELF?

Once you have made that decision, and you have it in front of you? MAKE IT HAPPEN!

A common problem? Knowing what you need to do, and neglecting to do it. Don’t neglect yourself anymore.

After all, how will anyone else know how to treat you, if you don’t treat yourself accordingly?

Imagine what the world could be, if we all spend more time accepting ourselves, and in turn accepting the “flaws” and differences in others? I would have binged on FAR less Hostess Oatmeal Creme pies as an adolescent of that one kid on the school bus hadn’t sang the Jenny Craig jingle everytime I boarded in the morning. But I have to ask myself: What gave me the right to hurt MYSELF over his hurtful words? And who cares what he thinks? He tried to pick me up in front of his girlfriend at Albertson’s in the produce section last year! LAME!

If losing the weight is what you really WANT to do, it can happen. YOU CAN DO IT!

Baby steps. Gradually, you’ll come up with a plan, and you’ll see results.

When all is said and done, this is one of my favorites:

Don’t give anyone the power anymore. Take it back, and most importantly, PAY IT FORWARD!

I do my best to compliment others, and let them know that I see something appealing in them. I don’t care if it’s their gorgeous blue bag, pretty nail polish….as trivial as it may be, if it caught my attention, I am going to say something! You know, you never know who needed that little boost of confidence that comes from just the slightest recognition.

With that being said, you all have GREAT taste in blogs. 🙂

That’s all for now, but hey…

From me to you? You are BEAUTIFUL. And the best way to preserve that beauty is to OWN it.

‘Til Next Time!

XOXO