Celebrating one year in a “little” black dress
I reached my weight loss goal on May 11, 2012. One year later, I am a fit, active, healthy and happy “girl” living in the center of her equation, embracing life with energy, passion and love!
This past weekend was the one year anniversary of reaching my goal weight…so I guess you could say the anniversary of my physical transformation and a celebration of the internal one. Though it is never quite that black and white. I started my personal transformation journey in Dec. 2010 and after 18 months of work to get to goal, I celebrated last year with a party and a makeover May 11-12, 2012. (See celebration party photos here. I’m still smiling about it one year later!)
Marking the actual anniversary of maintaining my goal weight for a year was important. The truth is, in some ways this is the bigger test – keeping the weight off and staying strong and happy when life happens. My friends knew this and rallied for the cause.
I marked the occasion by helping support my friend and mentor O’Neal Hampton at a wellness fair for his foundation – the O’Neal Hampton Wellness Foundation. It was the perfect tribute to the man who inspired me and so many others, and it gave me the opportunity to connect with friends from the health and wellness world. I also got to meet O’Neal’s entire amazing family, and some other incredibly inspiring individuals in person including Cherita Andrews of Biggest Loser Season 9 and U1st Fitness, trainer/wellness coach/and all around fun guy Demond Johnson, and Lisa Rambo from Season 13 Biggest Loser! A very inspiring day.
That night, I got dressed up in my first ever “little” black dress and went out to dinner and to hear live music at the Dakota Jazz Club with my trainers and friends. It was a blast. A much smaller and fitting tribute to my past year with the people in my day-to-day life who have supported me living in maintenance. I LOVED it.
Yesterday, I came across a quote that perfectly sums up how I have changed and now living. “I claim my own power and lovingly create my own reality.” This is so true! And so amazing! I am working on a blog that reflects upon one year of living in this new body and life of possibility. I can’t wait for you to read it.
In the meantime, I wanted to share my celebration photos, and say thank you to O’Neal Hampton for an amazing foundation and for all of his inspiration. As well as give a shout out and BIG thank you all of my friends, family, and supporters who have loved and encouraged me throughout my life, but in particular these past few years of transformation. It has been one heck of a ride! Special thanks to Sandra and Ward, Sean, Pam and Lori for helping me mark this occasion in style and giving me occasion to wear the little black dress. I am truly blessed to have so many amazing people in my life – old and new. Cheers!
The party pics look so fun. As always, you are the best and a great inspiration to so many people, yes, including me! I am glad to see you had such a good time. You look great in that dress. I love it!
Thanks Jean. I appreciate all of your love and support.
Happy Anniversary! Glad I could celebrate the day with you! As Jean says, you inspire so many people. I hope you know just how much people love and respect you! What’s in store for 2014????
Thanks hon! 😉