When I began this journey thirty-six weeks back on June 30th 2006, I never expected that I would be so successful and really make a positive physical and mental change in my life. What I mean is that I thought I’d be able to stick to it for a while and then fall, just like any other time I’ve tried to lose the weight.

Something was different this time around, I didn’t have any barriers, nothing prevented me from going forward and following the program, minor hiccups ( read; “bad feeling days” ) aside I haven’t come up against anything that in the past would have made me quit, nothing that has made me think; “time to throw in the towel”—nothing at all.

I’m not going to knock on wood either. I made this path that I’m walking and luck has nothing to do with it. My willpower and determination to shed my body armor has been my driving force forward. Support from the community and family has kept my head up on this bad feeling days and the progress I’ve made just encourages me to keep plowing forward.

I made this change at first to be part of a group online, that Colin began, then I was doing it for my kids and wife, but what I’ve come to realize—slowly—is the truth and what has kept me motivated and strict, moving forward, is that I’ve been doing it for me.

I’ve been here the whole time pushing myself and coaching myself forward, never looking back, strides, one foot in front of the other, pumping iron, riding the bike, fueling and watering my body properly, no one else is doing that for me, I’m doing it for myself.

I’ve changed my life.

I’ve had support and encouragement along the way, but I couldn’t have gotten this far, unless I was supporting myself and encouraging myself and loving myself.

Today was the end of one phase of 12 weeks and beginning of another 12 weeks. I took pictures for the 4th time; front, back and side views, I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready to publicly share these pictures, but they really are just for me to see the progress visually.

I weighed in today and discovered much to my delight that I have lost another 10 lbs, putting me at 124.70 pounds lost in total since I began thirty-six weeks ago! I knew the winter was holding me back, looks like I’m coming around again to put up some bigger numbers. I might hit my July 12th goal after all.

I bought a shirt several months ago, from mondonation. The shirt has the date July 12th, 2007 on it, and above the date it says; “I believe in a life without boundaries”.

The shirt is too small for me now, but only by one size, and when I bought it it was four sizes too small, I plan to wear it on my 33rd birthday this year.

This weight, this fat, this blubber, this armor, it’s always been here. It’s purpose was to make me undesirable, to make people not want to get close or touch me. I cultivated it. I needed to be safe from the horrors of my youth.

I’m done with that, now I’m building a stronger, leaner armor to protect me from bar fights, and nuclear weapons… Just kidding, but seriously the new frame is suiting me just fine

I’ve got goals and weight yet to lose and reach, but I’m trucking there, and everyday I get closer, not farther away.

Everyday I find a new piece of that little boy, named Jamie that hid himself away those many years ago.

Thank you for helping me and supporting me on my journey to bring him back.

PS: I’m thinking of doing a weekly weight loss post for the next 12 weeks, as a motivational tool for my compadres on the Diet, so please keep an eye out for that, It’ll be on Mondays, first thing in the morning PST.