What I Gained by Losing

September 1, 2025

First, thank you all for being here. I’ve had so much support as I begin navigating this new platform I’m building.

I appreciate your patience, too. I’m SUPER busy, but I’m trying to find time to share meaningful and relevant content as I think of important topics to share. This web builder is wonky, to say the least. It keeps cutting off my head in photos, I can’t figure out how to change the preset date when I write a new blog post, etc. But I”ll figure it out! I’m just doing well to be getting this in at almost 10 pm.

I also thank you for allowing me to just be myself. I”m not using AI to write these blog posts. I know they’re not very polished. But to be honest, I don’t want them to be. When I write these, I think about all of you with whom I’ve interacted in the Lumen chat on Facebook, friends and family, or anyone who may find themselves in this space and have a goal they’re trying to reach. I just want to write it as if I’m talking to you. I just hammer them out and I don’t really think about editing them.

Today I celebrate being at my goal for SEVEN MONTHS!!! I’ve made it over half a year already!! It’s the strangest thing. Before I began this journey, I never thought I’d actually be here. I’d tried and failed so many other times. Then when I stepped on the scales on February 1st of this year and saw that I’d made it, I was immediately terrified of gaining it back.

But it’s been so long, over two years now actually, that it’s truly become a lifestyle now. There are so many things that are better about that new lifestyle that helps me feel confident that I’ll never go back.

So here are some of the top things that I’m enjoying being the new version of myself (seven new things to celebrate - one for each month at goal!

1) I have more energy! Before becoming healthier, I couldn’t get enough sleep. I was tired ALL the time. Now, I’m typically good with six hours!

2) Shopping To be clear, I seldom buy anything new anymore. I’m absolutely ADDICTED to thrift stores. But I find tons of things I love every time!

3) Hugs My husband and I can hold each other closer now. Even when a friend or family member hugs me, I feel closer to them. It’s a nice feeling!

4) Better sleep Not only do I not need as much sleep as I did before, but it’s better quality! I sleep more deeply and don’t wake up in the night with racing thoughts as much as I used to do.

5) How I feel in my own space I can fit my purse beside me in the car seat, I can fit into booths in restaurants with much more room to spare, and my knees and ankles conk together when I’m laying on my side. If only I can keep our hardwood rocking chair’s rungs from attacking my newly protruding ankles every time I pass it!

6) Standing As I get older, I’m just not a fan of crowded events as I once was. But I don’t dread going somewhere that doesn’t have a lot of seating anymore. I”m not tired after walking around. And if I must be on my feet for a long period of time, I hardly notice it.

7) TAP!! It took me 40 years to get back into it, but I’m having the time of my life! I don’t know why I waited so long to do it. It was what I loved the most as a child. Being back in tap class gives me an even deeper feeling of accomplishment and taking back what I love more than anything else. I look forward to Wednesday night all week! I can’t wait for my first recital!

I’m enjoying these things too much to backslide. Occasionally I’ll crave something, and I allow myself some of it. But even then, it doesn’t taste as good to me as it used to taste. It’s not as satisfying as it used to be, at least not as satisfying as the above changes.

If you’re just beginning your journey, know that it’s worth it. I hope you’ll celebrate every win.

Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. And always embrace a growth mindset!

Much love,

Amy