Eye Have Chills

I attended the summer picnic for one of the organizations I used to work for today. It was really fun seeing so many people that I haven’t seen since last winter or even longer. Every single person was absolutely gobsmacked by my transformation!

I have to admit that those types of reactions never get old. If I’m being totally honest, I guess this afternoon was a little bit of an ego boost since everyone who is in my life on a regular basis is more or less used to the new me, but everyone from today was totally shocked. It’s really encouraging to have the evidence that there really is that much of a difference. Logically, I know that it’s there, but mentally I don’t always realize the significance now that fewer people mention it.

I think that because I have had more than a few difficult moments over the summer that it is good for me to be able to reframe this journey a bit. It’s easy to get down on myself because of how I am not performing at my peak right now, but it’s a lot more of a challenge to keep the accomplishments I have had over the last year in mind when they are no longer constant reminders.

There were a variety of reactions that my old co-workers had. All of them looked right at me and acknowledged me before doing a double take of recognition or a confused side glance as they tried to figure out where they knew me from. A couple of people stood two feet away and still took a moment to realize who I was. Some were curious about how I had done it and most had a lot of really nice compliments to offer.

The two best, and most unique, reactions though will stick with me for a long time. One woman, after her initial shock, said that it was my eyes that gave me away. She said, “Everyone’s spirit shows in their eyes and when I saw you I thought, ‘who’s this soul sucker that stole my friend’s essence?’” It was really funny, but telling at the same time. I obviously look that different from what I did before and – more importantly – I find it very reassuring to know that someone I really respect saw the same person in me as I have always been. I am truly grateful to feel like I haven’t changed on the inside, because I do like who I am. It really was a gift when she said that.

And one of the guys, again after finally figuring out who I was, gave me a big hug, stepped back to look at me, and shook his head with eyes wide. “I have goosebumps!” he exclaimed raising his arms for me to see. And he did! Later on when we were laughing about that comment while telling yet another old co-worker about it, he repeated the gesture, drawing attention to the fact that he had them again. It’s amazing to think that my appearance had changed so drastically that it gave someone chills.

Yes, all in all, it was a great day! And I am so glad that I had the chance to see so many familiar faces, even though most of the people there probably wouldn’t be able to claim the second half of that statement when referring to me!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 7 glasses of water
- 1 small pear
- 3 mugs tea with milk
- 1 carrot muffin with butter
- 1 lemon danish
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with deli ham, cheese, dried cranberries, spinach, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 1 gala apple
- 1 blueberry yogurt granola bar
- 1 mixed berry granola bar
- 1 cranberry almond multi-grain bar
- 1 cheeseburger on a hamburger bun with mayonnaise and mustard
- 1 cup granola cereal

EXERCISE:
- 45 minute walk completed in 2 outings (20 minutes long and 25 minutes long)