After many struggles, tears, sadness and determination;
a willingness to work hard to make my life better;
AND A HUGE CHANGE INSIDE OF MY MIND AND MY HEART,
I have reached a milestone that I am DAMN proud of!
I love the inside AND the outside of me!
Yes! It’s true!
We all carry baggage from the past that can make us mentally, emotionally, and, ultimately, physically disabled. However, I have learned that making a change in what you say to yourself about the way you look AND by opening up your heart to others you can change the way you feel about LIFE.
The first step that I took to lead myself in the right direction was simple. I started smiling in the car while I was driving. I’m sure I looked like an idiot to other drivers that noticed I was alone, but smiling has a positive impact on the way you start your day. And then, while I was smiling, I began thinking positive thoughts. A huge one for me was “I deserve to live a happy life”. Some other good ones I have used are “I am a thin person”; “I will find blessings everywhere”; and “Keep your head up and your heart open”. Eventually, over time, you start believing what you are saying to yourself and it changes the way you treat yourself and others. My mantras led me to believe that I am healthy, thin, and happy. And guess what? It happened! The absolute best part about changing the way you feel is that it opens up your heart and that love radiates to others. You can impact other people by loving and accepting yourself!
Today I bought my first size 6 pants and a smaller bra (not saying what size!!).
I feel loving and giving and HAPPY and I think that other people sense that in me.
If I can do it, you can too….. BECAUSE:
Grow Older With Me 
findingmyinnercourage said,
June 3, 2013 at 12:02 am
Ive been worried about you! Did you ever get my e-mail address?
lapetinaa said,
June 3, 2013 at 12:14 am
No need to worry about me; I’m doing really great! I never did get your email address. Are you doing ok?
findingmyinnercourage said,
June 3, 2013 at 7:35 pm
myinnercourage@aol.com
smacken2008 said,
June 3, 2013 at 1:40 pm
XOXO. You have arrived. Welcome to the world that you change what you can and accept what you can not. Enjoy every second. Do new things. Do the things that you didn’t bother to even consider in the old world. It’s now your world and your life. Enjoy it. XOXO.
Sent from my iPad
lapetinaa said,
June 3, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Thank you, Steve, for your continued support! It means a lot to me! xxxxxx
pamela said,
June 4, 2013 at 1:29 am
This is why you would make a good life coach, very motivational. Smile and the world smiles with you.
lapetinaa said,
June 4, 2013 at 1:36 am
Wow! Pam – thank you SO much! That is a huge compliment! xxxxxx
Jerry Schneider said,
June 5, 2013 at 4:28 pm
Amy, I love to read everything you write. You are an inspiration to me. As you know I have been volunteering at the Hebrew Home and it has changed my life in knowing that I am helping others who are less fortunate than I am. I am feeling good about myself and know that my aches and pains do not hinder me from making other people happy. Thank you always for your kind thoughts. Love you!!!
lapet said,
June 5, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Dear Jerry, I am so happy you are giving yourself to others as you have so much love and joy to give. I’m sure you are getting back just as much as you are giving as that’s the way it works!!! I love you!!!
Pat said,
January 11, 2014 at 9:43 pm
I was reading some of my old posts and saw a comment of yours. I wondered how you are doing so I clicked on your link. I am so excited to see this post – congratulations. I noticed it was written last June, and am wondering how you have been doing since then. Hugs and blessings to you.
lapetinaa said,
March 25, 2015 at 2:42 pm
Hi Pat,
I haven’t written in SO very long. I’m doing pretty well. I’ve learned to live with my facial pain and I’m doing much, much better. How are you?
Pat said,
March 28, 2015 at 12:12 am
So good to hear from you. It does take some time to learn how to live with pain and I’m glad your life has gotten better. I am doing very well, most of the time. I am now working on losing some weight to reduce pain while walking. Thank you so much for leaving me a comment. 🙂