[firelion]

My clothes look like crap on me. Seriously. I pride myself on looking put-together and attractive, and projecting confidence and competence are very important to me, especially professionally. But I have been so busy with getting ready for a very important business trip coming up where I'm going to be training a new group of employees, that I really had not stopped to notice how I was wearing my clothes. Then I saw myself in the full-length mirror in the bathroom at work. I honestly had not noticed the fit until then, because my mental picture of myself had not changed even though my weight has. My favorite trousers are supposed to sit on my hips--they were pulled up way over my waist. I was still walking on the hem. If I wanted to take them off, all I had to do was push them down. The top I was wearing was slobby and sagging around me. I looked terrible. And, hey, now that I realize my clothes seriously don't fit, I have a fantastic seamstress I'm going to ask to let in some favorite items for me, but I didn't have time to meet with her--I leave for the week-long business trip Monday!! GAH!

So I stopped into LB on the way home and picked out a pair of pants the next size down, thinking, bah, no way will those fit. I can't POSSIBLY be a 24 yet. But I put them on and they fit just right. You could have knocked me down with a feather. I just stood there gaping at myself in the mirror, staring at the pants, staring at my body, trying to adjust to the idea that I was a size 24, not a size 26. It's not a huge change, but it is. I haven't been that size in five years, maybe more. I tried the pants with this amazing shirt and the difference was just unbelievable. I finally saw that my body had changed. It was very emotional.

Then I had to go home and take an inventory of my closet and figure out what has to be let in and what I can still wear. My jeans are in trouble...the snug stretch jeans I could barely breathe in at first are sagging and bagging all over the place. But then I discovered I could wear some things I had put away, like my old flannel pj pants. That was way more fun than I had ever imagined it would be. I have never gone down a size. Ever. This is the first time in my life this has happened to me.

I just had to share. It's always so much fun to read the other success stories here, and I know this is a teeny tiny one by comparison, but it was a big big thing for me.

[Krissy8581]

isnt that an awesome feeling!!! it just like all of a sudden hits you that your clothes dont fit!!! hehe. great job

[libby0920]

i cant wait till i get this feeling! great job!

[Vik28]

That is so awesome, Im so happy for you. I can't wait to drop a size. Keep up the good work.

[powerfulblackwoman19]

This was a tear jerker! Gone Gurl!! It IS a significant change. Don't down play it. That dress size down ain't no joke. You have every reason to be proud and we're celebrating with you. 22 - here you come and lower! Congrats!

~phoenix

[Raquel]

AND it should be a big thing for you. Down a size? That is GREAT! And what about actually being excited to try clothes on ... WOO HOO

Congrats!

[firelion]

I absolutely think reading the great stories here and following along with everyone's trials and successes has been integral with my positive outlook. Whenever I feel unmotivated, I come here and browse and I instantly feel like, YES, I CAN do this.

[insearchofme]

Of course YOU CAN DO THIS. You have DONE IT already, and continue to DO IT!!

CONGRATS!!

[trauma-mama]

wow, congrats!! i haven't gone down a size yet but am able to squeeze into a brand new old pair of jeans! i was very moved by ur story-keep up the great work!!!!

[Ladybug's Mommy]

I'm going through the same thing in my closet right now-- and while I'm ecstatic, I'm also frustrated with having nothing to wear!!! I'm replenishing my wardrobe a little at a time by making some visits to the consignment shop so I don't break the bank. I started at a size 14, and have now dropped to a 10, and can squeeze into a size 8. Keep up the great work and enjoy the NEW wardrobe!!!