I guess I just wanted to hear what everyone else dreams about when they see themselves at goal weight.

My dream is to be on a canoe paddling team or to be able to jog 2 miles without stopping. Fitting into cute clothes wouldn't hurt either. I would also like to go dancing, a lot.

I'll be waiting to hear from all of you . . .

Pinky

Pinky, I dream about standing up to sing without worrying about what my clothes look like on me.... without worrying that when I take a deep breath, I won't be able to hold in my stomach any more. I dream about not having to worry about seeing a picture of me and when I do, not to be so discouraged. I dream about being able to play racketball again someday.... and to go dancing and not feel embarrassed. I love to dance..... thanks for reminding me of some of my dreams.

------------------
Here's to healthy and happy!

Dj

my dream is to fit in to a prom dress and look stunning.
It is in next june.
So i have time but i want to make sure i do it or else i might not go.

My dream is to again wear this little silk chemise that my husband bought me about 5 years ago that I've only worn once.
My dream is to run a mile and not think I'm dying.
My dream is to share clothes with my skinny little sister (though most of her clothes I wouldn't wear if I could, have you seen what the 18 yr olds are wearing?? lol).

------------------

My dream is to be able to get on my horse without using a step stool, and not feel like I am going to give him a backache! To be able to shop at Victoria's Secret, to run and not jiggle, to go outside in a swimsuit, and to be able to shop in the reg. size dept. in stores.

------------------
April <aprild@drivernet.com>

Ladies,

I am here to tell you that alot of those dreams did come true for me and they can for you too :)
I lost 155 pounds with Weight Watchers and you know what?
I CAN shop in a regular size dept, store,
I CAN run several miles now without stopping ( as a matter of fact, I am doing my first marathon this October in Minnesota, pretty cool..)
I CAN wear a speedo bathing suit now.
I CAN walk without my legs rubbing together and giving me a god awful rash..God that hurts!)
I CAN leave food on my plate and not have to be the "lick your plate clean" award winner anymore.
I CAN bend over and/or walk up a flight of stairs and not feel like I am having a heart attack anymore.
I CAN get up in the morning now and feel good
I CAN do this, was my mantra all during my weight loss process.. and You CAN too!!

I have a 10 month old now, and I CAN play with her on the floor....(that's the best)

I gained 60 pounds with my pregnancy and have struggled to lose it again, but I CAN!!!

I have 15 more to go to get back to goal and I CAN!!!

Hope that helps those dreams......

All of you CAN do this!! What a great place to come to to show others they CAN!!

Nancy


------------------
Nancy

P.S. I almost forgot...

I CAN fit into the sexy stuff at Vicky's too!! :)

Love it!!


------------------
Nancy

Congratulations, Nancy! Sounds like you've done wonderfully and thanks for the positive post! I like your mantra of I CAN! It's contagious...... :) Take care and good luck to you!

------------------
Here's to healthy and happy!

Dj

I dream to one day be able to jog a mile. That would be the ultimate goal for me. Nancy, thanks for sharing all of your "I CAN"'s. If you lost 155 lbs., I know you can get those last 15 off. I hope you stick around here at diettalk. We could all benefit from your experience.

Tara


------------------

Wow! You guys are so inspirational with your dreams. Mine is to find a special someone that will laugh with me and hug me and kiss me and share things with me. I want to ride into the sunset on a dark brown and shining horse with him and then I want to lay down on the beach and watch the stars. The next day I want to go rock climbing in the Himalayas (how do you spell it :D) and after that I want to take ballroom dancing lessons. The next day I want to go to a place where you can tango and salsa all night long until I drop to my feet and the love of my life carries me to my little cottage in the woods by the lake where I stay up all night and watch the moon shine over the water as we drink hot chocolate and roast marshmallows. When I wake up, I'll be back home in Africa where I lived my whole life up to 3 years ago and I'll watch all the wild animals and become one with the earth again where we were all created. I'll once again ride my horse and the wind will blow through my hair and I'll be so happy :)
That's my dream
Boy, I lost myself for a moment. :D Really, I'm NOT a sentimental person, I'm a go getter tough girl who knows what she wants and how she's gonna get it. :D But I haven't had a boyfriend in such a long time. Kind of pathetic, I think, but my one true love, soul mate and best friend ever is so far away from me in New Zealand and I haven't had contact with him in about 3 years.
Take care ya'll
Daffodil

------------------


[This message has been edited by Daffodil (edited 07-14-2000).]

I dream of being a singing star.
I dream of being a model.
I dream of being able to turn men's heads for miles around.
I dream of changing the world with the tilt of my chin and the flip of my hair.
I dream of encouraging my children to lead healthy long lives and make me an abundance of grandchildren.
I dream of becoming a teacher and telling kids "You can if you want if badly enough".
I dream of publishing a book, writing songs, and going to the opera.
That's the stuff dreams are made of.

------------------

I dream of teaching my dance class with a cute little leotard on... I always envision me in a cute pink leotard with pink tights and one of those little skirts... Isnt that silly, but thats what I look forward too... LeeAnn

------------------

For now I will just keep reading all your posts and live vicariously through you.

HOWEVER, When I go dancing now (and I DO) I can dance for 4 hours and THAT feels SO good. 4 hrs of aerobics!!!!! Who'da thought I could do that.?

Great post and food to feed my wildest fantasies!!!!!

------------------

Wow, I love hearing all those dreams!!! What a great board here!! :0)..
Where would we be without dreams anyway?? Can you close your eyes and mentally see yourself in these dreams... I really feel like I can.. Sometimes the vision wasn't always clear, but it was always there.....
Does that make sense???
Did anyone watch that "48 hours" show last night on CBS about weighing the risks?

It had people getting the gastro intestional surgery done, or taking Xenical tablets to lose weight..
I don't know, when I weighed 303 pounds I was pretty desperate trying like Dexa-trim or the "grapefruit thing" (who didn't try that one?), the Jenny Craig thing, starving, shakes, etc.. been there done all that, but there wasn't a pill like Xenical back then and I NEVER would have had my stomach stapled, it was just too scary of a concept for me.
I guess that show really made me proud of the fact, that yes I went to Weight Watchers for help, but I never took a pill that gave me oily discharge.. Nice!! Ick!! to lose weight and I never had surgery.. I basically learned to stop inhaling my food or shoveling it in and started dealing with or feeling the feelings I didn't like and I was using food to stop the pain, loneliness, boredom, etc, etc, etc... you know what I mean..
Daffodil, I really liked your post. I got very luck meeting my hubby. We met when I still had almost 100 to lose. I NEVER thought I would ever find someone to love me for me..he has been the greatest gift as well as my daughter. I really believe I had a healthy baby because of learning to let go of things that we tend to let build up inside of us...
well, I am being sentimental this morning.. sorry for my rambling..
Glad if my I CAN's are helping....


------------------
Nancy

I'd like to be able to feel like an attractive person, for the first time in my life. I want to join the 'normal' (whatever that is) world where I can dare to dream of even having a boyfriend - rather than think that's for other people.

uh-oh...... self esteem issue rears it's ugly head (again and again - sorry!!)
-Lucy

------------------

Good for you, Nancy. You have a wonderful story and thanks for sharing that with us. It's nice to hear when someone can overcome their past and go on to a better present! Sounds like you have a lot of blessings in your life. Isn't it wonderful when you can experience real unconditional love from someone who loves you for who you are and not what you look like? My husband is like that and like you I never thought that would happen..... thanks again for sharing. Your post very uplifting...

------------------
Here's to healthy and happy!

Dj

WOW! Oh my gosh. I didn't really check this board for a day and I can't believe the response. I am so touched by all of your dreams and I really can relate. REALLY.

Thanks for all of your sharing. It's nice to know we're all working hard towards beautiful goals. I have been on DT for about a week now and it has been really a world of difference for me. I am doing the little things to make my dreams a reality. I know you all are too. Today's hard work and determination will allow our dreams to come into fruition.

Never stop dreaming . . .

Pinky

What a great topic!!
My Dream is to be able to go into a regular department store and buy clothes that fit.
My Dream is to be able to go to the Movies and sit in a chair comfortably.
My Dream is to be able to go to a Baseball game and be able to walk up and down those stairs without my face being all red when I find my seat.
I know I will achieve my goals, it will take time but I will get THERE!

Larina


------------------

My dream is to finally fit into my clothes in the closet again. To not have fat on my back anymore. To feel more comfortable with myself when I am out in public. And to be confident and successful. Thanks :)




[This message has been edited by Happy (edited 07-14-2000).]

Dreams, huh? My dream is to go rollerblading with my son and take him to one of those water parks and wear a bathing suit and feel totally comfortable in it. My dream is to learn how to swing dance and go dancing in a big ballroom on New Year's Eve, and dance my socks off. My dream is to be able to go to any store I wanted to and wear the clothes that are cute. Not just the ones that fit and hide me. My dream is to not have to always be the biggest person in the room. Not that being the biggest person is bad, but heck, I'd like to feel not so huge. My dream is to go back to college and find my career. My biggest dream of all is to find my mission in life and to fulfill it to the last degree............with passion! Thanks Pinky. You're the greatest. I mean it. Oh! those tears on my little blue crying face are tears of joy. Tears of joy! Sniffle, sniffle.

Marianne

------------------

I watched that show Pooh, wasn't it awful? I cried because those people are hurting so bad that they are going to those lenghs to loose weight. And what really scares me is that I could see ME doing it if I were to get much heavier. I have a friend who just had gastric bypass surgery in Feb. she's lost 100lbs. She doesn't think that she's loosing fast enough! I'm scared that she will get too thin. It's really sad. http://www.diettalk.com/uub//frown.gif

------------------
April <aprild@drivernet.com>

My dreams - I have so many - the top ones -
1. to be able to do something my kids want me to do withought having to worry about what I will look like doing it.
2. To shop for cloths in the mall or one of those little corner stores that have just the cutest smallest stuff in there.
3. To go on a cruise with my family and just lounge on the beach in my bikini :)
4. to take a picture that I am proud to look at and show off.
5. to go to my kids school and not have one kid snicker at me or make a remark to my children about how fat their mom is.

Those are just a few - I have many more, but I will keep some for myself :)

Hope you all reach your dreams.

------------------

What wonderful posts, really inspiring. Let's hope we can all live our dreams in the future.
My dreams are:-

1. To be able to wear cute small outfits and look really sexy in them.
2. To swim in a waterfall with my husband somewhere hot with a bikini on.
3. To have a proper pregnant stomach, rather than the rolls of fat that are there now.
4. To be able to set off with my husband for the day on our cycles with a picnic and go somewhere nice.
5. To have a flat enough stomach to have my tummy button pierced and have the confidence to show it off with cropped tops.
6. To feel beautiful for the first time in my life.
7. To have children and be fit enough to make the mose of them.

Well, will probably think of more later but that's enough to work on for now I think!

------------------

Happy Dreamy Wednesday..

Wow, I am gone for a few days working on my "dreams" and look at the posts..:0)

Thanks DJ for all your kind words... I am glad we have alot in common..

Apple, I hope your friend continues to work on her self-esteem after her surgery.. I know you are helping her with it.. I too had a friend that had that surgery done.. She's happy now, yes, but she also says she would never have done it if she knew she was going to have the problems she did.. She had dehydration, diarreha alot, nausea and had to be re-hospialized several times...

Pinky, I am sorry since I am a junior diettalker, what does DT mean??

I hope you are all having a good day.. The other thing I have been thinkng about lately is "dreaming" of wearing a bra and not having my skin hanging over it in the back and on the sides.. See even losing all that weight before, doesn't always mean you will be as toned as you want.. I still work at it with weights and machines, etc.. But that's ok.. How much more can I ask for?? I can wear a size small in tops already.. I mean really.. You know how cool it is not to have the buttons seperate on my blouses anymore??

Anyway, thank you all for your sharing... Each day I am grateful that I can move all my body parts in some way, shape, or form..

I am running a 5K night race tonight in Minneapolis... Hearing strangers cheer for this former 303 pound woman means more to me than I can say... Ok, no crying here..

"Success doesn't come to you, you go to it!!"

Find your dreams....They are waiting for you..

Nancy


------------------
Nancy

Nancy,

you made me want to cry. I can't believe the success you are experiencing. It is so inspiring to hear someone like you up here. Thanks so much for sharing. Thanks everybody for sharing their dreams.

Hey Pinky,

You are so sweet.. I just really know how hard these weight loss journey is... This "dreams" thread has been so uplifting for me to read too... We can do this together!!



------------------
Nancy

I dream of being the first person in my family who isn't diabetic, of fitting into the clothes in my closet, of being able to go shopping without getting depressed, of being able to say no to one more crab rangoon, of feeling comfortable being seen in a swimsuit, of looking like the person my husband married, of keeping up with him without saying "slow down", of size not mattering to me or anyone else . . .

------------------
Angie :)

Wow! I can't believe how touching and inspirational all of these "dreams" posts have been. I've been away from diettalk for a while and, unfortunately, further away from my "dreams" than ever, but I feel compelled add my reply as well. Of course, I dream of being able to shop for "regular-sized" clothes. I dream of not feeling self-conscious and embarassed whenever I go anywhere. I dream of not embarassing my husband (not that he's ever said or let on that I do) when he introduces me to his friends or family for the first time. I dream of being able to wear a bathing suit in public without hiding under a large cover-up. I dream of going to amusement parks without feeling scared that I won't fit in the seat on the rides. I dream of looking better than ever when my high school reunion comes up in the next year and a half. I dream of having energy and endurance. I dream of going out and singing karaoke without feeling like everyone will be focusing on my weight. I dream of renewing my wedding vows on my anniversary and finally be able to fit into the wedding dress I had always dreamed of. Finally, I dream of liking myself. I could probably go on, but I think everyone gets the idea. Hopefully, the support and inspiration that I've always found at this site will help me to finally achieve these dreams. Good luck to all of you, especially you, Nancy-hope the marathon goes well.

------------------

Hey everyone,

Hope your all having a good Wednesday... How are your "dreams" helping you this week? I just wanted to share with everyone that my dreams are also helping me with my patience alot.. Does that make sense?? It's always been an area I have needed to work on.. Having a 10 month old and being a work-at-home mom I wasn't quite sure how it would work.... Today on the treadmill I closed my eyes for a couple of minutes and no.. I didn't fall off thank god.. I can be a spaz sometimes..:0)
But I really found that part of me today that is so very grateful...I don't own a home, I have alot of debt like everyone else and worry about finances, I have the same fears as a newer parent that alot of people do,I wonder am I being a good wife and mother, am I helping those who help me, etc...But I thought, I am healthy and so is my daughter and husband, we have a roof over our heads, friends and family who love us, no money in the bank, but we can pay our monthly bills if nothing else, and my buddies on diettalk... what more do I need?? :0)
It has really helped me to be able to share and get off my chest whatever I needed here, so thank you....
Your "dreams" do help in all areas of your life
Take care everyone and thanks Melly for the good luck wish.. I need it...

------------------
Nancy

So, Nancy..... how did the race go? I used to love to run, but can't anymore due to degenerative disk and joint disease. So I walk... I love being outside and looking at nature and just being thankful that I can do that. I loved what you said about "success doesn't come to you, you go to it!" That was really motivational to me tonight. I've been feeling tonight like I'll never be where I want to be because I have so much trouble with exercize that used to be so easy for me. But I will keep searching till I find something that works for me. Thanks for your messages....they are really inspiring!

------------------
Here's to healthy and happy!

Dj

hey DJ!

Thanks for your message. My race was great! I was so proud of myself. I even shaved a minute off my time from 2 yrs ago( pre-pregnancy) which made me emotional when I crossed the finish line...
I know though what you mean about searching though and feeling like you won't be where you want..
You will, but your search may just be different than you planned on..
Walking is one of the very best forms of exercise you know.. Maybe, you can't run and move as fast as you used to, but you can still move.. I also love water aerobics because it is so much easier on the joints too. If you haven't already tried it, it's wonderful.. :)
You are such a support to so many people here at Diettalk including me..:0)... We are here for you too.
I am glad if my saying helped you the other night... They always help me when I am feeling frustrated as well...
Feel free to e-mail me off the boards too. My e-mail has changed though. It's believeyourdreams@yahoo.com

"The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm"

take care!

------------------
Nancy

I dream of being able to tie my shoes with out getting out of breath, or having to find a chair to put my foot up on so that I can get to the laces.

I dream of looking at myself in pictures and not seeing the fat.

I dream of playing with my kids and not getting worn out.

I dream of going to Hawaii with my hubby and laying on the beach in a skimpy little suit.

I dream of being able to face my problems instead of eating them.

I dream of hearing one of my kids say that's my mom over there the skinny one.

Those are just a few of the dreams I have, but I know that I will achieve them all.
How wonderful it is to dream and know that someday it will come true, with a lot of self control and help from wonderful people like you all here at diet talk.


------------------
sisnelly

Hey Pinky:

Great question. My dreams were to be able to walk a long distance without becoming breathless and do chores without becoming fatigued part way through. Those dreams have come true for me as well. Plus to be able to wear much smaller clothes again which I'm now a size 11 (back in January I was a 22-24) I love that I'm able to wear jeans again and they fit great. PLUS to be able to see my waist again.. TEEHEE. Overall I wanted to feel healthy and I've achieved it. 13 more pounds to goal.

------------------
Jo-Anne
Diettalk Moderator

I think about dancing in a club without feeling ridiculous. And of putting on something to go to that club that I really like, that I think suits my personality instead of something that hides my stomach. I want to be able to throw on jeans and a sweater and look casual, instead of sloppy. I want to get up off the sofa without such a struggle. Oh, so many small reasons, they hardly merit the word "dreams"...but that's about the size of it.

------------------

Mine was being able to walk any where I wanted and being able to tuck my shirt in and looking great. Not worrying what other people were thinking and there comments. There comments???? You look fantastic!!! hehe

------------------
Jo-Anne
Diettalk Moderator

Wow, I can't belive how I realted to all of your dreams (except those about running - I don't want to run anywhere unless I'm late,hehe)

I wanted to add one more - My dream is that when someone tells me of a major event in the future (wedding, vacation, etc) my first thought ISN'T "how much weight can I loose by then!"

I also have to reafirm the dream of not feeling embarassed for my husband when he introduces me to friends and family members for the first time. (he never is, he's wonderful - I'm the one who's embarrased)

We can do this together - I know we can! :D

------------------

although they may sound silly, my dreams were to walk a flight of stairs without feeling i was going to die, and to fit into my first wedding dress, which i never wore cuz we eloped, and make it fit at 140. i did both of those, and i couldnt be more happy, you can accomplish those dreams, and i know you can do it, keep up the great work, now my dreams is to feel this good forever, but thats a story that will last a lifetime

------------------
See you at the finish line.

Stephanie