White Rock

Member Since December 2007

My Story
Life After 60

Yes, we can. We can find happiness with the man of our dreams, change careers, and become healthy and fit after turning 60. It takes determination, willpower, and in my case, making life-changing decisions.

Seven months before my 60th birthday, in January 2007, I married for the second time. I worked hard at 'finding' a husband - one who was truly my soul-mate. My slim new husband and I were, and still are, deeply in love. But I was approximately 100 pounds overweight and when I saw our wedding pictures, I felt sick. I was very good at hiding my body with loose clothing, but the wedding pictures showed every pound. An empty frame still waits in our living room. Family and friends still ask for their emailed photos. I couldn't select one. I've always appreciated my life - good friends and interesting work. What more would one need? Except those wedding pictures...

One year later, while volunteering at a local care facility for seniors, I was offered an opportunity to change careers. Coincidentally, I was already considering how the rest of my life might evolve, and was ready for a change. I jumped at the chance. Once I began employment as a horticultural therapist working with persons suffering from dementia, I realized that I had found the perfect occupation for me. So I attended courses and was certified.

All that was left was my weight. I spent a lot of time considering my options. I could accept and live with remaining heavy, or I could lose the weight and change my lifestyle. The important thing was to ensure I could keep the weight off. I certainly didn't want to lose weight only to gain it back again. However, I also needed a program that allowed for freedom. No dieting forever - not for me. I decided to join Curves in December of 2007 and started the weight management program on February 11, 2008. I love eating and this program gives me what I need: lots of food and lots of freedom. I quickly realized that the key was following the philosophy of the plan rigidly. I keep a record of every single thing that I eat. As a bonus, I'm surprised almost every day that I get to eat more than I would if I was just guessing. To date I have lost 90 pounds and have gone from a size 24/26 to a 14. Just 20 more pounds to go! Now I can walk into any clothing store and try on pants. No more plus size stores. I continue to work out at Curves three times each week and enjoy every minute.

It's time to take a new wedding photo and send it to all those out-of-towners. Life after 60 is wonderful.

My Photos