Sister sister...

Today is one of those pensive days. My endeavors for health and weight loss are on a nice cruise control this week, I feel as if I am doing well. I took a sneak peek at the scale this morning (bad Paige...) and I was happy to see the results thus far in the week.
As I sit here thinking about what to write about, my sister pops in my head. She and I have been struggling to keep close the past few years, mainly because she is constantly working or doing things for other people, and because I moved 5 hours away. One thing we have been able to bond over is these essential oils she gave me. I don't go into it too deeply, because I'm not trying to sell anything on here. However, I am writing because through these last 2 months as I have been striving for weight loss, I have now turned to strive for being healthy and fit. I want to treat my body and mind well. I want to live a nice, long life with J by my side. He keeps things interesting. If you are into all this aromatherapy stuff, you should check some of the oils out. I like diffusing them, I think they are helping with my stress level, and I really do feel better on the days I diffuse them around the house.





I really like diffusing Joy, Purification and Valor around the house. It's nice for a little pick-me-up. If you're not into aromatherapy, then just disregard this part. I guess I'm a hippie at heart.











Anyway, my sister doesn't know about my blog to date, so I'm not trying to get on her good side. (However, if you do get on her good side, she will make you dinner, and she is a VERY good cook!)

As I sit here reflecting on weight loss throughout life, a period of time comes to me when L and I were on college. I was gaining weight at a rapid speed, and had just started to be at the point where I was going to have to start wearing plus sizes. I already have no fashion sense, and I had no idea how to pick out clothes that looked good on me. One day during summer break, my sister approached me. She wanted to take me shopping. I remember that most of the clothes in my closet were either too small or too big. I had very little self-esteem, and I felt like I looked like Shamu (which is interesting, because I weigh a good 70 pounds more NOW than I did then. Perspective- it's somethin, ain't it?)

I was resistant at first, because my sister was tiny- she took care of herself. Now, you women out there with a few extra pounds- do you like going shopping with women who are small and look cute in anything? If you're anything like me, the answer is no. I guess she was persistent, because I did go.

It was one of the funnest experiences I've had shopping. My sister had several opportunities to criticize the things that I put on. She could have made jabs, and inserted in the conversation how things looked SOO good on her, but didn't on me. But she did not do that- not even once. She picked out clothes for me that she thought would fit, analyzed them after I modeled them for her, and then gave her advice. She was gentle, she didn't criticize. My weight didn't come up. She would look at me, and if she didn't think what I had on looked flattering on me, she would find something else. She doesn't know this, but that day meant more than a million bucks to me. She was patient, uplifting, and gentle.

L, I love you, and I think you are one of the most beautiful women I have ever met, inside and out. One day, you will read this. When you do, please know that you are an inspiration to me. You are the best sister anybody could have, and you mean more to me than you will ever know. Thank you for lifting me up when I was down.

Good luck with your weight loss endeavors this week!

 Here is a picture of L and me in my grandparents' RV. We were so young and cute. L is on the left, I am on the right.