So many wonderful things have happened since I last sat down to write.  Its been forever and a day, I know, but its only because I’ve been so busy and, I suppose, content.

The 18 month anniversary of the great head-shaving incident is upon us, and amazingly, I am still not pulling out my hair.  I have been tempted, but able to refocus my mind on more positive thoughts instead of zoning out.  Amazingly, the images on this site come to mind, and I’m able to focus on these visuals for a moment or two, shifting my mind back into gear instead of staying in neutral and disassociating. What a gift!

My husband and I also decided to take on our physical health challenges as well as my mental health issues.  Together we have begun adding healthy habits into our routine and have lost a combined 95 pounds!  I feel so much better, perhaps the healthiest I have ever been, and am looking forward to a long life full of positive energy instead of constantly focusing on my past hurts and failures.

The cherry on top of all of these wonderful changes is the addition of our sweet little grandson, born August 30.  Being a B.A.Nana is better than I ever dreamed possible.  I’m beginning to believe I can be that cool, fun grandparent that takes her grandbabies on fantastic adventures, both actual and imaginary.  A healthy mind, body and spirit are the very best gifts to give any grandchild, and I’m so grateful to finally have this to offer them.

Its taken a couple of years, but I can honestly say that this experiment in photographic therapy has been life changing.  Seeing myself as I experience the emotions of self-loathing, and continuing to watch as I retrain my mind to new neural pathways of peace and joy has been a terrible and awesome undertaking.  I cannot recommend this process highly enough to anyone who has thrown in the towel and given themselves over to a life-controlling disorder and chosen defeat after years of self-hatred and shame.  There is a better life out there, and we are worth the effort.

Marsha and I plan to use these images to build a gorgeous, installation art show.  It’s exciting beyond belief to get together and visualize/dream/plan these pieces.  Stay tuned for updates on the exhibit and sneak peaks of the works as they are born.  This will be such a tribute to gratitude and the power of God in us to overcome our own self-destruction!  I cannot wait to share it with the world!