Star Jones

Star Jones
Have you met Miss Jones?

Tuesday

TUESDAY TRIUMPHS...Losing 160 pounds...physically and mentally

Tomorrow is April 1st which means that I've hit another weight landmark.

I am now within striking distance of having made it 3 1/2 years within 10 pounds of the same weight I am today! 3 1/2 years at under 160 pounds after starting at 307 pounds.

I never thought it possible, I didn't even think it probable given my track record. I certainly never thought I'd be brave enough to talk about it in public. The physical toll it took changed my life; but the emotional toll made me whole. With consistent exercise, smart food choices and portion control, I know I'm on the right path. Although I'm confident that I'm finally at a place where my body has settled into a comfortable and maintainable weight, I know that this is a battle I will wage for the rest of my life.

You might remember that I wrote a story in Glamour Magazine around a year and a half ago which told the basics of my weight loss journey which started way back in August, 2003. I was as honest and open as I could be in a written forum; but I can tell you that it is not until you speak the words out loud to someone who knows your struggle that you really release ALL the demons that have haunted you. Oprah Winfrey gives me the opportunity to do just this on Wednesday (April 1st) on The Oprah show.

There is a reason Oprah is the best at what she does: she provides a safe place to share...and share I do. What started for me as shame, fear, anger and regret has slowly turned into pride, security, forgiveness and triumph over a mountain I never thought I could climb let alone conquer.

If you or someone you love has stared down a demon and triumphed; walk a little taller today. I sure am. Thank you Oprah.

(To watch the promo for The Oprah Show...click here. For viewing times of The Oprah show in your area...check you local listings.)

8 comments:

  1. Congratulations Star. Your dedication and hard work have paid off. My wife and I are in the midst of a joint weight loss journey. I hope and pray that we are as successful as you have been.

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  2. Wow...Congratulations!! You are such an inspiration to so many people on so many different levels. Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to catch your interview on Oprah. :)

    -Tiko

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  3. Congratulations to you. You said the magic words "Lifestyle Change". Thank you for sharing.

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  4. You truly are the best! It just goes to show that with God and hard work, you can accomplish anything. Just think, He relieved you of the weight of what could be an entire person, and He helps you manage to this day! Your stories inspire me, and I know that with a great attitude, hard work, and God, I will some day be rid of my extra appendages and lose my own "weight!"

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  5. Hi Star,
    Hi Star

    I look forward to seeing you on Oprah this week. Kudos on your transformation, your inner transformation that is. It's hard to come clean before every ones eyes. I really enjoyed your interview in Gospel Today awhile back and I hope you find another gig on the television another talk/interview type show. You do that so well. Peace and Blessings

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  6. Happy birthday. I edited a piece about your blog for AOL Black Voices and was inspired by your story about your tumor and radiation treatments. I'm a 32-year-old cancer patient/survivor determined to beat the beast. Reading about your will to live definitely made my day. I've been blogging about my life post-cancer and post-chemo, trying to make it humorous and light-hearted. That's not to say that I don't take this seriously. I just think it's an experience I have to go through but, in the long run, will triumph over. Thanks for sharing. By the way, my birthday is Thursday. And considering the events of the last year (my diagnosis, chemo, etc.), this will be a very special one. Aries, we're such strong people. Never knew one I didn't like!

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  7. Have you ever thought about adding yoga to your regimen? For me I find that daily meditation (10 mins in morning; 15 at night) balances out excesses -- adding a deeper element of inner-reflection -- filling the space often occupied by the materialist temptations of over-indulgence in alcohol, food, tobacco. Just relaying something that has worked for me.

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  8. Ahh.... Star, You are an inspiration. I admit I hadn't seen the Oprah episode when it appeared initially.... But, just caught it last week.... You've been on my mind all week, and I blogged about it today.

    I have to go back and eat my words though... because in my post, I suggested you take up blogging... Now, I come to find out... you already have.

    Good for you, girl.... You are truly inspirational and I can relate on many ways.

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Your comments are welcome as long as they are in keeping with the spirit of this blog. They must be positive about your life, your community, our nation or our world. They must elevate...not denigrate...and if you criticize me or my position...state your name and email address so I know who you are and can address you directly. My blog...my rules. Star