The crisis of self that occured simultaneously with my last blog entry has resulted in some very positive changes in my life.  First, I got serious about taking care of my health and lost 35lbs in about 3 months, going from a size 12 to a size 4 (maintaining that for a year now).  Although it didn't help with the pain, I do feel much better overall.  Second, I got serious about my career development and am now reaping the rewards of my efforts.  I've had several successful  projects and received a promotion, two raises and a sizeable recognition bonus.  The third phase of changes is ongoing, and involves me saying yes to opportunities to do things that I enjoy, and never saying "I can't".  So far that has included returning to yoga classes, snorkeling in south Florida, and joining a women's dragon boat crew (and taking first place in a recent regatta).  I never thought I'd be able to do any of those things, but I'm in the habit of surprising myself these days.

The reasons I left Mindsay last year are still valid, perhaps even more now that ever.   When I look back at those years of blogging I see they were necessary and valuable in bringing about the changes that make me the woman I am today.  I don't have the need to blog now.  Instead of whispering my thoughts here, now I'm living life outloud.