Two stand together.
They’ve known each other their entire lives.
Only ever Separated by fear.
Brought together by that same fear.
One afraid to live the life she was meant to live.
The other afraid to open her eyes to the possibilities.
One afraid to move forward and never look back.
The other afraid to let go.
One afraid to not have the other.
The other afraid of not being needed.
They look into the eyes of the one before them.
One puts her arm around the other.
Whispers:
“Thank you.”
Thank you for protecting me until I was ready. It wasn’t easy to stand here all this time while I figured out when I should take control. It wasn’t easy to stand here and wish that I would move forward knowing it wasn’t going to happen this time or that time. It wasn’t easy knowing that I would try to make changes and then fall deeper into my depression. It wasn’t easy standing here year after year wondering if it was ever going to happen. It wasn’t easy carrying the burden of hate and self doubt. It wasn’t easy looking into the mirror and wishing for just one moment I would look up and see the potential that you knew I had. You are brave. You are patient. You are the most beautiful person I know.
The other whispers:
“I love you”
I am scared to leave. I am sad that you no longer need me but I knew I couldn’t be here forever to protect you. I only stayed as long as I needed too and now that time has come. You will survive. Fear no longer controls you. The past no longer controls you. I did what I could to protect you until you decided enough was enough. When you stood up and took that first step to becoming the woman you were meant to be I knew our time together was coming to an end. Do not miss me. If you do not keep moving forward I will come back and that is something I do not want to do. I love you but we can’t be together anymore. You must continue to do what it is you were born to do: LIVE.
They are afraid to let go.
A lifetime together.
One final embrace of understanding.
One walks away.
The other left alone.
She looks down.
The impossible
Possible.
Tara – you continue to touch and inspire so many, me included. Saying goodbye must have been very difficult but the other wouldn’t leave until the time was right. . . . obviously the time was right girlfriend! Congratulations on overcoming the fears and the battles. You’re a true warrior…much love to you.
Thanks for this Kelly. You have been an amazing friend through out the process. I am honored that you are on this journey with me. I am honored to be a part of your journey as well.
What Kelly said. Because I really am speechless.
I made you speechless?
Did someone get a picture of this?
Thanks Miz, Anyone that has influenced me with their advice, encouragement and words of wisdom gets to also take credit for this journey. You are as much a part of this as I and for that I am grateful.
CONGRATULATIONS!
This is a victory for you on so many, many, many different levels. I hope you’ve been able to revel in it, in whatever way you wish — laughing, crying, sleeping — all day long.
Thank you for being an inspiration.
I have been doing all of the things you said. Spontaneously crying followed by a passing glance in a window and a pat on my own back. A random fist pump and the biggest grin I can muster.
Wow. I am so very impressed. You are kicking ass and taking names. Seriously. You should be very, very proud of yourself.
This is beyond awesome. Your strength is beyond admirable. Letting go of the old you is such an amazing feat. You’ve inspired me to kick fat Ryan’s big ass right out the door!
Thank you!
I can be bribed to come kick it for you.
In all seriousness Ryan part of this journey is about thanking those who helped me get here.
Thank you.
Tara you are the truth of this journey embodied. It is so much about saying goodbye and being vulnerable and learning to love yourself in brand new ways. You are a giant inspiration to me, I am crying with joy for you today. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that you would find yourself at your goal when you were ready. Happy November Tara and I hope you feel the gratitude and love coming your way from Halifax. Can’t wait to hug it out with you in April!
November never looked sweeter. Meegan you have been here from the beginning and for that you have my undying gratitude! Let the countdown to the lovefest in April begin!
You are AMAZING.
As are YOU!
Dude, I got nothing. I am SO happy for and proud of you. I am sitting here at my desk with a big ol’ goofy grin on my face. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!!
You know how I feel about you so we’ll just leave it at that!
weeping.
can’t wait to feel this same joy.
so proud of you.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by redstar5 and Ryan D. Sullivan, Tara Martin. Tara Martin said: A tale of two…: http://wp.me/pNupM-o2 […]
When I read your post the first time, I couldn’t stop grinning…so thrilled for you reaching your goal and for the realization you had that brought you to this post. THEN…I shared it with my roommate…I read it out loud. Or shall I say, I sobbed it out loud. There is so much more to this post than a victorious happening of your reaching goal. You know that and now I know that as I realized how my heart hurt, smiled, cried, grasped, denied, acknowledged, accepted. I too have an “other” that continues to protect me from whatever it is I need protection from. The work ahead is scary, exciting, and eye opening. Hearing myself cry as I read your powerful post made me realize there’s so much more to do. I will do it. Thank you for sharing this journey.
You.Will.Do.It!
[…] a very much happier note – Tara at 263andcounting.com has posted a stunning entry about reaching her goal weight. I literally just started interacting with her this past week or so, but I am so excited for her! […]
I’m speechless, but I wanted you to know I saw I read and I’m thrilled for you.
Thank you Miss Rita. Its an amazing ride!
You inspire me so much..I CAN SEE it is possible…Truly see it…THANK YOU…
In all things dark there is light waiting to shine Jules. You are that light. Anything is possible when we move forward.
So so happy for you. Look what you did! Time flies when you’re taking names and punching necks doesn’t it? In what appears to be the blink of an eye, Poof! 39 years is undone for the better. Congratulations one zillion times over.
Amazing! What a touching post. So very happy for you and the success you have had on this journey. Welcome to LIFE!
Thank you Miss Sarah.
How do I clap on a blog comment. Is there a happy clapping sound I can insert here?
I hear it loud and clear!
This is simply awesome Tara. I’m so happy and so proud of you. It’s amazing to see how far you’ve come. You work so hard for it, and deserve every bit of it. Great work, keep kicking ass!
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
Man, you inspire me so much! I am so proud of you! Through your story, you give me hope that I can make it too.
This is beautiful & inspiring, just like you. I am beyond thrilled for you, and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
This is one of the most powerful blog posts…ever!
Tara, you have accomplished what hundreds of thousands and even millions of people have not…You said you would get healthy, you set a goal, you hit your goal.. congrats.
whats next?
Woo-hoo! Thrilling, amazing, well-deserved, congrats!
You are incredible! I am unbelievably proud of you and happy to simply know you. 🙂
WOO HOO!!!! I’m doing a happy dance around my desk right now in celebration of your achievements while at the same time wiping tears from my cheeks. Bye bye Fat! Hello Life! Way to go Tara.
I’m new here – and I love this so much.
Too strong for words.
Tara – I am trully in awe standing in the presence of your greatness. You are too awesome for words….tears fall from my eyes, knowing that someday I might be worth it. I have a continual fear of succeeding at anything and as my trainer keeps telling me, you are doing it and succeeding and no matter how long it takes us, we will get there together. YOU ARE DA WOMAN…of greatness. I love you and don’t even know you. You make me smile and cry both at the same time. Thanks for all you do for all of us, near and far.
Theresa
Stop saying “someday” you will be worth it. YOU ARE WORTH IT RIGHT NOW.
End of story!
This has been one hell of a journey (and really just the beginning) and I wouldn’t change one thing about it. All the tears. All the frustrations. All the milestones. All of everything…got me to this point.
All of your everything will do the same. Stay present. Stay mindful. Stay alive!
I fear I do not have the words to truly express how absolutely amazing you are and how much your journey has touched me.
Congrats of reaching your goal weight, Tara. 🙂
wow. everything i think of to say sounds remarkably underwhelming considering this occasion. what you’ve done and how you’ve shared yourself in the process is amazing. so, so, so happy for you! blessings, friend.
checking back in on you and thinking about your STRENGTH and POWER in the quiet quiet of my morning…
WAY TO GO!!!! Congratulations!!!
You have achieved something that is so beyond just the physical numbers on the scale — you have achieved true belief in yourself. Remember what it was like to be 270lbs — remember those thoughts you barely acknowledged to yourself let alone anyone else. Remember what it felt like to be overweight. And then, remember that moment, the moment you stood on the scale and saw those numbers of hitting goal.
Your journey has only just begun, Tara — you have so much left yet to accomplish. And I cannot wait to continue to see what is in store for you!
[…] You’ve continued to work harder than you ever give yourself credit for. Over the last year, you’ve ended some relationships, started some awe inspiring relationships. You made a birthday wish come true and set up some […]