That has been my battle this year. I turned down a promotion (which was since reoffered and accepted) because I was in a real bad place at the time.

I was around 50 pounds heavier last year at this time, so I get plenty of comments. A few people who think beyond the quick quip have inquired if I am okay, though mostly it is of the "looking good" variety. The whole time I would love to swap look with feel. Bring on a Quasimodo look and a 59th St Bridge Song feeling, I say!

I needed my "meltdown" earlier this year. I'm not proud I behaved in the manner I did (bitter- shaken, not stirred) though I have grown in ways that might not have been possible otherwise.

It is ok to fall. It is important to get back up and attempt to go around what tripped you up beforehand.

I am thankful that those I may have snapped at understood, I think. I'd love to try and explain to them that while I am sorry I may have acted out I am not sorry it happened. I grew from it.

"Why do we fall, Bruce?

So we can learn to pick ourselves up."

Jon