Day 61 of 61

Day 61 of 61: Dear God & Sense of Accomplishment Quiz

Dear God,

It's Donna Marie Hogg from Forest Park, IL. (I always make sure he knows where I'm at) I did it. Thank you God. Thank you for blessing me with your favor of strength, motivation (Misericordia and a healthier future), and supportive friends, family, and co-workers. Thank you for holding my hand in the darker times. (remember make-up mess?) Thank you for staying with me every day of 61 days. May you give me the strength to continue my journey wiser and more thoughtful. May you give me the strength to listen to your presence when the devil is trying to scream. I know you are doing a work upon me, and I will therefore be patient with the results. I love you with my entire existence, because I breathe not without your love and friendship.

Amen.


Sense of Accomplishment Quiz:

1. Did you think you could finish 61 days?
Yes and no. Yes because I knew God would be there to see me through, and I trusted that. No, because I knew facing my demons for two months, during the epitome of fall fashion, would be a challenge. I knew I had to be realistic. I knew I had to take one day at a time, or I would never finish. Teddy from the first week, set the tone of this entire journey.

2. What helped you succeed to hit the 61 day mark?
God of course. But I really thank God for the Postman. The Postman was my rock. He loved me, believed in me, laughed with and at me, listened to me, lectured me, and never judged me. He would physically stop what ever he was doing, mute the television, and attentively listen to me read every blog twice. He never gave up on me. And, all those that read this blog....your comments always reminded me I wasn't alone. Thank you for making time to take this journey with me.

3. What were your biggest obstacles?
Getting off work and having time to kill. It was a mental, physical, and spiritual battle every day I left work. This journey was a building block, and I'm pretty positive this will continue to be a daily battle.

4. Was there any thing that surprised you on this journey?
Yeah, two things: First, that those that I thought would show support the most by reading this blog...didn't. While those that I didn't expect to....did & it pleasantly surprised me. Second, how easy it was to control my addiction on my days off. I eliminated all opportunities to fail. Going into this journey, I assumed my days off were going to be my downfall, and they weren't.

5. Was there any great lesson learned?
This entire journey was a lesson. But, I would have to say the lesson learned was: I don't need anything, I don't have a need for anything, and God-blessed I have sooooooooo much.

6. What does this mean for you now?
Happiness knowing that Misericordia is soon to be blessed with my sponsor money. I am excited to know my successful journey, my beloved sponsors, made it possible. And shopping wise, one day at a time. One day at a time. One day at a time.

7. Do you think you kicked the addiction?
No, but it helped me see the difference between life with and life without the effects of the addiction. My conscious is louder. Maybe I'll name her LaQuisha.

Last one. I will text my mailing address to those who opened their hearts and pocket books to support me and a wonderful cause.

Goodnight,
Encouraged Shopaholic

P.S. I cried like a little sissy proofreading this. It has been such an emotional battle. I read the words, and couldn't help but cry. Glasses and tears don't mix.