17 Comments
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beautifuliamcolored's avatar

Happy Birthday month, Dariam! And thank you for sharing your thoughts with us- I continue to be encouraged.

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

B.I.A.C. Thank you so much for your continued encouragement and support. Thank you also for the birthday month blessings. You are appreciated.

Ann Quintman's avatar

Believe it or not, telling people that I’ve lost up to 60 pounds and it being true would have overwhelmed me in the past. I would have done something to mess it up. I would have spiraled down to excess and self loathing. It has now gotten easier for me to choose joy and self worth. Thank you Darium for your refreshing honesty and insight.

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

It’s not hard to believe at all. I’m glad that you’re finding a new way of living (even if it’s not perfect). You figuring things out and finding your way is part of the journey. How are things going now?

Ann Quintman's avatar

I wake up most days choosing to be happy.

Anchor Moments by Gina LaBenz's avatar

I enjoy your articles so much, Darium! I too am in the messy middle. I am a foodie and though mounjaro helps me, the struggle is real and the weight loss is slow. But the rest of my health...a1c, liver, inflammation, etc is tons better. It is wonderful knowing I am not alone. Thanks for being here for us! Happy birthday, Darium!

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Gina, thank you for your kind words!!

I believe it’s okay to be incredibly grateful for all the blessings and incredibly frustrated for not being where you want to be.

I believe you will get to your goals.

I hope you keep on LIVING while in this part of the journey. The memories will last much longer than the scale.

Rhonda Ross's avatar

I love the way you express yourself!

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words, Rhonda. I try to share my heart.

The Metabolic Midwife's avatar

Thank you for being here, Dariam. You make me think! And that's a really good thing.

Vivi's avatar

I appreciate you so much Dariam. Thank you for always cheering us on and having a listening ear and understanding 🫂🫶🏽❤️

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Vivi, as I tread lightly, I wanted to say thank you for your support. You believe in my work, and I appreciate you so much.

Paula Hardin's avatar

Dariam, Thank you for writing articles that get to the heart of complex issues. Your writing encourages a level of self-reflection that I rarely find elsewhere. That comes from more than talent—it comes from years of living through the messy middle and learning from it.

A few years ago, this journey would have overwhelmed me, and I likely would have walked away. I see God’s hand in it all and trust His timing. Back then, I wasn’t ready for these challenges that come with losing a significant amount of weight. I still have much to learn, but I’m stronger and better prepared mentally and emotionally than I’ve ever been.

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

Paula, thank you for this. This is why I started the messy middle, because I have NOTHING figured out. I am navigating this in real time, and the fact that it resonates with you and anyone else makes me feel great.

I, too, believe in God’s timing. I love knowing that I’m not alone in trying to figure things out.

Quinell Francis's avatar

A big thank you to you for sharing these articles…. I appreciate your taste in writing and what you penned….. happy birthday on June 7 in case I forget! 🥳🥳

The Messy Middle by ItsDariam's avatar

QL!! Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. I appreciate your support and belief in the work that I am doing here.