The origin of the blog name!
I actually wrote my first blog post in 2005, can you believe that? I had seen a couple blogs and thought they were neat – although they weren’t weight loss blogs, but more opinion blogs. I decided to start my own and was trying to think of a name.
I was in weight loss phase at this time and part of what I was doing was really changing the way I ate. I had read the book The Sugar Addict’s Recovery by Kathleen DesMaisons and it really changed how I looked at *what* I was eating. Not just how much.
Anyway, she had 7 steps that you would follow to clean up your eating. They were incremental changes that would lead to basically the removal of sugar from your life and the 7th step was called ‘finding radiance.’ What I so loved about this was that Kathleen said step 7 was not the end, but the beginning. It was finding your own path. She also calls it radiant recovery. That little phrase finding radiance really spoke to me. I thought about what finding radiance meant to me:
- Finding radiance is all about creating a life that fills you in your own way.
- Finding radiance is appreciating joy in the smallest of things, like a blooming flower, a electric blanket, holding hands with my husband, or listening to the patter of raindrops.
- Finding radiance is letting your inner strength and light shine out like a beacon.
- Finding radiance is loving who you are and always speaking to yourself kindly.
This whole journey has not just been about getting to a goal weight. I guess they all start that way, but something changed for me. Maybe it was getting older, maybe it was just realizing that I don’t have to be perfect. Radiance can outshine any imperfection there may be.
The action part of the word finding also means that it is a continuous process. That means endless discoveries and paths to explore, even just simple ones! It’s amazing how this blog has changed over the years and morphed into what it currently is. Who knows what it will look like in a year! This blog is for sharing that journey and I hope that you all find your own radiance, whatever that may be!
I’m so happy you decided to bring us along on this journey of Finding Radiance. I look forward to seeing how things change over the year and how much more radiant you become.
What a perfect description! I’d like to take on your definition as part of my 2010 goals. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope that you continue to find an abundance of radiance in the coming year!
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..and i’m spent =-.
I always wondered about your name! That is fantastic! I love that and I am working toward finding radiance in my life, too!
.-= Marisa (Loser for Life)´s last blog ..The Turnaround Plan =-.
This was a lovely explanation! love that it’s a continual process! i don’t get it when people think lifestyle changes come to an end when you hit a goal weight or some planned milestone.
Wonderful name and philosophy! 🙂
.-= Ang´s last blog ..Christmas accomplished! =-.
LOVE hearing about the meaning behind “Finding Radiance.” I like the part about the active verb – it really is a continuous process. And I like that you say it’s about finding radiance in your own way. I think too often we do things that we just assume will make us happy, or for the sake of others – but it needs to come from within! Wonderful post Lori 🙂
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Not Ready To Leave =-.
That is so beautiful. I also am curious about what changed for you to take this from achieving weight loss to something more. I’m still looking for that “something more” or that turning point that will make this more than just a few months of effort for me.
.-= Debra´s last blog ..The Transformation Challenge =-.
Thanks for sharing the origins of your blog. I like the idea of continually striving for your goal.
.-= Kat´s last blog ..A little down time can do a world of good….. =-.
I love your name and the reasons behind it. Whenever I think of radiance I think of confidence and beauty – both of what you have.
.-= Diane Fit to the Finish´s last blog ..An Unexpected Request =-.
Thanks for sharing – what a lovely beginning Finding Radiance had, and I’m enjoying seeing the changes along the way!
.-= Shelley B´s last blog ..Introducing… =-.
not the end, but the beginning. It was finding your own path. She also calls it radiant recovery
I love this & all you wrote about what finding radiance is to you!!!! Really something to think about!
Thank you for sharing!
Wow! I cant think of a more powerful way to start off 2010 than
“finding my radiance”. I have read Kathleen’s book (thanks to your blog) and continue to work thru the steps. Thank you, Lori, for such wonderful, meaningful blogging.
Thanks for sharing the story behind your blog’s name, and for sharing your process with us! And as for this, “Finding radiance is letting your inner strength and light shine out like a beacon,” just want you to know that yours does, in every blog post and comment. 🙂 Thanks!!!
.-= Pubsgal´s last blog ..Merry Christmas Eve! =-.
love love love the concept! You were a smart cookie then, you are a smart cookie now!
.-= Jen, a priorfatgirl´s last blog ..Making out with peanut butter… =-.
What a beautiful, beautiful concept.
Even though the internet, your radiance shines through, Lori. You are such a light of inspiration and determination. :o)
.-= PTG1002´s last blog ..My Favorite Things =-.
I can always feel your radiance coming right out of my screen. I see it on your face and on John’s face. You are a radiant family.
Pixie has probably achieved radiant status now that the Snuggie has arrived.
What a lovely concept for your blog. You are a lovely person!!!
.-= Kimberley´s last blog ..The "Perfect 10" Challenge =-.
Thanks for sharing that with us Lori, and thanks for sharing your radiance with us. I like the whole thing, but I think this is my favorite part “Finding radiance is appreciating joy in the smallest of things, like a blooming flower, a electric blanket, holding hands with my husband, or listening to the patter of raindrops.”
.-= debby´s last blog ..A Most Memorable Christmas =-.
I have always loved the title of your blog and it is great to read how it found its name. I too feel as if I have found some radiance in my life – your inspiration has meant so much to me!
.-= Fat[free]Me´s last blog ..Weigh In Wednesday =-.
I am glad you have shared this Lori. Finding radiance is a lifelong pursuit that you can enjoy every day. It is truly a journey – a continuous process as you said. Awesome.
.-= South Beach Steve´s last blog ..Lifestyle Changes for a Better You =-.
I enjoy your blog very much. It really does seem like you have found radiance in your life. I love your pictures and your stories too.
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..A Good Day =-.