I remember just a few short years ago how frustrated I was with myself. How much I didn't like to be seen in public. How much I hated the person I saw in the mirror. Even how much my relationship was affected by the way I felt about myself. It was a very sad, depressing time in my life - but then by some miracle from God - my relationship turned around and I got engaged on November 16, 2012!Knowing that I had a wedding to plan and a beautiful wedding gown to wear, was all the motivation I needed to commit to a new, healthy lifestyle! I was scared and intimidated because I knew nothing about stepping into a gym. I didn't know anything about clean eating, nor did I have a support system to cheer me on. I started out on my own but I was beyond determined to be successful!
After four short months - I had lost 20 pounds and started to feel some type of weight lifted off my shoulders. I was feeling better about myself. I wasn't so negative. I had hope that I would be able to make it through this difficult period of my life. But then I got stuck. I was working out two or three hours a day. I was "eating healthier", in my opinion, haha. BUT I was stuck at a plateau for 8 months. It was so awful and with my wedding only 5 months away I was getting desperate because I was still unhappy with where I was.
In January of 2014 - everything started to take this turn for the better. I joined Team Beachbody for a discount on Shakeology. I started T25. I was training for my second half marathon and my confidence was becoming more common. I was finally able to start standing up for myself. I was happier. I wasn't so focused on the negativity. I started feeling differently about myself as well as helping other people feel this way. My overall outlook on life has dramatically changed.
I can tell you honestly that I never had any idea of this type of change in my life just by committing to working out for my wedding. I am in awe of everything that has happened over the last year and a half. Just to name a few:
- I lost an additional 15 pounds since January of 2014 - finally getting me to my goal weight
- I have gained so much more confidence in myself, as well as my relationship, and full time job
- I am not afraid to voice my opinion
- I have been able to change my mindset in regards to my financial situations
- I have created many long lasting friendships with people I barely knew last year
- I have rid my life of negativity and learned to take responsibility for my actions
- I have finally gotten myself back into Church after 20 years and loving every minute of it
Now I am sure people could have experienced these types of things without fitness - but being comfortable in my own skin was a huge deal for me. Everyone wants to love the person they see in the mirror everyday. And everyone deserves that feeling! Fitness, clean eating, and this amazing support system I have behind me -- helped me get to this point today!
If you are someone who struggles with their self image, self confidence, or just lack of motivation overall, I can tell you... deep down, there is the will do change your life. It may not be easy, it may take a year or maybe two - but I promise you! Things will get better and you will be victorious!
Maybe fitness could change your life? What do you have to lose? If you would like to partake in my upcoming Coach Apprenticeship group - please fill out the form below! I look forward to assisting you create a life you love and being more confident in your own skin! I promise... the end result will be worth it!
