Sharing My Story 101

Saturday morning I had the chance to speak to a group of ladies who are just finishing up there own version of a "Biggest Loser" challenge. Believe it or not, it was the first time I really have spoke in that kind of setting. The crazy thing is, I don't know what made me say "Yes" when I was asked to do this as I am so not a public speaker and REALLY don't care to speak in front of groups of people. But guess what? I tried it. It's not so bad. Not only that, it blessed me to be able to do it.  I seem to share my story or at least bits and pieces of it to people all the time but to actually tell it how it was for me from start to finish turned out to be very special. (Yes, I only teared up a couple different times but I just couldn't help it.)  

In some ways there were some ladies in that room that I knew had to have felt the way I had in the beginning months of my journey. I could just tell. My heart hurt for them. This challenge had only been going on for a few months, and when you have a large amount of weight to lose, as did I, it's hard for others to tell you're even making progress in those first few months other than feeling better about how you are eating and physically feeling. Almost always, others haven't quite noticed the weight loss has started. 

One of the best parts about my morning was not only did I get to speak to these great women, but I got to bring my trainer Jacob with me! The one who inspired me, pushed me, and believed in me far before I ever even believed in myself. Love him!  It was great to hear him talk to these ladies about how they can accomplish just what I had done, even if that means following a different path to get there. "Just do it!" he says. 

I so badly when it was all over wanted to pull those few aside that I knew were struggling and are where I was to tell them they can SO DO THIS. In fact my heart wanted to do it for them but God reminded me I can't. This is one of those things they will have to overcome on their own and I get to help Him be the cheerleader. One day at a time. Each day getting closer to that goal. Yes!  

I'm grateful for my sunny Saturday morning yesterday. It was a chance for me to reflect on again, what I had been through and how far I've come. Not only that,  I could remind myself how much happier life is for me now compared to then. That in and of itself is worth helping  others want to make the change and get healthy. We can do anything as long as we believe we can.

Celebrity For a Day!

So a few weeks back I was contacted from one of my fellow bloggers about her wanting to share my story on her blog. Honestly, at first I was somewhat taken back by the idea. Not knowing if I really wanted to put myself out there any further than I already was. I just recently had started blogging about my own experience on my own blog and just knowing people were reading that seemed hard enough. Now the thought of a whole different network of people joining in on the story was all together intimidating. In the end, I knew I've had a prompting these past several months to do something to pay it forward. If that meant getting my story out there to people I didn't even know, I'd do it! 

I sat down one afternoon and typed out a brief story I would be sending off to share. It was harder than I thought. Even though I'd lived that life, had overcome it, and was ready to share my story, it was very emotional to go back and relive even a recap of what I had endured. All the hard details and facts came flooding back. All the more reason I guess I was suppose to be gutsy and get my story out there.

March 14th my story was shared on her blog. I know this sounds funny but in some ways I felt like a celebrity for a day! It was so cool to get a few comments and emails from people I didn't even know or had never met, asking me questions, congratulating me, and wanting to be part of my journey from here on out. Click here to view that post.

Again, I was so humbled and grateful for this experience. It really opened my eyes to see that being overweight is truly a disease and that there are so many of us out there. Whether just starting our journey, in the midst of changing our lives, or are working on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regardless, we all need support and friendship along the way. I'm finding there is a whole network of people who have either been where I've been and can relate to what I've gone through, people who are wanting a little extra push, or people who are wanting to reach out and be of inspiration to others. It's definitely one big weight-loss family I'm grateful to be a part of!

Being in the Spotlight! (With Bodybuilding.com)

Just recently I had someone contact me from Body Building.com. We spent some time exchanging conversations, and I was then asked if they could share my weight loss story with other Body Building.com employees. I was totally surprised by this invite, not to mention slightly nervous. Other than just the people in my life who know me and what I've embarked on, this was the first time I was invited to share my story and success on a more public level. Like be in the spot light in regards to me and body no less. It wasn't long before I had emailed off my story and things went from there. They've since contacted me a few times, and then one day I came home to this! 

A big box of goodies and treats! The best part was, I was clueless as to what each one of them was and what it was used for. I quickly contacted my new friends at Bodybuilding.com and they were able to guide me in the right direction of which supplement to use when and how they would benefit me in their own way. 

Maybe an experience like this really wouldn't mean much to someone else, but to me it was sure huge. It felt good. I was excited to see so many acknowledge and share the excitement with me and what I'd accomplished, and I loved  how they encouraged me to get out there and share my story. To not hide anymore. To be proud of what I've accomplished and to pay it forward to someone that may be struggling themselves. After all, that is what I want to do. Thank you Bodybuilding.com for being a bright spot on this journey and possibly birthing the idea of getting out there more and sharing what I've become!