Where does a story truly begin? In life, there are seldom
clear-cut beginnings, those moments when we can, in looking back, say that
everything started. Yet there are moments when fate intersects with our daily
lives, setting in motion a sequence of events whose outcome we could have never
foreseen…… 
I had no idea how the day I decided to get up and move would impact me on so many levels..emotionally, physically, socially, and even mentally……
I came from a place where I was physical and mental mess: out of shape, over weight, overwhelmed, overstressed, tired, and on a downward spiral. I was too busy to eat right (seemed like my main course was the left over crusts from my kiddos peanut butter and jam sandwiches and toss a little macaroni and cheese into the mix.
The mere thought of exercise was frustrating and seemingly pointless. It was then that I hit rock bottom....
One day I stood toe to toe looking at my battle scarred body in the mirror with my flabby arms, (I hated my arms) fat stretched out stomach, flat butt and shapeless legs were just a shell of the what was hiding beneath..I came to a point where I questioned ….Who was this person in the mirror? How was I going to get the true self back?
It was then that I decided to prove to myself and everyone else that I could regain control of my body and my life. I needed a program and routine that could whip up my body’s loss of shape.I recall never liking the idea of getting my pictures taken….I was the one who was behind the camera and the one who always wore the frumpy clothing to cover up so that no one would actually see what was underneath. I was extremely insecure with myself and my body. When I think about it, it doesn’t seem all that long ago, yet long ago enough that when I think back to those days, I can’t even possible recall how I allowed myself to remain in that place for as long as I did.I was always active with inner spirit and zest for life, but it had been covered and hibernated for so long that I almost forgot that I had it in me. The flip side of that was that those same negative self images that I had of myself also were the motivating factors to move beyond me beyond my comfort zone and into a level where I would push through my limitations. I knew I had to dig deep and find that in me again; re- discover how to get it back the energetic and lively individual that was screaming to get out!
When I knew I had found something I liked, that I could commit to it and that would keep me accountable and focussed for at least three months. I was fighting for the fit body that I always wanted….and I knew the health benefits would follow closely behind -- naturally. Like a personal challenge made just for me, I really just wanted to see if I could do it and reach my goal. I think the hardest emotional pit fall for me was finding that time to actually do what needed to be done and find the inner strength to consider it not being selfish to do something for myself. Over time, I was able to learn how to treat my workout as my “sanctuary time”. I found an escape from the chaos of my life and took time to focus on just me.! Working fulltime, and caring for my sons, I knew I would have to organize my workouts around a fairly tight schedule. If that meant getting up early or working out late into the night, than that would have to be something I needed to prepare for. I knew I had to figure out an action plan…not only to successfully complete the workouts on a regular basis but also to review my eating habits and patterns and make the necessary change to allow for it all to happenn
So…..I picked a start date -- and fell in love.
I knew right then and there that this was going to be my brass ring...my carrot to snap up that would be the tool to allow me to fulfill the goals I was wanting to achieve. I immediately saw the results (both physically and mentally) In that moment in time, I knew this was something I was never going to let go of and just had to continue to keep showing up! NEVER in a million years would I have envisioned that working out like this would have changed my life in so many wonderful ways until now.
Over time, I didn't hate the person I saw in the mirror anymore... I respected me, I liked being me, and I was proud of me!The self esteem I achieved from working out carried over to my real life and a whole new outlook on life followed shortly behind. Somehow, everything fell into place for me when I made this decision... So I know now that it was the right decision to make. I will not lie and say that I have not had life obstacles come up along the way, but it hasn't been anything that I couldn't overcome. I'm stronger, I walk with much more confidence, and I have a high outlook on life and goals and a life ahead of me to look forward too!
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