YOU'RE NOT DONE YET!

Many of you saw me post this picture on facebook this last week.  Several people shared, commented, or liked the picture.  Why?  Because it's absolutely true!  I will include myself in this assumption that we see someone with a really nice body and think, "Genetics! They don't have to workout EVER!".  That is absolutely not true because most likely they are not only busting their tail in the gym, they are taking time to plan out their meals and practice discipline in WHAT they put into their mouth.

But I want to touch on a personal story from my family.  Like I've said before, I'm never going to candy coat my journey of weightloss.  It was and still is a challenge.  That's why I write about it being a journey.  The reason for my blog "Success in Various Forms".  When your on a journey to be fit, everyday of practicing self control and discipline is a success.  I wanted to introduce to you my cousin Amy.  Growing up her and I looked exactly alike.  We are several years apart, but both had/have had the same struggle of eating.  However, this 2012 year, Amy decided to do something about it. So far Amy has lost 131 pounds!

Amy at here biggest: 343 pounds

Here is her story:

"June 11th, 2012 was when I told myself that I wasn't going to be the fat girl any longer.  I texted a friend of mine and asked her if she'd help me.  I told her I wanted to lose 60lbs.  Then I made a deal with my 11 year old son.  I told him to ask me to go play ball with him if he saw me sitting down in front of the tv at like 6, 7, or 8 at night.  I haven't let him down since. I also made an appointment with my doctor and we made a plan for exercise and diet.  I also started posting my progress on facebook as a means of accountability.
I will not go backwards!  It started with a 60lb goal and lost 100lbs and now it's my goal to be within my BMI.  I need to loose 208lbs to be at the top of my BMI.

When I started at the gym I could only do the elliptical for 2 minutes.  I can now do it 60+ minutes.  I did my first 5k race before thanksgiving.  I walked more than I ran but I did it.  I love to run these days.  I'm signed up for my next 5k race on x-mas eve.  My goal is to do better then the last one.  I've changed my lifestyle and love it!  Just the other day a friend of mine asked me if when I get to the weight I want to be if I can eat like her.  I said no and she didn't quite understand why.  I told her because I eat differently these days to be healthy.  I informed her that I will exercise every day the rest of my life because it's a choice - I want to and I like how it makes me feel.  It took a while for me to stop rewarding myself with food.  Now, I understand that it's easier to just stay on a routine.  It's hard to continuously start over.  Lots of my friends will say it's okay Amy you deserve to splurge but what they don't understand is that it's a daily battle for me.  I have a goal and if I want to meet it then I have to be on my A game everyday."

This here is why I do what I do.  I don't share my personal story and encourage others on this lifestyle of fitness just because I want to brag I've lost weight.  I share because it inspires other women, like Amy to KNOW and have CONFIDENCE that they CAN do it!  Just like I gained a whole new self respect for myself, that is what Amy has gained.  When you begin to love yourself enough to discipline yourself and accomplish what she has, you are empowered!  It brings tears to my eyes to see a woman embracing who she really is. 



90 lbs down and still pushing to better myself!



My heaviest: 226lbs

Readers: be inspired, encouraged, and empowered.  We aren't on a journey to just "Look Good".  We are on a journey of learning to TRULY LOVE ourselves.  When we love ourselves, it's easier to love others!

Your Challenge: evaluate your past week and write down 1 thing you think you can improve on.  Love yourself enough to follow through...

Be Blessed