I’m sitting on my couch… well more like leaning back while I’m trying desperately to put my thoughts together on this one. I’m feeling a bit lazy today to be honest… well, maybe lazy isn’t the word, maybe it’s relaxed.
This year has been incredible, crazy incredible. I have done things that I never imagined I’d do, including competing in my first NPC bikini competition… no, I didn’t place but I was clear that placing wasn’t my personal goal this year. More than anything, I was focused on getting to that stage… boy did I want to get on that stage! I had a HUGE amount of support from the girls who trained with me and my hubby. Going from obese, to somewhat fit, to competing in 14 months was something I doubted I’d be able to do but this opportunity has opened up new doors for me and the opportunity to help others reach their fitness goals as well.
One thing I realized though, is that it’s not always an easy task… yes, I did certain things to lose weight, I had to change my eating habits, create new recipes, use non-processed foods, tons of veggies and some fruits, make meals that my whole family would eat. I also had to incorporate some workouts and be okay with sweat, with feeling clumsy, with understanding that I couldn’t do it all and that my oh-so-sore body would eventually get stronger and pay me with gratitude… but the one thing i did was constantly battle my mind, the voice that kept telling me “you look funny” “who are you fooling? You’re not an athlete.” “You’re too old to workout,” and my favorite “You’re too overweight to do this” and the infamous “Why work so hard? you’re not seeing any results anyway.” On those occasions, I got on the phone with my coach, I sent him an email, or a text and I probably drove him crazy at times… but his answer was always the same “Keep working on it, you can do this.” So I did and slowly (but faster than I thought possible) the inches started to melt.
As I look back at some of my pictures, I still can’t believe how I allowed myself to get to that weight and stay unhappy for so long… but the truth is that I lost the weight when I was ready, no amount of promises, new years resolutions or goals would have made a difference had I not said “enough is enough.” I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired and I needed to do SOMETHING. So I did. It’s not easy, it’s hard, it’s challenging, it’s frustrating at times, I won’t lie. That’s why it’s always good to have someone support you. I knew I needed to try something different… because trying one more diet wasn’t going to do it for me and it was just like the hamster switching directions on the wheel hoping to get a different (or better) result… besides, I honestly wanted to look toned and not just thin.
I got the PERFECT coach for me, someone who’d be kind and compassionate and wouldn’t post degrading comments about heavy people that I constantly see on some of the social media sites from some trainers and coaches. Who needs that when we have our minds already telling us those nasty things anyway? I’m blown away by the nastiness and lack of compassion from some people and I’m thankful that my coach had the kindness of heart and commitment to make a difference for me, even though he was fit.
So now it’s my turn to pay it forward and I’m running a weight loss challenge with the workout programs and products that helped me reach my goal. If you’re interested, and honestly serious about reaching your goal, you can either post a comment below, or send me an email at happyfirmbutt@gmail.com.