When I think back to how my life has changed over the years, I still shake my head in amazement. I was always fit and active as a kid. I started weightlifting when I was 15, and fell in love with bodybuilding. In my 20’s, I was a small, fit, exuberant, and had the world by the tail.
Fast forward to my mid 30’s and the future didn’t exactly look the way I expect, nor did I. I was overweight, unfit, and I felt like I was 100 years old. “Life happened” to me, and there I was – a 5′ 2″ former, successful, personal trainer – weighing almost 200 lbs! Strange how it creeps up on you and you don’t even see it…
Then, one day I looked in the mirror as if for the first time. I hated what I saw, and I hated how I felt – my body, my life, and me on the inside. What had happened to me? I wasn’t even comfortable in my own skin anymore. I knew how differently I was being treated as an overweight person, and I didn’t like it. I’d like to say I was still the same person on the inside, but that would be a lie – I wasn’t at all. I had no self-confidence left, no sense of adventure, no energy, and no spark. I didn’t know how to get it back…
The straw that broke the camels back was the day the metal button flew off my size 18 jeans. No one else saw, but I was humiliated. I knew there had to be more to life than what I had, and I decided that day to choose to take my life back, to take control of my body.
I was now my own personal trainer and I knew what had to be done. I researched everything in depth even more – I wanted the weight gone yesterday! I wrote my own nutrition and workout program and followed them. I was never deprived of anything I wanted to eat, however, I realized that every food choice was that – a choice – a conscious decision. I was consistent with my workouts, but never overboard. Slow and steady won the race, and today I’m fit, more alive, and happier than ever!
My journey taught me that life is more than just about body weight. It’s about living a happy, vibrant, confident life. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin – to the point where you are no longer self conscious and actually seek out new adventures! I had to ask myself questions and have the resolve to answer them honestly in order to grow.
The most surprising and powerful thing I learned – losing weight only changes the physical you. You have to work on the emotional you in order to a happier fit person. That’s the reason I am a Lifestyle Makeover Coach and Inspirational Speaker – because I am committed to helping others to live in a body they love! Join me – it’s a great place to be!
So, no matter where you are in your journey, perseverance is your strongest ally – stay strong. and keep going – you can do it!! I’m always happy to help others achieve their goals too. Please feel free to drop me a line, won’t you?
Live! in the body you love!
Wow, what an inspiration you are Margie! You sure have had a lot of courage and strength to do accomplish what you have and to use it to inspire others with their challenges and continual journey to grow. Thank you!