MY STORY. I want to share my transformation story a little more in depth than I have before. With social media being such a large part of life these days, comparison has really became a big thief of people’s happiness and self worth. When in reality, no 2 humans are the same and while we may experience similar situations, you just really can’t compare. People are quick to judge, everyone has a story and most people don’t know 96% of it. I hope by sharing my story more in depth it can show you that wherever your at in life- you can overcome the struggles you are facing.
.
I was overweight growing up, I had many friends, but not boyfriends. I was always just everyone’s friend. Starting at a young age I had body image issues. They were always there but didn’t get really bad until high school/college. At this age your appearance is much more “judged” than other ages. If only I knew then what I know now about how insignificant this would be in the future of my life. Either way I hit a all time low after high school and was completely done with it.
.
2008: Facebook had only just begun, social media was a new thing and definitely used more so to connect with others than anything. My parents are active people so I knew that the only way to see a change was for ME to make a change. I started exercising consistently, stopped eating out, drinking alcohol and eating junk food. I knew nothing but learned as much I could from the little info out there back then.
.
After a good 8-9 months of dedication I was down 50ish lbs and feeling great! With the gained confidence I started going out and doing things, and yes drinking again(typical college age activities) and in 1 summer I gained back about 10-15 lbs. Let me tell you- you can gain a lot quicker than you can loose and that reality I learned the hard way.
.
I made a promise to myself I wouldn’t let it happen again, which 5-6 years later it did again because life(minus drinking, just fell off diet). I worked hard and lost it again and then my body issues got worse. I was thin, too thin and I was obsessed with staying that way. Fearing gaining even a ounce of fat back. This was around 2012. I battled it for months(Joe saw me through this as well). One day I decided to record myself talking about how I felt. I watched it and it was EYE OPENING. There I was looking frail talking about how I think I’m fat.
.
From that day forward my journey of self love started. I could not let the image of myself control my life any longer. I began to lift even more than I already was and started to become stronger! As the years went on I continued to evolve because you just kinda learn as you go. Lifting weights made me feel empowered especially as a female because it wasn’t as common still back then. It also helped reinforce my journey of self love as it was teaching both mental and physical strength. Something I continue to work to progress daily.
.
In my journey I’ve kinda hit both spectrums of being too thin and overweight and not loving myself but what sticks out most to me is the amount I have grown mentally during these times. No matter where you are at in your journey, know that you can progress. You just have to choose to. No one will do it for you, it has to be a choice from within that you want better for yourself. Your current situation is NOT your final destination. And someone else’s success can never take away from your own. There will be ups and downs but that is how you grow! Start practicing how to love yourself daily, because YOU are the only one who can make your goals happen! 💕
