The Journey

So I could not sleep this morning and I thought about this. I know many of us are ashamed of what we look like now or used to! I found a pic of me in the hospital about to deliver my son and I was almost 300 pounds! I did not even recognize myself in that picture. So now whenever I think I have not come far I will look at that pic. In 2007 I was 290 pounds at the end of my pregnancy. In 2011 I am now at 210. I feel awesome, and I know I can not and will not go back to that person, who avoided mirrors so I could never see how big I really was. I was hiding and lying to myself. Well I am not going to be ashamed of telling that weight anymore, or looking at that picture! Why becuase it reminds me of how strong I have become, that a mirror does not define me. If I had never sunk so low, I would probably never appreciate the importance of eating healthy and exercising! After being that woman I now have more compassion for people struggling with food addiction and obesity. I now know that motivating others and nutrition is my passion and career. I mean if someone walked a mile in your shoes it means so much more than a nutritionist or a trainer that was always thin! Do not be ashamed of your past or your present. Why? You have a bright future! I urge you not to cheat yourself of the opportunity to see just how strong you are and all the accomplishments that you can make! If you fall keep on getting up. You hit a speed bump, keep going. Do not let anything stop you. There will be so many things that will come along to discourage you and hinder you on the journey. But I firmly believe that God puts them there for you to learn something. And then that shapes and molds you into a better you! Do not be ashamed, their is someone watching that needs your encouragement, who watches from afar. That sees you keeping on and says "Yes I can do that too!" Do people stare at obese people and make fun of them at times? Yep, but do not let those shallow minded people get to you! They do not define you or know you! Now when I see a new person at the gym that is there on a regular basis trying to get into shape, or is overweight and looks like they want to hide, I say to them hey great job, keep it up! There is strength in numbers! We are not alone as a country an alarming number of people are now obese, so we are not alone! Do not hide, do not be ashamed. Do not beat yourself up over a set back. Every day is just that a new day and a fresh start. Remember no matter what size you are you are still beautiful! Keep it up and keep going! We will all get there one day no matter how long it takes!