I have decided 2014 is my year to change my life in all ways (physically, spiritually, and emotionally). When I first saw the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans Weight Loss Boot Camp Challenge, I thought this is it this my kick start to the new me. I never imagined in 20 days how much I would change.
If you read the About Nicole section then you know this is not my first rodeo. I lost about 70 pounds between 2003 and 2005. Between then and the end of 2011 I gained about 100 pounds. Since the end of 2011, I have lost about 40 pounds. Over the last year, I would re-commit myself to my health and lose 10-15 pounds, then I would go right back to those old habits. The cycle just kept repeating.
On January 1, 2014, I started this blog to share my story, my struggles, my ups and downs, and all the things associated with weight loss. But somewhere between now and then my mind switched and my journey was no longer about weight loss. It was about re-discovering myself, the things I love, and figuring out what got me here so I could stop repeating the cycle.
On January 5, 2014, when I went to church the new series was the Power to Change. The first two Sundays the pastor talked about how in order to change you have to want to change. You have to make the conscience decision to change. Then you have to put actions to that decision to change. Yesterday, the third Sunday, was about changing your physical health, which is just as important as your spiritual health. I just sat there listening with tears streaming down my face realizing my physical, spiritual, and emotional health are all connected. I know I realized that somewhere in the last 20 days because eating better and working out no longer seemed like a chore. Yes there are days I don’t want to workout and yes there I days I want to drive thru McDonalds and get 2 cheeseburgers and fries. The difference now is I make the conscience decision to get on the elliptical or go home and cook a healthy meal.
Part of changing is sharing your story, no longer being ashamed of where you started, and having a safe community to share your struggles. I am beyond lucky to have so many different communities to share my story and really start the process of changing my entire life. Thank you Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans for encouraging me to start this blog and reading it. Thank you to my wonderful friends at PoleKittens Fitness that are the most supportive women I have ever met and given me the courage to post a dancing video on the website and Facebook for the entire world to read my story and watch me dance. Thank you to my family and friends for always supporting me and telling me I am stronger than I ever saw myself. Thank you to God for renewing my faith and showing me I do have the power to change.
What’s stopping you from ending the never-ending cycle? Now is the time to make that conscience decision to change your life and end the cycle.
Nicole's Journey 