Where were you a year ago? – #Mamavation Monday

A year ago… to the day… I joined Mamavation – a wonderful online support group dedicated to weight loss for women.

A year ago, I had given up on the idea that I could actually be healthy. I had resigned myself to the idea that maybe I was just destined to be over weight… obese… fat… Forever. (and forever is kinda a long time dontcha think?)

A year ago today I first “met” Leah (aka @bookieboo) and the Mamavation Sistahood where I started learning about making small changes that can add up to a big difference in the quality of my life and the life of my family.

 

A year ago today walking more than a few minutes was hard. I was winded. it hurt.

A year ago today I thought that this would just be “another” failed attempt in my journey to a healthier life.

But something changed.  Slowly I started making changes in my life.  Giving up soda – because even diet soda is bad for you.  I started to drink more water…and now am up to around 100 oz+ a day.  I started eating mindfully in ways to fuel my body instead of always eating what tasted good… and learned that I really do love the way I feel when I’m eating right.  I started getting more exercise in and while I still have to force myself to get started, I ALWAYS feel better when I’m done.

Starting out is hard.  It reminds me in some ways of my kids… more so when they were younger, but I can recall times when the youngest would want to ride a big bike or climb a tree because his big brother was doing it… and I’d have to gently remind him that his brother was older and when he got a little bigger he would be able to do those things too.  It’s the same with my weight loss journey.  I can recall watching some remarkable women like Bodhi_bear, Fitcheerldr, and Fitmomtraining in awe over what they were able to accomplish… and getting down on myself and frustrated that I wasn’t them.  It took a long time and lots of reminders that I’m still young on this journey and when I get bigger, I’ll be able to keep up with the big kids.

Over the last year, I’ve lost a total of 42 lbs – 1.5 of those this past week.  Over the last year, I’ve gained something that’s even more important.  I’ve gained self-confidence.  I’ve gained determination…   and most of all, I’ve gained self-respect.

My journey is FAR from over, but I have more tools in my tool belt than I did a year ago.  I know that because I’m losing weight slowly by changing the relationships I have with food and fitness that this is a life change.  and because it’s a life change, I know it will stick.  When I first started, I had no clue where this road would lead and along the way I’ve met so many remarkable people that, although there are few that I’ve met in person, I feel like I am blessed to call them friends.

At the end of the day though, it’s not about what I’ve accomplished in the last year.  It’s about the choice I made a year ago today to change my life and take back my control.  It’s about the choice that I made a year ago to no longer be a victim.  It’s about making that same choice each and every moment of each and every day… and about forgiving myself when I stray.

Thank you to the Mamavation Sistahood who has helped pick me up when I fall and keep me lifted when I celebrate.  Your support means more than words will ever say.

If you are at the point I was a year ago… where you don’t know where to start… or are lost… or have given up… You have the power to CHOOSE today.  Choose your health.  Choose a better quality of life.  Choose to fight the urge to throw in the towel because YOU ARE WORTH IT… even if you don’t believe that.

And please remember… I’m where I am today because of hundreds of little baby steps.  Start slow, but start.  You can do it! (and if you need help, accountability, or just a nudge… let me know.  I’d be happy to help!)

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. Laila @OnlyLaila says

    Amazing what a difference a year makes huh? And the love and support we receive in this community. I was just thinking about how my life has changed from being apart of mamavation and knowing YOU.

    • you are truly a blessing in MY LIFE! I’ve LOVED getting to know you and love continuing our journey together even if we are in different spots 🙂

  2. Woohoo! What a fabulous year!! I’m so glad you “found” Mamavation (or did it find you?). You are a weight loss rock star, Shelley! Thanks for all that you do!

  3. Kimberly @Christlikemommy says

    You forgot me! I can remember you rooting me on as I applied, then supported me as I eventually dropped out of the running for Mamavation Mom! I remember encouraging you to apply, and we exchanged SO many DMs! I am glad you became Mamavation Mom that campaign! You are awesome!

  4. I’m so proud of you! You’re an inspiration, a motivation and I love you.

  5. I am so effing proud of you!!! I would totally curse if this weren’t a family blog. I feel that it deserves the emphasis that cursing provides.

    • As I read your comment, I added in the cursing. Cuz that’s the kind of friend I am 🙂 BIG HUGS TO YOU!

  6. Way to go! What an inspiration! Hope your next year is just as great!

    Wonderful boost for my Monday!

    • It’s hard to believe it’s been a year… but I KNOW that next year will be even more EPIC 🙂 Thanks!!!!

  7. What a fun ride it has been!

  8. Happy Anniversary! WTG on the weight loss the past week, and the past year! So proud of you!

  9. You have worked your butt off (literally) in a year – and yet sometimes it is funny to stand back and say “it has only been a year?” I am still happy that you were chosen over me in that campaign – you have taken what you have learned and ran with it (also literally). Great job on all that you have done. I am proud of you.

  10. I am exactly where you were a year ago: frustrated, complacent, resigned to being overweight. I really needed to read this today. 42 pounds? That is awesome. I am ready to make some changes. Thank you for the inspiration!

    • So glad you were inspired! You are remarkable and I’m loving that you joined the sistahood! I’m here if there’s anything I can do for you!

  11. Huge congrats. Not just on the weight loss, but on the ability to see that small changes do make a difference, and you can’t do everything all at once. Pretty good life lessons that apply all around, I’d say.

    • Thanks 🙂 I like to think that I live in a world of baby steps 🙂 somehow that is comforting 🙂

  12. Congratulations on 1year! Love that you mention hundreds of baby steps because that’s what it is not leaps and bounds. You have made so much progress! So proud of you Momma!

  13. Love this!!!

    • GOOD! Remember that I didn’t change overnight – HUNDREDS of Baby Steps… and not all of them in the Right direction 🙂 you can do it! you are stubborn enough 😉 HUGS

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