Why Am I Here?

I have always been overweight.  We often laugh at the story of four year old me needing to be pushed in a stroller because walking was too taxing on my heavy frame.  I would huff and puff after walking up two stairs.  

That's been me... I've been fighting this my entire life.

So why now?  Why did I chose to make this change in 2014?  I had my daughter in 2012.  In 2013, I was diagnosed with Post Partum Depression.  Having a baby turned my life upside down.  I was a super independent, do as I pleased, Type-A personality before Kara.  It was a total system shock and I didn't adjust well.  I didn't bond with Kara the way I felt a mom was supposed to.  I didn't handle things the way I thought a mom was supposed to.  I didn't bounce back into my old clothes the way I thought a mom was supposed to.  So ten months after having Kara, I landed myself on medications for depression.  I thought I had a thyroid disorder.  I thought my weight was due to this... I thought my energy level was due to this... the doctor looked me in the eye and said the weight would come off, but I would need to work for it.

I was angry.  I wanted the easy way out.  Give me a pill, correct an imbalance and I'll be on my merry way.  No.  

I was in denial for about 6 months after that appointment.  I hated being photographed.  I avoided pictures with my new little family because of the way I felt about myself.  

I finally decided that enough was enough after seeing some friends post their results with Focus T25.  An at home workout?  Would I be strong enough to follow through and get up and do it?  Would it really work?  Would it be money wasted?  I pondered this for a month until my husband said "just do it and stop talking about it"  I bought it and never looked back.  I didn't miss a workout my first ten weeks and lost 13 pounds and 15.5 inches.  I felt better.  I wanted everyone to know what I was doing.  I wanted others to feel and experience what I was experiencing.  

I became a coach before the end of my 9th week of T25.  I am excited to do something that my daughter can be proud of.  That she can benefit from.  I don't want her to grow up with a negative body image.  Not only have I lost weight, but I've found my "thing".  The one thing that is mine.  Moms know what I am talking about.  My workout is my thing.  Helping others is my outlet.  I am here.  I get it.  I understand.  I want to be your cheerleader.