People love to post pictures for transformation Tuesday. In a few weeks, I’m sure I’ll be amongst them. Today, however, I would like to discuss a mental transformation that has occurred in me. Before I can begin to describe what has changed, I have to tell you my story.
Since I was about 7, I have been “chubby.” I joke that I’ve been overweight since I discovered how to read. I’m an avid reader—but I digress. I wasn’t a completely sedentary child. I did ride my bike, play in the neighborhood with friends. In high school I played tennis and was in marching band.
I discovered also that I love to cook when I was a child. As long as I remember, I’ve been cooking for myself. My father and I bonded over cooking together, and still do to this day. Oh yeah—I also like to eat the food that I cook. A lot. I am a foodie. I enjoy foods from all different cultures. The more flavor food has, the better.
A few years ago, I learned that I have hypothyroidism, Hashimotos disease and adrenal fatigue. What this means, in the simplest terms, is that I have a sluggish thyroid that is being attacked by my immune system. On top of that, because of my personality and continual stress, my adrenal glands are worn out. This trio means weight gain, lack of energy and a bunch of other fun side effects.
To say that I’m fighting an uphill battle with my weight is an understatement.
A few weeks ago, I signed up to be a Beachbody coach. What? I know, right? I was so excited. I got my 21 Day Fix program. I took pictures of the cool containers, the pretty dvds, and the Shakeology. I popped in the first dvd, excited to start my journey. I nearly died. I was exhausted for a few days. I automatically admitted defeat. I’m too sick to work out. I’m too out of shape to workout. Why did I sign up for this stupid program? I hate strawberry shakes….why didn’t they flipping send me the chocolate that I wanted?!?! I told the person who signed me up all of my excuses and got depressed. I’m pretty certain that I’m the only person who has ever had this experience, right?
Part of being a Beachbody coach for me means that I am part of a team. The team on which God placed me is amazing. They are supportive, loving and challenging. I sat back and watch them, interacting a bit here and there because I can’t not interact. Watching them, reading their posts, being a part of the weekly team meetings inspired me. I got to the point that I thought, heck, if they can do it, I can too! In an instant, something clicked in my brain. I had a mental transformation. I went from a depressed, chubby, sick woman to a motivated, excited woman on the road to good health.
Last Monday, 9 days ago to be exact, I popped in that first DVD again, at 4:30 AM. My body was too asleep to know what happened to it. I may have had trouble walking up and down the stairs, but I did it. The next morning, I woke up again at 4:30 AM and did an upper body workout. Same thing that Wednesday. Thursday started my five day staycation. You know what? I pushed play every day and worked out.
I know that I have a long journey ahead of me. I am taking this journey step by step, one day at a time, one minute at a time when I’m working out. In the process, apparently I’m even inspiring people.
If you’ve read this far, talk to me. Tell me something about a transformation in your life. What was the catalyst to that change? If you are interested in joining me on this journey, hit me up!
Deneen White 