Where it ALL started

Almost three years ago I decided to embark on a quest to save my life. I was unhealthy, both mentally and physically. Blame was pointed at everyone and everything else. Little did I know that all the negativity, sicknesses, and lack of willpower was all because of how I was treating my body.

In June of 2013 my husband and I were splitting wood, preparing for the approaching Wisconsin winter. I leaned over to grab a log and suddenly a massive log fell off the wheelbarrow and became best friends with my right ankle. GREAT... ANOTHER PROBLEM! JUST what I needed right?? Well my friends, that injury SAVED my life.

I held off surgery until the tendon literally severed in half (why I thought this was the best choice, I have no idea). I had surgery in December 2013. It was awful, lots of pain and therapy. But, during this time I realized how much a HATED my life. I hated the person I had become and the body I was living in. After months of therapy my amazing doctor cleared me from restrictions and that day we bought a YMCA membership.

I began to dabble into the fitness classes and I went through a simple course that showed me how to use the equipment so I wouldn't kill myself on their clock. It was awful, my body hurt so bad that I cried and dreaded going back. My ankle kept turning black!! But, I did go back. Soon I noticed the pain was gone from my knees! How in the world could that happen since I've had EIGHT knee surgeries!! My ankle stopped turning crazy black colors and my mobility had improved. BUT, the best change ever was the change in how I felt mentally. I was happy!! I literally felt the light bulb go on in my brain and then quickly realized how it is ALL connected. I was HOOKED....

In Feb 2014 I weighed 178 pounds. I wore an XL shirt and I wouldn't even wear jeans anymore. I remember purchasing what I called it "fat sucker" so I wouldn't have rolls under a dress that I was to wear at a wedding. Today, April 28th 2016 I am 121 pounds of lean muscle (Picture at bottom of post)!!! OH YA! 

My whole journey has been shared with others on Facebook.. lots of pictures and postings and well, just about everything!  Well, all the sharing lead emails, Facebook messages, text messages, phone calls.. All asking about the same thing, how did I do it. I WAS IN HEAVEN

I answered all the emails, phone calls, texts, and Facebook messages. I helped others on their journey and provided encouragement, advice, and support. 

And you know what,ITS TOTALLY AMAZING. Not only did this help my friends, it has also helped me stay motivated.  

So, to offer more motivation, tips, support, encouragement, laughs, life realities, and what not I am going to attempt this blogging thing. I keeps popping up in my dreams and in my life so perhaps its just a sign. I love everything about being healthy, exercising and taking care of my body. 

This is me today!!! 

This has saved my life from preventable chronic diseases, pain from excessive weight, and being that negative Nelly that I once was. I will be celebrating my 35th birthday in June!! I eat healthy, work out 5x a week and truthfully I love myself, my life, my everything. I am happily married to my soul mate, we have four beautiful children, I'm a part-time paramedic and a full-time nursing student...SO, If I can make a life change- are you ready to step over those excuses???