The power of perseverance: What's your story?

MeredithDeVoe1

Today I reached the 30 lb mark in my weight loss. Yay me!! I look and feel so much better. And it only took five years.

Okay, not exactly. In 2012 I reached my peak (non-pregnant) weight at 183 lbs. I blame menopause and excuses. I found myself saying "I can't lose weight" and "I don't have time to exercise". Those things were true, actually, because of choices I was making.

I joined MFP and got down to about 170 lbs. We are missionaries and I managed this during home assignment ("furlough") when I did have time for exercise, and a good internet connection. Then we returned to Nigeria where we serve.

I was pretty much stuck bouncing between about 173 and 168 for the next few years, during which I went through menopause and a deep depression, lost two very close family members, endured being marooned in Liberia at the beginning of the Ebola pandemic and then quarantine back in Nigeria, election related chaos-- it was a crazy time. Thankfully, this past year was amazing. (Except for a tenfold increase in migraines, but you can't win them all.)

Last December I just decided I was sick of aching and feeling fat. I still didn't have time, but I MADE TIME for exercise. I rejoined MFP, and by now the internet had improved to the point where it works well there, and not only that but many Nigerian foods (like suya, pounded yam, egusi soup, masa, etc.) are now in the database!!

I am 17 lbs down since December. I have gained lots of nice muscles that look good but more importantly support my back and shoulders so I have less chronic pain. Increased testosterone has brought my libido back, which my husband appreciates and I enjoy. I look forward to getting even stronger as I get older. I feel like a winner!

Giving up would be easy. I would just love milkshakes and big bowls of popcorn to be a more regular part of my life. But I love waking up in the morning and feeling good, and looking good in leggings, and being able to sit cross-legged on the floor with children. I know that I am taking good care of the body God gave me so I can use it for His good purposes. All these things make me want to press on.

What's your story of persevering?