365 days...1 year...a new me!

Ivey05131980

So my gym asked me to write a success story so they could post it for all to see. To say it was an honor would be a total understatement. Take a minute to read what I submitted, if you will.

One year. 365 days. Each day, one step closer to my goal. I’ve “dieted” my whole life, basically. But this time was different. My mind was in it. My heart was in it. I was doing it this time. I was changing my life. I was tired of not being able to fit in booths or rides and having to tell my son he could not do something because of my own fears and insecurities. Well, I have done it. I AM doing it. One year of consistently logging my food and holding myself accountable for my choices. Last year, I entered my very first Zumba class VERY overweight, out of breath and clumsy feeling, but I left knowing this was an exercise I could do and one that I wanted to do. One that I enjoyed, which I never thought it was possible to ENJOY an exercise. That makes all the difference in the world. In this past year, I have done Zumba on a regular basis, usually 3-4 times a week. I have even branched out of my now “comfort zone” of Zumba and tried other classes. I’ve tried Piloxing, done an Insanity boot camp, completed a few 5K’s, planked, squatted, burpee’d, hula-hooped and more. Me, yes, ME! I have pushed my body to the limits and there has been lots of sweat and yes, tears, too. But never once this past year have I thought about giving up. In years past, if the scale was up any after I felt I had worked so hard and eaten so well I would just give up and go back to my old ways. I am determined to do this and I will get to my goal. I have made friends who share some of the same goals as me, and for them, I am so thankful! My constant encouragers, support system and the ones who call me an inspiration make this journey so much easier for me. I have confidence that I never had before. I’ve included a few pictures of me then, during and now. My total weight loss since 2011 is 128 lbs., with 95 of those pounds lost over the past year. Once you get your mind fully into something, the rest will just fall into place. Don’t give up. You are worth it and so am I.

So, yeah. This past year has had its fair share of ups, downs, good days and bad days. But I have stuck with it and I WILL get to my goal whenever and whatever that might be. And for all of my friends reading this, my big news (to me) will be revealed in my video at the bottom. Just copy and paste the link below. Hope you like it....I did it for YOU!! Thank you all so much!!

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Now, for the pictures, because that is what everyone wants to see anyways...am I right?


















I CAN cross my legs now...EEK!!! See:
















And one last one of me tonight....




Ok, friendsies...check out the video!!~~~> http://youtu.be/jZ1poNV5pt0

Derpes

Spectacular!!!

herblackwings39

Woot! Congratulations! You're doing so well!

MyLowCarbSanity

Congratulations and thank you so much for the inspiration!!! You look fantastic.

beachgirl172723

You are an amazing beautiful woman. So privileged to know you. Xoxoxo

dawndovell

AWESOME!

melly0224

You will continue to be an inspiration to me girl! You are beautiful inside and out and I'm so thankful to call you my friend. Tears fell down my face as I read this. You are amazing!!!!

gojodster

Great JOB! you look awesome!

MercenaryNoetic26

Great progress!

huntndox

You are amazing. And, an inspiration! I plan to be able to write a story like this one year from now, and you will be my inspiration for the next year!

Olivia

These are the stories I read over and over again. 126 pounds lost. It shows such love of yourself, such commitment and strength. Thank you for sharing this story with the MFP community. Its inspirational and it helps to be reminded of how much people can accomplish when they keep trying. Also, your new short do looks fabulous!

ny135

Awesome progress! Thanks for sharing I love reading these stories.

LAS_1980

Love the hair!! Adorable and going to be so much cooler. Congrats on your year and all your success. Keep doing your thang!!!

erinxo13

wow you look fantastic! Also if that white top with the gold bead things is from lane bryant... I just bought it 2 weeks ago!

Mariya_9000

Stories like this just Push my Motivation to the extremes!!! You are Amazing & looks Gorgeous!

nehmon

one word: FANTASTIC.
You are doing a good work. Congrats.
I agree with you, once your mind is in the game, you are focused and you start changing the way you live.

suzyfj8

Wow congratulations you look fantastic!

walkingforward

Well done. You are very lovely !

fbcarlson

Amazing job! Your story is an inspiration!

dejavuohlala

wow you look like a totally different person, great job you should be very proud

MsP90X

Well done!

Bromard6

An amazing transformation! You are beautiful and inspiring.

connie_messina

wow!! amazing!! good for you!!

benefiting

Keep it up!

KAR1959

You are awesome and should be so proud. My new inspiration...never give up!!!:flowerforyou: :drinker:

janewl

Wow girl you look AMAZING. You are an inspiration to us all. :flowerforyou:

MyJourney1960

what a journey! amazing results - and you are so gawjus! (in both the before and after pics!)

kater8er

You look amazing!!!

hupsii

You rock Ivey ! and you look spectacular with your short hair !!!:flowerforyou:

knitapeace

You are absolutely gorgeous, you know that right? Congratulations on your amazing successes!

jessmarie1023

What a beautiful transformation! You are absolutely GLOWING! I love reading of people's journey's. It really puts things into perspective. Anything and everything is achievable with dedication, support, love and hard work! Keep it up sister! You're doing an amazing job for yourself and others!
Sending strength, light & love.