Hello There Beautiful People,
As I write this, it’s the eve of my 43rd birthday and as most of us do around that time of year, I’m in reflection mode. Usually, I’m overlooking my whole life, but this time around, I’m only focused on the last year.
You see, in May 2019 I decided to take care of my body. At the time, I was 391 lbs, diabetic with high cholesterol and heart issues. My divorce was finalized and I wasn’t in the best place mentally. When I started to focus on my health, it was difficult. I had to change my habits and my mindset all at the same time.
It was one of those moments when you feel as if you’re going to fail because you’ve been down this road before, but this time was different because I knew that I didn’t want to feel the way I had been feeling physically and mentally anymore.
So, now it’s over a year later, life is somewhat different. I’ve learned so much about myself and made some pretty significant changes in my life. First, I found joy in something that I never thought of, and that’s fitness. Sometimes, I still can’t believe that out of all the things in life, fitness is what brought me back to life. It’s been something that I’ve been dedicated to, even on the days when I didn’t want to workout. Fitness has helped me find who I am, it’s connected me to so many people and it’s given me my confidence back.
The pictures that are showcased in this post were taken on a beautiful day in California where the beach was full of people. When the photographer, Photos by Melly started shooting, it was like the entire beach disappeared and it was just me in front of the camera. As a blogger, I have to take photos all the time but I’ve always been aware of the people around me during those shoots. However, this time around it was different. I was different.
I’m still very much a plus size woman, but because I’ve started taking steps to improve my health, being plus size just seemed to vanish. It wasn’t something that I focused on anymore. I know that my body is capable of doing squats, running and jumping and I never thought I would feel this good again.
Fitness has given me confidence in who I am and has opened me up to my purpose in life. It’s even allowed me to come to terms and be okay, with not having kids or even getting married again. Fitness has made me look over my life and realize that everything happens for a reason, and although I’m still walking the path and it hasn’t fully been revealed to me, I’m walking in faith.
As I celebrate 43 years, I’m grateful for the life changes that have happened over the last year because honestly, I’m not sure where I would be if I hadn’t started on this journey. God has gifted me with another year of life, after I felt like my life was over. But now I know that it’s only just begun.
All Photos by Photos By Melly B
You are truly every woman! I so appreciate your testimony, the struggle is real and it’s nice to see you are not alone. I wish you continued success in your journey through life motivating sisters along the way. HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUEEN have an awesome birthday. From one Virgo to another enjoy🥂✌🏽💐