My fitness journey goes back, waaaay back. Just over twenty years ago, I lost my first large amount of weight. I went from 180 pounds on a 5’5” frame, to 130 pounds – fifty pound loss in about nine months, not too shabby. I maintained this for a couple years, going up and down and then up again, settling in around 150 three years later. Then I went on a form of birth control that seemed to cause me to lose weight. I mean, I was working out and eating well, but it literally seemed to fall off, and I made my way down to 118, my lowest weight ever.

Him search my heart, and cause me to be gentle and humble with everyone. Time with my family was awesome and date day with my hubby consisted of observing the figure competition I originally set out to participate in, as well as art and a helicopter ride – which was a first for the both of us! I also made a couple interesting meals and really challenged myself to not give in to the temptation to throw caution to the wind before my challenge, which begins tomorrow.

 It will be interesting to see how the nutrition portion compliments the exercise portion. I believe most workouts can be done at home, but most of mine if not all will be done on my lunch hour at work.

I know everyone has their “WHY” for getting in shape and eating well. My reasoning isn’t to be the best and win a contest. It isn’t to compete with others and triumph over others. It isn’t even to compete with my “old self”, or “who I was yesterday”. I view the daily decisions I make to be me competing FOR myself, for the sake of OTHERS. This isn’t to be interpreted to mean I am only doing this for other people and when they let me down, I am going to give up or throw in the towel. No, this means that I have come to realize and embrace the truth that God needs me to operate at my very best, so He may be glorified and reach others.

a body reacting to an unhealthy environment and lifestyle – which I have experienced before.

This solid connection causes me to be who I need to be for my husband, children, family, friends, co-workers and anyone else God brings into my life. This is my motivation, not just for this challenge, but for my life in general. The challenge is just an opportunity to really focus in and challenge myself, while making some wonderful connections with others.

Have a great week!