3 lessons, 7 years of Weight Loss

Thursday, March 20, 2014

It is true that TV Shows are inspiring but we never know what happens when the cameras and microphones are off. The best Health Story I know is my own. I want to take you back to May of 2007 and tell you how my story began. 
I'd say I was at my heaviest weight in 2007. Before I decided to make a definite change I knew I needed to change my mind. I prayed, read the book "You are not what you Weigh" by Lisa Bevere and went to work on having a changed mindset. Without a changed mind, my body and life would go back to what it was, if not worse. My story is not about changing my appearance but it is about allowing God to change my heart and mind. 
I had highlights! :)
I remember putting on a lot of work. Week in and week out I would challenge myself to go further, to exercise more to eat better and to never give up on the process. I also learned about how not to be a slave of the scale. The most powerful changes happened in a place no one could see, they happened in my mind. I had a new mindset and I thank God for it!
We were blessed to start having our precious children in 2009, which means I was expecting in 2008. When I took this picture I was expecting our son but we didn't know it yet.  
My weekly Sunday picture. I love bling!
Expecting was all kinds fun: in the beginning I ran a 5K but after a while I was just taking walks and waiting to deliver. I had my Fit Pregnancy magazines but they could not help me avoid the weight gain I experienced when we had our first two kids 15 months apart.
I love my belly.
By the time our second daughter was born, I was determined to make a change. I started registering my weight loss journey through posts, pictures and videos here in this blog. Here's my progress: 
Persistence pays off. And I no longer have these clothes.
When we moved to Texas we were looking forward to the new things God had for us and a Texas baby was part of His glorious plan. Our baby was born a few hours after I took this picture: 
My last pregnant picture. I was having contractions.
It took 3 pregnancies but I got a hold of controlling my weight gain during pregnancy. I put some extra work this last time around and I believe the baby and I benefited from my walks and the extra amounts of veggies. A few weeks after my youngest was born I decided to start working towards getting fit. This was the latest comparison picture I have:
 I take a lot of gym pictures but they're always quick :)
The weight didn't 'melt' or disappear. It took a lot of faith and persistence. I kept working on having a renewed mindset. I kept forgiving myself for my many mistakes. I kept learning what worked for me and I just kept investing in my health. Here are 3 things I learned in my journey:

The Scale is not my only Measure of Success. I rely on other tools to help me measure my progress such as water intake, how many times per week I exercise and how much I am resting. I will not be a slave to the scale because I have a renewed, abundant life and mind.

I am the Master of my Calendar. I learned how to make time to exercise and eat well no matter what the season of life I'm in. This concept started with my realization that I am the master of my calendar and I get to put my health and well being first. My exercise time is non-negotiable. If I can keep up with 80% of my fitness appointments I am doing pretty well. We all get 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Taking a little time to invest in one's health is actually a great thing to do.

I have the Power to Encourage others in their Journey. I believe that we call spread hope and that's what I try to do in my health journey. Here's the thing about me: I'm not trying to sell you a product and I have nothing but joy to gain when you listen to me. What I am trying to do, is to fill you with hope. When you realize that you too can take small steps towards your success, my heart is filled with joy. I spread the same message everywhere I go. I tell friends at church and strangers in the grocery store (I know, weird but it happens) that they have what it takes to make positive changes in their health. It takes small steps.

I hope you are encouraged to take a first step today. No matter how many times you failed, you have what it takes to succeed. It starts with a change of what's inside of your mind. When you renew your mind, the possibilities are limitless. So, what will be your first step?
cyndi said...

Wow! What a great testimony! Thanks for sharing. You look great.

Cintia Listenbee said...

thanks for the encouragement and may God continue to bless you in your successful health journey Cyndi!

Cintia Listenbee said...
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