Five-for-LIFE
| May 7, 2011 | Posted by MichelleT under Uncategorized |
The world we live in tells us the task is nearly impossible. The battle to lose significant amounts of weight is the subject of dramatic reality television. During commercial breaks we are bombarded with ads for quick-fix diet drugs, and see-results-now weight loss surgery. As television and the internet increasingly isolate us from the world around us it’s no wonder that those who are facing the weight loss battle alone tend to fail.
We set out through this haze and clutter as a group with a single purpose: to show
others that there is another way to live, one that is within everyone’s reach regardless of where they start. We started obese, unhappy, unhealthy, and alone. Individually, we each found the Body-for-LIFE program and experienced great success. The internet brought us together. As a group we gave each other strength, inspiration, and accountability. That made the difference over our twelve week challenge.
Twelve weeks are never static. Life happens–as Jeannine S. found out. “You have to be able to respond to those challenges and ask for help.” After four weeks of good progress, she saw her measurements stalling, and then stopping. With encouragement from her team she sought out medical advice. Jeannine had contracted Lyme Disease. Having every
reason to quit, she was able to continue her challenge and modify her expectations. She finished the twelve weeks on the path to recovery.
Kelli L. also faced health scares during her challenge, along with an increasingly chaotic work situation. She could control neither her work nor her medical results. She could find comfort and strength in workouts, and in healthy eating. Those were controllable variables in her kaleidoscopic life.
Michelle T. initiated a major change in her successful business during her challenge. While in a state of work transition, she continued to focus on pushing her transformation to the next level. During this time she continued to focus on bringing her message to people in need. “If you hang on long enough, your vision will take you forward, and your pain won’t drag you back.”
Sarah L. is a middle school teacher who started her challenge at the
beginning of the school year. Some women do 12 weeks with a couple of kids needing attention. Sarah had 70 students needing her complete focus. Her challenge unfolded under the observant gaze of her students. Each positive step they watched helped reinforce her message. “You can battle through obesity and adversity to find lasting health.”
Annie K. started her challenge while planning a wedding. Through the
chaos she pushed herself harder and continued to realize her physical potential. Her message to find lasting change: “In order to change the world we need to start with ourselves and yet we need to do it together because there is strength and success in community.”
You don’t have to go through this alone. You don’t have to give up. You can work with a group of people—even if they live far from you—to get the support you need during your fitness transformation. This is what we discovered through our twelve week journey.
Our message to you is simple and from the heart: You CAN do this. You are NOT alone.
Absolutely beautiful…. <3
So very awesome. Truly beautiful.