For this week’s submission, I wanted to share a journey I have been on for the past two months. It is something I’ve wanted to work on for a long time, but always found an excuse not to. I have never been a fan of exercise or working out, although I did admire other people who did. For the longest time it just was not for me. 

Until this past June 26, 2020, the day I lost a dear friend to a heart attack. I must tell you the news broke me to the core. It is for that reason I have been working out for sixty-two days and counting.

I am not going to say it was an easy decision but, since I have started, I have not looked back once. My journey will be divided into three parts; this is part one.

I have struggled with my weight since the age of eleven. I was always fluctuating back and forth. After getting married and having three kids, I saw I had added some additional weight. 

Especially as a working mom of two children at the time.  I barely had time to get home to cook dinner after working full time. After my third child, I decided to buckle down and begin to cook more so I could exercise and eat better.

I had the best intentions but nothing ever stuck. I was overwhelmed with being home full-time, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of three children. Food became my way of coping. I knew I was not happy, but food always seemed to solve everything.  

However, my husband knew I was not happy. He is my rock and the person who has always loved me for me. He said, “I love you no matter what, but do you love you?”

Honestly, I cannot tell you how much that question blew me away! I don’t think I had ever had anyone ask that. At first, he thought I had gotten hurt by it. After all, I did cry, but it was not because I was hurt by him asking. My tears were of joy, and I slowly started making better choices for myself.  

I had tried to do that for several years, unfortunately, I was never able to get into a routine I enjoyed and therefore I would not keep up with it. Until 2020 arrived. This is when my journey began. Little did I know how much it would change it. 

I turned fifty this year in June. I had told myself I would work on myself by age fifty, so I needed to find a way to start.  

On June 26, 2020, I lost a beloved friend who was like my sister.

This chain of events quickly kick-started me into working on myself. My friend’s sudden passing and the words of my husband, “I love you, no matter what, but do you?” were the catalysts that started my journey. It has been the best decision I have made! 

In part two, I will discuss the next phase of my workout plan, explain how I got started, and update my progress so far.   

Then in part three, I will let you know how it is going and how far I have come.