The other day I was talking to a friend of mine. She too has been on a journey to get healthier. She told me that she was super proud of me, but what she didn't know, at that time, that she was my inspiration.
Sometimes we watch others and we want to do well, too. We don't always tell those people that they were an influence. It's not easy to express gratitude. I am eternally grateful to the three influences who have inspired me to be a better me.
First, I want to thank my mom! If you know me personally, and have known me since elementary/ middle school, you know my mom used to be significantly overweight. Now, I was a kid, so I don't know what her weight was or what her "obesity" category was, but I know she was heavy. When I was in the 7th grade, my mom was a "resolutioner" and succeeded. She started to lose weight in January of my 7th grade year. By September, she had met her goal weight. I was 12 in January of 1991. I will be 40 this March. My mom is still at an optimal weight. As a matter of fact, at a recent doctor's visit she was told her BMI was perfect. Now, don't put too much stock in BMI, but it is fairly accurate for her. She is average height and medium build. The chart was designed for people of her height and frame. Twenty-eight years, y'all! She is an inspiration. She is my mom; she taught me about life; if she can, I can.
Second, there is my sister. Lots of family influence here. Last year she completed my goal 5K. She didn't run it. She walked and ran some. She did fantastic! She completed a 5K with little to no training. She did it for my tiny one. I can't remember if I have mentioned it before but the littlest one has Down syndrome. She is amazing in and of herself, but that's for another post. The 5K that my sister completed raises funds for Little Got to Eat's Down syndrome group locally. She did it without fanfare and just because it benefits Little. When she told me, after she finished, that she did it, I was amaze, proud, and inspired. I knew that I had to do it for Little too. I knew that if she could, I could. I didn't think this because I am better than her, but because we were both out of shape, and she was no more of an athlete than I was. Surely if she could put her fears and insecurities aside for my daughter, I could too. I had, though, begun a journey of weight loss at this point and was feeling great. I had more energy and was looking for a way to exercise. I was trying to find something that I would enjoy and not give up. I decided I would run the entire 5K. For Little. Next year (oh my! it is next year). I actually enjoy running. I never would've tried it if Sister Got to Eat had not stepped outside her comfort zone first.
Last, but certainly not least, is the friend I was telling you about in the beginning of this post! Friend Got to Eat was eating a low carb diet last year and doing great. My dad had a recent high A1C and I was scared I was next. She was eating great and working out. I saw her and her progress and wanted in on the action! Without her inspiration, I would still be fat and sassy. Now, I am just sassy. Hahaha. She is an amazing mom to two beautiful girls, and she is a great friend. She is always there with an encouraging word, and she is my friend. I am very lucky. She would post recipes, gym tips, and general low carb information. I knew that if she could do it, I could too. Again, I don't think I am better, but we have similar home situations. Both of us have a small child and a school age one, recent marriages (I have been married 4 years now, but that's no time at all), and have busy schedules. If she could find a way, then, yes, I could too. I watched her in awe for a little bit, and then I jumped on in. A year later and I am almost at goal weight. This has been my goal weight for almost 20 years. Thank you dear friend. You may have saved my life. Without you, I wouldn't have lost the weight, felt good enough to run, or had the confidence to try any of it. You are amazing my dear friend.
I want to thank these three ladies. I have had other influences and supporters, and will blog about them soon, but today is a special thank you to my friends and family to whom I owe the most gratitude. I love you all.
***I didn't use anyone's real name because I didn't tell them I was writing it. I may tag them when I link it to Facebook, but if you know me personally, you already know who they are.
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