Taking the Next Step

Bethany has been telling me for months that I need to change my diet. Being stubborn, I have basically ignored her and continued on my merry way. Now, I am not saying that I have not been thinking about it, I am just saying that I have been very stubborn and resisting change.

She told me I needed to take some vitamins. I went and purchased them, took them for a couple of days, and forgot. She said I needed extra protein. I asked for suggestions, purchased it, used it, ran out, and didn't buy more...You see, there is a pattern here. It is the same negative pattern I found myself in many times before...do it for a little while and then give up.

My muscles have been screaming for me to provide them with the fuel they need to do the things I am asking them to do. I noticed in May that I was not progressing the way I wanted. I keep getting hurt. Bethany has been faithful to find answers and has been patient with me as I struggle to make better choices. She said something to me the other day that really made me think. I cannot remember her exact words, but it was something similar to this: You have stayed the same for months, it is time to take that next step.

The next step...hmmmm. I didn't really like hearing it, but I knew the second it came out of her mouth exactly what she was trying to say. I cannot expect my body to continue doing the exercise if I am not willing to eat better. My body is not going to respond like some of the (what I call) more advanced campers, unless I am disciplined enough to change some things. I want to be an advanced camper too. I want to be able to demonstrate during the workout and know that my form is right and that my body is able.

I am very proud of the progress I have made since January. I am now 7 months into a journey to be the best me possible. If I am not willing to change, how can I be the best me? I think that the main reason I have resisted a change in my diet is that I really like food. I have an addiction to something that I am not able to put down and never touch again. This addiction is one that developed over many years and for many reasons. Food has been my friend for most of my adult life. I am starting to realize that I have to see my relationship with food differently. It has become a toxic relationship. So, starting today, I am promising to change. I will take my vitamins, eat more protein, and try to make more positive food choices than negative ones. This means that I am going to need support and encouragement.

It is time for me to take the next step on this journey. I will keep you posted. Feel free to offer healthier/cleaner food options for me to try. I know some of you are clean eating experts. I am jumping in, don't let me drown!!!

Be blessed!

Attitude is Important

I had to do something this morning that I did not look forward to doing...my attitude at camp was really stinky on Monday. Today, I apologized. The girls at camp had no clue what I was talking about, evidently, it wasn't as bad as I thought. The thing is, I knew it was bad (and I know Bethany knew it was bad) and I knew I needed to address it.

Camp Gladiator has changed my life. I want others to see the program and the campers the way I saw them in January. I want for people to feel encouraged and supported. I want people's lives to change. How in the world can I help Bethany help others? By being the best camper that I can be and by being completely transparent. I have a responsibility to the other folks that exercise with me. I have to be positive.

Sometimes the workouts are going to be hard, I can accept that fact (afterall, I am paying a trainer to help me get in shape). I cannot accept a negative attitude. I have to be encouraged and I have to encourage. I am constantly looking for ways to become a better person. God often has me look at every area of my life and get rid of anything that is not Christlike. My attitude on Monday was not Christlike. No one noticed, but I knew it.

I never want to be a stumbling block for someone else and I certainly do not want to be the reason that someone does not come to camp. Camp can change lives and I want to be a positive influence on others.

Camp Gladiator's mission is: To positively impact the physical fitness and ultimately the lives of as many people as possible. Am I a gladiator? YES! My job at camp has to be in line with the mission...even when the workout is hard...even when Bethany tells me I need to eat better...even when I don't feel like it!

I fully believe that God qualifies the called, He doesn't call the qualified. I am a part of cg for reasons that I will never fully understand. My goal is to become the best me possible and to make boot camp a place where all people feel welcome and encouraged.

My challenge to my cg family is this: Think about your reasons for being at camp. Think about how your attitude lines up with your goals. AND the big one, join me in making our camps a positive and productive part of our community. We are able to do mighty things when we work together!

Be blessed.

Do you believe?

My shoulder is feeling a little better today. This is a huge blessing! This stupid shoulder injury has been a huge issue for me. I have felt beat down for weeks. I am glad to be on the mend...enough about that.

I have something I want to discuss...how many of you know someone like the big girl in the photos below? I know some of you know me, but think about the other people you know...

Do you see their potential or just their big body? This is something I would like for you to think about. Before Camp Gladiator, I felt like there was no way I could do the things that I am doing now. In the photos above, I weighed around 385 or so pounds. People would describe me as the funny, big lady. Both descriptions would be accurate...I was big and sometimes funny. What you don't see is the hurt. It was more than physical pain, emotionally (behind the smile) I was a mess. I didn't feel like I was worth fighting for...this was 2008. Fast forward to 2014...what a difference.

Do you know someone like me? Do you value them? Do you support them? You might have said yes to all of that, but REALLY think about it. Do you REALLY believe that the fat girl/guy is able to change? Did you really believe me in January? I am not the fat girl in the photo anymore...someone looked past my body and saw my potential. I will never be able to thank this person enough, so I want to pay it forward...

That friend you have may say something about wanting to get in shape. Don't judge them, support them. They may really struggle and may want to quit. Don't judge them, support them. With the right support, the person that looks like my pictures above could begin to change into something different...

AND they are able to do things that seem impossible. Don't ever underestimate the people around you. My story is an example of how impossible things become possible with support.

Be blessed!