What a Wild Ride it has been!

I haven’t updated in quite a while. I’m working on a cook book, so as I complete sections, I’ll add to the blog, but let’s have a little lesson on what has been happening over in my world.

When I made the decision to change my life I knew I would never be the same. I had struggled to lose 20-30 pounds here or there, but nothing major like I needed. Finally, at my grandfather’s 70^th birthday celebration I made the decision to change my life. All I wanted to do was hide from everyone. I am generally an outspoken person, so hiding is just not me. I wanted to stay in the kitchen and keep the party together, rather than mingle with my loved ones. After that night I did what I do best, I studied. I am a person with a lot of book sense, so breaking down the body, nutrition, and food sources is how I figured out what to do with my body. I can remember sitting in my car with my Aunt Evie on the phone going over recipes. I jotted everything down as she gave me advice. That conversation plays in my mind over and over again. She has truly been one of my biggest supporters. I knew she believed in me and has been such a motivation throughout the entire process. That’s why when I hit a new goal, I always tag her in my posts on Facebook…she gave me courage to keep pushing. She is genuinely so proud of the change that I have made.

                                                         March 2013 ~ March 2014 

As I started losing weight I realized how many of my other family members were watching me too. From ladies in their 60’s to cousins in their teens. I am so much closer to all of the different generations in my BIG southern family. Their support is amazing and I can’t express the feeling of overwhelming love that I feel. Now, I am a much different person, I am not afraid to speak to people. The bubbly girl that used to be, is back…and happier now than ever before. I can’t wait to see my family at any event because I know they are looking to see that I am still pushing on.

There's no other friendship, like sisterhood! I love my baby girl more than she will ever know! 

I am so proud of the young woman she has become! 

She always tells me how proud she is of me. She is one of my biggest fans! "That's my sister, WHATTT" 

This process wasn't all about family. I am constantly being approached by people needing tips on how to get help. I always love motivating another person. My best friend has told me from day one, you are going to become something great, but please stay the humble person you have always been because if you do, people will love you even more than they do now. Each time he sees me he tells me how proud he is and that he is so glad I’m still the same person…he then tells me yet again to continue to stay grounded. I don’t see myself any differently, I feel better these days and I’m so much happier. If anything I’m a better person now than I was before.

 We have both made so many changes in our lives together. We have become each others strength. Best friends are rare...hold on to them tight.

Changing your lifestyle isn't just about dropping the weight. The losing battle is a very slow one. You can’t get defeated when you hit brick walls. Being diligent will pay off in the end. While your body is changing, so will you. You will look back and not remember the person that once was. You won’t just change once. There will be many phases and changes that you see on the inside as well as outside.

Over 150 Pounds lost between us! 

As I started changing I found my inner self. I started living for myself, but with others in mind. I have siblings and cousins watching my every move. What I do today, they will do tomorrow. Before I make any decision in life, I consider how they will view what I do. From being a better Christian to not rushing into a relationship. 

My biggest leap was taking adventures on my own. Stepping out and becoming that independent person was the best decision I could have ever made. I have been on my 20 hour round trip road trip four times now as well as many shorter trips here and there. Each time was my decision and I feel confident in that. On one of my last trips, my mom came in as I was debating on traveling or staying home. She told me to go, to get away…she knew it would lift my spirits. She was so so right, a few hours on the road and I felt like a new person. Everyone has things that makes them feel better….mine is seeing my dear friends. 

Distance is nothing but a thing. If you care about a person, you make it happen. My adventures have taught me about new cultures. I've met so many wonderful people on the road and each time I learn something new. 

I want to instill in my family to lead your life the way you want to live. Don’t be stupid…be smart…live a life that you want to tell your children about one day. I don’t have any stories of drinking or skipping school. I have always been a good child. BUT I do have the story of standing up on my two feet, walking away from a woman that was sad and tired. As I walked out that door I stepped into a new life. The adventures I had along the way is exactly what I will get to tell my children about one day. 

I fell in love with another state or two along the way…this homebody has found her wings!

Sunday drives are our thing! 

I always keep you, my readers, in mind as I travel through life too. I keep pushing the stand up for yourself, live for you, because yes, eating clean is key, but if you don’t learn to love life and find your OWN happiness, you will never see the full picture.

No makeup, wet hair, who cares! 

Take a chance! Be active. Find love. Try something new. Do this for you! You are going to ruffle feathers, get looks, people will disagree, but if you want the change bad enough you stick to your grounds and know at the end of the day why you are doing this. I am not the skinniest or prettiest, but I am confident in the woman I am. I am beautiful and a child of God. If I am happy with what I have become then I have done what I set out to do. 

        On my family vacation I walked into the restaurant my parents were eating at, grabbed my key, and walked out. On my way through the establishment a gentleman ask me if he could get a to- go box, I politely said no, I don't work here. His response made my night, "Oh, I am so sorry, you are just walking by like you own the place". This makes me smile for a reason....I hold my shoulders back and stand tall. I might not be perfect, but I am much better than I was yesterday. So what if I'm not at the finish line....I've come a long way and I should celebrate that....so go take charge, own the room, be you, make people think you run the place! 

I have taken more risks in the last two years than ever before. Sometimes risks can hurt, but being miserable isn't any fun either. I have found love and lost love, but at the end of the day I WILL BE OKAY! Keep busy and push on further…one day God will drop the man I should be with down in my life or maybe he’s already in my life, and one day the good Lord will wake him up. Don’t rush love and don’t rush weight loss. Just enjoy the ride. You might find that love will lead you to new friends and family. Those people will keep you motivated.

I’m not at the end of my road; I am currently 101 pounds down, with 22 more to go. After that, I will have a long road of toning and changing my body more. I will probably still be considered a plus size woman, but that’s fine by me. I didn't do this to drop my curves; I did it to be HEALTHY!

 

Yes, this was a lot of rambling, but it’s been on my heart to speak to you guys. Take that step one. Change your life for you!!

LET TODAY BE THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. IT’S TIME TO BECOME A HAPPIER HEALTHIER YOU! PLEASE SEE THIS AS INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION!

If I can change my life, then each and every one of you can too. Take a chance no matter what it is pertaining too. I would hate to look back and have any regrets…I know you would too! Let this Christmas be the one where you look back and say…well I did it. I told myself I would have changes and I finally did. Don’t put it off another year.

You each have one fan already...

....ME!

XOXO

Cori