Growing up, I was always active. I played multiple sports, took martial arts, and was in dance/performing arts. I started getting "thicker" in middle school, but continued with sports and performing arts.
When I was 15, I tore a few ligaments in my knee during a soccer game. Surgery fixed it, but I was stubborn and was walking without crutches 3 days leter and playing in our tournament games 2.5-3 weeks later. Lets just say my sugeon was VERY upset with me. My knee wasnt the same after I refused to let it fully heal.
At 16, I lost my dad to cancer. He was my biggest supporter, workout buddy, and best friend. With him gone, I had no motivation to get back on the field.
My entire outlook on life changed.
I no longer knew myself or my goals. I had lost all passion and drive. I continued to eat like the athlete I no longer was, and also ate to hide my emotions.
During my senior year of High school, my choir teacher contiouously encouraged me to try out for the solos. Two years ago, I would have faught to the death for a solo, but now it seemed so miniscule. after months of "annoying" encouragement, I gave in and tried out to prove her wrong..... I was the one proven wrong. I got the solo at our regional competition. That re-lit my fire. Next thing I knew, I was belting out notes and singing gospel songs I'd never thought I'd be able to sing. All that pain I had been through ignited that passion and gave my voice more soul, coltrol, and power than ever before.
Music had been my passion since I was 4 years old. Now it's my dream job. Getting noticed in the music industry is near impossible when you are 250+lbs. I kept telling myself that if it was meant to be, it would happen... well, all that happened was me gaining even MORE weight.
I met the love of my life at my heaviest. I was 286lbs when I weighed myself 1-2 months after we started dating. I wasn't happy in my own skin, but he was always able to bring out the best in me. Through his eyes, support, and motivation I began to understand what it means to truly love yourself. Thats when my weightloss journey began.
Fast forward 2.5 years and at 24 years old, I have lost over 100 pounds! I still have 30-35 to go, but am determined to get there!! Music is still my passion, and I will reach my goals. I just discovered my love of Pilates and Spin, hopefully that helps excelerate my weightloss!! My short term goal is to be at a healthy weight by thanksgiving. I am currently in a plateau between 195-185lbs. I am 5'9 so I am shooting for 170-165.
Regardless of where I am now and how far I still have to go, I am so proud of how far I have come.