12/17/2024
TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! I’m alive to praise God for another year. This is not your typical birthday post. I’m going to share something that is not easy but I know it will bless someone. I’m often told that I am very transparent and open about my journey and it’s all to give God all the glory for what He is doing in my life.
For my birthday this year, I wanted something very specific. I knew I couldn’t do it on my own, only God could help me. 2024 has been a challenge to my health. I found myself on all kinds of medications. From high blood pressure to pre-diabetes. I weighed more than I had ever weighed. I was experiencing back pain, knee pain and even heel pain when waking up. I knew something had to change. This was not God’s will for my life. So I decided to start a journey to a healthier me. I’m going to share specifics, as embarrassing as this may be.
At the end of September 2024, I weighed 232 lbs. October 1, 2024 I started my journey. I walked 3-4 miles daily, stopped eating after 7pm, I cut out a significant amount of junk food, I incorporated more protein, started lifting weights 2-3 times a week, cut out sweets (that was a huge issue for me) and started drinking more water. I also have a dietitian who helps me with planning every month.
For my birthday, I wanted to be under 200 lbs. That meant losing over 30 lbs in 2 1/2 months. My doctor said it was ambitious and I should aim for something more practical. That made me push even harder.
As of Sunday, December 15, 2024 I hit my short term goal weighing in at 197.4 lbs. With the help of The Lord, I got what I wanted for my birthday, a healthier me. I’m not done yet. I have a long road ahead. AND that’s not all. I had my doctor’s appointment on December 16th, with the same doctor who said my goal was too ambitious. She said with the progress I’m making, I should be able to come off my blood pressure medication.
I’m in tears. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift. I appreciate my husband for encouraging me and keeping me focused, my family for cheering me on when I felt I wasn’t making progress and my work family for going walking with me daily during breaks. GOD IS GOOD!