Skinny Chic Breakthrough

CALLING ALL SKINNY CHICS CALLING ALL SKINNY CHICS:

IT IS TIME TO BREAK FREE FROM YOUR FAT COUNTERPARTS AND LIVE!!!!!   IT IS TIME TO NO LONGER BE DOMINATED  AND RUN OVER BY THE FAT CHIC...YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST...YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUER...AND YOU ARE DESIGNED TO WIN...TAKE OVER STARTING TODAY!!!!!!!

Daily you should speak with the skinny chic inside of you, letting her know you hear her, you understand her, and you're fighting for her. Visualize her being the one seen by the world. I took a break from blogging while I worked on releasing my skinny chic, but I'm back. During this time I completed a mud run with some girl friends (for the second year in a row). I enjoy competing, I enjoy hanging out with friends, and I enjoy doing things that improve my health combine the three and what more could a skinny chic ask for!

This post is going to be simple and to the point GET UP OFF OF THE COUCH, CHAIR, LOVESEAT, OR BED AND GET MOVING!  Make it a point to move for a minimum of 30 minutes a day (regardless of your weight). Walk, run, bike, dance,take an aerobics class, swim, dance, jump rope, take the stairs at work, whatever you want to do JUST MOVE! You can't expect things to change if you don't make and maintain any changes. The key to breaking your skinny chic free is to begin to implement new healthy behaviors into your lifestyle. It's not rocket science and I'm not telling you anything new, so JUST DO IT!

If you're a fat chic like me be encouraged, stay motivated, and know that inside of every fat chic is a skinny chic waiting to come out.

P.S.-If you're enjoying the reading, don't forget to follow the blog.

Freedom isn't Free

What price are you willing to pay to be free?

Free from what you ask?

Well let me answer a question with a question...what are you bound by?

Is it debt?

Is it obesity?

Is it stress?

What work are you willing to put in, in order to ensure that you not only break out of any self destructive cycle that you're in, but also that you stay you of that cycle?
  
Hard work and dedication are the fees to be paid for the freedom of shopping where you want, wearing what you want, and walking confident in your own skin. While cashing in that currency you'll experience uncontrollable sweats and total body pain if done right.

As I've gone through the last couple weeks I've had to pose the question of sacrifice to myself several times. There have been time's during these weeks that I've not been willing to pay the required price. I just didn't feel like fighting anymore, besides being fat seems so much easier.

It's in those times that I'm encouraged by 2 Corinthians 12:9 it says, "Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness".

In my weak times of low motivation, to know that He's strong enough to pull me through is the push I need to keep holding on.

There will be hard days ahead full of temptation, set backs, and declines in motivation. It's important that you surround yourself with encouragement and those who will remind you why you started to begin with.

Nobody likes a quitter, so don't commit to making a change, unless you're truly ready to commit and pay the cost required to make the change.

If you're enjoying the reading, don't forget to follow the blog.
Lastly, If you're a fat chic like me stay motivated, be encouraged, and know that inside of every fat chic is a skinny chic waiting to come out.   

A New Song

WE INTERRUPT YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED INTERNET BROWSING SESSION TO GIVE YOU THE FOLLOWING COMMERCIAL:

(In my best Samuel L. Jackson voice)

Are you tired of finding yourself reciting the same speeches to God about your life improvements or lack there of?
Are you tired of having that one area of your life that just feels out of control?
Are you tired of waking up everyday and doing nothing about it?

Well I know I am! 

I feel great and I realized I'm over the sad songs involving disappointment, shame, and guilt about relapsing on the fat train. I'm tired of crying over being fat. I'm tired of feeling fat because I have nothing cute I can fit hanging in my closet. I'm tired of wearing the same shirt and pants repetitively due to my refusal to buy bigger sizes.

The song that has resonated in my spirit over these past six months is Greater by Tasha Cobbs. Some of the lyrics say:

"Better days ahead I'm living in the promise of God
A new day is here, I have a fresh expectation.
Got a new perspective and it's loud and clear
I'm not moved by what I see, only what I hear
and I hear greater, greater for my life."

This is where I am & where I am trying to stay. I have a new perspective and I'm adamant about staying in this space.

Psalm33:3 says "Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy."

I want to praise God by doing His will and taking better care of myself. In depending on my will I'll be fat, unhealthy , uncomfortable, and unhappy the rest of my life. So I will gladly trade my will for God's will.

It is God's will:

• For me to be healthy. 
• For me to prosper. 
•  For me to have love, joy, peace, kindness, self control, patience, goodness, faithfulness, and humility. 
• It is God's will for me to finish what I started.

Yea Greater...this is my new song...What's yours?


If you're enjoying the reading, don't forget to follow the blog.

Lastly, If you're a fat chic like me stay motivated, be encouraged, and know that inside of every fat chic is a skinny chic waiting to come out.

YOU MAY NOW RETURN TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED INTERNET BROWSING SESSION.

Hi my name is...Fat Chic

singing: "I love you like a fat kid loves cake"..."Ey big girl make 'em back it up, make 'em back it up"...

As I stood answering 21 questions and wobbled my way into my husbands heart; I took a step back and contemplated "Why am I fat?" When I met my husband 10 years ago I was 75lbs lighter than I am today!

Now Imma give you the short version. It all started back in 1982 when my mother gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, me, skinny chic... Just kidding, I'm not really going back that far, but seriously what I will say is I had a pretty hard life. 

As with most families in my reality, alcoholism and drug addiction crept their way into my family and took up residence. Yes Dr. Phil, (in my Dr. Phil voice) I know there are tons of emotional and environmental factors that are directly correlated to my unhealthy lifestyle as a result of my childhood.  Aside from that fact, the most important epiphany came to me only recently. It was then that I realized I inherited my family's addictive characteristics. 

I am an addict and food is my drug of choice. I have triggers and struggles with self control the same as a person addicted to drugs or alcohol. I am a habitual overeater, each meal going way beyond the point of satisfaction and I ultimately end up doing the walk of fat shame back to my corner to sulk about it. 

I've never enjoyed the fat life, which is why I've fought so hard these last four years to change it. Understanding that I am an addict has helped me better understand my need for recovery. 

Maybe your issue is financial, relational, or health just like mine. Whatever the issue, the same basic recovery principals apply:

1. Admit there's a problem.
• If you can't acknowledge that your current situation and ways of thinking about it are flawed you'll never be able to effectively change it. 
2. Research how to correct the problem
•    God, prayer, books, internet, friends and family can all be great resources to help figure out what will work for you. 
3. Decide which option will work best for you.
• Be realistic and stay away from "Microwave" fixes. Change that happens fast without any real hard work tends to leave just as fast. 
4. Make a choice and begin to actively and purposefully change your habits.
• Small changes over time create big changes in the long run. 
5.  Take it one day at a time. 
• There are no setbacks; just hiccups and once they're gone you're back to the plan. 
6. Remember this is a lifestyle. 
• It took more than a day to get to this point, it'll take more than a day to get out of it. 
  If you're enjoying the reading, don't forget to follow the blog.
  
  Lastly, If you're a fat chic like me stay motivated, be encouraged, and know that inside of every fat chic is a skinny chic waiting to come out!
  

Skinny Chic Comeback

Don't call it a comeback I've been here for years. 

No literally, I have been fighting a losing battle with my weight for over 20 years and for the past four years this battle has been chronicled in this blog. If you were to scroll through my previous posts and count you'd see several posts referring to my "return to the weight loss wagon" (no need to look for it, just take my word).

In reflecting over my struggle with weight loss there is one thing I am proud of. During my most recent relapse my recovery time came quicker and my behavior during this setback didn't even come close to being as bad as it has been in times past.

Scouts honor, on media takeout you won't find photos of me surrounded by a buffet of candy bars, cakes, cookies, and ice cream (at least I hope not, I believe I destroyed all evidence of any such hypothetical photos).

But seriously, this time I only dipped my foot in the river of fatness and decided the water temperature was too cold for my blood.

So what happened?

I'm in a season of life that's leading me to question my purpose, motives, and motivations. Not that I've experienced one before but when asked I've said "I'm going through a mid-life crisis." That label is not encouraging or speaking life into my situation, but honestly I've been in the middle of a very uncomfortable state with God and my life and I'm still a work in progress.

So here I sit, once again motivated, determined, and focused. I'm not going to leave you with promises or declarations of change. I'm reminded of a quote that says, "We don't plan to fail, we fail to plan." So this time I've got a plan A, plan B, plan C, and all the way up to plan Z if needed. I'm planning for my success.

If you're enjoying the reading, don't forget to follow the blog.

Lastly, If you're a fat chic like me stay motivated, be encouraged, and know that inside of every fat chic is a skinny chic waiting to come out!

Are You Ready?

WE NOW INTERRUPT YOUR DAY WITH MY PERSONAL SOAP BOX MOMENT:

A minimum of 22 years I've spent at war with obesity, depression, and low self esteem and what do I have to show for it? A barrage of unflattering pictures, a fear of rejection, and a closet full of clothes that I can't fit. I've spent my life searching for my purpose; that one thing that God sent me here to accomplish. I want my life to mean something. I want to leave the world better than I found it.

So I pick up my trash and try really hard not to litter. I'm conscious of the footprint I'm leaving on the earth; so I try to run water sparingly, recycle and reuse recycled materials, try not to leave lights on, and try to consciously be aware of how my choices are going to affect my daughter and the generations to come.   I've been blessed with a creative spirit; one in which I can apply words to music, poetry, or paper (well in this case a webpage) and create something that is enticing, encouraging, and at times brilliant (If I should say so myself). I'm also crafty (my second husband is pinterest and my first husband isn't fond of him). I'm a dreamer, I'm loyal, I love hard, I'm witty, I'm honest (I try never to lie...not even the "I was just joking" lies), I'm a risk taker (within reason), I'm a fighter, I'm a leader, I'm a motivator, I'm inspirational, I'm passionate, I'm human.

With all of that I could not understand, for the life of me, why I was not able to achieve the level of excellence that I desire in my endeavors. In the past I've started several projects; never seeing one to completion. At times I feel like I'm my own worst enemy, sabotaging my own life (haters step aside). I'm taken back to the day I graduated from college, one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. Mostly because I was a first generationer, but also because there were many days that I thought I wouldn't make it. I've cleared so many hurdles on this path, but not before toppling over some.

As I sat trying to understand; I was brought to a scripture, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, and it hit me. God has never given up on anything; He finished the world and He has an expected end for each of us. For so long I've failed to exhibit this attribute of God's character because I constantly fall victim to the curse that so many have succumb to; complacency and mediocrity. I defeated depression in 2008 and haven't looked back. My self esteem is the highest it has ever been and it has no where else to go but up. I married an amazing man, I have an amazing daughter, and I serve an awesome God; yet something is blocking my elevation.

The verse in Corinthians and reflection showed me that of all of my life's accomplishments there's still one failure that haunts me; obesity. In conquering that I truly believe that I will receive the push, drive, and motivation that I need to propel me to the next level of excellence in every area of my life. This verse calls me to be diligent, run with purpose in every step, discipline my life, and never give up. It calls me to exude God's Spirit of completion. I've learned that actions speak louder than words so I'd rather show you than tell you; but for those who are audible learners and you prefer to hear it: I WILL NEVER GIVE UP! I WILL NEVER GIVE UP! I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!

Are you ready to fulfill the call and purpose that God's placed on your life? Let's start right now with this.

Let's go! (You may now return to your regularly scheduled life events)

If you're enjoying the reading, don't forget to follow the blog.

Lastly, If you're a fat chic like me stay motivated, be encouraged, and know that inside of every fat chic is a skinny chic waiting to come out. 

The Biggest Loser Revealed

24 days into this wonderful year and if I may boast a little bit; I have worked my BUTT off! (Well not actually, I mean there's still tons of butt to be worked off, but you get my drift). To stay motivated on my quest for a healthy lifestyle I need to be surrounded by encouragement: I read books, watch DVD's, and television shows all geared towards health. One of my favorite shows is the biggest loser. I enjoy it mostly because I'm able to see the person transform week to week right before my eyes. This show gives me hope and makes me feel like I too can be the biggest loser, right at home.

In past seasons, I listened to Bob, Dolvett, and Jillian as if they were screaming right in my face telling me to suck it up and get to it. So I got to it...and failed horribly. Not only didn't I lose weight, every season I GAINED weight! I was later informed that they have a team of doctors and specialist who help them learn to survive on less than 2000 calories a day and approximately six hours of exercise A DAY! (FYI I read this info in an article from a local biggest loser contestant; scouts honor).  

I don't know about you, but with the hubby, the kid(s), the job, the laundry, the housework, the cooking, the writing, the reading, and basically living; I do not have the time, energy, desire, or resources to be able to "do it" like a biggest loser contestant. That doesn't necessarily mean I can't still lose, it just won't be at the same rate as the contestants and I'm ok with that.

I did, however, learn a lot from watching the show and doing things on my own. I learned that motivation and visualization are two major tools to health's success. You have to know why you want it and be able to see you with it. Motivation is not an emotion and it shouldn't be tied to one either. Motivation is a reason, ask yourself WHY? Why do I want to or need to be healthy. Your motivation needs to be something that compels you to do and be better no matter what you feel like on any particular day. 

Visualization was new for me. I've never been able to see myself thinner than I am now and that's why I've struggled losing the weight. To help with this I created a motivation board that is tacked on the wall next to my side of the bed. It has quotes, scriptures, overall encouragement, and pictures of the body I desire and I look at this several times a day. I am retraining my brain and body to become the woman I am purposed by God to be.

(This is my motivation board)

The burpee challenge I mentioned in the last post is going GREAT! I did have a minor set back of a couple days and I just started over (which means now burpee's and abs will overlap for a few days, yuck!) I've started going to Zumba classes and other group fitness classes at my local YMCA. I make sure when our family eats a meal 50-75% of the food on the plate comes from fruits and veggies.

I'm determined this time not to let go of this dream, because I've come to learn that the biggest loser is really the person who gives up on themselves. In years past I had little to no support from those around me to be healthy, but I learned that I really didn't support myself. I didn't believe I could achieve the dream and therefore, even though my mouth said I wanted it, everything else said I didn't deserve it and I should let it go. Well I've officially rescinded my membership to the losers club and I vow from this point on to always be a winner. I approach this situation and every other in my life from the standpoint of Victory and I hope you will now join me on the victorious side. 

If you're enjoying the reading, don't forget to follow the blog.

Lastly, If you're a fat chic like me stay motivated, be encouraged, and know that inside of every fat chic is a skinny chic waiting to come out.