So much has happened since the last time I was here sharing with you. One of the biggest things to happen was that my 11 yr old son earned his 1st degree Blackbelt! I could not be more proud of him. My husband also earned his 2nd degree Blackbelt which is an incredible accomplishment. The dedication and determination the two them showed during this process amazed me. They went thru a lot to get to that point of completion, which got me to thinking. Martial Arts is alot like the journey I am on to get healthy again.
During Karate graduation, there was a video shown of an incredible pastor/speaker by the name of Francis Chan. He uses the reference of how as Christians, we tend to get content where we are. We crawl out onto a balance beam and we hold on tight and stay in our box. Our safety net. We don't want to step out because doing so might not be comfortable. We hope than we can just hang there thru life until we reach our destination and can jump off and throw our hands up like a gymnast does at the end of a routine. I could totally relate to that. I have gone thru much of my life staying within my comfort zone. I was afraid to step outside of that because in doing that, I might get hurt or something might happen. I have allowed fear to lead me for many years and keep me from many things.
I am happy to say that these days I am stepping outside of my box, in fact I don't even have any idea where my box is these days! I have now far exceeded any sort of weight loss expectations I have ever had...I am now 80 pounds down! I am sooo happy! I can not believe I am actually doing this. I sometimes think someone should pinch me. There is so much I want to do and I feel like for the first time, I CAN! In my last post, I talked about how I had started a weekly audio message call Coaches Corner. It is going really well sharing healthy messages, and a lot of people are finding the info helpful. But, the next thing I'm about to tell you is incredible news for me....I started taking karate classes and beginning my own journey to earn a black belt @ Al Garza Premier Martial Arts. Yes, I have REALLY stepped outside the box now. This is a 4 year or longer process depending on me, but I really gave it a lot of thought after watching it transform both my husband, and especially my son. If you have never considered karate as a way to get healthy, or a sport, please do. Not only has it helped teach my children about respect and discipline, it is far harder than it looks. I watched people during this process that truly inspired me. A pastor and his wife took on this journey, and his wife ran, and fought while suffering with Bronchitus. That's the heart of a Blackbelt and how important it was for her to complete the task. If you could just saw the determination on her face. My husband got his nose broken, went in the bathroom, let them pop it back, and never left. In fact, after resting a little, he finish the evening and never skipped a beat. I saw people give all they had in them, including my son. I too, want to reach that level of success with my weight-loss. A stop at nothing attitude.
In order for my husband and son to get their belts, they had to go thru years of belt levels and learning their skills... And then 8 final weeks of intense training that ends in a 3-day test where they are there from morning to night. Much like with losing weight, we must make choices to commit ourselves fully to the end of the result. It's hard work to lose weight and intake some consistency. I look at it this way, doing this continues the journey and the commitment I made to keep this weight off. Taking on a big task like this is just what I need to keep me focused. Wish me luck.... I am still incredibly scared and nervous about doing this. I'll be reaching deep and being taken from my comfort zone. I guess I'm more afraid that I won't be able to do it. I know that I will try my hardest, and being 80 pounds lighter will help me alot. I'll keep you posted on my karate journey as well. I've completed my first class this past week. I made my husband and kids take the class with me, just to make me feel less nervous. So far, my first day was running laps, learning the proper protocol for getting on and off the mat, and learning one of the kickboxing sets and practicing some boxing jabs and crosses, and bobbing (still learning the terms).
I just want to encourage others to let go of that death grip on the balance beam. You don't have to sit out there and miss out on God's best for your life. Step outside your box, and just go for it. It's scary but to have things you have never had, you gotta do some things you have never done. If I hadn't taken a leap of faith, and went and tried this weight loss program, I would still be eating bad, I wouldn't be coaching and helping others get healthy, and I would not be 80 pounds lighter, and starting my own journey to Blackbelt. What floors me right now is the person I am becoming, but it's a good thing and I'm excited to see what is next. I know the sky is the limit!
If you are looking to improve your health, don't wait anymore.. Visit http://www.GetSlim4Good.com to see what helped me get the weight off and turn my life around. You just don't realize how strong you are. You can do anything, once you set your mind to it. I can help you get there. I'm gonna leave you with two poems that I like. For me, they pretty much say it all...
My Comfort Zone
Unknown
I used to have a comfort zone
where I knew I wouldn't fail.
The same four walls and busywork
were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.
I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.
I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.
I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.
If you're in a comfort zone,
afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you!
It Couldn't Be Done
By Edgar A. Guest
Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.
___________________________________________
My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me!
"We can confidently walk into anything God brings our way. You can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). Nothing is too big for God."
How true. One day I am looking in the mirror thinking I will never see thin again, wondering when my health issues will get the best of me...scared for my children remembering what it was like to lose my Mom at the age of twelve....and the in a matter of months, I am seeing myself 77.5 pounds lighter and loving life, getting things back in order again. That's right...I made it past the 75 pound mark.. I am officially 3/4 of the way to my goal. Since the last time we have talked so many incredible things have happened. First, I want to share my surprise with you.
The last time I was blogged, I told you about a new thing I was working on. I finally got it up and going, and I am happy to announce "Coaches Corner" audio messages! Each week, I take a different health-related topic and I talk about it on a recorded message. It's about 5 minutes long, but topics that I feel each of you will find helpful and informative. You can even go back and listen to the ones you miss or hear them again. If you visit either of my sites...My group page called BE SLIM BUDDIES GROUP, or my other health Page called GET SLIM 4 GOOD, both with hold the weekly postings every Monday..and then also under the Discussions tab. I hope you enjoy them and ask that you please provide me your feedback on either site and suggestions for other weekly topics.
Now, moving forward...My husband and oldest son (Age 11) have completed their Blackbelt testing and have been awarded their belt levels. I am so proud of them both. Bob, has gotten his 2nd degree, and Michael,(who has grown up during this process and now wants to be called Mike) has gotten his 1st degree blackbelt. They worked hard for years and it has paid off..Their determination and how the Martial Arts is taught...kinda mirrors what I must do in my weight loss. There are times when I must give it all that I have to succeed that day, but the rewards are huge. There are days when you feel you can't do it anymore, but you find that place deep inside and you push thru.. I see Martial Arts has a form of discipline, just as I find right now in the weight loss journey I take. As a result, I have decided and made the committment to my health long term...just like the Martial artist who chooses the journey to blackbelt. I want to get that belt at the end of this too..I want to finish what I start for the first time in my life. Watching my husband and son go thru this, got me to thinking. I must find a form of exercise that will help me to maintain what I have done. So, what better way than to actually start a Blackbelt journey of my own. It takes approximately 4 years. My youngest son will graduate next year if he passes his test. I will be working on my own test. Another thing I am committing to...to see thru to the end. I will keep you posted on my weight loss journey and now I will add to it, my journey to Blackbelt..Eventually, I will reach my weight loss goal and I will transition into another phase of my life..I really feel like this will keep me focused, and connected with what is important to me. My health and my journey in life.
I will be training under Master Al Garza. I hope to get started in the next few weeks. Master Garza owns Al Garza Premier Martial Arts. He is an incredible instructor, but also an incredible man of God. It will be an honor to have his years of training and knowledge. I am so scared..Scared that I wont be able to finish it, but I going into this with an I will attitude..because that kind of attitude will create success. I am looking forward to it. Say a prayer!
As far as my weight goes, this month hasn't been crazy good, but it has been good and soon you will see a new me emerging...I ca't wait to cross the finish line...That will be an awesome day. I'll keep you posted...
Peace...
How true. One day I am looking in the mirror thinking I will never see thin again, wondering when my health issues will get the best of me...scared for my children remembering what it was like to lose my Mom at the age of twelve....and the in a matter of months, I am seeing myself 77.5 pounds lighter and loving life, getting things back in order again. That's right...I made it past the 75 pound mark.. I am officially 3/4 of the way to my goal. Since the last time we have talked so many incredible things have happened. First, I want to share my surprise with you.
The last time I was blogged, I told you about a new thing I was working on. I finally got it up and going, and I am happy to announce "Coaches Corner" audio messages! Each week, I take a different health-related topic and I talk about it on a recorded message. It's about 5 minutes long, but topics that I feel each of you will find helpful and informative. You can even go back and listen to the ones you miss or hear them again. If you visit either of my sites...My group page called BE SLIM BUDDIES GROUP, or my other health Page called GET SLIM 4 GOOD, both with hold the weekly postings every Monday..and then also under the Discussions tab. I hope you enjoy them and ask that you please provide me your feedback on either site and suggestions for other weekly topics.
Now, moving forward...My husband and oldest son (Age 11) have completed their Blackbelt testing and have been awarded their belt levels. I am so proud of them both. Bob, has gotten his 2nd degree, and Michael,(who has grown up during this process and now wants to be called Mike) has gotten his 1st degree blackbelt. They worked hard for years and it has paid off..Their determination and how the Martial Arts is taught...kinda mirrors what I must do in my weight loss. There are times when I must give it all that I have to succeed that day, but the rewards are huge. There are days when you feel you can't do it anymore, but you find that place deep inside and you push thru.. I see Martial Arts has a form of discipline, just as I find right now in the weight loss journey I take. As a result, I have decided and made the committment to my health long term...just like the Martial artist who chooses the journey to blackbelt. I want to get that belt at the end of this too..I want to finish what I start for the first time in my life. Watching my husband and son go thru this, got me to thinking. I must find a form of exercise that will help me to maintain what I have done. So, what better way than to actually start a Blackbelt journey of my own. It takes approximately 4 years. My youngest son will graduate next year if he passes his test. I will be working on my own test. Another thing I am committing to...to see thru to the end. I will keep you posted on my weight loss journey and now I will add to it, my journey to Blackbelt..Eventually, I will reach my weight loss goal and I will transition into another phase of my life..I really feel like this will keep me focused, and connected with what is important to me. My health and my journey in life.
I will be training under Master Al Garza. I hope to get started in the next few weeks. Master Garza owns Al Garza Premier Martial Arts. He is an incredible instructor, but also an incredible man of God. It will be an honor to have his years of training and knowledge. I am so scared..Scared that I wont be able to finish it, but I going into this with an I will attitude..because that kind of attitude will create success. I am looking forward to it. Say a prayer!
As far as my weight goes, this month hasn't been crazy good, but it has been good and soon you will see a new me emerging...I ca't wait to cross the finish line...That will be an awesome day. I'll keep you posted...
Peace...
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