{Inspire to be inspired.}

by Betty

You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me.

Fun fact: I am obsessed with movie musicals. Rent, Chicago, Nine…Burlesque. I can sing almost every word to every song. There is something about the music, dancing and costumes that make me wish I took theater in high school.

I have had 3 very inspiring experiences…all in just one day! Like I have said before, I tell everyone about my journey to stay accountable and to find inspiration along the way.

Inspire to be inspired.

Her name is Kathy and she is a manager in a department in the hospital I work for. There was just something about her. She exuded an energy that I hope to one day mirror. I knew we would be friends the moment I met her, but I can’t just say that out loud without risking a 5150 hold. I have been struggling with a rib out of place and mentioned that my recent boot camp may be the culprit. She immediately took interest and I knew our connection was going to be our weight loss journeys. She explained that she has lost 100 pounds in 1 year!!!! Holy! And went from a size 28/30 to a 14/16. Amazed! She has changed her life all on her own. Her eyes were bright and proud as she spoke. We hugged; I took her card and look forward to building our friendship.

I have mentioned before that my Body Bugg (named Tonia, after my ass kickin trainer at the Resort) has been one of the greatest tools I have in my life. It counts my calories burned so I know where I am at and how much more I need to do to meet my target. I mentioned that I had a Body Bugg to this fantastic co-worker, T, who is in excellent shape (and looks like Pro-WMBA star Candace Parker) and she went home and bought one. The same day! I know people read this blog and I know Cara and I have done our fair share of spreading the knowledge, but she actually bought the Body Bugg and called me to say “thank you for inspiring me”. Crazy, because I am so inspired by her. She is clearly very active and healthy. What can I possibly do to inspire her? I am so honored to say that this journey has been so much bigger than I ever thought it would be.

I made a friend with this feisty lady, Beth, down the hall from my office. She is everything I want to be when I am truly at peace with who I am. She doesn’t take shit from anyone, but has a heart big enough for everyone. I sit with her in between busy parts of our day and we talk about family and fitness and life. I hadn’t seen her in a couple weeks and when she saw me today she told me I looked great and looked like I lost since I’d seen her last. I am not one for compliments. I think all the years of self-loathing stopped me from even being able to hear a compliment from anyone. Still unsure about receiving them, it felt great to hear Beth say it because I know no bullshit would ever leave her mouth. I even did a little skip back to my office.

The reason I am sharing this is because I am so not the person I was 7 months ago. I forget that the new people I am working with now, don’t know the old me. They only know the new me. They are all such a part of my journey and keep me inspired. I will continue to stay present, mindful and sweaty. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

This is far from over. You haven’t seen the last of me.

Shout outs:

Cara….Sometimes I think you are far past hard days, but I know not every day is easy for either of us. You have changed your life. I look at you and I see success. You are doing this for you and Ryan and your babies. The greatest gift you could ever give. I am so proud of you and I am inspired by your skinny ass every day. Let hard days come and let them go. Tomorrow is a new day. I dedicate this Cher song to you. I love you more than floating on Pinecrest Lake.

To Kathy, T, and Beth, THANK YOU for inspiring me. I need my journey to be filled with moments that make all the hard worth it. You make it worth it.

Tips:

Tell everyone about your journey and watch movie musicals.