Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Flash Backkk 2010


So, you may be wondering: what sparked your mission? Well, it's a bit of a long story...

Flash back to four years ago, life was good: I was in the middle of completing my Bachelor's degree, I was doing good in school, my family supported and loved me, I had my very own car, and a cute little apartment near downtown. All this, and still, I was miserable, sad, insecure, and hated myself. I was in a disfunctional relationship, I was overweight (and had been my entire life), I was unhappy. I wasn't me, and I knew it. My current situation had taken over who I was.

It was time for a change.

One day, I was sitting on the couch watching tv, eating popcorn, and a commercial came on (for some kind of weight-loss miracle product) with an overweight lady running around with a sports bra on. It was supposed to be motivating, but all I could think of: does my body jiggle that much when I wear a bikini? Well, fast forward 30-seconds later and there I was. In front of the bathroom mirror, stripped down to underwear, jumping up and down.

Ha-Ha...I've told this story so many times and had so many responses of laughter, shrugging, and indifference. But this really was my moment. This was my rock bottom. I had tried so many diets, fat-burners, supplements, etc., but I never followed through. I never put in the work it would require. But guess what? This time I did.

Within the next 2 years, I lost over 70 pounds, and I have become a whole new version of myself. I am much more outgoing, able to speak in public, and not so socially awkward.

Oh, and the best part? I beat the statistics, and I have kept the weight off!
Everyone around me was so amazed! I don't think anyone truly believed I would do it. "70 pounds!" "You're Amazing!" "What a great accomplishment!" "You must be so proud!"
So, why are you writing this blog then, I'm sure you're wondering? You have completed your journey!

Well, the 70+ pound lighter me is certainly happier and healthier, but I still have further to go (in my eyes). I still have a hard time getting into a bikini without a feeling of panic. Not because I think I'm fat, or shouldn't wear one, but because I have spent so long picking apart my body, it's hard to learn to love it. It is at this point where it has gotten really hard for me. The support has dropped off substancially because I dont 'need to loose any more weight' (Hellooo, not what I'm trying to do ;)) and I "look great".

Sure! I do look great! I am a beautiful and empowered woman, but I want abs! So here we go...whole grains, vegetables and protein, GET IN MY BELLY!  This girl is about to get in the best shape of her life.

 

Accountability and Honesty..here I come!

So, where do I begin?

My name is Ashley. I am 25 years-old and I am getting married in three months. Well, three months and two days to be exact.

I am on a mission to get fit. When I say fit, I don't mean skinny: I've spent my entire life trying to get 'skinny'. I took the batteries out of the scale and I no longer care about the number. It's time to get in-shape, to eat-clean, to be able to run free down the beach on my honeymoon wearing nothing but an itty bitty bikini..and to love every second of it.

So this is my journey. I have a beautiful, wonderful, motivating trainer named Tara, and together we are going to take on the world! (hehe). I am eating clean, working out (lifting heavy weights!), and leg day makes me want to cry (I have a few times). I may even do a bikini competition once our honeymoon is over.

I have been doing this new 'program' for two weeks now, and to be honest, this past week I kind of fell off the wagon. Wow, Ashley, you couldn't even make it two weeks! It's crunch time. I am doing this for me, for the little fat girl that will always hold a huge part of who I am, and for my soon-to-be husband, who thinks I am beautiful no matter what, but I'm sure would love to see my confidence in a bikini improve. ;)

I need to 'tone', which I have discovered means I need to build muscle (and I won't end up looking like the incredible hulk!), and I need to work on how I see myself. No more 60+ minute sessions on the treadmill and no more diet-coke. No more sugar-free jello cups and no more carbs after 3pm. This girl is on a mission!! Join me?