Your speed doesn't matter, forward is forward!

In Summer 2016, I decided it was about time to overhaul my image, I'd gotten to a position with my weight and health that I was really unhappy with. I was at the point where I wouldn't look in the mirror, I was getting changed in separate rooms from everyone and constantly covering myself up. Through injuries, operations and being a self confessed carbaholic my weight ballooned to the heaviest I had ever been. The final straw was one day during a netball game, I overheard the opponent's team whisper (not so quietly!) "for a fat girl, she sure can run!"... I was ruined, I was so upset with not only myself, but at the fact that I was being judged on my appearance, not on my ability on the netball court. Enough was enough, this made me even more determined to make a change.

I joined Slimming World after discussing my weight worries with my Mother, and she agreed to join and embark on the journey alongside me - what a woman! What amazing support. As well as this, I challenged myself to get back into the gym, strengthen myself up, and take on new exercise regimes alongside netball, i.e. my favourite Clubbercise! The journey itself has been full of ups and downs, of course I've had my struggles, I've fallen off the bandwagon (who doesn't?!) and I've lived my life, enjoyed going on holiday, social occasions and treats along the way. I have been able to live my life, and not limit myself or lock myself away from social events or celebrations. Of course this has meant my journey has not been smooth, however, I couldn't be prouder of myself for picking myself up, dusting myself off after a bad weigh-in and pushing hard the following week to put it right. I'm not really dieting, I'm changing my lifestyle, and I know what I need to do to be happier, healthier and more in tune with my body - something I have missed out on for years due to anxiety and poor body image. I know I'll never be the size I want to be, I'll never have a body that can compete with those I envy in the glossy magazines, but so what? I like food, and I'm not willing to make myself ill to attempt to look like these people that are missing out on so much good stuff in life!

The picture above shows my progress between June last year and just this week (March 2017). There is a total of 21 LBS difference between the two photos (not including the little micropig!) and I'm sure you can see just what a change there has been. I've never been confident enough to post photos of myself in a bikini, and I've always been hesitant about wearing them on holiday, so telling you all about this, and posting photos is a massive step in my journey - I don't plan on going back! I'm over a stone and a half down on where I was, and just under half a stone (6.5 LBS) away from my original target weight when I started the journey.

I hope I can inspire just one person through doing this, and then I know it has all been worth it not only for me, but to give someone the motivation to take that step. It's never going to be easy, but if you are 100% true and honest to yourself, you will get there. Slow and steady wins the race... your speed doesn't matter, forward is forward at the end of the day!

Until next time;

xoxoxo