tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85607911177183060132024-02-22T06:12:06.146-08:00Breaking the Cycle because I am in ChargeShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-53471046115422237192010-07-10T19:39:00.000-07:002010-07-10T19:48:32.886-07:00Wow!! Ain't No Stopping Us!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm just sitting here with my kids thinking about the "me" 10 months ago and looking at the pictorial differences and all I can say is Wow!! God is so awesome. I am 72 pounds healthier. I have made many changes on the outside as well as the inside. Speaking with a friend today made me realize how much I missed journaling. It's so great to be able to go back and look at posts from my journey's beginning. I still have some of those same struggles as before but everyday I am provided with brand new mercies...Thank You Father God!! I am going thru some major issues right now and I know my God will see me thru...Please check out my before and after...still a work in progress. There ain't no turning back now!! Hope to see you soon!! PS....I am soooo excited because both of my sisters have joined me!! They are fighting this Obesity monster as well!!!! Yeah!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjKsqAW1X3hyS68Ni0JJMTEOyBnCSe0Q4ArCVLHetS0BTyXOmMjMeI4Eg5i2it6KkpBraZgKJ4DocNRiM5Fi8I3QkZQX9dzML1oM2kQn1cnrnUpmGF5TbU0seQvPG0pWLg3yulhH29CbU/s1600/mebefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjKsqAW1X3hyS68Ni0JJMTEOyBnCSe0Q4ArCVLHetS0BTyXOmMjMeI4Eg5i2it6KkpBraZgKJ4DocNRiM5Fi8I3QkZQX9dzML1oM2kQn1cnrnUpmGF5TbU0seQvPG0pWLg3yulhH29CbU/s320/mebefore.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_irDFrzx4Nob3Nc19lB3T6QpwL8SOIEdJrawoiuGXVUETRxANbY45Yi7qnaIoNgytqS4m68tan-aG4c3Rn7j8iH3vZrv6Sa1Gj5JR_TgKZ9huC9F8NDqpmXYGVFVriKRMdwG09s1335gM/s1600/lastnight+053+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_irDFrzx4Nob3Nc19lB3T6QpwL8SOIEdJrawoiuGXVUETRxANbY45Yi7qnaIoNgytqS4m68tan-aG4c3Rn7j8iH3vZrv6Sa1Gj5JR_TgKZ9huC9F8NDqpmXYGVFVriKRMdwG09s1335gM/s320/lastnight+053+(2).jpg" /></a></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-34713790601893886502010-02-12T06:31:00.000-08:002010-02-12T06:37:02.852-08:00I'm back, Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6qlyTD-PRWrHFawM1VoE2-yFDn9UDXzarlU0ssjxLwyGt2xFjVxZ1NS64wtWXdJmcm9kD1SgRd-tubksdlfiXLnSd9V46yIz998v6NWswZFR01QM4IyxVTntTJYZYgSHvoMuBlmZ9M18/s1600-h/Jan+30+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6qlyTD-PRWrHFawM1VoE2-yFDn9UDXzarlU0ssjxLwyGt2xFjVxZ1NS64wtWXdJmcm9kD1SgRd-tubksdlfiXLnSd9V46yIz998v6NWswZFR01QM4IyxVTntTJYZYgSHvoMuBlmZ9M18/s320/Jan+30+030.JPG" /></a></div>I post a lot to FB now, but I am going to have to get back into the habit of blogging...writing is therapy. Things have become stagnate. I am going to do a detox this weekend and take the exercises up a notch. Please check out my pic. OAN: We have snow in Mississippi!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-90682605917860990852010-01-15T17:57:00.000-08:002010-01-15T17:57:38.457-08:00I am Back and I Survived!!!Hi all!! I hope I still have a few faithful follwers. I have my laptop back!! And I am overjoyed. Since the last time I blogged, Christmas and New Year's have passed and I survived!! Not saying that I didn't eat some of the things that I wanted, because I did in moderations. However, today is a dawn of a brand new day so back to the grindstone for me. <br />
I am super excited because clinic started again Tuesday and I have maintained my weight during the 4 week break!! I saw a lot of new and eager faces and I feel proud of my accomplishments. I once stood in the shoes of the ladies who are just starting this journey and I am still toiling. Ladies, we can do this together, one pound at a time!<br />
Another great-Fitness Clinic will be opening a new location in my hometown soon!! <br />
Until later, <br />
ShanShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-87811495158692395952009-12-02T06:34:00.001-08:002009-12-02T06:34:54.522-08:00Tis the Season....Hi all,<br />
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I ate well...lol, however Friday after Thanksgiving was the dawn of a brand new day. I really felt good because I did not over do it. It’s okay to eat like you want every now and then, just use a smaller plate, and no going back for seconds. I promise you will do okay. <br />
As you embark on this holiday season, remember all that you have accomplished physically and asked the Lord to help you eat in moderations. As for me and my plans for the holiday: I plan not to eat any Christmas cakes, cookies, candies, pies, or any other forbidden goodies we may get in the office, however ; I do plan to eat and fellowship with my family on Christmas and back to the grindstone on the 26th. Please remember those that are less fortunate than you and make a conscience effort to make a positive difference in someone’s life.<br />
Hopefully, Mr. Laptop Repairman, will have me up and running soon (please) because I am having the “Can’t Blog Blues” and “Internet Withdrawal Syndrome”. I will be back soon….Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-20843656018621279322009-11-25T15:44:00.000-08:002009-11-25T15:44:03.266-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!Hi all, <br />
My laptop is still not repaired..:(..hopefully, the next time I post it will be from behind the screen of my very own laptop. I miss you all! Thanks to my sister for being so kind to let me post. I just wanted to stop by and wish all of you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! No counting calories for me. I will eat sensible from a small plate with the foods of my choice. <br />
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We will be at my dad's and I am looking so forward to spending time with my family...<br />
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I have so many reasons to be thankful ............Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-74285248938623947212009-11-17T08:19:00.000-08:002009-11-17T08:22:22.182-08:00No Weapon....The viewing party was AWESOME!! Special thanks to all the people who came out and shared in my moment. It truly meant the world to me. Thanks for the well wishes, watching the documentary and supporting my blog. Words cannot express the gratitude that I have for each of you. Everything was perfect in every way. Special thanks to my hometown folks!! You represented well!! Special thanks to Doris Sutton for pictures and Willie & Darlene Lee for video and support, you are the greatest! <br />
Special thanks to my sister Daphne, for staying home with the kids to allow me time to watch the show at Dreamz. Thanks to ALL my family and friends who watch the show and sent texts of congratulations!! My laptop is still down and I cannot post to NING so for everyone who sent congrats that way thank you much!! I know that there are some on NING that do not follow the blog so if you reach my NING family before I do let them know that I am very appreciative of the love and support!! <br />
And if I have forgotten any one, thanks to you too.<br />
With all that said, today is the dawn of a brand new day, so it’s back to the basics for me. We weigh in this evening and I hope I am at least down by one. With all the excitement, I have not exercised since Thursday, shame on me. However, I did enough walking in the mall on Friday to constitute for that day at least. I have not been getting in enough water either but I have been eating correctly. So for all the bad I have done there was at least one good, lol. Speaking of bad, I have heard that there are a lot of negative comments on one of our local websites. However, I have made a personal choice not to read or partake in the comments. That’s life, I am prepared and to those of you who are making negative comments remember you can’t experience VICTORY while you’re talking DEFEAT. Before the documentary aired I knew that for all the positive things there also will be the negatives. So by all means express yourself, it’s your right. God covers me! Check out my picture!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkiT0iA-B7zRTowNRlRNBDlVLq57nbW9Q8kq0Ph3ump3icVegdUbOOiV2KOJokGDNmtdrSpIsEADkED7yIMCNQzqOb1i5GLe-93dP6Wj-tJMfaGS9hnTH8bK0ZnhGXOICeluZLm4MdtiQ/s1600/viewing+party.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkiT0iA-B7zRTowNRlRNBDlVLq57nbW9Q8kq0Ph3ump3icVegdUbOOiV2KOJokGDNmtdrSpIsEADkED7yIMCNQzqOb1i5GLe-93dP6Wj-tJMfaGS9hnTH8bK0ZnhGXOICeluZLm4MdtiQ/s320/viewing+party.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-39409111012784711712009-11-12T12:27:00.001-08:002009-11-12T12:27:58.762-08:00The Viewing PartyTuesday’s weigh in…….I lost 2 more pounds!! Yeah!! By the way, we are having a viewing party at Dreamz on Sunday. For all of my friends at the Fitness Clinic, aren’t you excited about the viewing party?? This weight loss makes me look so forward to it!! I saw me, on national TV last night!! And this just generates more excitement within me. Tomorrow I am going to go shop for a dress. I am just last minute when it comes to shopping for clothes, period! And for the first time in my life, I will ride in a limo and the occasion will not be a sad one. I am 27lbs less than I was Sept. 14th and it shows, baby!! <br />
This experience is such a humbling one. I just cannot thank God enough because it’s thru his divine intervention and powers that he has decided to use me as a vessel and put me on the hearts and minds of so many other people that are trying to obtain the same common goal. When you are thanking him for his many blessings he’s bestowed upon you, make sure you thank him again for me.<br />
For those of you that really know what I have been thru since October 7, 2005, can attest to the ALMIGHTY “working” powers of God on high! I have come thru too much not to worship him! If you are going thru a struggle, my advice to you would be to always remain positive, surround yourself with positive people and join some kind of support group. Negative thoughts and actions drain your spirit! And what would you be without a spirit?? Tell’em science gurus – you would be Matter. Matter is objects that take up space and have mass. Now you can thank my 5th grade science teacher for that science tidbit for today.<br />
I look forward to seeing all of you that will be there on Sunday night with me and if you will not, please tune in and watch on BET, 9pm CST. To all who are reading, I LOVE each and every one of you!! Thanks for stopping by…Today, let someone know that you care!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-90908385205359979122009-11-10T10:30:00.001-08:002009-11-10T10:30:29.936-08:00Time of My LifeHi my faithful friends,<br />
This will be another quick one, my laptop is still down. (Who said Halleluiah?? lol)<br />
Note: Please do not forget to tune in Sunday, November 15th, BET 9PM CST to watch Heart of the City…<br />
Saturday night we wrapped up the final taping for the BET documentary. I have met some wonderful people along this journey and I am having the time of my life. It’s not every day that one gets to tell their story via mass media. I get goose bumps when I think of the round table discussion with Star Jones, Trey, Charlie Mae, Lorine, and Dr. Quinn. We were like “old friends”, sitting around discussing the good, the bad and the ugly of obesity. You guys are the greatest!! Star, it was an upmost pleasure meeting you. I can truly say that I had my one moment in time and it felt GREAT!! I am eternally grateful to our Heavenly Father for making this all possible.…. I want to thank everyone that believed in me even when I didn’t have the will to believe in myself. <br />
This is not the end of my story. Now my story begins….Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-20594924129487155812009-11-08T21:57:00.001-08:002009-11-09T08:03:36.813-08:00This Joy that I have......Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, happiness is as well. Had someone ask me the question 4 months ago: “Are you happy?” My honest answer would have been, “yes”. When I ponder this question, I realized that months ago, I was truly happy based on what I thought happiness was. However, today I have a different perspective on what happiness means to me. I had grown so accustomed to putting my happiness last that I did not truly understand what happiness really felt like. My happiness always came with conditions, “I was happy if…” It is so easy, in our roles as wives, mothers, sisters, or daughters to take ourselves for granted . We take care of everybody else’s needs and forsake our own. In all honesty, this does no one any good. <br />
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I am not a gardener; however, I do know that flowers need nourishment to grow. Without the proper nourishment - water and sunlight; flowers wilt away and die. If I could paint a visual picture, I would say that I was a flower walking around “my garden” taking care of all the other plants and although I was beautiful, I was wilting away - physically and emotionally. However armed with the “new” knowledge of what happiness means to me comes a greater feeling of confidence. I, now, nourish Shannon first. I no longer need people or tangible things to validate my happiness….my happiness radiate from the inside and outwardly overflow to my family and friends. I am a one woman show… <br />
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This happiness is so contagious. It is everlasting and it brings a smile to my lips.<br />
When faced with adversities, I am one of my biggest allies. This happiness, no matter how tough my life changes may seem, I am tougher. This happiness makes me want to stick to my personal goals. It makes me want to self-promote ME. We, as women, need to know it is okay to give yourself compliments. There is nothing wrong with ENCOURAGING YOURSELF. This happiness does not let the negative comments about my weight loss defeat me. This happiness makes me speak victory over defeat. When my day is not going so great, it’s in this happiness that I know tomorrow will be a better day. I do not give myself a chance to get down these days, I relish in the fact that God is so merciful and have given me so many things to be grateful for…..<br />
So today, if you are finding it hard to stay on track, ask God for one of your mercies--he has them just for you!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-66626872776323440592009-11-05T07:48:00.000-08:002009-11-05T07:48:02.954-08:00Quick UpdateGood morning All!! Laptop still down… So this is going to be a quick one. I lost 1lb at Tuesday’s weigh in…I’ll take that (1lb less than last week). We worked out with Matt Tuesday, not so bad. I feel great and I’m looking forward to tonight’s workout. Speaking of working out, I have really been slipping. If people would stop telling me how great I look, then maybe I would work out more…just kidding. I like the compliments and keep them coming… Hopefully, I will be able to come back sometimes today and answer the question everyone wants to know….Am I happy?Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-4308670023519708482009-11-02T08:04:00.000-08:002009-11-02T08:04:38.142-08:00A time to Reflect....Hi all! My son drop my laptop after Saturday’s post and corrupted the hard drive, therefore I will post when I can. A lot has been going on since l last posted. Last week’s weigh in I lost 6 lbs!!!<br />
Even with the 6 pounds off, last week was overshadowed with grief. I was anticipating my Momma’s 3rd anniversary in Heaven on October 28th. However, once again life took a flicker out my flame. A very close and dear friend of mine, Rosetta, joined that heavenly host of angels on Oct 27. She and I have been friends my entire adult life. I met her on my 1st real job after college and we have been friends ever since. She was so full of pizzazz and spunk! It saddens me to think there will be no more early in the morning chats on holidays, no more reminiscing and outbursts of laughter as it regards to one of our many antics. She was a collector of angels, now she has become one. Girl I love you, and in the words of Buzz Light-year, to infinity and beyond! R.I.P. my sistah! <br />
When Momma’s anniversary date arrived, the tone was already set due to Rosetta’s sudden death. Mere words cannot express, 3 years later…how I still feel about you, Momma. You were my everything. I know you would be so proud of me as I make a daily effort to do something differently about my weight. You have taught me so many things about life. I am who I am because of your nurturing spirit. I desire to be the kind of mother to my children that you were to me. I love you Momma! You taught me how to trust God, from whom ALL blessings flow. <br />
When you died, I was lost. Day after day was a struggle living without you. But thank God for his tender mercy because the presence of your love was and is insurmountable. Thank you for coming to me in the form of the sunshine that brings warmth, the rain that quenches thirst, the wind that breathes life and the moon that sheds light on the darkness. Your legacy will live on forever. <br />
I hope to see all of you sooner than last time. Keep the comments coming. Special thanks to Dr. Quinn, Jara; my weight loss partner, and my friend, Shonder, for your extra support on this journey! Also, to my daddy for being so proud of me!<br />
Hopefully, I will have my laptop fixed soon.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-72500715831725236562009-10-24T07:32:00.000-07:002009-10-24T07:37:31.414-07:00I am a Survivor<b><i>First and most importantly, I would like to wish my firstborn, Kennigel, a Happy 13th Birthday!<b></b></i><br />
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I am up early today; my kids and I are getting ready to workout. They are my “little coaches" at home. It’s funny how I showed them the exercises one time and now they are the little professionals. I love it! It keeps their momma motivated. <br />
We had a big event last, my aunt’s birthday, and as I reflect on the choices I made, I am so proud of myself. I am feeling great!! I was unsure of myself all week. I was worried about yielding to temptation – and I survived! It could be due to the fact, I received a lot of compliments yesterday. I even cooked two dishes that were high in calories - and did not take one bite of either. After the party, I just had to hurry home and look at myself face to face and say, “You go girl!” So while I am still on this natural high (loving me like crazy), I am going to work out. <br />
Kids are yelling for me now, but I just wanted to stop by and tell you about my accomplishment last night. My willpower rules! I will be back later to expound on a question I was asked yesterday, “Are you happy?”Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-9073224127449049502009-10-21T06:46:00.000-07:002009-10-21T06:51:15.233-07:00The Phoenix<i>First and foremost, I would like to thank Maria, BET, for your support this weekend. "You are a jewel...."</i><br />
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<b>Wondering where I have been??</b> <br />
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The last couple of weeks, I have been dealing with some personal issues. I remained true to my “new life style”. I exercised and was successful and lost 2 lbs last Tuesday, yeah!! However, that was short lived because I gained them back on last night. I’ve since learned from the Personal Trainer that if you are stressed, your body “reacts differently”. As I drove the thirty minutes home, I turned off the radio to meditate. It’s very important to take time to meditate, something I haven’t done in a while, shame on me. I took the time, even in the darkness, looking at all the beauty God created around me- the different trees, the branches on the trees, the leaves, the grass,- all the different colors of nature. Then I looked at the highway and imagined the vegetation that once covered its path, the dinosaurs that may have roamed the same path and thought of how awesome God is. He gave us the vegetation, then he placed blessing on his people to build highways and byways to make things effortless for us. How can we not praise him! He loves us and he wants us to be happy. Whether struggling with weight loss, any type of abuse, financial woes, marital problems, whatever the issue may be…we are his children and he wants us to be happy. I thought of all the stresses I’ve been faced with lately and realized some I can control, some I cannot….<br />
So, like the mythological bird, the Phoenix, I built a nest around me and my stresses burned it to the core. Nothing remains within me, I am a broken vessel consumed by flames, my spirit has been broken, but in the midst of the flames, I arose anew. I have been REBORN! Thank God once again for his saving grace! Have a good one, because it is my plan for today!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-82259051021270001032009-10-10T15:41:00.000-07:002009-10-10T15:42:49.704-07:00You don’t have the power to control the rain, so Stop Blaming it on the Rain!!Last week the fitness Guru, Matt, upped the game and I broke a sweat. My hair was wringing wet by the time I left the Fitness Clinic. I was forewarned about his classes and his style so I was a little apprehensive, at first, because I KNEW he would be determined to bring out the best or worst in me. I am 150% sure I want to live a healthier life style, so I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep me committed to my choices. With that said, I survived Matt’s class, TWICE! Although I do realize that I am not perfect and I will falter sometimes. However, in spite all of my imperfections, God has provided me with brand new mercies over and over and over again. I know each in every day, I wake up with “Obesity”, He has given me another day to get it right. Thank God for his saving Grace!!<br />I’ve met some great people at the Fitness Clinic. They are always so very supportive. As we, embark on this sometimes tedious journey, with the same goal in mind, we encourage each other. One of the members and I are from the same hometown and both still live in the area. However, we had to travel 30 miles outside the town to meet. We walk together on the days we are not in class, although she walks like she’s running a marathon, TOMORROW, I try my best to keep up with her. <br />On Thursday night after class, she and I spent about 2 ½ hours discussing choices. I will not go into the details of the conversations, however, after we hung up the phone my mind went into overdrive. Words such as self-love, self-respect, self-inflict, self-destruct, and self-worth came to mind. The similarity between the words, is very simple, they all start with SELF. This goes back to making a PERSONAL choice to RISE above whatever SITUATION you may have in your life to ACHIEVE your desired goals. Love yourself enough to make sacrifices and the best choices for your body. Stop playing the blame game and hold yourself accountable for your own actions and reactions.<br />I would be lying, if I said this process is a breeze, because it’s not. However, I have in my possession the strength and the courage to endure. I have the knowledge and the belief that when I fall short of my goals Jehovah Jirah - my provider- has brand new mercies just for me. <br />Matt, bring it on! I am proud to say to you thank you for your contribution in my new pants’ size!! I am down two sizes!!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-45070144549398773292009-10-07T05:05:00.000-07:002009-10-07T17:44:46.163-07:00The EpiphanyAs I am sitting here typing today’s entry, I am filled with so many mixed emotions. My heart is filled with sorrow, yet I know I must rejoice. "Weeping may edureth for a night, but joy cometh in the morning!" Today marks the 4th Anniversary of my sister’s death. As I reflect over last week’s journey, my little four year old niece quickly comes to mind. I surely know her mom must be beaming in Heaven telling the other moms, “That’s my baby!” My niece and my daughter take dance on Wednesday evenings. In last week’s class, the girls performed tumbling activities. My niece, who is heavier than the other girls, had problems mastering some of the moves. As the instructor worked one on one with her, she was able to master some of the moves with assistance. I watched her take her place on the floor in defeat while the instructor worked with the other students. She then got up and began to practice on the moves. One word came to mind at that moment, TENACITY. She was filled with it! As I watched her overcome her struggles, my heart was filled with pride. This moment took me back to my own trials and tribulations; I encounter in my exercise classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights. I had an epiphany. If my four year old niece, who knows little about the benefits of exercise, can work through her adversities to gain triumph, surely, I, who can write a book on the benefits, can do the same. Therefore, I have gained a renewed strength and proclaim in the words of the Mississippi Mass Choir, “I’m not tired yet!” I’m going to end this entry by announcing, I lost 3lbs last night!!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-60368190365074147772009-10-03T05:46:00.000-07:002009-10-03T05:59:01.144-07:00The Curve BallYou know life is funny sometimes. It has its way of throwing curve balls. You are either going to dodge it, get hit head on, or be prepared to hit it. This time, I got hit head on! All last week, I ate all the right foods. I exercised every day. I drank my water and did not lose one single pound. I was devastated!! I felt like my body had let me down. I was angry. Here I am trying really hard to do something about this monster, Obesity, and he decides that he was not letting me go last week-not one pound of me. Rita explained that this will sometimes happen and I know that it will, but I am human. It was “support day” at the clinic. Which is good therapy, but I still left there mad at my body for not doing what I had set for it to do. I had a personal goal for myself and did not accomplish it. I felt defeated. I didn’t want to blog about it. I was just ready for the week to end. However if I must do this, I have to be real…so here it is.<br />When you are defeated, the devil positions himself in the right places to wear at your spirit. I stopped by Wal-Mart after class because I wanted to pick up a couple of items for Wednesday’s lunch. And guess who was greeted me at the door, that two horned, good for nothing, devil. I allowed him to get in my shopping cart. I now had an idea of how Eve must have felt in the Garden of Eden. The devil himself was trying to convince me to buy the “forbidden fruit.” It was a hard fight. He whispered things in my ear like, “you ate right last week and didn’t lose any weight”. He grabbed my shopping cart and proceeded to make my selections. After about as 15 minutes of fighting, I walked out the store and decided it would be best to leave the devil there alone with my cart, because I was too weak to fight. I went home, read my intro, said my prayers went to bed and vowed the next day that I would be prepared to hit the next curve ball.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-56030900235468877612009-09-29T00:54:00.000-07:002009-09-29T00:55:29.314-07:00Seeing is BelievingI decided to share my story with the local media because the media can reach a multitude of people. It may be that one man or woman, boy or girl out there contemplating on losing the extra weight and I want him or her to know that anything you put your mind and energy on is possible. I feel if my story, can reach just that one individual that has the desire to do something about their weight but need someone to get them started and if I can, I have accomplished my goal.<br />People tend to trust in those who have the same struggles and desires. I want the people to see me in the grocery store shopping healthy, to see me on the track walking and to see the pounds shedding. <br /> In sharing my story with individuals, I have heard all the excuses in the world: I can’t change my eating habits, I am diabetic, I don’t have the time right now, or I don’t have the money. My reply is being a diabetic is all the more reason to get the weight off, changing your eating habits does not take a lot of time and the greatest truth - it costs nothing to put one foot in front of the other. I know the story all too well, because it was once my story. <br />However, the hard reality is that with all the facts and tools to support the fact, the desire to lose weight has to come from within- I know it is that one person out there that has that desire within but needs to see the something tangible. He or she needs to see the average person, through endurance, out here winning this war on obesity to muster the courage to start fighting their own battle and I have decided if I can add years to that one person’s life, I will be the example.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-87969307790316795872009-09-27T15:59:00.000-07:002009-09-27T16:11:41.139-07:00The SecretToday, I did not do 100% of what is required of me. I have not veered from the plan and thank God, I haven’t overeaten. However, I did not journal any of my intakes the entire weekend. Good thing I remember most of my meals yesterday and today. Hopefully, I can muster up the strength to get it done before bed. However, every time I think about Barbara’s eyes looking at me because I didn’t do my daily entries, I know I must do it before going back to the clinic.<br />Enquiry minds want to know the secret to weight loss. I have been “dieting” for the majority of my adult life and now realize there is no quick, easy, magic way to weight loss success. So to answer the question, I am doing it the old fashion way. I have changed my eating habits and I exercise, daily. Three days a week, I go to the fitness clinic for support and exercise. It has been thus far, easy; with the exception of Rita’s workouts. However, I do not complain (not too much anyway) because I know this is for my good. Rita even sends home exercises for us to do, and she wants someone in the home to sign off on it after it’s complete, with their blood, just kidding. Once you realize there is no weight loss secret and there is not a quick magic fix, you can make the choice and be on your way to healthy living.<br />I love what I am doing and I love the clinic. It is one of Jackson’s best kept secrets. Although, I have to drive 30 minutes to get there it’s well worth the drive. Everyone is there for the same purpose, a healthier lifestyle. I am trying to encourage both of my sisters to join the next 12 week session because I am definitely doing it again. I know they will after they see how fine I am going to be after 12 weeks. I am visualizing myself right now in the advance class a year from now.<br />Off to my exercises, see you when I can…..Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-67838054049897489632009-09-24T04:41:00.000-07:002009-09-25T12:00:07.236-07:00Go Shannon!! Go Shannon!!I know all are wondering how I did on the weigh in Tuesday. What a workout we had!! My body is sore from all the exercise, but I feel like a million bucks. I did it!!! I lost 5 pounds. Let the weight loss began… I am so proud of myself, especially when I think in turn of the visible of 5 lbs. What weighs 5lbs? A full term newborn, a small dog, a 5lb bag of sugar or flour all weigh 5 lbs. Can you visualize? Paint a mental picture. The road to victory feels so sweet. <br /> I have a busy weekend ahead of me. BET correspondents will be here to check on me and they are going to be so pleased because I am doing just fine. I’ve been asked the question; would I still have the same enthusiasm if all eyes were not on me?? My answer is, without a doubt. I say this because this is a personal choice I have made, long before being chosen to do a documentary. When the cameras stop rolling, I will continue. I have a long road ahead of me. I am passionate about this. I pondered over this for weeks. As I stated in my intro, I plan to break this cycle. Obesity has to find a new place to dwell. You too can do it. Pray about it and meditate on the decision. The hardest part is putting some action into your thoughts and the key is to take it one day at a time. God’s got your back!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-88768233849608746992009-09-21T23:39:00.000-07:002009-09-21T23:47:23.901-07:00The MoveHi my faithful followers and spectators!! I really appreciate the visits. Please leave me a note and let me know that you stopped by. <br />Tomorrow is weigh in day….I will see how much my efforts have paid off this week. Over the week, I have made some major changes around the house to prepare my family and me for this life style change. Now that I have gotten them over the shock of not having chips, ice cream and cookies around to snack on, I think it’s time I tell them the 100 calories snacks’ serving size is not the entire box.<br /> The biggest change I made this week is moving the exercise bike from my daughter’s room into the living room. The reason I made this change is number one, my three year old daughter was beginning to think it was her personal jungle gym and number two, the more I view it, the more likely I will get on it. It’s going to be my chair whenever I am not doing homework, (yes, I am a student too). I have already been on my bike twice this week, yeah!! I’m going to attempt to make it my new best friend.<br />Well tomorrow will be a long day… so I am going to say my prayers and call it a night.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-49690298258066686522009-09-21T22:47:00.000-07:002009-09-21T22:57:30.856-07:00Lights, Camera, Lousteau!!This morning I felt like a celebrity. I made the local radio!! My local radio (WMGO) aired a portion of my story. Thanks Jerry Lousteau. I missed it because I was at work and the radio there picks up nothing but static. However, I received calls all day. Thanks to ALL who called and offered support it meant so much and it also gave me that EXTRA push to carry me through the day. I will listen to it later this week. As you all know (or maybe not), my story will be featured on a BET documentary later this fall. I will keep you posted.<br />I am so excited. It keeps me motivated, every time I think about overeating or not exercising I have to tell myself, “Girl everybody’s watching..”, too funny. <br />I did really well this weekend considering the fact that I thought I was hungry at night…devil stop that! However, I did not yield to temptation, so I am so proud of myself. Tomorrow is weigh in day… I must see progress!<br />Thank you for stopping by…leave a comment or two.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-86452599097304227492009-09-19T01:38:00.000-07:002009-09-19T01:39:06.705-07:00I think I can…I KNOW I can! You are your greatest EncouragerWell first of all, I would like to apologize for not posting last night as promised, but after the workout I was “dog tired”. Shhhhh…don’t tell anybody, but I fell asleep in my clothes and got up at 3am to get a shower.….<br />Prepare yourself. I think this is going to be a long one. Please do what you must before reading, for all of you that know me already know I want your undivided attention.<br />Last night, was a real eye opener for me. First of all, I walked in the clinic about 10 minutes late due to a small mishap. When I walked in, the group was discussing how discouraging your inner circle of family and friends can be when making lifestyle changes. I reflected on some of the negatives comments I received, which surprisingly at the moment are not very many or maybe I just conditioned my ears not to hear unconstructive criticism. By far, most of my comments have been those of encouragement.<br />When I started this journey, I had the word SUCCESS at the forefront of mind, so I am destined to succeed. I am armed and covered. I live and breathe, Phil. 4:13; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Maybe, because I was born on 4:13.)<br />One of my favorite reads, besides the Bible, is The Oz Principle. It’s very easy to fall into the “victim cycle” when things don’t go our way. This book reminds me that I am where I am not because of anyone else other than ME, MYSELF, and I. I made bad choices of eating the wrong foods and not exercising. I SEE my problem, I have taken OWNership of it, I plan to SOLVE it, and now it’s up to me to DO it.<br />I have taken the positive definition of ACCOUNTIBILITY, as my former Regional Director affectionately called, the Big A, and applied it to this journey as well as my everyday life. The definition is , “ACCOUNTABILITY is a personal choice to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrate the ownership necessary for achieving desired results – to See It, Own It, Solve It, and Do It.®” That is just so beautiful, some words to live by.<br />Now the eye opener…..<br />I took a long hard look around me last night. I looked at the physical trainers - God provided them with all the skills and tools I need to succeed. I looked at all the ladies in the class - God provided them with the compassion to support me when I want to give up. I then thought about my doctor- God provided him with the knowledge to direct me in the path of these “miracle workers”. With all these people God has working for my good, had I not made a PERSONAL CHOICE to do this, everybody’s time and effort would be in vain.<br />You must be your biggest fan, believer, supporter and encourager. You have to know you can do it.<br />At one time, when I looked in the mirror I did not like the outer me. I have learned to love myself from the inside out. If you love from the inside out, you will automatically provide the inside with the proper nourishment and in due time it will start reflecting on the outside.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-32284024285599041432009-09-17T04:59:00.000-07:002009-09-17T05:09:25.187-07:00MY FIRST DAY @ the Fitness ClinicSeptember 15, at the MAOF (Mississippi Against Obesity Foundation) Fitness Clinic. <br /><br /> My first session went very well and I think I am going to love it. Everyone’s <br /><br />so supportive. We discussed nutrition and the importance of water and were given <br /><br />journals and were instructed on how to use them. <br /><br /> The atmosphere was very friendly and everyone's on first name basis. I was <br /><br />flattered with the success stories of the returning members and how they were eager <br /><br />to return to the program, one even encouraged a friend to join. We will began the <br /><br />workout tonight, so hopefully I will not have a different outlook on the program <br /><br />after they work me over....smile. <br /><br /> I have been journaling and will post tonight after the class.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560791117718306013.post-39365325223556055132009-09-16T18:53:00.000-07:002009-09-17T05:36:59.507-07:00The Break-UpYesterday started the first day of the rest of my life. I have been avoiding this battle for a long time, but I have decided to face it head –on. We are going to call this monster,<em>Obesity</em>, and the gender will be male. I have chosen to create <em>Obesity </em>in the male image, not because I am a feminist, but because Obesity and I have spent the majority of my adult life together. He has monopolized my time with the thing he likes to do most….<strong>EAT </strong>(lol). I have shared so many special moments with him. We laugh, cry, live and love together, but this relationship must end starting NOW - <strong>one pound at a time</strong>.<br />I have made a personal choice to promote a change within me. I want to live a long quality life and Obesity carries so much extra baggage that I have to let him go. I love attention and when we go out, he gets more than me- that’s a problem. <br />He has monopolized too much of my time. I am special and I love me and my family love me, therefore I am demanding that Obesity free himself from my life, my mind and my body – one pound at a time.<br />I have decided to create this blog not because of my perfections and successes, but because of my imperfections and need for support in order to gain success. It is hard for me to see my progress without the tangible, so this blog will provide me with the tangible. <br /> Also, I feel that if I am having a bad day and finding it difficult to encourage myself, you can help provide me with that little something <strong>EXTRA </strong>that I need.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13858534779970436122noreply@blogger.com0