Most of my life, I struggled with insecurity and feelings of unworthiness...

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too tall, too weak, too lanky, too weird, too strong-willed…. These feelings influenced decisions throughout my life: always struggling to fit in, to be good enough, to be liked.  This left me feeling tired, defeated, incapable, unworthy.  Because I felt unworthy, I had put everyone and everything else before myself. I did not feel like I could or should make taking care of myself a priority.

In September of 2007, I made a decision to change jobs and eliminate some of the major stress at work. I began to travel, which gave me much needed down time, and I quickly became a fan of “The Biggest Loser.” I was surprised to find myself weighing in as big as the female contestants on the show.  How did I get there?  Having been active and athletic for most of my life,

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I was not happy having grown to a portly 270+ lbs.      

On January 1, 2008, I made a decision to change my life. I knew (strong willed person that I am) that if the contestants on the show could do it, so could I. And, not only could I do it, but I could do it on my own: naturally, no -pills, no-frills, no-surgery or gimmicks.

What I didn’t realize would come along with this weight loss is a new feeling of self-confidence and self-worth.  I had set goals and met them, I maintained discipline to keep moving forward: overcoming challenges and set-backs without losing focus.

  I realized that, in order to truly be the person others need me to be, I had to be my best self. 

That meant prioritizing ME.

This is a life long journey.  A practice.  An adventure.