This "picture" seems particularly appropriate today:
This was recently posted on Facebook by Team Ziglar (of the well-known Zig Ziglar) and it resonated with me, especially in light of recent events.
Most recently, I've experienced a tremendous triumph in my life. A year ago this month, I was faced with the realization that I was the unhealthiest I'd ever been: I weighed my heaviest and my cholesterol was at an all-time high. It was obvious to me that a lifestyle change was required. So, for the rest of 2012, I did something about it. And just last week, I received a surprising phone call from someone with the news that I'd won $1000 for my success!
Let me explain...Beginning April 1, 2012 (Yup, April Fools' Day!), I committed to doing an at-home workout program that essentially changed the direction of my life, particularly in the area of health and fitness. This program is called P90X - you may have seen the infomercial. Well, the company that produced this program has a monthly "Challenge Contest" in which people like me submit their "transformation story" (basically, you share the success you've experienced from the program, including before and after pictures, measurements, etc.). A small panel of "judges" (for lack of a better word) reads every story and selects a $1000 winner from each month's submissions. I submitted my story back in December, and out of 1500 other stories, they picked MINE!!! As a result,
I get a big, fat check, and
they use my story to inspire others. Seriously! I still can't believe it.
Well, ironically, on the day we 1) celebrate the birthday of the man who spoke those famous words "
I have a dream" and 2) inaugurate our first African-American President for a second term, my transformation story has been shared with "the world." To have my story shared publicly on this special day is truly an honor.
As much as it's out of my comfort zone to do this, I'd like to share my transformation story with you. You can read it
here.
Seeing my "story" online is a bit surreal...and kinda
SCARY!! I have been pretty nervous all day about this thing being published to the cyber world, and I think it mostly has to do with the shame I've felt in getting so unhealthy to begin with, but I have certainly celebrated my success, and I will surely do it again when that check comes in! :) As a big believer, I know that God had (and continues to have) His fingerprints all over my success over the past year. I was so depressed a year ago, feeling so helpless and hopeless about my fitness level...and today, to a certain degree, I am a completely different person.
Seriously, who would have thought an at-home workout video (there are actually 12) could really, truly "work" like it did?! If I didn't go through it myself, I'd probably have some trouble believing it too.
I'm very happy to share my success with you, and my greatest wish is that it will inspire you to achieve your goals and chase your wildest dreams!
"Do or do not...there is no try."
