Ambition.

A year ago this weekend I was graduating from college. I have accomplished more in the past nine months as a band director than I did in the five years I spent at JMU. I am in a happy and healthy relationship, something that was nearly impossible to find in the college, I have lost 35 pounds, with 35 to go, I have doubled the size of my high school band class, I have inspired young students to stick with music--that's right...INSPIRED. I've dealt with death, emotional distress, monetary stress, lack of support, times of loneliness and despair. I also, almost, completed my first year as a band director.

I am proud of the person I becoming. For the first time in my life, I am proud to be me. I never thought there would come a day that I would feel this confident and this comfortable in my own skin. This was the most difficult year that I have experienced even though everything seemed to fall into place with ease. I dealt with many emotions that sometimes clouded my everyday judgement, but somehow, I'm still teaching.

I spend a lot of time at the gym. Getting down to my goal weight has become something much more than just an ambition. It would be a first. The first time I accomplished something with little to no help--help, not support. I have tons of support. But everything we do in life seems to require the help and assistance of someone else. Granted, I do work out with a trainer twice a week, but there's so much MORE to living healthy than anyone thinks. There's all of this eating that you have to do and there's all this eating that you really shouldn't do. Most importantly, though, YOU have to commit to YOU. If you are half assing it, than you aren't going to have any progress.

We live in a world of excuses. Oh, I have kids, I can't get to the gym. Or, I don't have time to cook a healthy meal. I decided to stop making excuses. I was obese. That word is often taboo but my BMI was so high that I was obese. When my doctor first told me I was obese, I was shocked. But did I change anything? Nah, I probably drank more beer, ate more macaroni and cheese, smoked more hookah, and ignored all the terrible habits I had fallen into during college.

Now, I still drink, which so many nutritionists disagree with, but I have limited my intake of alcohol. This time last year, I was at the bar almost every night drinking giant beers.  I stay FAR away from processed foods and I drink a TON of water. I can't lie and say it's been the easiest thing I have ever done, but when you really want something, it becomes much less of a chore. I have a number in mind that I would like to reach. It's about 35 more pounds away. But look how far I've come already!

Sometimes all it takes is changing your attitude about yourself.

You are beautiful. You are worthwhile. You are inspiring. You are intelligent. You are talented. You are loved. You are blessed.