Sunday, March 21, 2010

A deal is a deal...

Wow. All I can say is Wow. Over the past three months, I have grown so much as a person. I have learned so much about myself and for the first time in a long time, I have started to believe in myself again.

Three months ago, I was disgusted with how I looked. Every moment of every day, I would think about my weight and it had gotten to the point where it was really holding me back in life. I had completely let myself go and had turned into a frumpy mom.

Things happen for reasons. I honestly believe that. A random stalkerish e-mail from a guy connected with LA Boxing changed my life. After following my heart and talking to the creepy guy that my mom was convinced was going to murder me, I was hooked up with a free gym membership and all the tools to begin a transformation. Little did I know that this experience would transform me inside and out.

Here is how I looked a little over ninety days ago. You can see it in my eyes how embarassed I was about what I had let myself become. I look miserable... and like I just smelled a fart... And to think I got ready for this! Hair and make-up- check.


Fast forward to this past week. Eventhough I still have 15-20 pounds to go, I followed through with my end of the deal and had progress pictures taken. I am Modern hooked me up with a fabulous stylist, Linda Huynh, and an amazing photographer, Val Cavalheri. I had so much fun- and they were able to put me at ease and make me feel gorgeous for the day!

I was a little worried when the shoot started... I know they were going for edgey and sexy photos, and Val kept calling the shots "cute." Ha! I don't have a sexy bone in my body... but you sure can tell how far I've come!



We left they gym and headed back to Val's studio, and I started to come out of my shell a little.:) I still have a ways to go, but I'm proud of what I have done in three months! These aren't edited... except for fixing my boob. I'd love to say it was popping out of the top, but it was sagging out of the bottom, so she fixed it for me.;)






I am officially down twenty pounds and I'm officially addicted to working out. Eating clean is still an every day struggle for me, but this week I plan on changing my nutrition up. Thank you to all of my friends and family who have loved me at every weight and believed in me all along. You are my biggest cheerleaders, and I love you all. Thanks so much to my hubby, my in-laws, and my parents. Without your support and help with the kids, this would not have been possible. Chris and Addie, I wouldn't change my belly for anything in the world. The two of you are my greatest gifts and worth every roll, every stretch mark, and every pound. Thank you so much to the owner of Ashburn's LA Boxing, Debra, the marketing team at LA Boxing and Big Method, and to the staff at I Am Modern for rooting for me and giving me such an incredible opportunity. And most of all, thank you to the instructors and staff at LA Boxing. You kick my butt and have made me fall in love with boxing and kickboxing. What was once so far out of my comfort zone has become a hobby and something I can't live without. And lastly, thank you with all of my heart to my trainer, Justin. You have become my friend and someone I can count on. Thanks for pushing, motivating, and inspiring me.

You would think that I just won an Oscar. Well, actually, it feels like I did. I no longer have to put on a fake smile like I am happy with myself. There's no more need to act- because for the first time in a long time, I am truly happy.

The journey doesn't end here. I still have weight to lose, and at some point, I'd love to be able to actually wear that bikini in public:)...

Refuse to be mediocre. Be something exceptional.

6 comments:

  1. Congratulations, you are truly a HOT Knockout Mama! And a most beautiful daughter-in-law, inside and out. You always have been.
    Love you, Joanie :)

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  2. Way to go!! I am so glad all of your hard work has paid off so well for you. And I truly believe that you can DO anything you set your mind to! I'm very proud of you Shelley!

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  3. I'm so proud! :0) Your doing great!

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  4. You have done awesome and look AMAZING! Great job! I loved hearing your story at Fitbloggin'!

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  5. Just started the program myself (LA Boxing) in my goal to get back to where I once was. You look great! Congratulations!

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  6. You were great at FitBloggin' and quite the inspiration to everyone there. Thanks for sharing your story (and your before/after photos).

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