The Evolution of my Transformation

I begin to count down the days until my birthday every year when May 1st rolls around.

Admit it, you count it down too. Why? Because birthdays are special and no one can ever step on yours – or take it away. This year, I will be turning 43. The numbers in this story are important.

I had battled PCOS and Insulin Resistance since my late teens and was not officially diagnosed until my mid twenties.

I fought my battle on a very physical level, with weight gain, extensive hormonal imbalances, and blood pressure numbers no woman my age should ever have to see. I had diastasis recti from being overweight and carrying my babies. I have been an asthmatic my whole life. I took medications with very uncomfortable side effects and all the doctors could offer was to tell me to lose weight.

FANDAMNTASTIC! Well good doctor, why don’t you tell me HOW to do that?

To say that I was frustrated and depressed by the vicious cycle of my” conditions” would be an understatement. After years of trying, and failing, to work with doctors, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I was trained to be a nurse, and I saw how I could apply my training differently.

I can do this.

I set a goal for myself. At age 39, I gave myself 6 months to lose weight. To be more exact – 40 pounds by my 40th birthday.

I set things into motion, Jan 1st I was going to begin. 2 months prior to that, I spent that time researching as much as I could and started to learn how MY body worked and responded to PCOS. It affects everyone differently. I went to the doctor for a round of fitness and blood tests to make sure it was safe to start on such a path. They cleared me and I was good to go!

Slow and steady.

80% nutritional changes and 20% exercise.

This was not a quick fix. This was a lifestyle change. I wanted to live a healthier life so I could see my kids grow up! I set small reasonable short term goals for myself and did not deprive myself once. With each goal I hit and saw results, it moved me to the next goal. I learned about portion size. I cut back on the sugar and carbs and cut my meal and snack portions in half. I removed most processed foods and ate whole fruit and veggies. I walked 6 days out of the week for at least 20 mins a day. I found a way; I got creative. The more results I saw the more determined I became.

I can do this! I am doing this!

By my 40th birthday I was down 35 pounds. You know what? While it was not my goal, I celebrated my accomplishments. No more medications. No more asthma symptoms. All my levels were stable and down to normal ranges. Even Aunt Flow came to visit on her regularly scheduled sessions.

HOT DAMN HELL YES!

I didn’t stop. Walking turned into jogging and jogging turned into running. Cardio morphed into hardcore sweat sessions with heavy bags, weights, boxing gloves, and kettle bells.

And then, the Yoga and then SUP Yoga. I wanted to be a yoga teacher. I then set a new goal for myself and I did it. I continued to lose weight by exercising and eating clean over the next year. When I started, I weighed 185. Now, I weigh 115. Of course, up a pound and down a pound. I have maintained the average of 115 for well over one year now. Now we are into year 3.

Yes it took hard work and determination. The more fit I became, the easier it was to want to remain heading towards that direction. When I started my journey I never would have imagined where it would have lead. I feel like I am still just beginning. Now that I have found my passion. I want to teach it to others. I want to help others wherever and however I can. I want to share the encouragement, the support, the compassion and the love that I received from friends and family with as many other people as I can. That is my new goal.

Namaste. Karuna Hum. <3

We have birthday celebrations this weekend. It is a gift to me to be able to teach what I love while celebrating the day I was born! Here is where you can find me:

Athleta at the Grove 9:30 am

Kirtan at Kin Chi Yoga 2:30 – 4:30 pm

Restorative Yoga at Kin Chi – 5:30 – 7 pm.