The difference a year can make

One year ago today I made one of the biggest decisions of my life, to get healthy. I pushed play on the first disc of Insanity. It was probably the hardest workout I've ever done. I almost couldn't breathe and my face was a darker shade of red than a fire engine. I am so thankful for that day! It has allowed me to become the best version of myself.

You all know the story of what has gotten me this far, so I don't need to repeat myself. If you don't, check out my prior blog post HERE. Over the course of a year I have lost 69lbs! Unfortunately I did not measure myself before. I wish I would have to tell you how many inches I've lost. Honestly I was horrified at my waist size before, and though I'm not in love with it yet, it is WAY better than it was a year ago. I have gone from a size 20 pants to size 12! I don't think I wore that size in high school! 

Some things I have learned over the last year:
• To eat better
• Cooking at home is not only cheaper, but much healthier
• The right results can't happen if you don't exercise and eat right
• To love to sweat (if you don't taste salt when you rinse your face in the shower, you didn't work hard enough)
• How many calories I burn a day
• How many calories I need to consume in a day
• Why some foods are referred to as 'junk'
• A run is much better without headphones
• Some days you just need a cheerleader
• One bad day can ruin your good week but won't take you off track
• Your actions can inspire many more than you realize

I think I could go on and on, but I'll save some of those for a later blog post. I want to thank some of those special people in my life that have helped and continue to help me along this journey.
First and foremost, my husband. He has done this journey along side me. Without his encouragement and 'babe you can do this' I would not have made it this far! You have always believed in me and I love you for that! Secondly my mother. She has always wanted me to be healthy and I hope that I am alleviating some of her worry. To see her look at me and all the changes I've made makes it all worth it! Love you momma! To the rest of my family, Dad, Ashley, Matt, Dean, Laura, Emily and everyone else. I appreciate you and all your kind and encouraging words! Love you all!

I also have to thank Billy Burnett, he is part of the reason this all started. Somewhere in my head I thought to myself 'if he can do it, why can't I?'. Thank you so much for all that you've helped me with, I'm forever in your debt. 

Lastly, the part I hope you have all been waiting for, the big reveal. The picture on the left is me May 2012, 69lbs ago, and the picture of me on the right is me today May 21, 2013. *Note both top and bottom are the same in both picutes.

Though it is still a work in progress I am so humbled to see my accomplishments. I do not wish to brag, yet my only wish is to inspire all of you. I am no professional athlete. I did not have any kind of weight loss surgery. I just sweat a lot and changed my eating habits. Anyone can do what I have done if you set your mind to it! If I can help you in any way, please let me know.

Now I leave you with a quote, one I look at every day as it is the 'wallpaper' on my cell phone.

'Focus on how far you've come not how far you have to go'.