It's not over till it's over, and once is not enough!

Well, I've gotta say...this has just been quite the ride! Have you ever been to Disney Land around August?  It's so fun and pretty darn wonderful for the most part, but holy cow! The lines are soooo long, and there are so many people it's hard to keep your group together and all in sight. It's super hot, and unless you are prepared, you are going to be spending lots of $ on food and water and if your like me, bugged that you just spent all that money for, "What!?" But in the end, you don't really remember all that. You mostly remember the magic, the fun, the sparkle in your kids eyes, and the memories, you know will last and last.

This past four months have been a bit like my first trip to Disney in August.  I was so excited in the days and weeks before starting this journey. I was nervous too, but it had been so lovingly planned out and paved for me, that I knew it would be a trip worth taking. (I was right)

That first few weeks were so difficult as I fought and faced myself, and my weaknesses head on. It hurt! I had been ignoring the blatantly obvious for so long, and now in order to change I was having to force myself to look at the 'real' me. I was reminded of those frustrating things about myself everyday when I worked out at the gym, or struggled through making a certain difficult food choice and whatever ramifications went with it. Whether social, emotional, or just habit. It was so tough in the beginning, and it stayed that way for a couple of months. And then continued, as my weight loss stopped for almost an entire month while we tried to figure out what in the world was going on.

I did have my moments of bliss in between occasionally. Like realizing that I still had muscle underneath all my fluff, and that I was actually a person with a great amount of endurance and strength. So grateful for my sponsored membership at the Smithfield Rec Ctr. and for my amazing trainer for helping me find that! Or, when I went into my dietitian a month after working my tail off, and saw the fruits of my labors for the first time with my weight, inches, and body fat % dropping dramatically. Or, when I got my second MRBA test done by sweet Barbie, and saw there were actually changes and improvements taking place within my body from the efforts I was making.

My foot zones were one of my favorite rides. They were like a therapy session/ motivational seminar/ and foot massage all rolled into one! When you are working so hard, rejuvenation is vital. I found myself so hungry for the knowledge that I was gaining, and so many pieces to my physical puzzle were coming together through the foot zone, along with the info and knowledge Stacey shared to help me sort things out. Just little things that were out of whack with my diet that were keeping me down, or making it difficult for me to feel solid, and thrive. It was so exciting to try the things she told me to do,and find that they really worked! And not just for me, but for my family too.

Another amazing part of my trip has been the coaching I received to help me get through the mental barriers that were keeping so much of my joy at bay.  Every time I got on the phone with Heather, I was blown away by the insights that she shared with me, and the thoughts that rushed into my mind about things I could do or change. Whether it had to do with just myself,  or other relationships that were struggling because of the changes that were taking place. She has helped me learn that in order to improve and grow and change, I have to accept and appreciate myself just the way I am, right now. She warned me in the very beginning that if I went on thinking the way I was, I would find a skinny Heidi, who still wasn't quite happy with  life. I find great strength from the perspective that has been shared with me through my wonderful,wise health coach.

Just like my first trip to Disney Land this last summer, this past four months has been a unique, once in a lifetime journey for me with my health. I plan on continuing my preparations for a healthy, happy life with my family, and am super excited to see how much stronger and healthier I will become with them!

The challenges and experiences of my journey will change a little now, because I'll be doing things a little differently as I progress. But I look forward to it!  I've learned so much about what to expect out of myself and my life, and how to go after the desires of my heart.  It's been so powerful for me to recognize more fully that I am the one who really directs my travel. And that the impact I have on my family and loved ones around me can be great! It goes without saying how imperfectly I go about this journey overall, but hopefully it demonstrates to others that it can still be done, imperfections and all!:)

I am a new person! 3 sizes smaller is a good thing, but not nearly as far reaching as the changes that have taken place inside! The outside will come, but I've got to be different inside to push myself to the new heights I am craving. If you see me around, don't hesitate to ask me how I am doing. If I'm keeping up with the changes I've started.  It will help me remember, because I really can't afford to forget:) I've got a glimpse of how good it feels to take care of myself, and it is too good to loose.

Thanks for sharing my journey with me, for reading along and wishing the best for me:)  I realize how blessed I am. Thank you to all the people who have helped me for these long 4 months. I love each of them, and have been so strengthened by their encouragement, expertise, and guidance. My life has been made all the sweeter because of  those influences for good.

See you around!
Heidi Ho


Oh, I almost forgot!  My last weigh in was yesterday.  I am 30lbs down, 37 inches smaller, and my body fat has gone down 15%!