Karen's Story

Earlier this spring I realized that I was dreading the warmer weather and all that meant; more time outside, shorts, bathing suits, heat and all that goes with the nicer weather. I realized that over the past 3-4 years my weight just steadily came on and since it was over time I was ok with it. Until I thought about dressing for the season. Putting on less clothes opened my eyes to what I had allowed to happen. I knew that I needed to change something and knew that I could not do it on my own this time. In the past, I had dieted and worked out for that trip, or that one event – to look good - and after the trip I would fall back into my old habits quite easily.

I had learned about Grace and Strength Lifestyle a couple years ago when I saw someone I knew that was successful on the program. I even made the initial phone call to see what the program was about and decided that it wasn't for me. This spring I realized that I needed to change what I was doing if I wanted different results - Grace and Strength was the change.

Not only have I lost weight - I have learned so much about myself. I loved our weekly calls - I was hooked from the first one. I remember on my first call we talked about how we spend our time and how that shows the things that are important to us. I knew right away that what I was spending my time on was not what was important to me - I was a time waster - TV, Facebook and other mindless activities to pass the time. From that very first meeting, I realized that the soul challenge was going to be a big part of the process. Self-examination is hard - and so rewarding if you are honest with yourself and desire real change. Having other ladies that are going through the same process is encouraging and humbling. Praying for each one of them daily helped to realize that I am not alone on this journey.

Reaching my goal weight is exciting - what is more exciting is the changes that I have seen in my life. Changes in how I spend my time - spending time in God's word, changes in my attitude - a peace knowing that I am making positive changes in my life that impact the others in my family in a positive way. Changes in what I eat - food to fuel my body not to satisfy or bury a feeling. Remembering daily to ask for God's help with all temptations in my life.

I have enjoyed Phase 2 [the weight loss portion of this program] and am looking forward to what I must learn in the remaining phases of this journey [resetting metabolism and learning to live healthy for the rest of my life].

Karen

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* Individual results may vary.