TDF Magazine Vol. 2 | Page 15

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” Arnold Schwarzenegger AMBASSADOR success by Terri Vincent My story begins with two very special people in my life who both turned 40 around the same time. My husband, Clint, and my mentor, Suzan, both decided a few months before they turned 40 that they were going to get in shape by exercising and eating well. They both began making this new lifestyle a priority in their lives and began putting themselves first so they could lead strong healthy lives. In February 2013, I started seeing obvious changes in my husband and my friend. It wasn’t just their body shapes or healthy glow, but they acted like they actually felt better. I wanted that success! I admit, I have a touch of the green-eyed monster in me and grew a bit jealous! I know, catty, huh? I finally said to myself “There is no sense in being jealous of people trying to be healthy so they can live longer! Besides, you love these people and need to support them!” I have tried fad diets, and I have tried gyms, but to be honest, I never whole-heartedly changed my habits. I even asked God to take the weight from me! As if He does not have bigger things to worry bout in the world. I finally realized I needed to get up off my butt and work hard to accomplish the weight loss. So, on March 4, 2013, I made that giant step. I bought an elliptical from my next door neighbor, started walking, used my fitness pal to track my calories and planned a new healthy grocery list. I soaked up as much knowledge from my husband and Suzan as I could! I bought a heart rate monitor, and I got a new pair of running shoes! The pounds started falling off. I followed Suzan’s lead by starting a weight lifting program.