Cristina Shares her Story
Below are Cristina's insights, turning points and encouraging words. Thank you Cristina for being raw and real.
Wow!!! How time flies. People come and go out of our lives for good or bad but not my Norma. It's crazy how people cross our paths but it all happens for a reason. In 2008 I decided to go back to school to pursue one of my many goals. Much to my surprise I gained a lifelong friend along the way. I first met Norma in class a few minutes before our lunch break. Not knowing the neighborhood much I couldn't decide what to eat but damn was I hungry and picky!!! Norma mentioned she worked around the area and knew a lot of great places we could grab a quick bite to eat. Well before I know it I'm in her truck driving somewhere to eat, (yes, we connected over food and I got in a strangers car). lol!! From that day on we had lunch every other Saturday and she made it a point to introduce me to new places and take me out of my comfort zone.
Well ...moving forward. --> The pressure of being a full time student, working a full time job and being a mother and wife began to take a toll on my body. My weight went up and down. I was like a damn yo-yo. I couldn't manage to stay at a certain weight for more than 6 months but I did manage to stay within a size 9 to 13. Except for that one time I managed to drop to like a size 3 but not for long. Lol. I was tired of walking around with "fajas" on to keep the extra stuff nice and tight. I could no longer bear having a muffin top or a serious camel. I was tired of getting tired while walking up a flight of stairs or on drives; the seat belt being so tight and uncomfortable around my stomach pouch. Not to mention I had my mind wrapped on this one fab dress I wanted to wear.
As I had brunch with some of my good friends I sat there listening to their weight struggles and their success stories. I started having all these crazy thoughts in my mind about my body and how unhappy I really was when ever I gained weight. That's when it hit me it was time to make a change. My friend Ruby mentioned this program called Weight Watchers. I was so intrigued so as soon as I had a chance I researched the program and I figured it won't hurt to try. On top of that Norma introduced me to new ways I could stay active while having fun (pole sisters...lol). Sure enough ONE year and NINE months later I am down to a size 3 and 45 lbs lighter. In three more months I will have a new benchmark : I maintained my weight loss for ONE full year. How exciting...yey!! I've always loved myself. Now I'm just infatuated with all of me!!
On a Serious Note: Throughout this journey I have learned to accept that I will fall. I will gain/lose a few lbs. I will stumble. I will rise. I'm not perfect. I'm human. I will get back up and continue to push harder and love myself for who I've become physically, mentally, & emotionally because it's a lifestyle not a phase!!! HARD WORK, BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS PAYS OFF. I could not have done this without the support of my family and friends!!
My motto..."Anyone can start a journey but staying is the challenge. Remember all the hard work as for today marks the day your journey transforms into a lifetime challenge."
