Wonderful Wednesday

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."

Monthly Feature - Inspiration Cycle

APRIL 2015

CRISTINA

My Cris. Everyone's Tina.

Cristina and I met when I was at my heaviest. I was ready to make one of the largest turns in my life. At age 30 and 318 pounds I was going back to school and practically starting all over again. I was nervous about my size and making new friends. After the first lecture break I invited strangers to go to lunch with me. Cris was a last minute addition who just jumped in the car when we all told her to join us. I still remember her jumping into my car all giggly and asking, "where are we going?" - I said, "Don't worry, we'll figure it out" - TRUST.

She came into my life during a time I was rebuilding myself. In some ways she reminded me of me. Crazy, wild and free but with a mission! She loved to have a good time and party. I stuck to her and warned her of my past mistakes. She kept me on check for assignments. We pushed each other to our limits and she always impressed me. Her stamina to keep going...her will to complete the course...it all kept me afloat. We made it to our AA graduation without the original pack. Then 2 years later our BA. Then came life after graduation ... weight loss.

Cris joined Weight Watchers (WW) and I followed my own track. We took a lot of fitness classes together at the beginning of our weight loss journey. We also shared distinctions we made including the fact that weight loss was more about being healthy and less about the number on the scale. Once my weight loss results came to a halt I joined WW with Cris. By then Cris was more than halfway there. She once again amazed me. She met goal within a year and wore the dress she wanted for her sisters quinceanera! Cris is now a WW lifetime member and continues to work on her fitness goals. She will be joining me on various 5k's, the Yosemite 1/2 Marathon and the Spartan Sprint in 2015. YAY!

Cris I thank you for who you are. You're tenacity is unmatched and it keeps me going. Thank you for helping me rebuild myself and for being there through the best and worst of times. Most of all for letting me in and for allowing me to experience all of you. You are truly beautiful in and out. Much love to my beautiful warrior! ROAR