It has been one year since I started Fitness Blondie. I never thought I would be where I am today while writing this post. Life is very different.
I cannot believe it has been a year now. I do not know if you noticed, you probably haven't, but it has only been about 6 months or so since my blog has changed a lot. That is because I have changed so much. I am not near the woman as I was a year ago. And damn, it feels good to say that.
I have slowly transformed back into the person I know I am meant to be. It's hard. It is exhausting. But it is the best thing I have been through in my entire life. As crazy as this sounds, this blog has basically documented all of my recent changes. It has brought me so much happiness. Sure, it has not all been great, but that happens when more and more people hear about you and you share the good, bad, and ugly. I do not just share the good times, I openly write about pain and struggles. People making fun of you, trying to pull you down, and not liking you, comes with the territory. The good thing about that - it can make you stronger. It has me. It's made my skin that much thicker and my work ethic that much better. Most of all, "Fitness Blondie" has allowed me to connect and meet so many amazing people. I have the best friends through blogging and writing, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me and inspiring me so much. The emails, the comments... you guys make the journey so worth it.
When I hit the "new post" icon button, it is the best feeling. A white screen is liberating to me. I always have things I want to say and write. And I thank you guys for coming back to read, laugh, cringe, and follow along. I remember writing this post last summer; and I am extremely thankful to look back and say I feel like I have a purpose now. I feel like there is hope. I feel like for once, my dreams are within in reach. IF I continue to work extremely hard and put in the dedication it requires. Which means giving up a lot of social and personal things. Ironically, that has fallen into place. Fate took a hold of that.
"Fitness Blondie" will hopefully keep growing. I am going to keep on with my weight loss journey, and then once the remaining 40ish pounds are off that I want to lose, it will be the maintaining stage. Which is going to be forever. It will hard, rewarding, and make me more creative and smart.
OK, enough rambling. Now I want to get to the point...
Recently I started working on a new project. One that I have wanted to do for about 4 years, but have not been ready. Now I may have the platform to successfully do so. It is called "Fearless".
All of my life I remember being known for my looks. I believe a lot of people are if there is something "unique" or "different" about them. Mine just happened to be: "Oh the fat girl?". Years and years and years of "the heavyset girl", "the fat girl", "the big one with classes".
When I was in high school and bullying heavily began, I stayed true to myself. The people would tease me about my looks, my clothes. Yet, I never changed. A family member even told me once "Well if you're being bullied so much because of how you look and how you dress, why don't you change it?". There was no way in hell that was going to happen. I would rather take the bullying than change who I am. So that is what I did. Every year I still did my schools talent show... be it singing, gymnastics/acrobatics, or dancing. Regardless of how many people laughed or made fun of me. Because I loved it. Every Spring I would choreograph and song to dance or sing too. I remember in 5th grade I did a ballet dance to the "Little Mermaid" and in 8th grade I danced to Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know?" (Anna, remember making the shirt that had my name on it? Ha!) You know, I probably looked a flaming hot mess out there on stage, but I did it because it was fun and I enjoyed it. I have a crazy, happy, positive outlook on life, even with the pain and struggles I have been through. That is because I know there are SO many people who have it worse than I. I thank God everyday for waking me up, in my apartment that I love so much, with my health, with the ability to go to work, to live in a country where I am free to dream and chase, and where my worth and value is not measured by marriage. I can go and make anything happen. That is why is despite hardships and pain, I love my life. I never let pain or problems take over my mind, I let the solutions and moving past it, take over.
When I was in high school and bullying heavily began, I stayed true to myself. The people would tease me about my looks, my clothes. Yet, I never changed. A family member even told me once "Well if you're being bullied so much because of how you look and how you dress, why don't you change it?". There was no way in hell that was going to happen. I would rather take the bullying than change who I am. So that is what I did. Every year I still did my schools talent show... be it singing, gymnastics/acrobatics, or dancing. Regardless of how many people laughed or made fun of me. Because I loved it. Every Spring I would choreograph and song to dance or sing too. I remember in 5th grade I did a ballet dance to the "Little Mermaid" and in 8th grade I danced to Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know?" (Anna, remember making the shirt that had my name on it? Ha!) You know, I probably looked a flaming hot mess out there on stage, but I did it because it was fun and I enjoyed it. I have a crazy, happy, positive outlook on life, even with the pain and struggles I have been through. That is because I know there are SO many people who have it worse than I. I thank God everyday for waking me up, in my apartment that I love so much, with my health, with the ability to go to work, to live in a country where I am free to dream and chase, and where my worth and value is not measured by marriage. I can go and make anything happen. That is why is despite hardships and pain, I love my life. I never let pain or problems take over my mind, I let the solutions and moving past it, take over.
The led me to create FEARLESS. Because I am not a fat girl. I am not a fit girl. I am a girl who is FEARLESS.
"I Am Not a Fat Girl: I am Fearless" is going to be an overall guide and story. It's going to be about the first 24 years of my life, overcoming food addiction, the power of positive thinking, health and well-being, exercise, recipes, and more. It is by an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life, with an extraordinary story to tell. It is to help anyone; black, white, male, female, young, cold, purple, blue, happy, sad... anyone, get through hard times with a cheap, realistic, and raw approach. My mission, as crazy and stupid as some may think it is, is to help people make the best out of their life. I hate seeing people hurt. I hate seeing people hate themselves. I hate seeing people suffer. I know what ALL of that is like. And because I do, I don't want anyone to go through it. I may be doing a small effort that no one will ever pay attention too, but at least I try.
No matter what you go through in life, who you are, who you want to be...
Be FEARLESS.
You are amazing and an inspiration to many people...Keep doing your thing because I know that anything you want to accomplish you will!
ReplyDeleteI was chubby years ago when no one else was. When parents let their kids get heavy it kills me.
ReplyDeleteI would always get- you have such a pretty face!! I am thankful for the many blessings I do have
and am trying not to lament that I was never skinny. When people my age (58) say about gaining weight, I say welcome to my world. The best thing you are doing, Liz, is sharing your story and working on being as healthy and fit as possible. Believe me, it is so important as you age. Keep up the good work and Goddess Speed. Love, SMD's momma
Happy one year blogiversary! I am thankful for blogging because it led me to you! You are AMAZING!!! And FEARLESS!!! Get it girl!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just love your blog, this is so inspiring! xoxo
ReplyDeleteYaaas happy blogiversary! So so glad for your blog !!
ReplyDeleteInspiring. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteherweightlossdiary.blogspot.com
You have great story to tell! What an inspiration! I was always the weird girl and I embraced it and did my thing no matter what.
ReplyDeleteIt takes a lot of guts to be yourself in a world that devalues individuality. Happy blogiversary love!! I can't wait to see where life takes you!
So excited about your blogiversary!! Love you girl--you just keep on being fabulous and we'll keep on cheering you on!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and I feel like I can relate to you so easily :)
ReplyDeleteI tell you every time I comment but you're amazing!!!!
:) FEARLESS. I love it.
ReplyDeleteCompletely love it.
You are an inspiration and a positive beacon... I can't wait to see where your journey takes you.
:)
I always knew you were awesome and inspirational...but this post has surpassed all of my expectations of you. You truly are awesome and inspirational. Seriously. And I didn't know we had so much in common, which is definitely refreshing.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I am not the only one whom went through life (high school mostly) just being true to myself and not answering to anyone or changing who I am because someone has a problem with it. This is something I feel is so important for people to learn...this is one of the main reasons I wanted to become a teacher and work with children, to teach them it's okay to be "different" and not give a damn what anyone says about. I talked about being true to yourself A LOT on my old blog, that is now nonexistent. but you've made me remember those times I went through and the posts I spent hours writing. Thank You!
You are Fearless! And I can't wait to see where this next chapter of your life takes you!
-Ashlee Michelle
I am always in awe of people who can get on stage and do their thing, and who don't follow the trends. I love that you pride yourself on these things. You are amazing and so very strong, and it is so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteyay you! happy one year! you are absolutely amazing and such a motivation to everyone. keep it up girly :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary to Fittness Blondie!! You're one inspirational girl (and I am not just talking weight loss) Cheers to your many successes, you've earned it lady!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and you have done awfully well...lets see who calls you names now?
ReplyDelete#Fearless
I just love you for so many reasons. Seriously, you are beyond awesome and one of those girls who are genuinely good from the INSIDE OUT. love you boo thing. forEVA.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on one year of blogging and the weight loss! Truly inspirational ... :)
ReplyDeletehappy blogaversary, Liz. you are such a great person with a kind heart; i hate that you had to endure such heartaches but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. you are a true testament to that. keep up the fantastic work, girl!!
ReplyDelete-kathy
Vodka and Soda
You seriously have the BEST attitude. Every time I stop by I feel inspired! :D
ReplyDeleteYou seriously have the BEST attitude. Every time I stop by I feel inspired! :D
ReplyDeleteHey fearless! I love this post and am so happy that you have conquered the crap from high school and clearly you have used it to become the awesome person you are today.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing! Keep doing you and blessing others.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing! Keep doing you and blessing others.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty EFFIN fearless yes... However, I am realizing there is one aspect in my life that terrifies me... And I am enduring it right now. You have to face your fears HEAD ON - to overcome them!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love you!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!! Such a journey you have been on and so blessed to have watch you go through it stronger than ever! You can do whatever you set you mind to!
ReplyDeletecongrats on your one your blog anniversary! you look amazing! you have been an inspiration to me in getting fit and healthy since I found your blog. Growing up I was always chubby and the geek with glasses. I never had many friends. Now, I want to be fit and healthy. I hope when my blog anniversary comes up my life will have changed for the better. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog posts. They more and more inspire me. I am a fitness personal trainer and I know how tough it is to lose weight.
ReplyDeleteLove this, and am SO proud of you!!
ReplyDelete