A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my new passion, project, and book called FEARLESS. The idea of Fearless hit me like a ton of bricks-- it was a classic light bulb moment.
I share my story: I share the journey, the struggles, and successes that come along with it. I want to take what I have learned and taught myself and try to help other people. I did not have the money for all kinds of therapy, medication, personal training, nutritionist, etc. so I turned to the best resource I knew about; my mind. I know that knowledge is power so therefore I decided to learn all that I could about all of the aspects I want my life to improve in.
Changing my life was great, but it provided no purpose-- no mission. Slowly, people would email or contact me making a comment about my blog or my journey, and in my heart, I wanted more than anything to help them. I do not have a lot to offer with a big, fancy education and career title, but what I can offer is a real, raw, and cheap approach to living the happiest and healthiest life possible for you. Which is provided through my real, live experience and continuing my education to better understand the science and genetic makeup of our bodies. My passion was then born.
As I was thinking about everything: this blog, my story, my pain, food addiction, the mindset of positive thinking, my fitness tips, my recipes-- everything I wanted to include into the book, I had no idea what to name it. What is something that defines me? What is something that I can portray to the world about what is included in this book and guide?
Finally, it hit me.
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 of "the heavyset girl", "the fat girl", "the big one with glasses".
When I was in high school and bullying heavily began, I stayed true to myself. 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. I did it because I loved it. 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?". 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.
I taught myself to never dwell on problems, but find solutions. I learned to always find the "ray of light" in every obstacle or problem I encounter. I learned the power of my mind. Then one day, I created a blog. I decided I would be honest and share my pain and struggles... even though I was scared to death. I thought by being open, it would help me-- or maybe even someone would relate. So I took the chance.
The led me to create FEARLESS. Because I am not a fat girl. I am a girl who is FEARLESS.
Upon finally coming up with the name, I thought to myself "Why just make a book called "Fearless"? Why not engage everyone-- because being fearless is for everyone. It does not matter what you want in life - go for it, and be fearless. I want to know how my friends and readers are fearless.
What have you been through in life and preserved form that has made you fearless? Maybe it is your fashion choice, a career you have always wanted, a relationship you knew was right but no one else did, overcame domestic violence, abuse-- we all have a story. We can all be fearless.
Next Thursday, June 19th, I will host a link up. On your blog, write your fearless story, and then link it up with Thursdsay's blog post. If you do not have a blog, you can still share your story. Email it to me along with 1-3 pictures if you want, and I will post it on a new blog I created for #BeFearless, and link up each post individually.
This link up never expires. I am creating a "Fearless" page that will go next to my "About" page. On there, your entries will always be displayed. So even if you are not ready to share your story, or you are just now getting the courage to live fearless, you can find hope and inspiration always on that page, and share your story, if you ever choose too.
Always amazed by what you are accomplishing, even more amazed by your desire to bring others on your journey - replying to every comment, sharing their stories. You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea. I really believe no matter who the person is, we're all or have been struggling with something. It might seem small or dumb to others, but for the one going through it, it's everything. Hopefully even those people will feel like their problems matter as well.
ReplyDeleteSo excited for this! I cannot wait to read your story and share mine. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThis is great!
ReplyDeletehttp://katerivonstealsnewlife.blogspot.com/2014/06/im-twit-but-i-am-fearless-one.html
I added my reason for being FEARLESS today on my TWIT link up. Come check it out!
And, I'm going to write my story... and send it to you.
This is amazing, and positive, and you, MY LOVE, are a rock star!
You're such an inspiration and I can't wait to be part of this link up!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing! I LOVE this!!
ReplyDeleteI love this! A perfect place for everyone to come together and support and encourage each other and maybe gain some motivation and inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI love this and I've told you a million times what an amazing and inspiring women you are. I will never stop :) I have an older post that I will add to this link up for sure!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. This is such a wonderful idea. I think I may have to submit a story =)
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful and powerful idea!!!
ReplyDeleteYOU ARE QUEEN!!
ReplyDeleteI am SO in. That's the day after my birthday too. hehe. ALSO it's 2 months of being married so that's super rad. but I am so in!
-Ashlee Michelle
You are amazingly fearless! You are always willing to help others and they will become fearless too even if by just sharing their stories! So inspiring!
ReplyDeleteYour inner beauty shines through each of your posts, and even though I have never met you in person, I so feel like I know you so very well.
ReplyDeleteyaaas girl love this!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story you have! I love how you didn't allow peoples words/actions affect your outlook on life. That is REALLY awesome!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! I love this!
ReplyDeleteSO proud of you! That title is absolute perfection! You're unstoppable! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm joining in!
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational! I've always been the "chubby" girl but have never let that alter my confidence. Thanks so much for sharing! I found you on the Lovely Thursdays Linkup! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know what I love about your story? You are consistent and you still LOVE the food you are eating. There are many many stories about yo-yoing, that is very common and a very real part of life, but you have consistent results each and every week. THAT is a true success story that others can follow and be inspired by. The other stories are just as inspiring but it is easier to I love how consistent you are!
ReplyDeleteOops! The last sentence is supposed to read "The other stories are just as inspiring but I love how consistent you are!"
DeleteCongrats on becoming a huffington post blogger, that's so great! You have had such amazing success in such a short period of time. You're a real inspiration.
ReplyDeletethis is such a great idea lovely! you are changing the world :)
ReplyDelete