In December 2005 I was diagnosed with late stage 2 cervical cancer. Before this and for about 17 years all together, I smoked cigarettes at an uncomfortable 205/210 lbs. I was an overweight cancer survivor who smoked. These dynamics along with my poor attitude were in desperate need of change...
April 13, 2010 was the last day I smoked and the first day I went out walking; deciding to trade one bad habit for one good habit. For as often as I smoked a cigarette, you can imagine how much time I spent outside - walking. Well, walking turned into jogging and eventually going to the gym happened. No fat girl likes the gym, lol - but I am sure it has a lot to do with fear and loathing. My best friend & husband calls me a warrior now and well - his support and involvement encourages me even on my weakest of days. For certain I am not where I want to be but am happy as hell - I am not where I was. This year: February 16th, 2011 I will celebrate 6 years cancer free and this time, not as a hypocritical smoker. This year: April 13, 2011 I will have not smoked for 365 days and will celebrate the years I've given back to myself; humbled by how much I once took away. After being brutally inconsiderate and antagonistic to my body I believe I have been given a second chance to right the wrong. Through this transformation, I've learned I can accomplish anything I want physically, mentally & spiritually and now - I'm only going forward. :) *Yeay*
I'll just say it feels extremely great to channel my attitude through a good visceral workout. I think about the things that I should have been more aware of - my self worth, my family...things like, how feeling good really feels. I love it more than anything because my whole life has completely changed.
October 2011, I received acknowledgement as BB.com's Transformation of the Week. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/marie-quit-smoking-cut-fat-and-transformed-her-life.html