Me! Me! Me!

First of all, I know what it's like to have limited time for myself.  I am a mom of 3 amazing kids. When my middle child was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with Autism. Life changed the instant I googled "speech delay in a 2 year old". I didn't need the doctor's official diagnosis, I already knew it was Autism. Thus began my journey into the world of speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapies. And also my journey into depression and lack of motivation. Leaving home at 7am for therapy and not returning until sometimes 4pm, I began making terrible food choices. And I gained A LOT of weight. My migraines increased, my energy decreased, and my motivation was non-existent.

I knew I desperately needed to make a change in my life. My family has a very extensive history of hereditary heart disease and obesity. I knew I couldn't continue on the path I had been on; but the depression of living with Autism on a daily basis just defeated me - mentally and physically. I looked into a gym membership a few times and always said I would do it. But, again, Autism reminded me that I couldn't take my child to the childcare center at the gym because they weren't equipped to handle a child with special needs. I couldn't just hire any babysitter to watch them while I attended an exercise class - it had to be someone experienced, qualified, and willing to take care of my son. So, again I was left with those feelings of defeat and depression. It was a vicious cycle.

In May of 2009, one of my best friends told me about TurboJam. She had also struggled with her weight for a while, and TurboJam was working for her! She actually purchased the program for me as a gift and my life began to change again. This time for the better! I lost a total of 60 lbs on TurboJam that year, and also made a lifestyle change. I decided if I were going to work that hard everyday, sweating and huffing and puffing, I wasn't going to ruin it by choosing a double cheeseburger! I began making healthy food choices and recipes to make at home. It was not easy to stay focused and there were (and still are!) days when I just did not feel like working out. But every night when I tucked my children into bed, I knew the hard work would pay off! And seeing the changes in my body happening before my eyes was a huge motivator!

I joined Team Beachbody as a Coach to help others succeed and to end the trend of obesity in our country. I want to "pay it forward", so to speak. Just as my friend supported me and offered a way to end my vicious and unhealthy cycle, I want to do the same for others. We all have struggles and we all have excuses for why we can't dedicate some time to ourselves, and our health, each day. But in the end, it's just that...an excuse.

I hope this site will help to inspire just 1 person to change their life for the better! If that is YOU, send me a message! Contact me on Facebook, Twitter, through email (BBCoachRhonda@gmail.com) or my Team Beachbody site (http://www.beachbodycoach.com/coachrhondas) - whatever works for you. Just make that 1st step NOW. You will not fail, and you definitely will not regret it!

Thank you!
Rhonda