It has to start somewhere....

Every story begins somewhere. There's a beginning that tells you when and where the story is happening. It also introduces you to a character; whether the main or a supporting character, that you get to know and are usually routing on throughout the story. In these stories the character or characters go through different types of life situations. It could be love and loss, trials and tribulations, or even saving the day and winning the girl (or guy depending on the story). When you read these stories or watch a movie you find yourself wrapped up in it not always knowing how it will end or what types of things the characters will face but you continue to read or watch knowing that in the end all will be resolved. Now if you're one of these people that say "but wait what about those stories that continue on in another book/movie?" Let me clarify by saying that in the end of the series USUALLY everything is concluded. The story that doesn't "conclude" when you're reading it means one of two things. The first being there's another part or another book coming. The second being that the author or screenwriter wants to leave it to your imagination how you see the final ending happening. I'm torn between liking both. I like to know how it ends but sometimes I want to make up an ending because there wasn't one written for me. 

One of my favorite book series when I was younger was one that let you "choose your own adventure" where the authors wrote different scenarios and endings depending on how you read the book. If you wanted to see one thing happen you turn to a certain page or another and so on until you reach the end of the book. It's actually a pretty cool idea if you ask me. You literally get to choose the character's fate. Often times we see life this way too. We want to choose our own adventures in life. We want to see our lives go on a certain path or take certain avenues to get to where we want to be. Like these stories we want to skip to a certain page to get on with the story. Sadly enough life is not that way. It'd be a whole heck of a lot easier if it was. 

Much like the stories we read or the movies we watch; every weight loss story begins somewhere. For most people it starts on a scale or in a doctor's office where they're told they should try to lose weight if they want to live past a certain age and/or fight off an illness or disability. For me it was something totally different. I decided to make a change because I knew as I was approaching thirty years old I was going to end up with one of the genetic problems my family has like diabetes or high blood pressure; amongst others. Will I end up having one or more of these eventually? Probably; but at least I made the choice to try and keep them at bay for a little longer. Some people say that obesity runs in the family or are overweight because they're parents are/were or they don't have time to workout or even put any effort into trying to be healthy. That may be but we can change who we are and our weight. 

I originally just wanted to lose around 30-35 pounds. I ended up having lost 65 pounds as of today. I weighed a little over 230 pounds when I decided to make a change. My choice was based on not wanting to be a fat guy any more. Whenever I see pictures of myself from before I am in awe of how far I've come. My story is a lot like others in some ways and a lot different in others. The journey I've been on these last two and half years has been one with many ups, downs, disappointments and milestones reached. My story is one of becoming the person I've always wanted to be, the one I never expected to become and challenges I face along the way. Who knew that this year I would decide to become a personal trainer so that I can help others become the person they want to become?!?! I definitely did not see that coming either.

While my story is not finished being written and it probably never will be I want to share that journey with others who are ready to make a difference in their lives and change themselves for the better. I still struggle with certain parts of fitness and the healthy life but like you I'm working towards a better me; a better tomorrow.

So please come with me on this journey. Read along with me as I share what's worked for me and what hasn't. Discover the foods I love to eat and the ones I hate to eat but do anyway for the sake of bettering my body; I'll even throw in some fun recipes I've found or created. I'll be sharing with you the exercise routines and different exercises I've found that have worked for me and maybe will work for you. Each person's story is different but that doesn't mean we can't  go alongside each other for support and encouragement. I'll also be sharing articles and research I've found that benefit those who are trying to lose weight or are trying to become more fit. As I become a certified personal trainer I'll be able to share more knowledge with those who come along with me on this journey. 

Thanks for joining me!

jKelley