My entire life I have dealt with being overweight. It has been something in my life that I had eventually just accepted. Everyone loved me for who I was, so why did it matter? At least that is what I tried to tell myself. It mattered because I didn’t like myself!

Most of my adult life I have had to deal with depilating pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis. It has gotten so bad at times that I would lay in bed not able to move for days at a time.

I woke up on November 11, 2007, and I could barely get out of bed. Finally getting myself up off the edge of the bed, I made my way to my bathroom and l looked at myself in the mirror. It was then that I came to the decision that I was not going to live the rest of my life in this way.

I spoke out loud and said, “OK, God, you have to help me because today is the day I have made up my mind to change my life.” I knew without His help there would be no way I could do what I was about to set out to do. Believe me, I have tried. Many times in fact, only to gain the weight back and then some.

 
So, November 11, 2007, I started my journey into a complete new lifestyle. I cut out all snacks, sugar, soda, etc. If I could make it through Thanksgiving and Christmas without cheating...then I could do this. With much prayer and the encouragement of my family, I started this new life. In two weeks, I lost 7lbs. I knew I needed to this the right way so I signed up for the year at Five Points Washington on November 27, 2007. It has made all the difference in my life.

 
Of course, that first month was excruciating on my body, but I pressed on. Starting out slow, I walked, did some weights, and eventually worked my way up to doing a lot more than I ever thought I would do. The pounds kept coming off, and I knew I was “really” doing it this time. I was determined that nothing could stop me.

I am not completely pain free from the fibro, but the days with pain are few and far between. I have more energy now than I have had since high school. I feel healthier, and I am definitely much happier! I have no desire for things that aren’t good for me as I have changed my entire way of thinking and living.
God has provided Five Points Washington as my motivator. Going there gets me up every day and gets me going. The staff and the friends that I have made there are nothing but nice and encouraging. What a great group of people. They should be applauded! I could have never done this on my own without Five Points Washington to go to. What a gift this facility has been to our area. I thank God for it every single day.

Since I began my journey, I have lost 114 lbs. Only through the help of God, my family, my friends, and the truly life-saving Five Points was I able to accomplish this. I have heard many people say, “If I can do it anyone can.” I used to balk at that saying and tell myself, “Yeah, right…they don’t have the problems that I do.” Well, you know what…with all my problems, and with all the things that were fighting against me in my body, I have persevered. I am here to tell you, “If I can do it, YOU CAN TOO!” I am not through with this great adventure into healthiness, so I still need you all! Thank you!