Long Time No See!

Hey guys!  I thought I'd do a quick check in with you guys seeing as how it has been several weeks since my last post.  Since my blog really seems to take a backseat to most other things in my life, if you want to see more of what's going on with me on a day to day basis then make sure you check out my YouTube channel.  While videos are definitely a little more time consuming, they just seem to be what I do most often.

At the beginning of the year, I declared 2018 to be MY year.  Not in a selfish way, but in a very honest way.  For as long as I can remember I have lived my life trying to make everyone around me happy.  And while I am a generally happy person, I have decided it is finally time to make myself and my own happiness a PRIORITY.  And that's exactly what I've been doing.  I started a new job (career) the first week of January, I've been eating really healthy and trying to be more active, and I'm trying to not miss church at all if I can help it.  Basically just really trying to take care of myself; physically, emotionally, spiritually, and every other way you can.  You only get one life and I am trying my best to make it the best life I can.

I have received so many messages asking me how my job is going, how my weight loss and health are going, that sort of thing, and I thought it would just be easier to kind of show some photos over the past couple of months so you could see for yourself.  I haven't weighed, but I would estimate my weight loss to be around 25-30 pounds.  I have went from a size 16 to a 12/14 (depends on the clothes).  

This is actually the photo for one of my badges at work.  This would have been taken around the first week of January.

Just a random shot taken in early February.

The hard work and dedication is finally starting to pay off!  Those jeans are now too loose to wear!

Early March..

early March as well...

Early March, last week to be exact.

This past week...

this past week...

...and today :-)

Whatever goals you have set for yourself just remember, be easy on yourself and, as with most things, slow and steady wins the race.  You are a home to a life, be gentle with yourself and be your own best cheerleader.  Surround yourself with people who want to see you accomplish all of the things you have want for yourself.  

Today in church my preacher mentioned the famous scripture:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

That actually happens to be one of my favorite scriptures, as with most people.  But today he was talking about how so many people recite this quote when they've accomplished something major - they won the fight, they finished first in the race, something along those lines.  He reminded us to cling to these words in moments of defeat, and when you are discouraged and feel like a failure.  And I agree.  Even when you stumble and mess up, you can totally jump right back on track and finish.  

I love you guys.

Be happy and be a light in this world.

Erica