Jul’s Journey

Alrighty - so, the last week I have really been thinking about those of you who have been an inspiration to me - and there are so many of you…. so, the best way for me to handle this is to group you together with common characteristics…. (otherwise I think I may be writing these blahgs into next year!!)

So, I have decided to write about the women I started my own personal journey here with… LoveJones596 and Amyrose. I am priviledged to have these two women live in close proximity (one literally around the corner) from my home. For those of you who have live and in person friends you know how fun it can be to have friends on this site to talk to and to relate back to others that are just picture images… well, the girls and i - we have fun on this site and love discussing many of you and your progress.

Let me start with LoveJones - she has been with me since before I even thought about a lifetime of fitness. Always a person that is ready to offer solutions and help, this galpal was instrumental in getting my butt up and out the door a year and a half ago to merely walk.  I kid you not, she would call me each morning to make sure I was up to go for a morning walk.  The first week I think I only got up twice, the next week it was three times…and then it started to click… then it was the gym and workouts….She has listened to me cry, laugh, dealt with me lifting my shirt and asking do you see that???  I think that is new, do you?? Has been with me every step of the way as I prepared for my first contest and all along gave me positive feedback…. and encouragement… Never once has she said you can’t, but rather her battle cry is "You go girl!"  right now she is in week 11 of her body for life challenge….she has done amazingly well at this, but like all of us would like to have seen more results. It kills me to see her deflated, but I do know this about her - she will rally - she will find the strength - and she will conquer her quest to have her 20 something year old body back!! 

My other local gal is amyrose…. you all know that this journey is filled with hills and valleys…. I often find myself running down the hills only to pant and trudge up the seemingly endless mountainside with tears and sweat pouring off my face - amyrose is my friend that reminds me daily that these undulations will eventually becoming rolling dips - more bearable than it feels today.  She struggles with it all… food, balancing kids and a husband, a home to care for and workouts….yet, she daily reminds herself and others around her that this is a lifestyle change not a 6 week adventure….this is life baby!!!  Her resolve and excitement is contagious…. I swear she could talk all day about her new muscle popping in her bicep AND I could listen to her all day as her wonder in it is precious and fulfilling to hear as a friend. 

For me, I know each of these women hold my hands every day…. sometimes they are holding me down from floating away, keeping me grounded and othertimes they are lifting me out of the trenches…. but regardless they are forever friends - ready, willing and able to offer themselves sacrificially…:) 

Thank you Amyrose and LoveJones596 for being the inspiration you are to me!