Vital Stats
Name: Sharla May
Email: sharlamay1@gmail.com
Bodyspace: sharlamay
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Why I Got Started
I think as women, we spend our entire life tending to those around us; our children, husband, parents, etc. One day I seemed to just wake up SAD and LOST! Who am I? What do I enjoy doing? I honestly didn't remember. I used to be so outgoing. What happened?
The children were grown, yes, I went through the empty-nest thing, cried, all that stuff you read about. But I am over it! I enjoy the adult relationship that I now have with my children and my beautiful granddaughter. I enjoy the time my husband and I now have together. But I still felt somewhat empty. I needed to find myself again!
After a temporary separation from my husband In 2009, he helped me set my gym up at home and I started January 1, 2010. I have been totally recommitted to my fitness for 18 months now and although I have had hurdles to jump, I am pleased with the results. I have a long way to go. It is so mental. I have had so many discouraging setbacks or what I perceived to be setbacks.
I realized one day as the words rolled off my tongue and I saw the look on my husband's face I said, "Did I just not realize how bad it had gotten?" I knew then and there that I had just answered myself.
Although I looked in the mirror, I did not see just how badly out of shape my body had gotten. I told myself that this would be a new way of life for me and the only way I would stick to a regular exercise program and a healthy diet was to approach it as realistic as I could. That is … to accept that the changes would come slow because my intention is to form new habits.
I did not get this way overnight and I would not fix it overnight. I do not eat anything that I do not enjoy. I do not do exercises I know my back cannot handle. I do not work out instead of spending much needed quality time with my husband. I do not work out instead of getting my granddaughter. I keep my family commitments but I now demand the respect from family to have MY time just as they have their time. And although it has not been easy, it is getting better all the time. I have a wonderful husband and wonderful children and I want to be around a long time to enjoy them.
A wife, mother or grandmother cannot be what she needs to be to her family if she does not first take care of herself, I believe this with all my heart. I now BELIEVE that I too deserve to be happy and to feel good.
I wish for all women to step back and take a good look at your lives. Ask yourself if you are taking care of yourself. If you are NOT, start today! You are never too old to look good and feel good.
How I Did It
I exercise 5 days per week and eat healthy 95% of the time. I have a home gym which makes it convenient and I have friends who support my journey, as well as a supportive husband.
I take pictures often. This is key to my motivation. I have a long way to go but I am taking it slow for this reason. I want to form new habits, healthy ones that I can also enjoy.
I believe that if you love what you eat and love being fit you will have no reason to quit!
I have a home gym which makes it convenient and I have friends that support my journey, as well as a supportive husband.
Suggestions for Others
- Read as much as you can.
- Create a diet that is healthy and enjoyable.
- Create a workout routine that you can LIVE with.
- Everyone is different so figure out what works for you!
- Always take pictures.
- Never be lazy! Give it all you've got!