Well lets see… where do I begin? :) I am 31 years old… I have 5 beautiful babies that I am blessed by every day. Yes, challenged too! I have been married for 12 1/2 years to a very good guy. He gets me and who I am… where I come from… he is my truest friend. I am here because I have struggled with being overweight my whole life. Not severely, but enough to set me apart from my more fit peers. I suffered 9 years of sexual abuse (age 4-13) at the hands of my step-dad. Someone who was supposed to care for me, protect me, and help me become the person I should be. As a result of that experience I have often felt ashamed, isolated, poor self-worth, low confidence, etc., etc.,… and unfortunately I learned how to be an emotional eater very young. I have 8 brothers who were all exceptionally athletic and handsome… and I was always the shy and plump girl in my step-fathers shadow. To be “daddy’s little girl” was a title I wore and a condition that withered me from the inside out. Ever since, it has been a long road of counseling, tests of faith, learning to trust, and learning to love myself. I have started a positive change physically, but it also runs deep emotionally. Today I believe I am worthwhile… I have REAL purpose and value. I have REAL joy and hope for the future. I’m ready to enjoy life more fully. I want to be here for my kids for many many years to come. I want to grow old with my sweetie. I want to live… and so I am here to hold myself accountable and share my journey with anyone who would like to share in it. :)
Hopeful Jenny
