Yesterday was my initial weigh-in for the GFN (Go Fitness Niagara) 6-week challenge. The goal is to lose 20lbs during the challenge to kickstart a healthier lifestyle. I was super nervous on the way there and even more so as I approached the scale. I was intrigued to know how much I actually weighed because I hadn’t stepped on a scale in a very long time and really didn’t know what to expect. As I stepped on the scale I lost all my nerve and closed my eyes and waited for the picture to be taken (they take a before and after shot of the scale reading). I stepped off the scale and headed for the picture area where I would get my ‘before’ picture done.
Now Josh (who is the owner of GFN and runs the challenge) had previously told us to wear tight-fitting clothes so that after we crush the challenge it will be easier to clearly see the difference in our ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures. So I did as I was told and wore a pair of black tights and a black tank top under a black hoodie (you’re sensing a theme emerging here, aren’t you? lol). As I stood against that wall and prepared to shed the hoodie in front of the trainers and other challengers I was terrified, but as soon as the hoodie hit the floor and the camera started clicking I felt surprisingly empowered.
I looked around the room and realized that every other person here for a weigh-in was likely feeling the exact same way. They all had to fight through their nerves to step on that scale and get their picture taken too. I felt united, in a sense, to these men and women whom I had never met before and most I didn’t even have a chance to speak with. One of my favorite quotes is “The first step to getting anywhere is deciding you’re not willing to stay where you are”– Anonymous. We had all made the decision that we were not willing to stay where we were which meant that we all were about to embark on this journey together. Ironically I left the weigh-in feeling 10lbs lighter (who knew worry and stress could you make you feel so heavy) and more determined than ever to crush this challenge and my old way of life!
Shannon Marie 
I’m so glad that you have decided to log your journey Shannon, I think one of the best ways to help people is to know someone who has personally gone through a big ordeal. It is one thing to see the commercials or see it posted all over Facebook how to loose weight or how to be healthier yadda yadda but you cannot relate or communicate with those individual to “ask those stupid questions” or to really” hear the niddy and gritty” on the day to day struggles. I’m mainly just speaking for myself and as you have known me for over 20 years I feel that you and I can relate a lot in life in specific aspects and this one takes the cake by far. I know you have had your moment in life that has made you want to heal and help yourself truly and I wish I was there to embark on this journey with you and support you, I fell I can be there for you through this blog and other ways. I am so proud of you and am here for anything and everything ❤
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