Inspiration: Weight Loss

I saw this picture months ago, and I was inspired to get my life together.

Marsha Ambrosius looks absolutely beautiful!  I want lie, I was a little jealous, but it was just what I needed to see to remind me that I too can lose weight, tone up, and be confident in my physical appearance.  

Back story: So, from my first post you know that I have struggled with my weight.  Since starting law school 2.5 years ago I have gained a few pounds and I am anxious to get back in shape.  I have lost over 10 lbs thus far, but I have about 15 more to go.  I have been lacking motivation for a while, but "I got back on the wagon" today with a great workout.  I know that I will never be stick thin (not in the family genes), but I want to healthy, heart disease-free, and comfortable in my clothes.

So what's up with the name?

HeyBrownGirl has real meaning for me.  For the majority of my life I have struggled with weight issues that have left me with very low self esteem.  After losing over 70 lbs a few years ago I thought my confidence would sky rocket, but I still felt life "the big girl" and had a hard time dealing with all of the new found interest in me from men.  Quite honestly it made me uncomfortable.  I was leaving campus one day when a sisterfriend of mine yelled out, "Hey brown girl hold your head up!"  She asked me what was wrong and I just made up some excuse, but for the first time I realized that other people could see me, see my hurt and pain (I hope that makes sense).  From that moment on I decided to start loving myself and carrying myself in a manner that honored all that God made me to be.  So HeyBrownGirl is my rebirth into self acceptance and self love.  I am still a work in progress, but I thank God that I am not where I use to be.