Why I'm starting over

Everyone knows my story from 2013; I dropped 70 lbs and transformed my body into something that wasn't a literal pain in the ass to carry around. I no longer was sapped of energy when walking for long periods of time. I was more flexible. I was happy.

Then, February 2014 hit. After I got back from a trip in South Carolina, I felt myself slipping into a dark fog. Employment was part time. I was having a hard time making ends meet. During my "underemployment" phase, I found myself staying in bed a lot, just upset that the world seemingly turned against me all of a sudden. I turned back to old friends, fried foods, for comfort. I stopped working out for a bit.

Lost someone that was a supposed "friend" in April... but, looking back, my initial instincts about that person proved correct. Such is life. I took a break from social media to collect myself. I went to see a counselor and I was diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD for short... or, in layman's terms, seasonal depression.)

In May, I was slowly starting to find myself again. I started working out again. Work started to pick up for me. I went to Charlotte for a fun weekend of NASCAR.

In August and September, I started experiencing anxiety attacks out of nowhere, for what seemed like no reason. I went to the doctor and was put on some very strong anxiety meds... meds that sapped my energy and made me emotionless. I eventually kicked them.

In January 2015, I started my own business and went at it full-time. I was making great money, but I started neglecting my workouts. Next thing you know, I was gaining weight and I didn't give a flip. I was making money and thought I was happy.

One year later (Jan 2016), I went on a "no meat fast" aka the Daniel Fast and lost 10 lbs just like that. But, I started eating horribly again and only stopped to breathe. In July 2016, my brother had his wedding. I was his best man. I had to wear white (*shudders*). I looked like Chris Farley in his heyday (nothing against Chris Farley, but, there was a line in Tommy Boy, Fat guy with a tiny head. That was me.

I still continued to eat horribly.

January 2017, I made a resolution that I had to do whatever it took to do 2 things:

1) Bring in more income
2) Lose all this weight.

In late February of 2017 (last month)... I went for the moment of truth... I stepped on the scale in my home.

It hit me. 388 lbs. I was shocked and saddened how much I had allowed myself to gain. Last weight loss journey in 2013-2014, I went from 340 to 270. After 270, I got complacent.

I tried on certain articles of clothing (shorts and pants) and they didn't fit. That's it, I told myself. It's time to start working out so you can wear these clothes again.

I am following the DDPYoga program to a T (for the most part... I'm updating all the classic workouts to 2.0 in the app.)

So far, I've already dropped a few pounds and lost a few inches... some of those clothes fit again! That's progress!

I'm eating better, too. If I want something that I shouldn't have, I make sure it's 1 helping, and in moderation. I'm truly trying to eat better.

This is only the beginning.

I can do this. I will do this. For myself. For my health. For my future.

A new day...

It's a new day. A new chapter. A new beginning.

This wasn't like the old blog. This will be more brutal, honest, and in-your-face. Yes, there will be plenty of positive and uplifting posts. But, there will be more honesty and staying "down-to-earth."

Stay tuned...