As we all know, in July we celebrate Independence Day.  For many of us that means fireworks, family, and food.  But for Lisa, July 4^th, 2013 was a celebration of an independence day, unlike none other, because it marks the 1 year anniversary of the day she joined the Skinny Gene Project and chose to finally get her independence from food and start living her life. And now, she wants to pay it forward.

 

GAINING MY INDEPENDENCE

 

By Lisa Bonner

So much has changed in the last year, not only my body, but I have also changed emotionally and spiritually.  One year ago today, July 4, 2012, there were so many things that I never dreamed of doing let alone trying.  My food addiction brought me so far down that I didn’t even realize that I had lost control over everything good in my life.  You might think to yourself that my problem is different than yours or someone that you know, but if you use food to make yourself feel better or manage your emotions, this is you.  I was looking on the computer and ran across the Skinny Gene website.  Somewhere down in my soul, I heard a voice urging me to reach out for help, but I didn’t really think anyone would contact me.  But Marlayna Bollinger took that first step and did reach out to me.  During our conversation I found encouragement, compassion, and I began to believe that maybe I could change.   Nancy Juarez, whom I will call my Life-i-tician, contacted me and the challenge began.

Even though Nancy assured me that she would help me learn how to be a healthier person I was very skeptical that I could change.  It was much more comfortable just keeping my life the way that it had been.   Nancy told me that it would not always be easy, and sometimes it hasn’t been, but I can honestly tell you that with the Skinny Gene program I have never been hungry.  That was one of my biggest fears, that and admitting that I had a problem with food.  There were weeks that I broke down and ate things that I shouldn’t have, but Nancy and my Skinny Gene Family were always supportive and got me back on track.

 

 1 YEAR LATER

So, here I am today, 1 year later, 87 pounds lighter and feeling so good about myself.

 

The weight was just a way to hide myself away from the feelings that I did not want to deal with.  I have gained the energy to play with my kids, sometimes even beat them in a bike race, jogged/walked in a 5K benefit race, go to Zumba class, and just 2 weeks ago started riding a bike at least 2 miles a day.  But most importantly, I am in control of what I eat!  There are occassions that I choose to eat pizza, or sweets, but the difference now is that I am making a conscious choice to do so.  Nancy has given me the tools that I need to control my life.  One of the most blessed parts of my journey is that I have joined my life again.  Before I was so tired when I came home from work, I didn’t really participate in life to the fullest; it was just passing me by.

I am excited to say that I went on a mission’s trip for a week with our church to Wilmer, Alabama.  While we were there, guess where my job duties were. You are right, I was asked to work in the kitchen.   But despite the many temptations, and the fact that I wasn’t in control of the food choices,  I managed  to only gain 3 pounds back.

I would never have gone if I had not changed my life, because obesity is not only about fat you are carrying, but a bigger burden is the shame that weighs you down.

 

PAYING IT FORWARD

I will forever celebrate Independence Day as my own personal independence, because now I am free!  I can accomplish anything that I set out to do.  The only limits I have are the ones I set for myself.  I plan on continuing to ride, walk, swim, and serve others until God reveals other plans for me.  He led me to Skinny Gene, Marlayna, and Nancy.  Granted if you decide to take the path I have gone down, it will not be easy, you will have to work at it, but I promise you will never be alone.  You will have God( if you choose) and 3 guardian angels, Marlayna, Nancy , and myself( if you would like to talk to me).  I believe in paying it forward and would be so humbled to provide inspiration, friendship or whatever to someone that needs encouragement.

If you are someone that has their life under control, but has the monetary means to help someone else, I am pleading with you to do so.  You have the ability to literally save someone elses life.  If I had not found the Skinny Gene Project, I would never have been motivated to change my life.  I have not finished my journey. I still have some pounds to go, but I know that I will make it, because I believe in myself.  My Skinny Gene Family will continue to be part of my life even after I reach my goal. Hopefully I can have some part in helping someone else.  My family has also been a very important part of my journey.  If I had not had the support of my Mama, husband and wonderful children, it would have been much more difficult.  But they have also reaped the rewards of my efforts, because they exercise more, eat better, and enjoy a much happier home life.

I have many dreams for the future, and things I want to accomplish, and have no doubt that I can.   Find someone or something that inspires you and never give up.  I found inspiration in the words to a song by Miley Cyrus.  Somehow I just connected to the song and I would like to share some of the words with you, because it continues to keep me focused…..

The struggles I am facing 

The chances I am taking

Sometimes might knock me down but

No I ‘m not breaking

I may not know it but

These are the moments that

I’m gonna remember most

Just gotta keep going

And I gotta be strong

Just keep pushing on

There’s always gonna be another mountain

I am always gonna want to make it move

Always gonna be a uphill battle

Sometimes I am going to have to lose

Aint about how fast I get there

Aint about what’s waiting on the other side

It’s The Climb

Thanks again Marlayna, Nancy, and the Skinny Gene Family for all your love and support.  Thanks for making The Climb with me.

 

MY GOAL

My next goal is to participate in a timed 5K, and that is what I am working towards.  I am hoping to participate in the 5K  portion of the San Diego Half Marathon & 5k on March 9, 2014.  This race gives 100% of its net proceeds to chosen charities. The Skinny Gene Project is one of these charities, so I am hoping to be there myself, running beside them.  That is my most important goal for the next year, to know that I am capable of finishing something that big.

My cup runneth over!

…….

We, the Skinny Gene Family, are so incredibly proud of what Lisa has achieved.  Her hard work and determination are an inspiration to us all!  Please join us in congratulating Lisa  by leaving her an encouraging comment below.

Lisa’s Skinny Gene program is made possible by health-minded people like YOU!  Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to continue supporting Lisa’s program, as well as other very deserving members of our community who need our help “gaining their independence” and living a healthier life.

Disclaimer: The weight loss testimonial presented is applicable to the individual depicted and are not a guarantee of your weight loss nor are they typical.