Learn all the facts before you go judging me.
Science Center April 2009
I never showed myself before now, because I was overweight and embarrassed about how I looked.
I was overweight because I ate too much of the wrong foods and I didn't move my body enough.
That was my problem, not to be confused with whatever YOUR problem is; medical, emotional, genetic.... whatever. You would know better than I.
But I worked really hard.
First conquering my addiction to sugar, making sure I ate under 11 grams of sugar each day. This change allowed me to fight cravings for the wrong foods and start making better food choices.
Like plant based foods...... lots of fruits and vegetables.
Than I started walking. Just a little bit at first, going further and further each day. Walking harder in sand dunes that stretched and activated atrophied muscles.
I started to feel better. I didn't crash. I slept more soundly. My moods were more even and my menstrual cycle didn't completely halt my life like it used to, due to less pain.
I looked better, I had better self esteem and I wanted to do even more for myself.
So I started wii fit yoga. Just 20 minutes a day. Still walking, still not eating sugar.....
So I started wii fit yoga. Just 20 minutes a day. Still walking, still not eating sugar.....
The results were immediate.
I got to buy new clothes in a size 10!
I hadn't been a size 10 since after Christian was born in 2000!
So I kept going, I was alone a lot so I had more time to think about me. But the kids encouraged me from the couch as I added strength training and running to my every other day routine.
Where I had back pain and fatigue all the time before, I now had flexibility and stamina!
I could lift heavy things. I could run with my kids.
It was so beautifully healthy and it was happening at the worse time in my life, I had no one to share it with. The person I had always gone to for encouragement and celebration was gone.
So I share my new self respect with you.
I share my new found happiness with clothes and accessories with you.
I am not worthless. I am not stupid, ugly or boring.
I'm just me.
:)
:)
and I can say that I HAD a problem with overeating and a sedentary life before but now I do not.
And I am really proud of that fact.
Much Love & Respect,
Shannon
Good for you! What an inspiration! I love the fact that you own this!!! :) All about you and for you! You look terrific!
ReplyDeleteGood for you. You look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI need to do the same thing, but lack motivation. It's so hard to get going, but I know it needs to be done.
Your story is an inspiration.
Wow! Well done you!! Personally I thought you looked beautiful in the first picture, but you look radiant now! Your self-confidence shines through! Go you!!
ReplyDeletecongratulations Shannon! You are inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to your post. I am in the sedintary, back pain category right now. I am so inpsired by the positive changes you have made. You were always beautiful.....but now your smokin hot lady! Way to go girl!
ReplyDeleteYou look incredible! I am so proud of you! <3 My turn next maybe?
ReplyDeleteSO very very proud of you!
ReplyDeleteThis is very encouraging...I hope to get back into my routine!
You look amazing and beautiful, and very very confident :)
My title to this post was in reference to a previous anonymous comment left claiming I am vain and trying too hard to get attention from men.
ReplyDeleteYep. I own all that too, in addition to being addicted to sugar and liking to sit and make things instead of move, Cowardliness Commenter. So piss off, I have real friends to respond to.
Now you are talking! Who posts nasty anonymous comments? Unbelievable. You look fabulous and you inspire me to get busy and lose these awful pounds I have put on.
DeleteVery funny, YOU trying to get attention from men!! You are Shannon the Invincible, you don't need attention! You are...great! You are a work in progress! You are commitment!! You are trust! You are creativity! You are the model! You are the mother of two super kids! And we all love you.
DeleteSo keep doing it for yourself. And for those who love you. There are lots of us. More every day.
CONGRATS!!!!! you look fantastic!! running and yoga will change your life!! keep it up :)
ReplyDeletewhat's wrong with trying to get attention from men? Women/men do it everyday.
ReplyDeleteanyway you were very pretty before the weight loss but I am so proud of you for loosing weight and sharing about it.
I am sure you are inspiring many, me however, I am doing it for me and my daughter. Down 20 so far :-)
You are amazing! After all you've been through to find so much strength in more ways than one. I really admire you and hope than I can steer myself in a similar course. Thank you for sharing this and showing how easy it can be when you take a little step at a time. It's inspirational!
ReplyDeleteShannon: OMG - You don't have to try (in italics) to get attention from men. You will get it - you are a knockout beauty sweetie! Keep going. I went to fitness bootcamp for a month- got my a** kicked but now I am slacking again.
ReplyDeleteWhy do posters even bother to comment if they are nasty? You would think they know anonymous comments can be traced with a little investigation. I just don't get that people do that on an artist's blog. I mean really???
YOU look amazing! Be proud ~~T
ReplyDeleteJeez, you're gorgeous, Shannon. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I am doing my first 10K in eight weeks. Go, me!
I'm so proud of you!!
Congratulations!!! You look wonderful!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look awesome! Your beauty shines through. Good for you for your healthy new body and attitutude. I love you in your new earrings!!
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely gorgeous. How inspiring! And that you're doing so well physically right now has to be extremely helpful with all you're going through emotionally. Don't worry about the haters. You're Shannon 2.0 now, and you deserve all the confidence and compliments you've earned!
ReplyDeleteCongrats you look great!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! You should be so proud of yourself, we are! What an inspiration, I could use your help to get me to where I want to be. You look wonderful. Keep up the great work! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYay Shannon! How great that you've chosen such a healthy life~~AND you are so wonderful to encourage others. Your example and testimony to the benefits you've found will help others who are in your old shoes!
ReplyDeleteWow Shannon, That is inspiring. I have had a little issue with stress eating and I need to do all of the above. Thanks for sharing. Cherrie
ReplyDeleteYou are....simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you! Way to go! I went through a transformation myself, in the last year and a half I have gone from a size 12 to a size 6 by eating healthier and making sure I exercise almost every day (especially jogging! I LOVE to jog, I had no idea until I forced myself). I feel so much better about myself and about life, it's wonderful! So you focus, missy, on how amazing you are NOW. That is what matters, how you have worked and earned the right to look as amazing as you do. Be proud! I know I am proud of you and am cheering loudly from here!
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful and better yet, it sounds like you feel fantastic! I can second your discovery that sugar is a drug -- the more you have, the more you want, but once you cut it out your cravings disappear and the scale goes down, down, down.
ReplyDeleteShannon, You look smashing! You go girl!!!!
ReplyDeleteTherese
You're beautiful inside and out and have a right to feel proud! Sorry someone had to go and piss on that! I'm trying too, down 30 lbs since Sept.
ReplyDeleteA-ma-zing! You look beautiful and strong! You're an inspiration to me and I'm sure to others, to get off our butts and get moving, get stronger. We never know what life is going to throw at us, but I want to be lean and strong like you so I can be ready. Good timing. Your kids are lucky to have your example.
ReplyDeleteAhh Shannon - a beautiful Phoenix rising . . . .
ReplyDeleteYOU are amazing! Keep posting here so your friends can share in your transformation. Keep the good vibes going!
ReplyDeleteCan I just say that I love those hoop earrings on you - gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou look wonderful...and you are a great inspiration.
ReplyDeleteJenni
you look great!!
ReplyDeleteYay you! You look fabulous and you're an inspiration. What's best is that you feel better on the inside, that's priceless!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. One hundred million times. For everything.
ReplyDeleteI only just started following your blog...
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say congrats! You look great!!!! There is nothing wrong with attention from the opposite sex, and it sounds like the annonymous poster has self esteem issues of their own. :)
Congratulations on finding yourself and changing your life. You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. I am working on eating better and moving more. You looks so wonderful and clear in that last picture. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteYou were and are gorgeous! I tend to fall in the sugar-eating, couch sitting category myself, although have been working to get out of that mentality, and have made some progress. Thanks for the inspiration to keep at it!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing!
ReplyDeleteHey Beautiful YOU!!! What a wonderful, honest and inspiring post - you look and are amazing! Much love Pippa x
ReplyDeleteShannon you look wonderful! Your story is an inspiration!!! Your story makes me want to get back into exercising again (started last August but stopped in October). Need to do this for health reasons and you sure show that if you stick with it and can be done! Thanks for sharing you gorgeous woman!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are feeling good! And yes, you have to do it for yourself--you made the daily choice and followed through and now you're reaping the benefits! You're a living instruction manual for America! Sugar is indeed a killer, hard on your body in so many ways, and it seems counterintuitive, but exercise--REAL exercise like you're doing--really combats fatigue. You just have to get over the hump of the first month or so when you're really deconditioned. Meaningful exercise really does improve sleep dramatically, and in my experience, it helps back pain immensely too. I never had back pain before I started making jewelry! That prolonged, static positioning is hard on your body. I'm so glad to hear (and not surprised really) that you are taking care of yourself in all the important ways, and that you are giving yourself permission to let your femininity shine. And honey, you're going to get attention no matter what because you're beautiful and intriguing! Adorning yourself and enhancing your natural beauty is a sign of caring about yourself, and I'm so glad you do. We do too!
ReplyDeleteYou look wonderful. Congratulations. I know that it's difficult to make these changes so kudos to you for doing so. I'm still that couch potato! What a great inspiration you are for your kids, too.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You did it! and you look fabulous! Regardless of your change in size, it's wonderful that you are getting fit, feeling better, and liking yourself more. But, you were always beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous and you are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing this...I mean it!
ReplyDeleteoh, you sweet, sweet woman. i am actually going through this same process right now. i've lost 45 pounds so far. i'm still overweight, still in pain all the time. this gives me hope that there is a light. you are gorgeous. believe it, sister. don't let anyone, especially *him*, make you think that you are less. i revel in your joy of this new found you. you are special, lovable, worthy of forever, rich beyond measure. let these ashes bring forth the morning song, the beauty of a new life waiting for you. i wish you love and acceptance. you are worthy.
ReplyDeleteMiss Shannon you are a very vibrant, beautiful, inspiring woman. You have a terrific blog and are an amazing artist. Your bead soup for your partner was over the top beautiful too!
ReplyDeleteLook at beautiful YOU... feel proud xxxx
ReplyDeletewow Shannon!!! that is incredible! you did an amazing job and i KNOW you worked very hard at it. i had the same experience after my first baby was born and i achieved. now i am fat again (after 2nd baby) and i have yet found the will to start working. i really hate how i feel now ... UGH!! But You ROCK!!
ReplyDeleteok ... i am SO happy that you added me to your favourite. i have heard so much about you from other jewelry artists and i love your patinas! one of these days i'm going to get some from you :)
xoxoxo
Luthien :)
p/s keep up the great work on the bod! i shall come here when i need INSPIRATION!!!
You look fantastic but more importantly FEEL fantastic!!! Congrats that is a big hurdle ( for me as well I am in the thick of it trying to turn myself around) CONGRATS!!!
ReplyDeleteKudo's Shannon, you look bootieful! I'm a health and fitness educator and when people can do this all own their own like you did. Well Hell, pat yourself on the back and the butt!
ReplyDeleteWhen people make comments like that, just remember, it's never about you. It's about their own insecurities.
Wowee wowee WOWEE! I am so inspired. I recently started making some changes in my own life- taking control of my health and it is making a difference little by little. When you say "sugar" do you mean "carbs"?
ReplyDeleteYou look fan-freaking-tastic! And it is so great that you have given yourself the gift of self-care.
Congratulations! I've fought eating disorders in my younger life and now am stuck at a bad weight because of a number of things, but I'm healthy. I applaud your stick-to-it-iveness. And I hope seeing your beads on the cover of the book gives you an extra git in your gitalong! ;-)
ReplyDeleteWay to go! You are an encouragement to all of us!
ReplyDeleteOMG. You are so beautiful. Congratulations on doing the work. I really admire you for that -- especially since I need to do it, too, and haven't yet managed it. So congratulations! And what an awesome role model you're being for the kids. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI love your honesty .. its a beautiful gift. Many times we loose ourselves in relationships, forget who we are, and then the relationship ends and we are left alone and fearful. I'm happy that you are finding yourself, no one should ever give their identity away, not for love, especially.
ReplyDeleteEVERY reason to be proud!! You look really great, and even more importantly, feel stronger. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous and YOU are fabulous! What a wonderful accomplishment and you should be so proud of yourself for getting to the place you want to be. You are so beautiful! Always remember that and tell yourself that often.
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing! And more importantly, it sounds like you feel amazing because of the changes you've made to your life in this way. I'm inspired!
ReplyDeleteBless your heart! You are beautiful as you were beautiful before, too...the best thing about being in shape is feeling good and being able to do more things with your kids and enjoying life. Stay strong...
ReplyDeleteROCK ON, lady!
ReplyDeleteGood for you and all your hard work, you look beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your success. You put in the hard work and you so deserve to own the success. You look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWow!! I did not know that story! Vanity has nothing to do with it! It's about having conquered the beast! I understand completely. Transformed myself 2004 -06..... it was a hard fought, self-control battling, intense couple of years. I know what it's like to earn what you earned. Vanity... WHATEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's finally feeling like you can quit hiding from the world! Unfortunately my world turned upside down in 2006, and it all went downhill. I'm now fighting the fight all over again... and YOU give me inspiration. And you don't need to explain yourself to anyone, Ladeeee! :) You're gorgeous inside and out!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look fantastic and what an inspiration you are for others! You certainly made me want to get up from my computer and head out for a stroll, which I need to do, badly.
ReplyDeleteI love the jewelry you've been creating lately!
Blessings to you and your family
You look fantastic and you're a wonderful inspiration for others! You certainly made me want to get up from my computer and head out the door for a stroll :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the jewelry you've been creating lately!
Blessings to you and your family
Bravo, You! Keep moving and hug those kids for keeping you going!
ReplyDeleteAnn
Congratulations! You obviously worked hard because you got fantastic results. The way you look is now something that makes you happy but the way you think and feel will give you the strength to keep going. I can't wait to see what you achieve next!
ReplyDeleteBLogger is being so weird... won't let me comment so I am replying..
DeleteYou look fantastic! Neener neener neener!
Hey Girl, you are accomplished and just beautiful and what a gorgeous family. You bloomed out of the ashes. Here is to a beautiful life ahead for you. Linda B.
ReplyDeleteI told you a long time ago.... even when all I knew was a very pretty blue eye.... that you were beautiful!!! I knew it!! I knew it!!! lol! Thanks for the inspirational story. It just motivated me to get off my butt and stop stalling since I need to get on my elliptical. I've been on the up and down weight journey my entire life! Going to weight watchers with my daughter-in-law. I have 9 more pounds until I reach my goal!
ReplyDeleteMaryAnn
Awesomeness! You rock! : )
ReplyDeleteWow how inspiring! And Girl you look FANTABULOUS!!!! I have started making changes myself to try and get back to the way I was. I have gained 45lbs since I stopped smoking 6 months ago :/ Thanks so much for being honest and real. Peace and <3
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your positive energy on this blog post,I have been moved by each comment left.
ReplyDeleteShannon