Punchy, isn’t it? Oh those magazine people and their catchy phrasing.

This is the “I Did It!” feature in the May, 2013, Health magazine and, yeah, that’s moi. I talked to several editors during the creation of this piece and each told me they were inspired mostly by this monthly section of their magazine. Me, too.

I’m excited and honored to be included (especially in the same issue as Jewel!) When I started on my journey towards my ideal weight, I’d tear pictures out of magazines of what I was striving for as a visual end goal. I’d hang them in my closet. I wouldn’t pick skinny model shots, but well-toned athletic bodies that looked healthy. That’s the way I saw myself in the world. I wanted to be healthy all over, not just a particular size or pound marker on the scale.

When Health called back in January and told me they would like me to be in the May issue, I was so honored to be the one on the page. I was also a little freaked out. January is REALLY close to the holidays and I had just come off 4 trips (read–pants feeling snugger than I wanted them.) When I found out I’d need to do a photo shoot in their clothes that only upped the ante. I decided to do what I tell my clients to do: talk to yourself like you’re your own best friend. Celebrate your success, don’t obsess on what you perceive might be your failure. Hey–maybe my story could inspire someone at the beginning of their journey and encourage them along the way. This would make my journey even more meaningful. I was all in.

It was very enlightening to watch the whole process of how an article is born in a national magazine. I’ve freelanced articles in the past, but once I submit and invoice it, I never see it again until it shows up in the stands. This was wholly different. I was interviewed quite extensively, we had fact checks, work out clothes to pick from Fed Exed to my door (I got to keep the ones they picked in this photo–thank you, New Balance), make-up and hair on photo shoot day with Urban Retreat esthetician Jen and local photographer, Katina Matheson (thank you, Jen and Katina). It was quite a process.

I couldn’t help seeing the similarities to the weight loss process itself. There are many parts involved and the jury is out on what really works. It’s been a bad year for obesity studies that way. Everybody has an answer and a promise. When you’re at your highest weight ever, you can’t take another failed promise. Sometimes it feels easier to not even try.

Been there.

But I got this gift called Take Shape for Life. It’s the way that worked for me and so many of my clients (over 60 and 2,700 pounds worth.)  I’m grateful for that. And I’m so thankful now that I have the confidence to stand up, pose for a national magazine (without hiding behind someone else in a picture) say, “I Did It!” and leave it at that.