Overwhelmed with blessings.

Good afternoon Kelli!

 

This is Becca, Program Manager of the 90-Day Challenge from Life Time corporate offices.  I had contacted you previously about using your success story for our Flourish e-newsletter, and today I’m writing today to let you know you have been selected as a candidate for the upcoming 90-Day Challenge photo shoot!  We’ve chosen a small handful of members from the previous challenge to come to the corporate offices to take part in the Spring 2015 90-Day Challenge campaign’s photo shoot.  The exact dates are not yet set in stone, but it most likely will be the first week in October.  Would this be something you are interested in?  Ideally we would have your final decision by end of week so that we can plan accordingly.

 

Congrats and thank you!  Hope to hear from you soon.

 

 

I am overwhelmed by all of these extra blessings that have come from this journey.  Being publically noticed was not my motivation for starting- it just seems to be a little cherry on top of how good I feel.  It is so humbling to be an inspiration to other moms/women out there that are normal, hard-working people with more in them than they realize.  I am beyond grateful for all the wonderful supporters and encouragers!  Thank you so much. 


From my trainer post email:

 
Fantastic job. You are officially a sexy model. Who doesn't want to be married to a sexy model - Eric be happy! I will get you some one on one training time to really try to push your results as far as possible. And you will win your class in the Jits tournament it's going to be an exciting month!
Merrick

Sleep.

Ever since this 90 challenge has started, I have struggled to get a good night sleep.  Plus, I have been super hungry and out of energy.  Almost a feeling of being completely burned out.  Taking all of these things into consideration Merrick altered my schedule a bit.  I am eating 4oz of meat, 1 cup of veggies every 2 hrs and before and after workouts I add in 1 piece of fruit and 1/3c of grains.  Before bed I eat 1/4 cup of oatmeal with cinnamon.  I woke up at 7:15am this morning for the first time in about 45 days!  I also made it through all of my workouts/class yesterday without feeling exhausted.  Even after all this training and nutrition coaching it still amazes me how crucial and effective eating habits are.  The fact that I have probably one of the smartest nutritionists makes a big difference as well!  So happy for energy and sleep- FINALLY!

I also have a new goal of adding 3lbs of lean muscle by the end of the month. 

Reflection.

I want to admit that this is the first time I can look in the mirror or try clothes on without one negative thought towards my body and how it looks.  It's been a couple weeks since I have thought, "Does this make me look fat?!" or " I don't feel comfortable in my own skin."  I can honestly say that I have never felt that way about myself- ever.  Even before kids I have always struggled with the lie that I didn't look good enough.  I don't doubt that becoming healthier and stronger has played huge roles in my mindset but I think it is more about what kind of eyes I am viewing myself with.  The mixed martial arts that I practice has challenged me so much and not just physically.  It has been a sort of re-building so to speak.  And like I stated before, during these challenges I try to make an all-encompassing lifestyle overhaul. 
My time with the Lord and my time in the gym with people who uplift me, challenge me, encourage me, push me and break through all of my many walls has really had a life-changing effect in my life.  I am consistently vulnerable.  I cry many tears both at home in my private time and publically.  Through frustration and obstacles I am finding out how to search for strength- not in myself- but in the One who created me.  And in those times of searching I am found, with love and open arms.  And every time I am loved through my weakness I am built up on a steady foundation. 
My body is not perfect.  I have stretch marks and scars.  I struggle to build any kind of muscle.  I am usually the last and slowest one in class still, but I am finally not placing my worth in any of those things any longer.  I am always tired but I continue to push through- whether it's out of habit and/or knowing that if I don't continue I will go back to the girl I once was before this journey began- it's probably both. 
When you are in the middle of progressing, going back is never an appealing idea.  I also know that if my health ended today my world would not come crashing down b/c my worth is not in that either.  My never-changing, always loving God will always be there with His arms open.  Fitness is just one way He has blessed my life with a way to share His beautiful image and love to this dying world.  Fitness is a witness that shows His strength in my weakness, His grace in my trials and His greatness in my failures.  I am so grateful for this life He has blessed me with.  So grateful for the beauty that surrounds me!

Flourish Article.

http://www.lifetime-weightloss.com/success-stories/2014/8/31/kelli-j-chanhassen-mn.html?fb_action_ids=10152742238347578&fb_action_types=og.comments&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B704304912977852%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.comments%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

My story was published in the Lifetime email/online success stories.