I was raised in a small southern town in GA by my parents. I was raised by my Grandparents (my mom's parents). My Mom had 6 of us, and it was pretty crowded. I didn't live with my mom due to unforeseen circumstances, but I did get to see my mom and siblings very frequently. My mom played a role that was more like my sister. So, every time I did something wrong, Mom would tell Grandma about it, and Grandma would punish me. I learned real quick what I should keep to myself.
I enjoyed living with my grandparents, mostly because I had my room and quiet time. I am an introvert, so being by myself was fine with me. My grandparents taught me a lot, and I was raised on that strict, old-fashioned Southern
discipline where you are so respectful of your parents that you are downright scared to make a wrong move. I wouldn't dare raise my voice or have an attitude. Back then, you did what you were told.
We moved around several times until we landed in NC, where my life truly began. I was a teen by then, young and so ready to grow up and be on my own. Man, was I stupid. Looking back on those days, I had it easy. Just some chores and school—the simplest life ever!
At 17, I met my husband. His brother lived across the street from us and was visiting. It was lucky for me! I'll never forget the first time we met. He rode his bike to the cul-de-sac, where I just so happened to be checking my mail. He straddled his bike with his arms folded over the handlebars and said, "Hey, Girl, what's your name?" I replied embarrassedly, "Becky," and quickly walked down my walkway back into the house before Granddaddy noticed.
I laugh at the thought. Keep in mind... I'm an introvert. (or at least I was back then)
Flash Forward. We are married and have two beautiful children, four dogs, and a parrot. I want to say... and they all lived Happily ever after, But that's only in fairy tales. Are we Happy? Heck yea! We live a Blessed Life. But it doesn't come easy. We have good days and bad days, just like anyone else. Throughout our lives, we've had many trials and tribulations that we have overcome, from struggles with fertility, broken relationships, marriage issues, and children with behavior issues to things as minor as time management. We got through all of it and are stronger from it. I can honestly say I wouldn't change a thing. Everything we have been through has made us the people we are today.
I believe God allows us to endure heartache and pain because
1. he wants us to reach out to him for help 2. once he gets us through it he can use what we went through to help someone else.
How can we help others or relate to them if we genuinely have no clue how it feels to be in their shoes?
If you are going through something right now, remember that God can bring good out of it if you trust Him.
With all the daily struggles and the occasional heartbreaks or setbacks, I found comfort in becoming a better version of myself. That means I started exercising. When I first started on my fitness journey, it was because I felt ugly and incapable of being a desirable woman. So, I wasn't doing it for myself. As time went by, I started feeling more confident and had the added benefits of better health and energy.
Then, I added Personal development. This was a game-changer. I was looking and feeling better, and my mindset had changed. I was no longer doing this for someone else; I was doing this for me.
To me, fitting a healthy lifestyle into my busy schedule is crucial.
The Benefits are worth the sacrifice of 30 minutes to an hour a day of personal development and exercise. We have 24 hours in a day, and our health is worth 1 hour a day.
My Journey through life hurdles has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to help others do the same. God allowed me to go through it to help You!
If you are still reading this... You are meant to be here.
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