tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65676050745578069962024-03-13T21:09:55.568-07:00New Figure ForwardEmpowering, Inspirational, and Honest. I focus on body positive self care. I struggled with self image and weight. I snapped out of my self hate spiral and started to care for my body. I hope to inspire other to do the same!New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-71454407200556359782019-07-31T15:46:00.000-07:002019-09-27T12:04:57.538-07:00Be Stronger A Little Longer<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3gOxyoxspY/XUIZrBvuOZI/AAAAAAAAdyA/DNw2-OfvC4I7YAoM9FvcGKnzjQpL9WGiQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot_20190731-154230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1080" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3gOxyoxspY/XUIZrBvuOZI/AAAAAAAAdyA/DNw2-OfvC4I7YAoM9FvcGKnzjQpL9WGiQCEwYBhgL/s320/Screenshot_20190731-154230.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I ignored persistent back pain, brushing it off as something that would go away, for well over a year. I mentioned my pain here and there in Instagram captions, talking about strengthening my spine and working through pain. At one point I even bought an inversion table and then later a yoga wheel, desperately seeking relief. Recently I have found my spinal mobility lessening and chronic pain, soreness, and stiffness my new normal. My quality of life was diminishing and so, hands in the air begging for mercy, I finally called my doctor. </span></span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p2" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm in the middle of figuring out what is wrong with my body. My doctor has unleashed the test administrators and it's my job to be the diligent student. I am checking off tests as quickly as I am able. I do not have a diagnoses yet, though I have been validated that something is wrong. This is both a relief and a source of stress. </span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p2" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My body is betraying me again. I already spent 16 months of my life healing from life changing obstacles. I have already walked this road. I thought I was done. Last year was hard, really f*#$ing hard and, somehow, I managed to emerge the best version of myself to date. Can we just leave it at that? Do I really have to prove I'm indestructible again?! </span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p2" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have overcome a great deal in the past few years. 2017 saw the end of the war with my body, the overcoming bulimia and disordered eating. In 2018 I took on hearing loss, the end of my training for the fire department, and persistent suicidal thoughts. 2019 was supposed to be the year I picked myself up and road off into the sunset of victory and personal growth. That is, however, not how the universe saw this playing out… apparently my journey to a new self isn't over yet. </span></span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;">
</span><span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span></span>
<br />
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p2" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have to be stronger a little longer. I have to make peace with these curve balls life likes to chuck at me, often apparently. My emotions are all over the place and while waiting for answers I have to live life. It took me several days to come up with how I am going to process this new chapter. I insist on finding the positive in every situation, it's the only way I know how to stay sane. It may take me some time to figure the bright side out but I always get there. Today I had my positive breakthroughs.</span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p2" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My Positives: </span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1. I appreciate the universe allowing me to overcome one obstacle at a time. If I had been slammed with too much, after my struggles with depression, I don't think I would be standing today. </span></span></div>
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p2" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2. I have become very in-tune with myself and my body over the past year. This is a powerful ability. To be able to hear my body and understand (to a certain extent) what it needs puts me several steps ahead. </span></span></div>
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p2" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3. I turned to yoga as a form of self-care and now, when I need it more than ever, I do not have to start from scratch. I have a yoga practice that is part of my daily routine. Some adjustments to encourage spinal health are easy tweaks. </span></span></div>
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p2" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">4. Thankfully I am no longer at war with my body and,<span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>while I have to physically slow down (hopefully just temporarily), I am not fighting diet culture demons screaming in my head. I can slow down and be at peace. (This might be the greatest positive of them all!)</span></span></div>
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p2" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While I take more tests and doctors figure out what is going on with me, I do it at peace. What is to be will be and I will continue to do my very best to live my best life. I needed a couple of days off social media while I let the roller coaster of emotions do what it does and now I am clear headed and able to continue on. I acknowledged I needed a break and gave myself one! (HUGE victory!!) I'll update when I have answers and in the meantime it will be back to business as usual, just a little slower and a bit more grumbling about being in pain. </span></span><br />
<span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">**Update September 25th, 2019**</span></span><br />
<span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have completed all the tests I need in order to obtain a diagnoses; four MRI's, nerve and brain testing, and a spinal tap. </span></span><span class="m_7718825045191815665gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I could potentially be waiting until early November for answers. All we know is I have white patches on my brain resulting in my brain sending destructive signals to my nerves. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have been given medication that is controlling my pain and gifted me much of my daily life back. I still have struggles and I take them on one day at a time. I will be keeping everyone updated when answers come in, no more secrets. </span></div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-58397653339470438312019-04-25T17:25:00.001-07:002019-04-26T09:53:11.986-07:00The Power of Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iy-ba8iuCNk/XMI_RIapeEI/AAAAAAAAYGU/lwiCmoJHvEgxVFgm44M-EsX34x01SFy8gCLcBGAs/s1600/Music%2BBlog%2BBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1437" height="381" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iy-ba8iuCNk/XMI_RIapeEI/AAAAAAAAYGU/lwiCmoJHvEgxVFgm44M-EsX34x01SFy8gCLcBGAs/s640/Music%2BBlog%2BBanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am a suicide survivor (<a href="https://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2019/01/surviving-my-suicidal-thoughts.html" target="_blank">click here</a>) and I have a story of hope and magic for anyone who needs it.<br />
<br />
I have always been a person that believes in signs and the magic of the universe. Especially in my darkest hour, signs, whatever they maybe, would create teeny tiny sparks of hope. When I needed a giant sign last year, I discovered a song while on a random YouTube clicking spree. Little did I know just how much impact this song would have on my life. This song started out as my life saving anthem and became so much more!<br />
<br />
Take a listen:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le-3MIBxQTw&list=RDEMUDAZt3vQNHC9nAHt0tzUkA&index=3" target="_blank">Alabama Shakes-Hold on</a><br />
(I cannot begin to describe how incredibly refreshing Brittany Howard is for so many reasons! )<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Le-3MIBxQTw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Le-3MIBxQTw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />
Or read the lyrics: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS706US711&ei=OAe1XIz-DY260PEPvcibqA8&q=alabama+shakes+hold+on+lyrics&oq=alabamahold+on+lyrics&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i7i30l3j0i8i7i30l3j0i7i30l3.7481.8960..11229...0.0..0.163.734.4j3......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i304i39j0i13j0i8i13i30.6N3SX_5giUg" target="_blank">Hold On Lyrics</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I listened to this song on repeat from the first moment I heard it. It spoke to my soul. No, it was bigger than that...this song <i>shook</i> my soul. I found a gigantic spark of hope from the song <i>Hold On</i>, my sign from the universe, and I played it ALL THE TIME while putting up the greatest fight of my life. Sometimes <i>Hold On</i> would make me cry a detoxing soul purifying cry, and other times it would send a serge of soul shaking power right to my core. Whichever way my soul heard this song in the moment, when it played it helped me heal. I held on and I am still here! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Why am I telling you this? 2019 came with an opportunity I could not pass up - a sponsored trip to Israel. Many times while on the trip I reflected on where I was a year ago, drowning in depression and planning to end my life. To then find myself in Israel a year to date later... nothing short of mind blowing. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That would have been enough, only the universe had one more magic trick up its sleeve. While in Israel, in a small sandwich shop surrounded by beautiful desert I heard my song!!! I heard <i>Hold On</i>!! It sent my brain, heart, and soul into overdrive. I couldn't believe I was hearing <i>Hold On </i>on the other side of the world! After all, I had never even heard the song on the radio back home in Las Vegas! I felt weirdly alone and empowered by love all at the same time. No one in that coffee shop knew what was happening inside my head but I knew the universe could hear my screams of delight and shock. The moment inspired me to share my story with friends I had made on the trip. I've learned to share my journey because you never know who is listening and may need the hope. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I struggle to put into words how insane that moment was for me. I was reminded that someone/something is aware of our individual journeys and takes an active interest in reminding us that we are not alone and to <b>hold on</b>. Call this entity what you will, I believe someone/something bigger than me wants to see me stay. Maybe, if you are reading this story, <b>this is your sign</b>. Always be open to seeing the signs! That is where the magic of our world lies! </div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-25528410253938191682019-01-26T20:01:00.000-08:002019-02-12T11:34:00.300-08:00Surviving My Suicidal Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOsNHvWqH8o/XGIqkQDlO1I/AAAAAAAATc4/olGSWl1u4t8LmEhyLok5LRDBAMMh62vegCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20190211-171324_Pic%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1423" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOsNHvWqH8o/XGIqkQDlO1I/AAAAAAAATc4/olGSWl1u4t8LmEhyLok5LRDBAMMh62vegCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot_20190211-171324_Pic%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Every time I hear of an adult suicide I get very, very scared. It hits close to home. I'm afraid that their story could have been about me. I want to write about this subject yet I have sat on this blog for weeks, constantly questioning if I am doing the right thing by admitting suicidal thoughts. Carrie Fisher once said, "My liabilities are my assets. If you declare something it has less power over you, far less. Say your weak things in a strong voice." Carrie inspires me to grab my mental illness by its balls and show it who's boss. So here goes *In my strong voice* <b>Hi, my name is Alyson, I am 36 years old, I have anxiety and depression, and I experience suicidal thoughts. </b></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Often we find our sense of hope from strength in others journeys, identifying with the struggle, inspired by the vulnerability and ability to overcome. I am nervous about sharing this dark corner of my closet because there is an unspoken taboo regarding depression and suicide. However, I realize that I HAVE to share my struggle because our society needs help in breaking down the shame of mental illness. People need survival stories, they need to know they are not alone. </span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I can remember having suicidal thoughts as far back as elementary school. I remember being taught that suicide is the ultimate sin and that my soul would burn in hell for all eternity. Suicidal thoughts were sent from the devil, he wanted my soul. That's powerful stuff to a kid - I was terrified of 'burning in hell'. As I grew older though, the devil felt more like a fairytale villain and I needed something else to help me feel strong against the thoughts. </span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">My teenage years were volatile and lead to my first experience with planning my own emergency exit. I survived by pure stubborn 'I am not proving any of you douche bags right' mentality. I used to repeat to myself "the greatest revenge is success" and I found strength in my unknown future. Eventually, as a young adult, I accepted suicidal thoughts as part of my being. Always telling myself "here we go again" and succumbing to the roller coaster of the internal struggle and the external chaos. <b>Depression and anxiety, when left to their own devises, are evil life hating forces. </b>Forces that spread to the people around me; my behaviors effected the people I loved in ways I wish I could take back. </span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">In my 36 years there have been three times my life was in serious jeopardy. Depression and suicidal thoughts beat me down more than the usual expected torture, making me feel like the only way to obtain relief was to end my own life. Three times I had a plan. Three times I stood in front of the emergency exit door, ready to push it open. <b>I AM STILL HERE</b> so that means there were three times I didn't follow through. Three times something inside of me refused to give in. </span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">The most recent of these time was in January 2018. I got very sick and ended up losing partial hearing in my left ear. Going partially deaf meant I wasn't going to become a firefighter. I was broken and that ended my dream. A dream I had never worked so hard in my life for, it was just...gone. Depression is the ultimate opportunist and my complete loss of purpose made me an easy target. <b>Of course depression doesn't want its victim right away, no, depression likes to play with its food first.</b> Depression gave me a mask to cover the internal hostel take over. I wore this mask every day, playing the role of "ok".</span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br />I'm a wife and a mom. I have a life. I have others that count on me. I am supposed to be an adult so I dutifully put on my mask and went through the motions of life. Numb. Everyday an internal beat down. It was exhausting. That's what depression wants - to wear the person down. The weak are easy prey. This is when, what I call the dark hallway, appears. It's long and daunting. There are echoes of screams and crying. The ground is covered with broken glass. This hallway isn't meant to be walked through... that why there is the emergency exit door. I faced that hallway again.</span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><b>I AM STILL HERE</b> which means I was successful at beating intense suicidal thoughts for the third time. I emerged victorious after months of constant fear. How did I pull myself out this time? I like to think I have evolved past stubborn mentality or maybe, like the devil story, I need something else. I found my something else in an unusual post I saw online. I saw a video about drunk driving on New Years that said, "Your dog will not understand why you did not came home." That became the thought that drove me to not give up. My dog. The heart breaking feeling of my dog not understanding what happened to me made me sad enough that I couldn't do it. I felt like such a shitty person because it wasn't my family that was my driving thought. In truth, hang on to whatever inspires the will to live! No one is keeping score!</span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I had my motivation to fight yet another battle and I also wanted to be a success story. I had to make myself give a shit about ending this hostile takeover. I made myself heal. This meant MAKING myself do the things I knew would help me. Spin class, yoga, painting and drawing, meditation, oils, crystals, prayer, personal growth projects, and confiding in trusted friends and family. That last one took the most time. Letting go of my shame for my own sake was a large hurdle and, eventually, I jumped it. </span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I have chosen to share my survivor story because we need them. People experiencing the same thoughts need to know they will survive. Depression is lonely and isolating. Depression attacks each victim differently. For some it drains the life out of them, making its hostile takeover known. For others it can make you play the greatest role of your life - being the most convincing happy person you have ever been. Neither of these victims are supposed to ask for help. One feels like the ultimate burden and the other has themself convinced they are surviving, they can make it. Mental health is slowly becoming a socially acceptable topic and it is about time. <b>People's lives depend on our society eliminating the stigmas and giving people a safe space to get help. </b></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I am not here to tell anyone how to manage their depression. There is no linear path to mental freedom from the dark place. Each of us has our own unique body chemistry, experiences, values, and beliefs. What works for one person is not the answer for someone else. The objective to sharing my struggle is to help someone who might be standing at the entry of that hallway of darkness and thinking that this time, maybe the emergency exit door might be easier. <b>You are not your thoughts!</b> You are not worthless or weak! That voice in your head is lying to you! It's important to know you are not alone. Suicidal thoughts plague more of us than we realize because not many people talk about it! We HAVE to talk about the victories over depression and suicide. There are others who fight and win every day. EVERY SINGLE DAY. You are one of those stories, a story of victory. I offer you the hope from my journey, use it as the elbow and knee pads you need to crawl out!</span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I will tell you that it is imperative that you take proactive measures to find what illuminates the dark place for you. <b>Set yourself up for success.</b> Begin a journey of self-awareness. Learn your triggers. Talk to your doctor. How much about depression do you truly understand? Do you have anxiety? Do you understand how the two work together and what you can do to prevent them teaming up? Have you explored exercise and nutrition as ways to manage brain chemistry? How much effort have you honestly put into managing your mental health struggles? </span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I wish I had counted all the light bulb moments I had last year as I learned about myself and how my brain is wired. Life changing! I have been free from suicidal thoughts for several months now. I crawled out with a new purpose, to stop living in shame and to talk about mental health. I will be the loudest person you know telling you to go for a walk and reflect on yourself. Listen to your warning signals when they are soft beeps so that you won't have to hear the sirens go off when you hit rock bottom. I am diligent about my mental health routine. I am not ashamed to explain to anyone that I have depression and anxiety and because of that I need to set boundaries and have routines. I am unapologetically myself (I feel like somewhere in heaven Carrie Fisher just yelled "hell yeah!") and I encourage you do the same! </span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I hold tight to the knowledge I am here for a reason and maybe that reason, right now, is to share my story. You will be another success story too! </span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"> ______________________________<wbr></wbr>______________________________<wbr></wbr>____________________________</span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-p1" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I<b>f you are in need of help right now, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (</b></span><span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s2" style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.87); font-kerning: none;"><b>1-800-273-8255) or text them at 741741. </b>They are available 24 hours everyday. I called them and I AM STILL HERE! </span><span class="m_-8690789832166402298gmail-s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Screw shame, you are worth the effort!</span></div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 2px 0px 0px; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; width: 22px;">
</div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-41595817491841183222018-12-31T18:37:00.000-08:002019-01-01T10:10:16.012-08:00Turns Out Stars Have Sharp Edges<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezSXYThJsOA/XCq1D5uQ3mI/AAAAAAAARBs/7GJYBMo9aEAepY_J0-4WPTO6Q1BJA7xmwCLcBGAs/s1600/20181231_162416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="952" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezSXYThJsOA/XCq1D5uQ3mI/AAAAAAAARBs/7GJYBMo9aEAepY_J0-4WPTO6Q1BJA7xmwCLcBGAs/s320/20181231_162416.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quote that inspired me to keep fighting for my peace </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"Shoot for the moon and if you fall, you will land among the stars."<br />
<br />
When I shot for the moon, it was not the stars I landed in when I fell. No, instead the stars cut and scratched me as I plummeted to Earth. Then I bounced off mountains like a cartoon character until I landed in a bleeding heap on the hard ground. I laid there for a bit, ok for a while, but eventually I got back up. I got back up... that is the story I will be sharing! For every person who lost a dream (and maybe themselves) along the way, I am here to show you how I got back up stronger than ever and that life is always shaping us into better versions of ourselves if we are open to the journey!<br />
<br />
<b><i>So here goes, the story I lived to tell...</i></b><br />
<br />
Two years ago I was inspired to become a firefighter. I lived and breathed for my goal. The first year I transformed my body into a machine and beyond losing weight, I had gained an insane amount of muscle and ability. At one time I was busting out push ups with a 20 pound weighted vest on, crushing physical goals like I never imagined. I went to school and became an Advanced EMT with an acceptance letter into Paramedic school. Everything was lining up; my plan unfolding right down to the last detail. I was a prime candidate for the fire department. Tests taken. I was living my dream, I had an intense sense of purpose. Only...<br />
<br />
<b><i>...that was as far as that dream would ever go.</i></b><br />
<br />
During the second year several things steamrolled me: first, the price tag that came along with paramedic school was a kick to the gut; second my plantar fasciitis and heel spurs where working against me and my need to use my feet; and third I was mentally falling apart. I had been burning myself at both ends and eventually ran myself down into the ground. The stress of school had impacted my waistline and the fear of weight gain triggered my eating disorder to levels it had never been before. My reality was a dark one. In gunning for my dream I was destroying myself. I had to slow down for the sake of my health and wellness.<br />
<br />
New plans where talked about so that my dream would just be put on pause while I got my head on straight. I put school on hold. I got help for my eating disorder. I began the difficult journey of putting myself back together. The most difficult part to the beginning was the shame, embarrassment, fear, and self-loathing I had inside. I was barely holding it together. <b><i>Then it got worse.... </i></b><br />
<br />
January 2019 will mark one year that I have been partially deaf in my left ear. I lost my hearing! They don't hire deaf firefighters. So no matter how much I fixed myself and got back on track, I was never going to become the one thing I worked day and night to become. <b><i>That moment of realizing my dream was over broke me. </i></b><br />
<br />
The beginning of 2018 felt like my life was in ruins. I was sick for months. Losing my hearing was a nightmare. The pain, the multiple doctors with no answers, the hanging on to hope, and the months of uncomfortable existence in my head was soul crushing. By my birthday in April everything had been set in stone... I had permanent hearing loss and all hope was gone. I was already deep into a depression and the finalization of my fate knocked me so far down that I felt my life was in jeopardy.<br />
<br />
<b><i>I put up the greatest fight of my life in 2018.</i></b> In order to give myself the time to heal and face my demons head on, I did the only thing I could think to do - I bowed out of life for a while. I was too angry and confused to explain why the sudden screeching halt to a very public goal. The few times I crawled out of my hole I was slammed with questions and strong opinions. <b><i>I just wanted to be left alone.</i></b> In the beginning, no one knew the entire story expect for my husband. Eventually I opened up to a few, crying in the arms of people who had no clue what to tell me while they held onto me very tight. I didn't need speeches, I needed empathy- and to those with stronger shoulders than mine, I thank you!<br />
<br />
The loss of a dream and my hearing wasn't anything I prepared to take on. The fight I had to put up was not easy. I discovered just how bad ass I truly am, and it had zero to do with my physical strength. I am a hell of a lot stronger mentally then I ever gave myself credit for. I struggled quietly everyday. I used Instagram as a diary of sharing my struggles, yet never mentioning just how deeply I was cut. I never talked about not becoming a firefighter. I couldn't. I still struggle to do so now (you should see pile of tissues forming by my computer as I type this all out!). If you happen to know me in real life, I warn you, mention this article to me and I may very well cry - so brace yourself.<br />
<br />
I refused to give up and 2018 was the year I conquered my eating disorder, dove deep into understanding my struggles with binge eating, anxiety disorder and depression, and dug through layers of pain to unearth an inner peace like I have never known. In order to find this peace I had to create an environment for myself that inspired deep spiritual healing. I returned to parts of myself I had long since been buried in the layers of adulting. I turned to yoga. I turned to art. I lit incense and meditated with crystals. I smudged my house. I gave myself permission to just be and explore different ideas about life and purpose. I found myself becoming softer, more at ease with myself and those around me, and discovered a renewed sense of calm about life. <b><i>I healed in ways I never anticipated.</i></b> I had monumental break throughs. I see the meaning of life so very differently than I used too. This journey that I have been on, searching for new meaning, ended up being the very thing that gave me meaning. I survived relentless suicidal thoughts brought on by depression. <b><i>I survived </i></b>and THAT is the story that needs to be told!<br />
<br />
I am a success story of overcoming the loss of purpose and meaning. I am a success story for ending my life long battle with bulimia. I am a success story for understanding my anxiety in ways that gave me back my power. I am a success story to ending the war with my body and finally allowing myself to live and enjoy what my body can do. I am a success story in overcoming a dark depression. I successfully hit the reset button on my life and every lesson learned needs to be shared. <b><i>Not every sad story has a sad ending! </i></b><br />
<br />
Stay tuned to New Figure Forward in 2019 for more blogs, YouTube videos, and Instagram posts covering the accumulation of lessons that transformed my life and gave me back my purpose.<br />
<br />New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-82420672453771439572018-02-01T10:43:00.002-08:002018-02-01T10:43:29.692-08:00Lessons from a Student <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Three Months of Evolution</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2v5CVSqi93E/WnNeu4YWwmI/AAAAAAAAKcQ/jQArZ6OgX5USGTMAumVnl0dRmXURTXEmQCLcBGAs/s1600/ED-banner-Cropped-685x280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="685" height="259" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2v5CVSqi93E/WnNeu4YWwmI/AAAAAAAAKcQ/jQArZ6OgX5USGTMAumVnl0dRmXURTXEmQCLcBGAs/s640/ED-banner-Cropped-685x280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Allow me to paint you a picture of what has happened since I opened up about my eating disorder. It's been like a slow motion movie run, middle fingers raised at attention, ripping off layers of oppression, shame, restriction, and self-harm. What I am finding underneath decades of a self-abused woman is a fighter, a woman determined to rise. A woman who is truly done with being made to feel inadequate and physically wrong. I am still a student of the recovery and healing process and have much more to learn. I have, however, accumulated a few life changing lessons thus far and, in an ongoing effort to help someone who may also be struggling with an eating disorder and/or has had enough of diet culture, <b><i>I offer my lessons to help encourage freedom. </i></b><br />
<br />
<u>Lesson One: Speak Your Truth</u><br />
Recovering from diet culture and an eating disorder required me to acknowledge where I found myself. My first step was finding the courage to say the words out loud - to finally stop pretending and face my truth. I had to reach out to those I trusted and begin to confess. I had to open up without restrictions or fears. <i>Letting go of the shame is pivotal in the recovery process.</i> My strength would help another woman find her strength and that helped me face my fear and acknowledge my reality.<br />
<br />
<u>Lesson Two: Identify Triggers</u><br />
Once the words were out in the universe I had to become responsible for them. I had to be proactive about putting an end to self-harming actions. My next step became identifying my triggers. Why was I so immersed in diet culture and terrified of food? These messages where coming from somewhere and I actively hunted them down. The following are key triggers I found that kept me deep in self-abuse and diet culture:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Number Triggers: </b>Good-bye scale, measuring tape, pedometer, calorie counter, heart rate monitor, and constant logging of everything I did. Good-bye to the need to be validated by numbers. They overtook my life and robbed me of a carefree mentality to my health and wellness.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Social Media Triggers:</b> I followed a ton of dieters on social media and I belonged to weight loss and fitness groups. What started as a way to stay motivated gradually fed my obsession with dieting and being skinny. I was, daily, comparing myself to others and feeling the competition and comparison pressure. My health and wellness took a backseat to my need to get skinny and be a better dieter than someone else. Once I was able to see the toxic online environment I had created for myself it was time to clean house! I left groups and I unfollowed accounts that focused on diet culture. No more pictures of someone else's scale or food. No more before and after picture. No more comparison. <br />
<br />
<b> 3. Food Triggers: </b>Food and I have a messy history. At a very early age I turned to food for emotional support. Add on PCOS, plus the body chemistry challenges this brings with it... it was a recipe for disaster. I had to look at food from the perspective of a drug addict. Would a recovering drug addict allow pictures of their drug of choice to infiltrate their social media feeds? Not the self-aware ones. So adios pictures of food, videos of two hands making recipes, junk food videos, and the constant reminder that I struggle with food. I stopped all accounts that kept images of food in my feed (that included some friends and family). I stopped taking pictures of my own food. This was a huge relief! The removal of food approval set me free to eat without the fear of judgement or guilt for eating something that didn't fit into my projected eating habits.<br />
<br />
<b> 4. Environmental Triggers:</b> Reflecting on when binge eating urges typically could appear in my day. Once I could recognize a specific person, place, or thing, I was able to create alternative reactions and, over time, rewire my subconscious to no longer reach for food as a coping mechanism. For example, I discovered my teenage son could often times be a trigger. I found myself mindlessly eating around the time he was expected to come home. With the help of my wellness coach, Ren Jones of Fitness Jones Training, we concluded that the transitional period from one time of my day into the next has often proven to raise my stress, which in turn caused me to binge eat. At the acknowledgment of the self-destructive behavior, I decided to try quick 10-20 minute yoga sessions instead. Gifting myself a small chunk of time to make a peaceful mental transition has greatly decreased my afternoon binges and helped me have more patience as a mother.<br />
<br />
<u> Lesson Three: Stopping All Routines</u><br />
Stopping routines caused anxiety in the beginning because dropping diet culture and ending my eating disorder potentially meant weight gain...<b>and this terrified me.</b> This is where my wellness coach stepped in and reminded me that we have to break down in order to rebuild. Ren gave me permission to <i>just stop</i>. Stop eating plans and fitness routines. He gave me permission to rebel. All the rules I had been following, the restrictions, and self-harm tactics that had consumed most of my life needed to be cut off. I had to be OK with being uncomfortable, for a little bit.<br />
<br />
This step was the most pivotal of my recovery process. I had become so ingrained in diet culture that I lost sight of what habits I had integrated into my life to encourage health and wellness. I rediscovered these reasons after I saw a decline in my health because I allowed myself to act like an unsupervised child in a candy store (NO REGRETS!). I missed my period (an issue that can have detrimental effects on my body (PCOS)), saw an increase in body aches and pains, and felt depression hovering close. I had bottomed out and it was the best thing to happen to me. Bottoming out helped me understand what was health choices and what was diet culture choices. An example being my spin class; Initially it started as a great way to develop a strong cardiovascular system, enjoy a good sweat session, and help keep depression at bay. Overtime it evolved into a four day a week obsession that I refused to interrupt causing me lost time with friends and family. A healthy habit that turned self-destructive. <br />
<br />
<u>Lesson Four: Listening to My Soul</u><br />
I owed myself the freedom to be whoever I had been shutting away in the name of skinny. The biggest hurdle was shutting off the diet voice that overtook the majority of my daily thoughts. I look back and see an almost zombie like version of myself. She looked like me, she sounded like me, but she was consumed by diet culture. Self-reflection inspired me to dive back into forgotten passions to see if they felt right for my new chapter of inner peace and wellness. This has lead me in a journey of self-discovery that is showing me someone I really like. <i>I really like myself. Finally.</i><br />
<br />
The past three months have been an evolution of self that has been both exhausting and liberating. It has not been without its bumps and road blocks. I am happy to report I have not purged since coming out, however, I am still working on my binge eating habits. This is a journey, not a race. My life is worth whatever time it takes for me to find my peace. Your life is worth your time - to help you heal and find your peace. It looks so easy, written out in a nice list. This list doesn't show the tears, the anger, the moments of weakness followed by bouts of guilt, the mental fight that consumed me, and the constant desire to quit. It has felt overwhelming at times and some days felt like a success to have just survived. I am surviving, in fact, I am even beginning to thrive.<br />
<br />
Patience. Self-reflection. Willingness to change. Refusal to give up. I am officially a diet industry dropout and my life gets better everyday because of it! Fight for your happy!<br />
<br />New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-60864490427933009782017-10-12T13:42:00.000-07:002017-10-13T07:38:22.929-07:00Reformed Dieter: Chapter One Excuse me while I blow the dust off my blog...Has it really been over a year since I have written anything? Wow. I think it's time to go back to basics and relaunch this blog. Let's get caught up, shall we? I have recently made the decision to quit the diet industry. Yes, quit the diet industry. After having spent decades obsessed with my weight and size I have finally said fuck it! Am I going to spend my entire life trying to fit into some sort of deluded media based image of perfection? That seems like a waste of beautiful life if you ask me.<br />
<br />
That was my driving force in reclaiming my life from the diet industry, I don't want to waste my life trying to achieve socially acceptable beauty. I found myself relapsing into my eating disorder, bulimia. It only came around every once in awhile so I never allowed myself to admit I had a problem. While I was fighting through this relapse I had the thought of all the conversations over weight, diet tricks, and eating habits I have had over the decades. Truly diet culture has been at the forefront of these conversations.<br />
<br />
Weight has been an on going conversation in my life since 4th grade, when I first was placed in the obese category. Fast forward to age 35 and I am a <i>pro</i> at weight loss. Oh yes, no one knows how to lose weight like I do. How fast do you want to do it? What lengths are you willing to go? What diet fits you? I could answer all those questions! Weight loss became my identity.<br />
<br />
The ability to lose weight became my shining achievement. I was placed in a separate social box - the "Successful Dieter" box. Up the ladder I climbed as I seemingly became more successful at weight loss and managed to shrink myself down to a size 4. **autographs later** **No, No, please no pictures** I had reached the dieters Mt. Everest - Skinny! Do you know what's shitty about Mt. Everest? No one can live at the top and it's a long way back down!<br />
<br />
So, as I slowly slide back down and gradually put on weight I became desperate to get back to the top. I didn't want to lose my shining achievement. I was going to be pushed off the dieters pedestal, and my fear of failure made me do some desperate dieting tricks. When I crashed at the bottom I crashed hard! It took out my confidence, my self-worth, and my spark. Everything felt like punishment. The joy was gone from daily life and what came in its place was shame and embarrassment. That's what broke me.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mU0aboAxWng/Wd-y8S2hGAI/AAAAAAAAJAo/6z4i_64b7XYAA7gadxv0m84TZbL66wZhgCLcBGAs/s1600/BeforeAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mU0aboAxWng/Wd-y8S2hGAI/AAAAAAAAJAo/6z4i_64b7XYAA7gadxv0m84TZbL66wZhgCLcBGAs/s320/BeforeAfter.jpg" width="320" /></a>I am done with diet culture. I am done with killing myself to look a certain way. I am done with counting, weighing, obsessing, and punishing myself. The diet industry broke me. I cannot do it any more. I am tired. I am 35 years old. I am done. I just want to <i>be</i>. I want to be whatever my healthy is, and I am prepared to do whatever it takes to NEVER live in a diet obsessed world again. **drops mic**<br />
<br />
I am currently working with a wellness coach who is helping me find balance, peace, and health in a slow, made for me program. Diet culture is ingrained in me. It is all I know. I do not know how to just <i>be</i>. Food, weight, size, and exercise is the hamster wheel in my head and I'm taking it apart with the help of a great coach. New Figure Forward is going to continue on as my outlet for the journey that lies ahead. I have begun to use YouTube to capture videos of epiphanies as they happen, Instagram is my daily in the moment posts, and my blog will document the overview of it all.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA71tCEqLfAIBpauuEn94jA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to watch my YouTube videos.<br />
<br />
Personal evolution is truly a gift. We are not stuck as the same person forever. Yes, I am a changed woman. This once diet crazed woman is turning in her calorie counters, pedometers, scale, and measuring tape. Goodbye diet culture, hello peace of mind and a long glorious life of living healthy!<br />
<br />New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-87395284276324325592016-07-12T09:30:00.001-07:002016-07-12T16:54:08.395-07:00My Year with Jillian Michaels <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_AHFh08TyAE/V4UQxf00NgI/AAAAAAAAEfo/VPvMy3sOhCwIVQ5y_pbA2a8vLmYzEJskQCLcB/s1600/Up%2B30%2Bside%2Bby%2Bside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_AHFh08TyAE/V4UQxf00NgI/AAAAAAAAEfo/VPvMy3sOhCwIVQ5y_pbA2a8vLmYzEJskQCLcB/s320/Up%2B30%2Bside%2Bby%2Bside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This time last year I was a week into Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred workout. I had regained 30 pounds three different times in one year. I'd get it off and it would come right back! While I feel like I looked amazing regardless, I did not feel good. My body felt heavy and my mind was beginning to feel the guilt and fear of weight gain. I had promised myself and my blog readers that I was going to wear a bikini in the name of self-love that summer and I was not going back on my word. Even if that meant I'd be wearing a bikini in a bigger body. What I could not have foreseen is the impact this decision would have on the rest of my life. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let me tell you about my year with Jillian Michaels. </span></i></b></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSJod5GqZzQ/V4QpeDMkmEI/AAAAAAAAEeA/BCTJXcIXo7cPkcgMr3ZNRjoPHefHBk1rgCLcB/s1600/30%2Bday%2Bshred.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSJod5GqZzQ/V4QpeDMkmEI/AAAAAAAAEeA/BCTJXcIXo7cPkcgMr3ZNRjoPHefHBk1rgCLcB/s320/30%2Bday%2Bshred.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I completed all 30 days of the workout and wore my bikini with pride. Those first 30 days showed me I wasn't breakable. Soreness is a temporary discomfort that yields pride and change. In 30 days I went from push ups on my knees to three real push ups. May not sound mind blowing, but it was just my Chapter 1. Everyone has a chapter one, a day one. I wore my bikini and felt like a million bucks. I do not know how much weight I lost because I never stood on the scale. If I made it about numbers, I knew it would diminish my self-pride and I was not about to hand that over without a fight. The pictures speak for themselves...it worked!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I had no long term plan, I had a 30 day plan. I was thrilled with the results so I kept doing the workouts, rotating between levels two and three until I felt ready to move onto other Jillian workouts. I went month to month, never imagining I would do this for an entire year. Honestly, even I was waiting for me to quit in the back of my mind. That disbelief in myself is actually responsible for me not quitting. I began to enjoy my new physical abilities and I did not want to go back to my old ways...so much so that I vowed to stop quitting. When I say I vowed, I mean it in a biblical sense; I told myself from my soul that I would quit holding myself back. I wanted to see what not quitting would do for my body and mind. It's all documented on my Instagram account @newfigureforward, you can scroll from the very first workout to today's workout. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNZIx94OSMs/V4UXJr8S--I/AAAAAAAAEf4/NVyufoEbBd0xPKAFyh407GOikjbq6wv5QCLcB/s1600/jillian%2Bworkout.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNZIx94OSMs/V4UXJr8S--I/AAAAAAAAEf4/NVyufoEbBd0xPKAFyh407GOikjbq6wv5QCLcB/s320/jillian%2Bworkout.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Jillian Michaels got into my head. Her workouts proved to me that with hard work, transformation is possible. My body is proof. Her empowering words proved to me that I am capable of so much more than I give myself credit for in life. My mind is proof. It's hard not to change after hearing messages of how incredibly awesome I am and how I should be proud of the work I am doing. Jillian made me feel good in my mind. She got into my head and beat down the negative voices that tortured me since fourth grade. Within a few months of daily workouts (most no more than 30 minutes), Jillian had me believing I <i>was</i> badass. I cannot put in words what that feels like - to have come from a dark place of depression and obesity to a place that I believe I am truly capable of anything I set my mind to! I felt reborn. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> My love for Jillian, I thought, was something only I had. Oh how wrong I was! Facebook can be an amazing tool to connect people to other like minded souls. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a whole group of Jillian lovers called Jillian Michaels Workout Junkies, a private group open only to women that supports each other. Thousands of women from all over the world encouraging each other to keep pushing and smash goals. This group helped me no longer feel alone, I had people who understood me instead of eye rolling and thinking I was nuts. The daily workout check in and supportive messages helped keep me focused. There is power in knowing someone gets you and I have thousands of Jillian fans that get me. It's amazing the positive power these amazing ladies have had on my journey! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7w__qeMUEeI/V4RPIgyKaPI/AAAAAAAAEeo/rAVuSbTZBUgjOO6ZTtnvJzonIefAzfMAQCLcB/s1600/Spartan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7w__qeMUEeI/V4RPIgyKaPI/AAAAAAAAEeo/rAVuSbTZBUgjOO6ZTtnvJzonIefAzfMAQCLcB/s320/Spartan.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> About six months into my transformation </span><span style="font-size: large;">I began to smile at myself in mirrors,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> have a little swag in my walk, and I liked myself. I continued to lose weight and became more and more athletic with each passing month. I had a huge reduction in my anxiety. Turns out that for me, the deep conviction that I am badass turned off my anxiety. With my new mental freedom I signed up for a Spartan Race and felt beyond proud of myself as I jumped the finish line fire. Jillian's words, heard 6 days a week, rewired me. I am not the same person. The person I was settled, floundered around, and got by. I had no passion or sense of purpose. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I have gotten out of bed for the last four and half months with purpose.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I have a goal. My reason to do what I do everyday. It's a different kind of life. I decided to go back to school, at 34, to follow my heart. I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, I never had a passion. Then one day I figured it out and my heart caught fire. It's a different kind of life now. What I do now I do because someone in my future needs me to not give up. Someone will need help and I will be able to help them. I found my superpower...to not use it to help people is to waste it. I am strong, brave, and determined, all qualities needed for the next chapter in my life. I believe in myself because a lady named Jillian Michaels has told me to for the last 56 weeks of my life. It's a different</span><span style="font-size: large;"> kind of life now. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-suDj2kuQYMw/V4UG0wLKGgI/AAAAAAAAEfM/MaLPWzJMERkGtOyq4wOuAIN0sdYs9soQwCLcB/s1600/Side%2Bby%2Bside%2Bbikini.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-suDj2kuQYMw/V4UG0wLKGgI/AAAAAAAAEfM/MaLPWzJMERkGtOyq4wOuAIN0sdYs9soQwCLcB/s320/Side%2Bby%2Bside%2Bbikini.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I wore a new bikini this summer, I lost 40 pounds over the year. I have an athletes body, 17% body fat. I am a badass. My training routine will change to accommodate my EMT certification schedule starting in late August. I will still have my daily sessions with Jillian, I need her to continue to whip me into shape. EMT training is only step one in pursuing my goal. You can follow my fitness journey on Instagram @newfigureforward. I post updates often of my achievements and goals. Reinvention is possible, I am proof! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tewqpsCObs/V4UZfESO95I/AAAAAAAAEgI/7Mnz1NO5mkg1VgdXiFV6GnmbuPTKomakACLcB/s1600/jillian%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tewqpsCObs/V4UZfESO95I/AAAAAAAAEgI/7Mnz1NO5mkg1VgdXiFV6GnmbuPTKomakACLcB/s320/jillian%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> That, folks, was my year with Jillian Michaels. I went in wanting my self-confidence back and discovered a badass! I quit quitting on myself and it changed my life. Jillian may not be for you, she's not for everyone, however be proactive about finding what you enjoy and do it! Do not quit! On days you don't want to, do it anyway. Half assing still counts. Quit quitting on yourself. The scale did not make a smooth drop down 40 pounds, it went up and down. The trick is keep doing it! Show up for yourself everyday and get addicted to personal pride. My sister once told me that you only get bragging rights after a workout if you finish it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I still get my bragging rights. </span><br />
<br />
<br />New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-28789731754041815352015-11-21T16:21:00.002-08:002015-11-21T16:21:16.882-08:00Gearing Up for Turkey Day<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The holidays are coming up quick! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My family and I this year are hosting Thanksgiving on Tuesday so we can all be together. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">That being a work day, I won't have time to cook much the day of, so I am spending my weekend preparing my sides. Day of the dishes just get thrown into the oven. Easy enough. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm posting pictures on Instagram of Thanksgiving dishes I'm preparing ahead of time. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you're curious about what kind of healthy (or at least healthier) dishes I am making check out my Pinterest Holiday Foods board. <3 </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/AlysEyes82/holiday-foods/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">New Figure Forward's Holiday Food Pinterest Board </span></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/AlysEyes82/holiday-foods/"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/AlysEyes82/holiday-foods/"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2POE4zaOO7g/VlEJhnkv9FI/AAAAAAAADmE/fKwHA_xUpGg/s1600/screen-capture-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2POE4zaOO7g/VlEJhnkv9FI/AAAAAAAADmE/fKwHA_xUpGg/s640/screen-capture-1.png" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-14336839936632402562015-11-16T10:24:00.000-08:002015-11-16T10:24:10.520-08:00Let's Talk About The "V' Word....Vegetables!<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Vegetables. That is the word that constantly pops up in discussions about health and wellness. There is no escaping the fact that if you want to be healthy you have to eat your vegetables and lots of them. How many of us picture an over steamed pile of something green in the corner of our plate? Vegetables have a bad reputation for being bland and boring. Vegetables feel more like a chore than a delicious addition to a meal. I remember many meals holding my breath, chewing super fast, swallowing, and slugging down water like my life depended on it. On my journey of getting my healthy back, I forced myself to make peace with vegetables, to go beyond the green pile of something, and dive into a world I knew little about; a plant based diet.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I am a bit “hippie”ish when it comes to food choices I make for my family. We do not eat processed foods or food with ingredients we cannot read. We only eat organic meat twice a week. Our main food is plants which includes vegetables and whole grains. I have somehow managed to transform my meat everyday family into veggie eating machines. How? I got creative. I bought kitchen gadgets to aid in the creation of plant based meals. Zoodles, anyone? I busted out of my comfort zone and tried new recipes that I found on Pinterest. I have learned a lot in the past 5 months and it is time to pass on some wisdom.</span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let’s start with pictures of meals I have made.... </span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyiKplJXCWw/Vi-23ccsMJI/AAAAAAAADdg/HTUGJhaX6vk/s1600/IMG_20150926_172428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyiKplJXCWw/Vi-23ccsMJI/AAAAAAAADdg/HTUGJhaX6vk/s200/IMG_20150926_172428.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Cauliflower Bowl </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wv-9-Hknbkw/Vi-2xvkE-7I/AAAAAAAADcI/i1CYevtvyyg/s1600/IMG_20150830_183645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wv-9-Hknbkw/Vi-2xvkE-7I/AAAAAAAADcI/i1CYevtvyyg/s200/IMG_20150830_183645.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Raw Carrot Noodles with a Peanut Sauce </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXYluFChZno/Vi-2zNLsupI/AAAAAAAADcY/URFsdVxQVDk/s1600/IMG_20150901_185143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXYluFChZno/Vi-2zNLsupI/AAAAAAAADcY/URFsdVxQVDk/s200/IMG_20150901_185143.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoodles with Tomatoes and Capers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfwJMViC3BE/Vi-20ZTxPDI/AAAAAAAADcw/HucYxfn48zc/s1600/IMG_20150902_191556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfwJMViC3BE/Vi-20ZTxPDI/AAAAAAAADcw/HucYxfn48zc/s200/IMG_20150902_191556.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetarian Pad Thai</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d2cMPDwX_kM/Vi-21QqXjXI/AAAAAAAADc8/EKYkwEtNkaA/s1600/IMG_20150908_190650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d2cMPDwX_kM/Vi-21QqXjXI/AAAAAAAADc8/EKYkwEtNkaA/s200/IMG_20150908_190650.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ヒラギノ角ゴ pro w3" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , , "meiryo" , "ms pゴシック" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Deconstructed Manicotti with Zoodles</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-cNPTas4W0/Vi-21xXRFCI/AAAAAAAADdE/Idhw-EVxv5Q/s1600/IMG_20150910_193951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-cNPTas4W0/Vi-21xXRFCI/AAAAAAAADdE/Idhw-EVxv5Q/s200/IMG_20150910_193951.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lasagna Rolls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raRaigASXkw/Vi-22j7mZ2I/AAAAAAAADdQ/nVE08zzy9M8/s1600/IMG_20150917_193602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raRaigASXkw/Vi-22j7mZ2I/AAAAAAAADdQ/nVE08zzy9M8/s200/IMG_20150917_193602.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UETRKBJeYM/Vi-24LiQ67I/AAAAAAAADds/vbtB9-DMne8/s1600/IMG_20150929_113837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UETRKBJeYM/Vi-24LiQ67I/AAAAAAAADds/vbtB9-DMne8/s200/IMG_20150929_113837.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Falafel </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xr07cSO7EA8/Vi-24S3yMAI/AAAAAAAADdw/rOslCXRWZZU/s1600/IMG_20151003_185732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xr07cSO7EA8/Vi-24S3yMAI/AAAAAAAADdw/rOslCXRWZZU/s200/IMG_20151003_185732.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Spaghetti O's </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvI5rUjm2xw/Vi-25uGP_EI/AAAAAAAADeM/10XCG1MX-OM/s1600/IMG_20151006_185218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvI5rUjm2xw/Vi-25uGP_EI/AAAAAAAADeM/10XCG1MX-OM/s200/IMG_20151006_185218.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Bean Avocado Burritos </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00qTXw9k7rE/Vi-25oGa95I/AAAAAAAADeE/45kGwsuy5po/s1600/IMG_20151012_201434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00qTXw9k7rE/Vi-25oGa95I/AAAAAAAADeE/45kGwsuy5po/s200/IMG_20151012_201434.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meatless Black Bean "Meatloaf" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Not one over cooked pile of something in the mix. Everything was made with fresh, mostly organic (I buy what fits into my budget) vegetables. I discovered that these plant based meals take the same amount of time, often less time, as the typical meal we were used to eating. I do not spend more time in the kitchen! I repeat; </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>I do not spend more time in the kitchen!</i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> If time is an issue that you have been telling yourself is why you can’t or won’t...well....debunked. Most nights the meal is done in 30-45 minutes. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I am not a chef; I am a self taught home cook and YouTube has been my go to tool for learning technique and sk</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ills in the kitchen. Need to know how to cut open a spaghetti squash or not sure what “mince” means? You can find answer just a few clicks away. I had to push my ego aside, be ok with not knowing, and be willing to learn. It did not take long for me to feel empowered in my kitchen again. It is ok to not know in the beginning. Get comfortable being uncomfortable and in no time these foods will become your normal. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My family and I have grown to trust the plant based meals I set down in front of them. There was apprehension at first as we were taken out of our comfort zone. The typical three item plate we have spent years looking at suddenly changed. Where once there was meat, a starch, and a vegetable now sat vegetables with a side of more vegetables. I appreciate my family’s support and willingness to try new items. We all, happily, discovered that everything tasted fantastic! In fact, we were eating more satisfying meals because of the rich flavors and variety of foods!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> From the pictures above it is clear that not every meal is vegan. Eating a vegan menu is not my intension. I am not a vegan, nor is anyone in my family. I believe in balance and moderation. I started implementing Meatless Monday and slowly added more plant based meals over time. This was not an overnight change. We eat organic meat twice a week. Why organic? Because once you understand what is done to mainstream animal products you won’t (I hope) be able to eat it again. We eat vegetarian meals 2-3 times a week and vegan meals at least twice a week. Balance and moderation. When it comes to real food, I do not have a prejudice against any of it, just a belief that our bodies do not need animal products every single day. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Veggies used to make me think of doom. The ‘do what I have to’ portion of my meal. Now they are exciting and a welcomed change to our meals. Even my 10 year old son has jumped on board the veggie train and cleans his plate every night. It took time and a willingness to try new recipes. I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable in the grocery store while I searched for items on my list I had never cooked with before. After a couple of trips, I am no longer the lost child among the aisles - I know where to go and what to get.</span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Over the past 5 months my husband and I have both lost weight with our diet overhaul. My husband has lost 20 pounds with just diet change alone. I have lost over 30 pounds because I also workout 5-6 days a week. We have not felt deprived during this journey. We feel healthier and happier. It is hard not to get excited when we are both tossing clothes in the “too big” pile. Our bodies feel better, so much so that when we talk about a cheat meal or going out to eat we often times decide against it. Why? We do not miss the feeling of heavy, bloated, icky, and blah. The idea of sitting in discomfort turns us off to junk foods. </span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Vegetables do not have to be the boring side dish. They can be the delicious main dish or new favorite side that brings you and your family nutrition without feeling tortured. I promise that if you just try one recipe, you will discover how not intimidating cooking vegetables is, how easy it is, and how delicious your meals will be. Start simple and start slow. This is a journey, not an overnight change. If you would like recipe ideas please follow New Figure Forward on Instagram and Pinterest. I post regularly the new meals I prepared for my family and recipes I plan on trying. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="color: #500050; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.4px;">
<span style="color: #500050; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here’s to your health, wellness, and happiness! </span></div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-51793267704478026682015-10-22T10:35:00.001-07:002015-10-22T10:35:38.699-07:00Simply Extraordinary Photo Project: Model Call <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXVL27p2qys/VYGosmzMKhI/AAAAAAAACsA/2F8kMfZWDjs/s1600/photo%2Bproject%2Bbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXVL27p2qys/VYGosmzMKhI/AAAAAAAACsA/2F8kMfZWDjs/s640/photo%2Bproject%2Bbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Seen Through My Eyes: A Body Positive Photography Project</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; line-height: 18.48px;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.48px;"> Beauty is not based on size, shape, measurements, or specific facial structures. Beauty is how we see the world around us; it is how we choose to see those around us. When we see this beauty, we can begin to recognize the beauty within ourselves.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; line-height: 18.48px;">Through my camera I hope to inspire moments of feeling beautiful. I hope to capture soulful smiles and heartfelt giggles. I hope to capture confidence, apprehension, strength, weakness, sexiness, modesty, poise, and unruliness. I hope to capture the beauty of the woman in front of me, in all her unique glory. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; line-height: 18.48px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo;"><b style="line-height: 18.48px;"><i> Simply Extraordinary Photo Project</i></b><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"> is my way of giving back to those around me. I treat each portrait as art without the use of Photoshop to change my model. Our bodies are gloriously beautiful as they are, no editing needed. Each person that embarks on this self-love moment with me is treated with care and sensitivity. Each person that opens up about an insecurity not only sets herself free in front of my camera but also passes on the gift of self-love to someone looking at the portrait. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"> I want to inspire self-love and self-acceptance. I am looking for women to model for my project. I am looking for women that want to let go of beauty standards and embrace themselves, even if it seems impossible. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: large; line-height: 18.48px;">I am someone who has been on the weight journey of up and down my entire life. I am someone who has recovered from eating disorders, self harm, and self hate. I understand the pain of fighting to love oneself</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: large; line-height: 18.48px;">. I want to help others overcome their own battle of self-hate. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: large; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"> What is a session with me like? I take the time to get to know you. We'll talk in whatever method works for you. Emails, phone conversations, or even sitting down face to face. I want to know what you love about yourself and what you do not like about your physical self. What you share with me is confidential. Each photo session is tailored to each model. Each photo session is a truly customized experience just for you. Your hair, makeup, and outfit are worked out ahead of time and will need to be done by the model before arriving to the location. The session itself take about an hour. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"> After the photoshoot it takes me a few days to go through the images. I select 4-5 shots and edit them. I do NOT photoshop the model in anyway. I treat the entire image as a piece of art, this may mean I colorize it in a unique way or do nothing at all. Each model will have a piece written up about their photoshoot. Without going into personal detail I explain who the person is and what "issue" they were working on in the session. For example, I had one model who never took a full body picture of herself. She always hide behind her kids or wasn't in the picture at all. No personal details given but a clear understanding of what she wanted to be freed from. I allow every model to review her article before I post it publicly, I will make the necessary adjustments to ensure comfort levels are met. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Please take a look at previous models I have worked with for Simply Extraordinary: </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><b><i><span style="color: purple;">Samantha</span>: <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2015/06/simply-extraordinary-photo-project.html">click here</a></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><b><i><span style="color: purple;">Liz</span>: <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2015/06/simply-extraordinary-photo-project-met.html">click here</a></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><b><i><span style="color: purple;">Jacie</span>: <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2015/05/simply-extraordinary-photo-project-jacie.html">click here</a></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><b><i><span style="color: purple;">MarCia</span>: <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2015/05/simply-extraordinary-photo-project.html">click here</a></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><b><i><span style="color: purple;">Jackie</span>: <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2015/04/seen-through-my-eyes-body-positive.html">click here</a></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: large; line-height: 18.48px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: large; line-height: 18.48px;"> If you are interested in details and being a model please email me at Alyson@NewFigureForward.com. I should also mention this is free. I do not charge to photograph anyone for this project. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: large; line-height: 18.48px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></span></span>New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-61898092587259498842015-10-05T16:26:00.000-07:002015-10-06T13:10:03.616-07:00The Fight For My Health! Recovering From Weight Gain with the Help of Self-Love. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EjbGAL3aGg/VhL5MZntxMI/AAAAAAAADWg/WhwQC7g75cU/s1600/Comeback%2BCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EjbGAL3aGg/VhL5MZntxMI/AAAAAAAADWg/WhwQC7g75cU/s320/Comeback%2BCover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> I swore I would never see 200 again on the scale again after losing 125 pounds. I managed to successfully maintain my weight within a 10-15 pound fluctuation over 7 years. I ran, danced, and walked to maintain my size. I watched what I ate, most of the time, and found a groove to live by. This worked fine for me until this time last year when my feet started to kill me. I was in agony. My world came crashing down around me when I found out I had developed plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. I could no longer do the physical activities I relied on for weight maintenance. It felt like the beginning of the end. Little did I know this would forever change me...</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
The first several months of losing my feet were mentally and physically devastating. Most days, simply moving around my home would cause tears to fill my eyes as the pain was unbearable. I lost my workout routine. I lost walking my son to school. I felt like I lost everything. I had shots in my heels, braces to wear at night, stretches to do, and a ‘let’s hope for the best’ talk from my doctor. I could feel myself slipping away into a depression.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
It did not take long for the weight to creep on. I had already purged the scale from my life months before. The number no longer defined my self-worth. However, the day I could not put on my jeans or anything else I owned, I pulled the scale out of its hiding place and forced myself to stand on it. I felt the shock might light a fire in me to do something before I lost all control. There I stood with 207 pounds staring me in the face. Somewhere between disappointment and frustration, I just cried. I sat on the floor and cried. How could I have not stopped a 30 plus pound weight gain?! The weight came on fast. I put on 30 pounds in 2-3 months. I fell back into binge eating habits and with zero physical activity my body was declining rapidly. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
I dug deep and decided this would not be the thing that defeated me. Since I could not use my feet to exercise, I had to get creative. I formulated a plan. I found spin and aquatics classes. I launched myself into diet mode. I had some success after a few months but change of schedule, boredom, and depression eventually caused all the weight to come back. Talk about feeling like a failure. I tried again. I was finding success....then it came back. I worked at getting the weight off and again, getting desperate and try old dieting ways to get the weight off...it came back. I fought the same chunk of weight 3 times within the past year and watched my health deteriorate.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjBFiHoDdEo/VhL76iwvOcI/AAAAAAAADW0/ixUJfZqzDvE/s1600/PCOS%2Bcomeback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjBFiHoDdEo/VhL76iwvOcI/AAAAAAAADW0/ixUJfZqzDvE/s320/PCOS%2Bcomeback.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PCOS causes hair loss and breakouts. This is my truth. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
The yoyo effect was wreaking havoc on my body. My hair started to fall out again (I have PCOS <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-pcos-entries.html">Click here</a>), I was struggling to like myself, struggling to enjoy a relationship with my husband, struggling to not hide away, and struggling to keep from sinking into a pit of doom. I refused to spend money on clothes in bigger sizes; I survived with a few pieces I found at the thrift store. My body was suffering, my mind was clouded with desperate attempts to not hate myself, my self-confidence was shot, and my blog had taken a back seat. How could I write about health and self-love when I was struggling with my own? </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YvliySiKQL4/VhL1qap2RKI/AAAAAAAADWE/Oq-0nWUec7M/s1600/20150818_094311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YvliySiKQL4/VhL1qap2RKI/AAAAAAAADWE/Oq-0nWUec7M/s320/20150818_094311.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wake up call picture </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
Nine months of up and down on the scale was destroying me. I was on the upswing of the scale (again), when a picture taken of my husband and I in June really brought it home. If I did not take control I will be right back to where I started all those years ago. I also had made a promise to myself and to my readers that I would sport a bikini in the name of self love over summer. I told myself that my mental health came first. I would not back out of my bikini moment simply because I was not at my skinniest, I would salvage my self-worth and feel bad ass when I put it on because <i>size does not dictate confidence! </i>I truly believe that I am worthy of loving myself. I told myself that regardless of the weight gain I was still worthy of rocking a bikini. I saw hundreds of empowered women of all sizes sporting bikinis and I wanted to be one of them. Damn it! </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKysokwHRCY/VhL1a7e0juI/AAAAAAAADVM/fE5WwYzWAdE/s1600/PhotoGrid_1437496435487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKysokwHRCY/VhL1a7e0juI/AAAAAAAADVM/fE5WwYzWAdE/s320/PhotoGrid_1437496435487.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
I made myself hit the reboot button on my health. I made myself look up healthy recipes, and I forced myself out of my comfort zone with foods and got creative. Pintrest has become a valuable tool for finding recipes. I rededicated myself to spin classes (I did not return to aquatics classes because I needed to be pushed harder) and added Jillian Michael’s <i>30 Day Shred</i> to prepare for my bikini moment. I was relieved to discover that my feet did not hurt after her workouts. I made myself workout. I fought through the sore, I woke up early, I did all 30 days without fail. I was thrilled at the results not only physically but mentally and I felt strong again. I finally felt in control. I felt my personal empowerment fire back, lit on high. I wore my bikini with pride and confidence. I was incredibly proud of myself, even with more weight to lose to get my healthy back, my confidence was back and she brought with her a feeling of being bad ass. Self-loving myself regardless of my size empowered me through my healthy reboot. I rocked my <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2015/08/bikini-of-liberation.html">bikini </a>and felt like a million bucks!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pkbE1BgYYuA/VhL1bKSTG5I/AAAAAAAADVU/dmtUTzjJLEk/s1600/PhotoGrid_1438638360229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pkbE1BgYYuA/VhL1bKSTG5I/AAAAAAAADVU/dmtUTzjJLEk/s320/PhotoGrid_1438638360229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This time around, I did not stop my heathy reboot after my bikini moment, I kept going. I asked myself, “What happens if I don’t stop?” I was done with the up and down yoyo crap. No more. That became the moment that changed my life. I set physical goals for myself to take my mind off the number on the scale. 10 real push ups was my first goal. I reached it!! I have video of me falling on my face simply trying to do one and then 8 weeks later I have video of me busting out 10. I started out doing a plank for 30 seconds, I am now up to 3:30 with 5 minutes being my ultimate goal! Jumping lunges, rockstar jumps, and more! Unbelievable the come back that I have made.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AP7gwcO9g-Q/VhL1cxBTLwI/AAAAAAAADVs/8stNXXMrOXs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1444068196827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AP7gwcO9g-Q/VhL1cxBTLwI/AAAAAAAADVs/8stNXXMrOXs/s320/PhotoGrid_1444068196827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
I have been working with Jillian Michael’s DVDs for 16 weeks. I have transformed my body and more importantly, my mind. I have lost 20 pounds, which according to my past, would mean that I still do not fit into my clothes. WRONG! Not only do I fit back into them, I am shrinking out of them. The amount of muscle I have developed makes the number on the scale useless now. Finally, after 4 attempts, I have successfully found my healthy again. I bounced back in better physical condition than ever! Never in my life have I been able to do what I can do now.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
With every set back is the opportunity for a comeback and I fought for mine! The number one question I am asked is how do I keep up my motivation and determination? My answer is simple: I do not focus on a number. I do not think about a size. Instead, I focus on my health; my physical and mental well-being. If I feel amazing, then who cares what the scale says or what my size tag says. I thrive on feeling strong in my body. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMk0t8JSnAo/VhL1cli_07I/AAAAAAAADVo/1A7AKPifpMc/s1600/PhotoGrid_1444064337035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMk0t8JSnAo/VhL1cli_07I/AAAAAAAADVo/1A7AKPifpMc/s320/PhotoGrid_1444064337035.jpg" width="320" /></a> There are medical reasons that I fight for my health. PCOS is a huge motivating factor for me. Regular cycles without the help of pills are a driving force. Without regular cycles women with PCOS are at a high risk of ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. With proper diet and exercise, I can keep my body on track without medication. I also do what I have to do in order to prevent more hair loss. I can’t grow it back so I have to treat what I do have like gold. Nutrition is key to keeping hair happy.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
Back pain is another reason. Back pain is genetic with the women in my family. I have watched my grandmother and mother struggle with pain for decades. I thrive on muscle work as a preventive method to avoid such pain when I am older. I will do anything I can do today to help the me of tomorrow be strong and healthy. Abdominal exercises may hurt but back pain and surgery hurts worse. There is also a history of heart attack in my family. That motivates me during my cardio workouts. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
I learned over these past 16 weeks that I am capable of so much more than I ever gave myself credit for both physically and mentally. I keep a few of Jillian Michael’s quotes close to me at all times. One is, “Why not you?” Yeah, why not me? Why can’t I be strong and athletic? I am the only person holding myself back from my true potential. So I got out of my own way and stopped quitting. The second quote is, “Why are you choosing failure when success is an option?” I say this to myself every time I want to quit. Those last few reps that feel like they will tear my arms out of their sockets used to make me quit. Now I just switch to “beast mode” and do it. I do it because the feeling of accomplishment and pride is worth every bad word and drop of sweat I give.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSQxd5zqLec/VhQiGV_wDKI/AAAAAAAADXQ/MpdT32OVHXc/s1600/Jillian%2BBook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSQxd5zqLec/VhQiGV_wDKI/AAAAAAAADXQ/MpdT32OVHXc/s320/Jillian%2BBook.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I read it. Highlighted in it. Wrote in it. I reread it. I gave myself<br />
reasons to fight for my health beyond a weight and size. Jillian<br />
works for me. Who works for you? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
I am not saying to run out and jump on the Jillian band wagon. I picked Jillian because her tactics work for me. I like to be pushed. But that is just me, I am telling you to use what works for you. Find a trainer you love. Find videos you will enjoy doing.All of my workouts I found on YouTube. My summer of healthy reboot was done on a dime budget. Read books that inspire you by people you connect with. Once you find what you enjoy, <b><i>Do Not Quit!</i></b> Keep going! I watched the scale go up and down on my reboot, it's going to! Weight fluxuates. Daily. <b><i>Do Not Quit!</i></b> Even if you are doing the same video day in and day out. <b><i>Do Not Quit!</i></b> Push yourself to do the advanced moves. Sure I can quote Jillian’s 30 Day Shred DVD but I can also keep up with the advanced moves. That took weeks to do! </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
WIth every set back is the opportunity for a big comeback and that is what I have been working towards; my comeback. I am not the only person who has lost and gained. It is the balance to life, sometimes we are on top of it and sometimes life shakes things up and knocks us off track. No matters how far down the road we have traveled there are always exits! Always! I encourage everyone who is struggling to reset their healthy to be patient, start slow, and love yourself through the process. Remember, I wore my bikini at a weight I have not been in years because <b><i>weight and/or size and/or shape does not determine confidence and personal empowerment. </i></b>You are worth fighting for!!<br />
<br />
About my feet. Over time the pain and swelling dissipated. My workout routine does not bother my feet. I wear orthopedic shoes, thankfully times have changed and I find fashionable cute shoes. I'm careful with my feet. Enough time has passed that I can enjoy family walks every now and then. I appreciate the hell out of our walks because I truly thought I lost them. It was a year of trial and error. It was a year that taught me what I am made out of and it is some tough stuff! </div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-89915250732818391532015-08-03T14:12:00.000-07:002015-08-07T12:43:32.646-07:00Bikini of Liberation <div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I cannot remember a time when I did not think that my body was wrong. In 4th grade, I was the "fat" kid and began my life of bullies, eating disorders, and self hate. I pushed hard on the door that held my skeletons throughout high school and college: diet pills, binge eating, and bulimia. No one knew the mental beating I gave myself everyday for being "fat". Eventually I found myself at 300 pounds in my mid-twenties. I fought to save myself from feeling trapped in my body. I was living a life that was leading me to an early grave. I successfully lost 125 pounds with Weight Watchers and exercise. I have kept the weight off for seven years and in that time I have been anxiously waiting to finally love my body. </span></span></span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> I have been waiting for the moment when I would no longer be embarrassed by my wiggles, jiggles, stretch marks, and wings. I have been waiting for seven years. When does that magical moment happen when I will no longer hate the skin I am in? It started to happen two years ago when I began my </span><a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">blog</a><span style="color: black;"> and opened up about my post weight loss frustrations. I could not have predicted the impact on my mental health this would have for me. It was life changing. </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> For the first time in my life I was learning about body positivity. I found other like minded people with the same desire to feel beautiful in their skin. <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2013/09/bonding-over-curves.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Tess Holliday</a> forever changed how I felt about my body. Her unwavering confidence inspired me to find my own empowerment in my body. I wanted to love myself; stand tall and be the woman the broken girl always hoped she would grow into. It has been a personal healing journey over the past two years. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I have set myself free from many beauty standards over the course of healing. I no longer workout only in black pants, I now have some of the loudest pants at the gym. Workout in color! I no longer subject myself to sweaters in summer to cover my arms. I wear shorts without fear or shame. Not only did I buy a bathing suit after having not owned one for over a decade, I wore it in public too! I am not the same woman. Self-love and confidence gave me the power to discover the amazing person the beauty industry beat down and kept down. I am a diet industry drop out! I run on self-love and self-care. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I had my biggest liberating moment over vacation this year. I wore a bikini. Yes!! I actually did it!! In public!! I was nervous; in truth I almost freaked out. My husband helped keep me in a positive mind frame and reminded me why I had this goal. I took a deep breath and dropped my cover to the ground. There I was...in my bikini...waiting for something to happen. And then, I felt it. Those butterflies in my stomach grew strong and I used them to fuel my inner badass. I turned those tiny wings in my stomach into wings of freedom out of my back. Empowered! That is what I felt, the greatest feeling of empowerment and confidence I had ever experienced in my life! </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Life is too short to constantly wait for self-love. Go out and grab it! Tell that ugly voice in your head to sit down and shut up, we only get one shot at this life and I am going to do it my way! Thank you to every person who encouraged me to kick down the walls of beauty standards. This moment was not just for me but also for every person who holds themselves back from giving themselves the happiness they seek. We are all beautiful right now!! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I present my unphotoshopped liberating love myself moment in the sun! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnVugfyATiQ/Vb_Q-p7TZ5I/AAAAAAAADAs/2vRjTQobcbk/s1600/bikini1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnVugfyATiQ/Vb_Q-p7TZ5I/AAAAAAAADAs/2vRjTQobcbk/s640/bikini1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCXODk10Ygg/Vb_Q-9vNphI/AAAAAAAADAw/QyRmGHGFO7g/s1600/bikini2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCXODk10Ygg/Vb_Q-9vNphI/AAAAAAAADAw/QyRmGHGFO7g/s640/bikini2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TP2BmlGNvh4/Vb_Q--mjLXI/AAAAAAAADA0/nNY3P_rSpZE/s1600/bikini3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TP2BmlGNvh4/Vb_Q--mjLXI/AAAAAAAADA0/nNY3P_rSpZE/s640/bikini3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoVhbucgDsY/Vb_Q_93wGJI/AAAAAAAADA4/jiyUYg5fD9Q/s1600/bikini4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoVhbucgDsY/Vb_Q_93wGJI/AAAAAAAADA4/jiyUYg5fD9Q/s640/bikini4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUXQAKLvAHk/Vb_UnGskllI/AAAAAAAADBU/ECK-ctkIxX0/s1600/bikini5%2Bkiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUXQAKLvAHk/Vb_UnGskllI/AAAAAAAADBU/ECK-ctkIxX0/s640/bikini5%2Bkiss.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">He's my favorite human. </span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-59740993998920467302015-07-13T15:32:00.000-07:002015-07-13T15:32:02.810-07:00Taking On YouTube<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23M2qJAAkcY/VaQ6-F69NiI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/2NHPA7dsAQM/s1600/youtube-logo-full_color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23M2qJAAkcY/VaQ6-F69NiI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/2NHPA7dsAQM/s640/youtube-logo-full_color.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I said I would and I did. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ta da...my very first YouTube video for New Figure Forward!!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EXeebrigxWo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EXeebrigxWo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for tuning in and checking me out. I will continue to post videos as often as I can. I made a list of all the topics you guys asked me to cover. I'll start checking them off! </span>New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-90993275074900305392015-06-15T13:35:00.000-07:002015-06-15T17:15:32.296-07:00Simply Extraordinary Photo Project: Samantha <div style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Seen Through My Eyes: A Body Positive Photography Project</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Beauty is not based on size, shape, measurements, or specific facial structures. Beauty is how we see the world around us; it is how we choose to see those around us. When we see this beauty, we can begin to recognize the beauty within ourselves.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Through my camera I hope to inspire moments of feeling beautiful. I hope to capture soulful smiles and heartfelt giggles. I hope to capture confidence, apprehension, strength, weakness, sexiness, modesty, poise, and unruliness. I hope to capture the beauty of the woman in front of me, in all her unique glory. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><i>Simply Extraordinary Photo Project</i></b> is my way of giving back to those around me. I treat each portrait as art without the use of Photoshop to change my model. Our bodies are gloriously beautiful as they are, no editing needed. </span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.3999996185303px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Molengo, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Meet Samantha. Samantha is a special model for me. Sam was once a student of mine. I have watched her grow from an adorable middle schooler into a confident college student. I knew I wanted her shoot to be extra special. I want to give the gift of personal empowerment with every model that stands in front of my camera, and with Sam, it gave additional purpose to the shoot. The person who stood before me was not a little girl, but a young woman beginning her journey as an adult. At a pivotal time in a person's life, I had the opportunity to remind Sam that she is a strong, confident, beautiful woman and I took that opportunity very seriously. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Samantha and I talked about how she feels about her body on our drive to our photo location. The transition from a girl’s body into a woman's body is mentally challenging. American culture idealizes the thin young body and because of this, anyone who doesn't wear the smaller single number pants sizes feels left out. That message was there when I was 19 and it is still there for current 19 year olds. Sam is a "normal" young lady, in a love/hate relationship with her body. We all are. Regardless of age we, as people, are always in a love/hate relationship with our bodies. Wanting to be perfect and learning to forgive ourselves for not being perfect. Let us remember there is no "perfect" body. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Then there is that one thing we wish we could change about ourselves. We all have something. Our “this or that” would be better if they were “this way or that way”. For Sam, it is her hair she wishes was different. Her thick luxurious curly loc</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;">ks are not her favorite feature. They can be unruly and difficult to tame. I adore her hair and made it my mission to highlight it in her shoot. I am in love with results!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="adL" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;">This will always be a special shoot for me. To have had the opportunity to photograph a young lady I watched grow up with the purpose of inspiring her to love herself now; that was the greatest gift I could receive. I am honored to be trusted to capture these empowered moments. Sam, you are a natural in front of the camera. Thank you for being a part of my body positive photo project. You will inspire others to embrace their "new" bodies with confidence and pride. </span></span></div>
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">To the young girls becoming women and finding themselves in changing bodies, this one is for you...</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zYqDDyfqTY/VX77dXcdAMI/AAAAAAAACqM/54fV791vNNM/s1600/Sam%2BFinal%2Bskull%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zYqDDyfqTY/VX77dXcdAMI/AAAAAAAACqM/54fV791vNNM/s640/Sam%2BFinal%2Bskull%2B.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyUCEmO21p8/VX77bZ5fgGI/AAAAAAAACpw/wviBZiigYoE/s1600/Sam%2BFinal%2Bin%2Balley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyUCEmO21p8/VX77bZ5fgGI/AAAAAAAACpw/wviBZiigYoE/s640/Sam%2BFinal%2Bin%2Balley.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAcUblP58xE/VX77csnJmOI/AAAAAAAACqE/tbuHuEgdeJ0/s1600/Sam%2BFinal%2Blove%2Bhair.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAcUblP58xE/VX77csnJmOI/AAAAAAAACqE/tbuHuEgdeJ0/s640/Sam%2BFinal%2Blove%2Bhair.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tp6oiOw9CJE/VX8DCpViNrI/AAAAAAAACqo/xIF5qtIoqno/s1600/Sam%2BBend%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tp6oiOw9CJE/VX8DCpViNrI/AAAAAAAACqo/xIF5qtIoqno/s640/Sam%2BBend%2BFinal.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2WDuisFJ94/VX77bbXHjLI/AAAAAAAACp0/tDwRuUNlXaw/s1600/Sam%2BFinal%2Bcyclops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2WDuisFJ94/VX77bbXHjLI/AAAAAAAACp0/tDwRuUNlXaw/s640/Sam%2BFinal%2Bcyclops.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRUkL3ZOxLo/VX77bsiUtLI/AAAAAAAACp8/6KmBI6MsxQk/s1600/Sam%2BFinal%2BFrida%2BWall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRUkL3ZOxLo/VX77bsiUtLI/AAAAAAAACp8/6KmBI6MsxQk/s640/Sam%2BFinal%2BFrida%2BWall.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 14.5200004577637px; line-height: 20.3280010223389px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Thank you Sam for participating in my photo project! Your confidence is contagious. </span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 14.5200004577637px; line-height: 20.3280010223389px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">In your empowered moment you will set other young women free to feel empowered in their beauty. </span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 14.5200004577637px; line-height: 20.3280010223389px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Thank you for trusting me to photograph you with love and care. </span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 14.5200004577637px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">If you are in the Las Vegas area and would like to participate in </span><i style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"><b>Simply Extraordinary</b> </i><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">please contact me via email at Alyson@newfigureforward.com. Let me treat you like a model for an hour! </span></div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-31766349810056314302015-06-08T14:30:00.000-07:002015-06-08T14:43:58.478-07:00Simply Extraordinary Photo Project: Liz<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Seen Through My Eyes: A Body Positive Photography Project</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Beauty is not based on size, shape, measurements, or specific facial structures. Beauty is how we see the world around us; it is how we choose to see those around us. When we see this beauty, we can begin to recognize the beauty within ourselves. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Through my camera I hope to inspire moments of feeling beautiful. I hope to capture soulful smiles and heartfelt giggles. I hope to capture confidence, apprehension, strength, weakness, sexiness, modesty, poise, and unruliness. I hope to capture the beauty of the woman in front of me, in all her unique glory. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><i>Simply Extraordinary Photo Project</i></b> is my way of giving back to those around me. I treat each portrait as art without the use of Photoshop to change my model. Our bodies are gloriously beautiful as they are, no editing needed. </span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.3999996185303px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Molengo, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;">Meet Liz. I have known Liz for 8 years. She has a passion for dance and movement and finds her power within her own physical strength and abilities. Her body, like her spirit, thrives on music and movement. Liz let me into her world of beats, rhythm, and harmony between body and mind, and the results are gorgeous photos! She has a calm peace about her that pops out of these images. </span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br />My time photographing Liz was beautiful. She not only showcased her physical <wbr></wbr>strength with elegance, she also shared her struggles with body image. The desire to be perfect is within all of us, having been brainwashed to believe we are only worthy to love ourselves at a certain size or weight. I sat across from an incredibly beautiful woman, someone to whom many of us is the ideal body image, and I realized she is human too. She struggles with appreciating her beauty, like so many us do. My goal became to capture her essence through my camera, to show her beauty, her inner peace, and her contagious sense of happiness. </span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For every woman that sets herself free from her own insecurities, another woman is free as well. Together we can give each other permission to just be as we are, right now. Live life with passion and purpose and kick society's beauty <wbr></wbr>standards to the curb. Thank you, Liz, for trusting me to capture your unique beauty.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span>
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmTm_N1n-b0/VXXqd7zUHuI/AAAAAAAACnA/Hx2xB07R-vY/s1600/Liz%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmTm_N1n-b0/VXXqd7zUHuI/AAAAAAAACnA/Hx2xB07R-vY/s640/Liz%2B1.jpg" width="436" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxfw__0z0lM/VXXqJhw0yZI/AAAAAAAACmk/ZDDXIPl_lJg/s1600/liz%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxfw__0z0lM/VXXqJhw0yZI/AAAAAAAACmk/ZDDXIPl_lJg/s640/liz%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgasTLL4ftA/VXXqdspyaqI/AAAAAAAACm8/GNAh5VdKkOU/s1600/liz%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgasTLL4ftA/VXXqdspyaqI/AAAAAAAACm8/GNAh5VdKkOU/s640/liz%2B2.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdkGN_YiP9s/VXXqJ3bOztI/AAAAAAAACmo/z0TZwBgckkA/s1600/Liz%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdkGN_YiP9s/VXXqJ3bOztI/AAAAAAAACmo/z0TZwBgckkA/s640/Liz%2B4.jpg" width="442" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-493994265382834965" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; position: relative; width: 626px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Thank you Liz for participating in my photo project! You radiate peace and strength. In your empowered moment you will set other women free to feel empowered in their beauty. </span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Thank you for trusting me to photograph you with love and care. </span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">If you are in the Las Vegas area and would like to participate in </span><i style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"><b>Simply Extraordinary</b> </i><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">please contact me via email at Alyson@newfigureforward.com. Let me treat you like a model for an hour! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: 14.5200004577637px; line-height: 1.4;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 1.4;">
</div>
</div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-68266113057461584322015-05-27T10:17:00.000-07:002015-05-27T10:29:53.456-07:00Simply Extraordinary Photo Project: Jacie <div style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Seen Through My Eyes: A Body Positive Photography Project</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Beauty is not based on size, shape, measurements, or specific facial structures. Beauty is how we see the world around us; it is how we choose to see those around us. When we see this beauty, we can begin to recognize the beauty within ourselves. Through my camera I hope to inspire moments of feeling beautiful. I hope to capture soulful smiles and heartfelt giggles. I hope to capture confidence, apprehension, strength, weakness, sexiness, modesty, poise, and unruliness. I hope to capture the beauty of the woman in front of me, in all her unique glory. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><i>Simply Extraordinary Photo Project</i></b> is my way of giving back to those around me. I treat each portrait as art without the use of Photoshop to change my model. Our bodies are gloriously beautiful as they are, no editing needed. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Meet Jacie. She is a friend I made at the gym. Jacie and I met at a local coffee shop before the photo shoot so we could spend a few minutes getting to know each other better. I sat across from an incredibly strong woman. A woman who has things to do for those around her that only she can do. Jacie radiates patience. She has a fantastic laugh. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">I had a blast shooting Jacie at a local park. I watched her blossom in front of my lense. Jacie told me after the shoot she was thankful she didn't cancel on me; she had fun working with me. Soon into the shoot she forgot to think about her bra strap or her pose and she just let herself be for an hour. We had talked about how she hides in pictures or is taking them. She explained how a full body shot made her uncomfortable but that she was willing to let me do it. It is clear to see that Jacie oozes confidence in her shots and she is not hiding behind anything. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">I enjoyed every minute of working with Jacie. Her photos are gorgeous, they just pop! </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MIu544n4jw/VWX4wpeORjI/AAAAAAAACkk/1uMrnWkUHMk/s1600/Jacie%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MIu544n4jw/VWX4wpeORjI/AAAAAAAACkk/1uMrnWkUHMk/s640/Jacie%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOSQO681Ivk/VWX4wrnihOI/AAAAAAAACk0/VuoAsoD2Xpo/s1600/Jacie%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOSQO681Ivk/VWX4wrnihOI/AAAAAAAACk0/VuoAsoD2Xpo/s640/Jacie%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_H3kH5xgBI/VWX4xUQyRaI/AAAAAAAACks/2tzbeas7ZVY/s1600/Jacie%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x_H3kH5xgBI/VWX4xUQyRaI/AAAAAAAACks/2tzbeas7ZVY/s640/Jacie%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKu4J3fCl1I/VWX4wBmQT7I/AAAAAAAACkg/wHuL0tJsQnU/s1600/Jacie%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKu4J3fCl1I/VWX4wBmQT7I/AAAAAAAACkg/wHuL0tJsQnU/s640/Jacie%2B1.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-493994265382834965" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; position: relative; width: 626px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Molengo; font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Thank you Jacie for participating in my photo project! You radiate confidence and strength. In your empowered moment you will set other women free from hiding in or from pictures. Thank you for trusting me to photograph you with love and care. </span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 1.4; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">If you are in the Las Vegas area and would like to participate in </span><i style="font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"><b>Simply Extraordinary</b> </i><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">please contact me via email at Alyson@newfigureforward.com. Let me treat you like a model for an hour! </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 1.4;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer" style="background-color: #e4e4e4; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 10.8000001907349px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px -2px 0px; padding: 5px 10px;">
</div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-4939942653828349652015-05-04T20:37:00.001-07:002015-05-04T20:37:18.435-07:00Simply Extraordinary Photo Project: MarCia<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Seen Through My Eyes: A Body Positive Photography Project</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Beauty is not based on size, shape, measurements, or specific facial structures. Beauty is how we see the world around us; it is how we choose to see those around us. When we see this beauty, we can begin to recognize the beauty within ourselves. Through my camera I hope to inspire moments of feeling beautiful. I hope to capture soulful smiles and heartfelt giggles. I hope to capture confidence, apprehension, strength, weakness, sexiness, modesty, poise, and unruliness. I hope to capture the beauty of the woman in front of me, in all her unique glory. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Molengo; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b><i>Simply Extraordinary Photo Project</i></b> is my way of giving back to those around me. I treat each portrait as art without the use of Photoshop to change my model. Our bodies are gloriously beautiful as they are, no editing needed. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Meet MarCia. She is a friend I made at the gym. I have watch her on her journey to find her healthy and she is inspiring. Always full of laughs and encouraging words, I look forward to my classes with her. I am honored to not only have captured her bright light for life but to have also gotten to know her better on a personal level. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nHrGDBqS1E/VUg4l3qrPpI/AAAAAAAACfc/kI5M2aNkNGo/s1600/MarCia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="433" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nHrGDBqS1E/VUg4l3qrPpI/AAAAAAAACfc/kI5M2aNkNGo/s640/MarCia1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fchUd0GcelM/VUg4l6FyUbI/AAAAAAAACfY/iujgGPipFDg/s1600/MarCia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fchUd0GcelM/VUg4l6FyUbI/AAAAAAAACfY/iujgGPipFDg/s640/MarCia2.jpg" width="402" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2RNBpwBPRjI/VUg4l5mwn1I/AAAAAAAACfg/D6HMp7-3Q0U/s1600/marcie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2RNBpwBPRjI/VUg4l5mwn1I/AAAAAAAACfg/D6HMp7-3Q0U/s640/marcie3.jpg" width="436" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CScXgoT9eSo/VUg4myUgKBI/AAAAAAAACfw/nPf00yDICdw/s1600/marcie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CScXgoT9eSo/VUg4myUgKBI/AAAAAAAACfw/nPf00yDICdw/s640/marcie4.jpg" width="430" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Molengo;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">If you are in the Las Vegas area and would like to participate in </span><i style="font-size: large; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;"><b>Simply Extraordinary</b> </i><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: start;">please contact me via email at Alyson@newfigureforward.com. Let me treat you like a model for an hour or two! </span></span></div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-61836141917958141492015-04-09T15:44:00.002-07:002015-04-19T12:11:11.153-07:00Seen Through My Eyes: A Body Positive Photography Project <div style="background-color: white;">
I love art. I am an artist. I write. I draw. I paint. I craft. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Sinai-Snap-Shot/262740757127448?ref=hl" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">I take pictures</a>. That last one, take pictures, is my favorite. I wanted a way to combine my passion for body positivity and my camera lens. Armed with my list of wants: I want a way to impact women around me, I want to pass along a feeling of empowerment and personal pride, I want to give an hour or two of my time to make someone feel like art, I started dreaming and that dream has been brought to fruition, I have officially begun my photography project entitled <i><b>Simply Extraordinary</b></i>.</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<i> <b>Simply Extraordinary</b> </i>is the idea, the spark, that ignited the artist in me. I, myself, am tired of seeing over-Photoshopped models. These visual lies that only perpetuate one type of beauty, skinny and flawless. Enough! This time I am taking matters into my own hands, I am creating art without erasing the human. I don't believe in flawless. I don't believe in perfection. I do believe in us empowering each other to feel incredible in our bodies. I do not use Photoshop for the purpose of erasing the natural human body. I use Photoshop to enhance the photo into my artistic vision. </div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
Beauty is not based on size, shape, measurements, or specific facial structures. Beauty is how we see the world around us; it is how we choose to see those around us. When we see this beauty, we can begin to recognize the beauty within ourselves. Through my camera I hope to inspire moments of feeling beautiful. I hope to capture soulful smiles and heartfelt giggles. I hope to capture confidence, apprehension, strength, weakness, sexiness, modesty, poise, and unruliness. I hope to capture the beauty of the woman in front of me, in all her unique glory. </div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.3999996185303px; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; width: 22px;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am proud to present my first model for <i><b>Simply Extraordinary</b>....</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am honored to begin this photographic journey with a great friend. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jacki, thank you for the laugher and lesson on power pose! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtD6EeqN-GU/VSb7IkuOyGI/AAAAAAAACeA/482gWtYPCP4/s1600/jackie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtD6EeqN-GU/VSb7IkuOyGI/AAAAAAAACeA/482gWtYPCP4/s1600/jackie1.jpg" height="640" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6d-ItT-n2XU/VSb7Iuk6BSI/AAAAAAAACd8/N8dLPbUy_ug/s1600/Jackie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6d-ItT-n2XU/VSb7Iuk6BSI/AAAAAAAACd8/N8dLPbUy_ug/s1600/Jackie2.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-01PKjghYm4Y/VSb7JRt9R_I/AAAAAAAACeI/E07JLgGx98s/s1600/jackie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-01PKjghYm4Y/VSb7JRt9R_I/AAAAAAAACeI/E07JLgGx98s/s1600/jackie4.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhdGkaShkM4/VSb7I181_LI/AAAAAAAACeE/Ija8wYIEfoA/s1600/Jackie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhdGkaShkM4/VSb7I181_LI/AAAAAAAACeE/Ija8wYIEfoA/s1600/Jackie3.jpg" height="640" width="434" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl_2jtc3V0g/VSb7J6XJ6gI/AAAAAAAACeQ/BJL4lIbXxMY/s1600/jackie5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl_2jtc3V0g/VSb7J6XJ6gI/AAAAAAAACeQ/BJL4lIbXxMY/s1600/jackie5.jpg" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are in the Las Vegas area and would like to participate in <i><b>Simply Extraordinary</b> </i>please contact me via email at Alyson@newfigureforward.com. Let me treat you like a model for an hour or two! </span>New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-6564121786484170162015-03-08T16:59:00.000-07:002015-05-27T11:05:26.153-07:003 Steps to Improved Self Esteem <div class="p1">
Self esteem is an elusive concept for many. In a society that constantly feels the need to give us the 1,001 ways we need to fix ourselves, it is a wonder how anyone feels good about themselves. We have been trained to pick ourselves a part. We have been brainwashed into feeling that somehow the universe messed us up, <i>how did everyone else turn out perfect and I get beat with the ugly stick?</i> The truth is...no one is perfect. Even the models in real life don't look like the model in the magazine. We are being sold a fake image, one that is specifically made to keep our self esteem at bay. Imagine how many companies would be out of business if people woke up and felt good about themselves. In a society determined to keep us down, how do we build up our self esteem? How do we take back our mental health? We take back our control. Here's how...</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>1. Stop reading mainstream magazines. Seriously. </b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBVoAgC78qI/VPzZXkk9hqI/AAAAAAAACZo/CHQI32anpEo/s1600/magazines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBVoAgC78qI/VPzZXkk9hqI/AAAAAAAACZo/CHQI32anpEo/s1600/magazines.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="s1"> The growing amount of Photoshopped images in mainstream media is astounding. We have reached a point that we can no longer trust the images we see. Mainstream magazines are the leaders of visual lies. Models, from everything from fashion to toothpaste, are wiped clean of their human traits. Smile lines? Oh, no. Erase. Cellulite? The horror. Erase. Thighs touch? Unheard of! Erase. Geeze, no wonder so many of us suffer from low self esteem! There is not a human alive that is flawless and the sooner we stop trying to convince ourselves that flawless is obtainable the happier we will all be. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i> So I can never read a magazine again?!</i> Have no fear, there are magazines that will help build self esteem instead of tearing it to shreds. <a href="http://verilymag.com/about/"><span class="s2">Verily online magazine</span></a> prides themselves on have zero Photoshopped images in their publication. They also focus on empowering women with articles that are not focused on sex. Tired of seeing the “one body fits all” model? Open up your Google search and type in <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&es_th=1&ie=UTF-8#q=plus+size+magazines&spell=1"><span class="s2">plus size magazines </span></a>. Boom! Hello women of all shapes and sizes! I recommend this step for women of all sizes. Look at women of all sizes, see the physical diversity that is our planet. When we can accept the reality of what the human body actually looks like we learn to accept our own bodies at our size. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">2. Follow models that YOU find attractive on social media sites. </span></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSG4Kmhf-bk/VPze8_TXfPI/AAAAAAAACZ4/aNWeIbNBBFY/s1600/social_media_strategy111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSG4Kmhf-bk/VPze8_TXfPI/AAAAAAAACZ4/aNWeIbNBBFY/s1600/social_media_strategy111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We can control the images we see, we just have to put some work into it. First step is allowing yourself permission to see all sizes as beautiful. We have been trained to focus on the flaws of others, too fat, too thin, bad hair, crazy eyebrows, and so on. What if we just stopped picking each other a part? What if we just let each other be? How does one begin to reprogram their brain to see the beauty in all body types? We follow confident women of all sizes in our newsfeeds. That's right, I said ALL sizes. It is important that we break the ingrained image of what is acceptable beauty. Confidence is contagious, this is why I am a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TessMunster?ref=br_tf"><span class="s2">Tess Holliday</span></a> fan. At 5'5 and a size 24, Tess and I are physical opposites yet she empowers me in my body because she rocks hers with such tenacity. Tess gives me permission to love my body.<br />
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> How does one go about finding models outside of the mainstream one we all know? Start with hashtags. If you have Instagram look under hashtags for your body size. For example I am a size 12 so I look under #size12 and have found stunning women that help me embrace my body. #plussizemodel will give you an array of sizes, then pick women that you find attractive. There are a lot of confident women who are giving out self esteem to others with a simple follow of their page. Go on a hashtag clicking spree and see where it takes you, you will find inspirations to fill your news feed. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> Mix your newsfeed with different body sizes, don't subject yourself to only one body type. Not only will this help you with your own self esteem, it will also help you break down the brainwashing that we all have to look a certain way. We have heard the phrase, "It's not what size you wear, it's how you wear your size." This is true. We can give each other permission to rock our own beauty by simply appreciating the beauty around us. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>3. Change your inner monologue. Make yourself be nice.</b> </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZD7UNOM9xM/VPzgPur72HI/AAAAAAAACaA/w0js6VoRWBI/s1600/innervoice.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZD7UNOM9xM/VPzgPur72HI/AAAAAAAACaA/w0js6VoRWBI/s1600/innervoice.png" /></a><span class="s1"> This step takes practice. Most of us only know how to critique ourselves. I was the champion of reticules and put downs for myself. My bullies in school thought they were nasty to me - no way, I was 10 times worse. However, it was not just myself I would put down, I would also tear apart strangers. Never out loud...well maybe a comment to my best friend. We have all found ourselves thinking "What are they wearing?" or "Oh my gosh did you see how big/skinny that lady was?". We have to rewire our inner monologue toward strangers as much as we need to rewire it toward ourselves. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> The next time you are looking in a mirror, compliment yourself! Compliment your body. We do not have to hate our bodies. Hating our bodies is a choice and not a must do. Tell that voice in the back of your head to sit down and shut up. Think of that voice as a small child; you are going to have to repeat yourself a million times before it hears you. And just like a small child, you cannot give up on making them hear you. That small voice will go away and get replaced with a loud voice that will sing of your praises, if you let it. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> That voice will also need to be trained to shut up when someone who doesn't fit the beauty "mold" walks by us. None of us fit that mold, so why are we treating those around us like they obviously did not read the memo about how to be seen in public. Enough picking on ourselves and each other. Instead of focusing on the difference find a nice thing you can say. Mom was right, "If you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all." That includes our inner monologue. When we can find it in our hearts to be kind to those around us we will naturally lighten up on ourselves. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> These three steps have drastically improved my own self esteem. I am not perfect. There are holes in my self esteem that negativity squeezes into every now and then. It is going to happen, even to those who seem to have self esteem in abundance. The trick is to stop yourself, shake it off, and replace the thoughts with positive energy. Think of these three steps as the gym for your self esteem. Self esteem is like a muscle you have to develop in order to use it. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br />
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Control taken back. You are imperfectly perfect! </span></div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-31050160114702561652015-01-21T13:12:00.000-08:002015-01-21T14:44:15.844-08:00Sneaky Health: Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After I swore off processed white sugar (<a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2013/10/secret-food-addict.html">click here to read about my sugar addiction</a>) I went on a mission to find replacements to curb the sweet tooth and keep my <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2014/03/theres-2-sides-to-every-story-this-is.html">PCOS</a> in check. This journey of learning about how my body reacts to sugar has lead me to vegan dessert recipes. I found that it is possible to have dessert AND nutrition all in one AND be family approved. The eye rolling is less and less with every delicious recipe I make. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> We made vegan chocolate chip cookies. Oil-free, nutritious, and delicious. They are so simple to make, with real food ingredients, that my 10 year old son made them all by himself. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyN6F27zdf8/VMANaAkWKPI/AAAAAAAACSo/iVg5qjUA2P4/s1600/cookie%2Braw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyN6F27zdf8/VMANaAkWKPI/AAAAAAAACSo/iVg5qjUA2P4/s1600/cookie%2Braw.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><u>Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">3 mashed bananas (ripe)</b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><b>1/3 cup apple sauce </b></span></span><b style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">(unsweetened)</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><b>2 cups quick oats </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><b>1/4 cup almond milk (unsweetened)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><b> 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><b> (if vegan use vegan chips)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><b>1 tsp vanilla</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><b>1 tsp cinnamon</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 15-20 minutes.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"> </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEx_GSGdv7g/VMAQjSB8dVI/AAAAAAAACS0/vSmTioHCgBA/s1600/cooked%2Bcookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEx_GSGdv7g/VMAQjSB8dVI/AAAAAAAACS0/vSmTioHCgBA/s1600/cooked%2Bcookies.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The house smelled like comfort food heaven! I had a small face smashed up against the oven window for 20 minutes anxiously waiting for his cookie magic. The cooling could not go by fast enough. Oh my gosh, place a tray off these on the counter and watch the family swarm like bees. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>These cookies are Mom approved; both for family and waistlines. </i></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Healthy doesn't have to mean giving up sweets. For me it meant finding an alternative route to fulfilling my cravings and still providing treats to my family. Real food with nutritional purpose disguised as chocolate chip cookies. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>100% Kid Approved Awesomeness!!! </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd-2SqZmXEc/VMAU0DapYPI/AAAAAAAACTA/vx48yIWjllM/s1600/eating%2Bcookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd-2SqZmXEc/VMAU0DapYPI/AAAAAAAACTA/vx48yIWjllM/s1600/eating%2Bcookies.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-89618374113767531612015-01-14T14:45:00.000-08:002015-01-14T14:51:38.152-08:003 Teenage Girls Blow Your Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1TL98p-JoT4/VLbtra5tOSI/AAAAAAAAByY/CMgI9Y13O44/s1600/girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1TL98p-JoT4/VLbtra5tOSI/AAAAAAAAByY/CMgI9Y13O44/s1600/girls.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is performance not to be missed. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Youth Speaks is an organization</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> with a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">vision:"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 27.2000007629395px;">Youth Speaks exists to shift the perceptions of youth by combating illiteracy, isolation, alienation, and silence, creating a global movement of brave new voices bringing the noise from the margins to the core." Founded in 1996 in San Francisco, Youth Speaks is empowering the next generation to talk about serious issues in society. They offer in school, after school, and online classes and resources. Their program has an international following and after watching this performance I hope we hear more from Youth Speaks. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>For more information about Youth Speaks, please visit the website <a href="http://youthspeaks.org/">(click here)</a>. </i></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Prepare to be blown away. </i></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>This is an in your face piece that will not be forgotten. </i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YshUDa10JYY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4ZSV1Gyxc8/VLbtrhbXPbI/AAAAAAAAByg/soDLhyg3Ri4/s1600/youth-speaks-bigger-picture-spoken-word.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-80667994228938825302015-01-12T16:28:00.005-08:002015-01-13T18:51:03.763-08:00A Commercial for Empowerment <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5hSPLgs0Bw/VLRolXj7FGI/AAAAAAAABvg/VO2u1QOxpl0/s1600/This_Girl_Can.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5hSPLgs0Bw/VLRolXj7FGI/AAAAAAAABvg/VO2u1QOxpl0/s1600/This_Girl_Can.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is hands down the GREATEST commercial I have EVER seen!! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The U.K. is leaps and bounds ahead of the U.S. and we need to catch up! Every women and teenage girl I know needs to see this video! Pass it on. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aN7lt0CYwHg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am right, huh? This is amazing!! Check out other great videos <a href="http://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/">here</a> and share with your friends and family. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OOBDVdMgCos/VLXZgcfbXGI/AAAAAAAABw0/_0bP7TprkwE/s1600/o-THIS-GIRL-CAN-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OOBDVdMgCos/VLXZgcfbXGI/AAAAAAAABw0/_0bP7TprkwE/s1600/o-THIS-GIRL-CAN-facebook.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE IT!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-65181055027118418382015-01-07T13:49:00.000-08:002015-01-07T15:45:04.379-08:00Trust Me I Am A Brunette <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PK-mPAkS20k/VKRP2DA7Y_I/AAAAAAAABs0/qB0JtfBaWX0/s1600/brunettesnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PK-mPAkS20k/VKRP2DA7Y_I/AAAAAAAABs0/qB0JtfBaWX0/s1600/brunettesnew.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> The influx of brunette women selling everything from car insurance to hair dye to burgers shows an extreme lack of diversity in the media. My eyes hurt from their excessive rolling when another thin, perky, non-sexualized, white brunette woman comes on to sell me the latest product. In the fight for size diversity, the fight for hair color diversity got lost in the wake.</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white;">
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> This might be why the fight for size diversity in the media has been such a struggle. The media still believes </span><span style="font-size: 19px;">brunettes</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> are </span><span style="font-size: 19px;">approachable</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> and honest while blondes are only capable of being sexy. Never mind attempting to step away from the 'one body fits all' actor. I had thought society grew past the bias it has about hair color, apparently not. There will be no change when we are still stuck on a basic idea that everyone trusts a brunette woman, blondes only sell sex, and what's a red head. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Enough Corporate America, we see your brunette non-sexualized woman, and although we have nothing against her, we are also over her. Let's shake it up a bit, shall we? Throw a blonde into your commercials and please leave off the cliché glasses and the hood of a car. Red hair, black hair, gray hair...are all great options to pick from and I bet if someone looked a little harder at the casting head shots you would find some great ladies to push your products happily. </span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Do not misunderstand me; I do not wish Flow to be fired or any of the other women that currently acts in the </span><span style="font-size: 19px;">commercial</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">. I would, however, like to see future commercials break out of the hair color mold. Yes, this means draping a brunette on the hood of a car and having a blonde sell me a phone. We have to break the stereotype, once and for all, about hair color. Then we will tackle the sexualizing of women to sell products and the lack of size diversity. Today we start with Diversity 101.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> In the era of social media, we have a gift of making our voices heard. No longer do we have to sit back and just take what companies shove at us. We can take a stand and bring about change. How do we bring about hair color diversity? (Still can't believe this is an actual issue...) We SAY something! We light up Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, and Instagram photos with comments about the simple change of hair color diversity. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Together we will bring this change into the media spotlight. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-88075476467039781242014-12-17T10:44:00.000-08:002014-12-17T15:24:00.421-08:00Book Review: My Little Dish <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large;">Book Review:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>My Little Dish </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Story of Your Creation Through In Vitro Fertilization</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recently I saw an announcement on Facebook from a friend about the publication of her first book. Excitement for my friend rose as I explored her posted link to learn more about her book. I knew immediately this was not just any book, this book was written from a special place in her heart. Author, Sari Dennis, the inspiring woman behind </span></span><a href="http://mywellnesscounts.com/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">My Wellness Counts</a><span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">, shared a private part of herself in her book in hopes to reach out to other women and families who share in the miracle. Sari wrote </span></span><a href="https://www.createspace.com/4991613?ref=1147694&utm_id=6026" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">My Little Dish: The Story of Your Creation Through In Vitro Fertilization</a><span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">, a charming story of how a beautiful baby came to be with the help of in vitro fertilization. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUSoFawjW3g/VJHB8bRyj9I/AAAAAAAABpA/F679h6tpiac/s1600/book2blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUSoFawjW3g/VJHB8bRyj9I/AAAAAAAABpA/F679h6tpiac/s1600/book2blog.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></span><br />
<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"> I have previously shared my own struggles with <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/2014/10/two-words-that-are-punch-in-gut-every.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">infertility</a> due to PCOS. This endearing book touched my heart. The love and care Sari put into this book is captured in the beautiful story of how one little girl came to be. Sari makes it a point to generalize the process of in vitro fertilization in her story, encouraging parents to customize the story to their own experience. She includes pages for parents to write down the journey they experienced and to add the details of how their special baby came to be. </span></span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> This book is more than just the story of how the baby came to be; it is also a teaching guide. Sari includes a glossary of terms to aid the explanation of the medical language. This special touch makes this book a beautiful family tool. As children grow and ask questions, this book grows with the child. The story can be told simplistically, and later, the story can be deeper and more personal as the child grows in maturity and ability to understand. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="adL">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I highly recommend this book to people that has expanded their family using IVF. This is a fabulous book, a guide with colorful illustrations to be personalized and treasured for years. Please visit Sari's <a href="https://www.createspace.com/4991613?ref=1147694&utm_id=6026" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">website</a> to obtain a copy of this book for yourself or for a friend or family member. </span></span></div>
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;">
</span></div>
</div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567605074557806996.post-46177256807014115752014-11-06T14:18:00.000-08:002015-05-19T16:56:25.705-07:006,500 Followers GIVEAWAY!<div dir="ltr">
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i style="background-color: white;">We are going celebrate 6,500 with a bag!</i></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I want to celebrate reaching 6,500 people by spreading the message of self love and body positive thoughts. We are worth more than the sum of our parts or the number on the scale. To celebrate this goal I am hosting a bag giveaway! Take a body positive message with you and spread the word. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="im"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The contest winner will be determined by activity on the Facebook page and <a href="http://newfigureforward.blogspot.com/">New Figure Forward blog page.</a> The more you help to spread messages of body positive and self love the more entries you will receive and the more smiles you will help pass on. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="im"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XmI0-7JSDs/VFvvSchivKI/AAAAAAAABkI/QuM03mqBklE/s1600/fan%2Bgiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XmI0-7JSDs/VFvvSchivKI/AAAAAAAABkI/QuM03mqBklE/s1600/fan%2Bgiveaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The top 5 active fans will be entered into a drawing. From the top 5 I am going to pick one awesome fan to choose the bag of their choice! </span></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The contest will run from Tuesday May 19th-Tuesday May 26th.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;">Here is how to enter:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKX2mJd2tIk/VFvwd4061bI/AAAAAAAABkY/E3ZlJ-VPUxU/s1600/cat%2Bbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKX2mJd2tIk/VFvwd4061bI/AAAAAAAABkY/E3ZlJ-VPUxU/s1600/cat%2Bbag.jpg" width="181" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;">1. <b>Like </b>this post on Facebook page <b>and comment "Spread the Love"</b></span><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"> -This is key! Only the people who follow this step will be entered.</span></span></span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;">2. Over the next week the more you like, share, and comment on ANY post(s) the more entries you will receive. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;">-Old or new posts. I encourage people to explore my blog and Facebook page for inspiring articles and messages and share them with friends and family. Help spread empowerment and self love! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Share my</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"> Facebook page and encouraging your friends and family to become fans. For every person that leaves a comment saying you sent them, you will earn 5 more entries. </span></span></span></div>
<span class="im" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
</div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDIxz-XVTM8/VFvwHsLE8pI/AAAAAAAABkQ/emx1X1p4tzU/s1600/super.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDIxz-XVTM8/VFvwHsLE8pI/AAAAAAAABkQ/emx1X1p4tzU/s1600/super.jpg" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Might be my favorite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That is it! The top 5 participates will be entered into the drawing for the bag of their choice. My goal is to reach as many people as I can in 2015 with the body positive healthy living message and I need my fans to carry out my master plan. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6uZ4n7m2q4/VFvwyU9n2FI/AAAAAAAABkg/KZgSXIyTTQI/s1600/girl%2Bbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6uZ4n7m2q4/VFvwyU9n2FI/AAAAAAAABkg/KZgSXIyTTQI/s1600/girl%2Bbag.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;">I want to lift women up into greatness, for greatness has no size requirement! </span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
</div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">I wish I could hug all of my fans! Good luck to all that join me on spreading body positivity this week! Thank you for the support of New Figure Forward! </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; width: 22px;">
</div>
New Figure Forwardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685882789108314742noreply@blogger.com0