Give Thanks For the Power of Inspiration: A Friend’s Journey Toward Better Health
Jodi Davis
| 4 min read
Suzanne Paquette before...
While taking my walk yesterday I couldn’t help but obsess over all the things that I have to do in order to achieve a successful Thanksgiving meal. I began thinking about the cleaning, the cooking, the table settings, the décor, the numerous guests… and then I stopped. Why should I stress about those things when I know that the real reason that everyone comes together on Thanksgiving is to give thanks? So I stopped stressing and I started some new thoughts — thankful ones!
If a list was to be made, it would go on and on! I am truly thankful for everyone and everything that I have been blessed with through the years. At the top of this list would be all my amazing friends, which include all of the wonderful people I’ve met through this website. Not only do you allow me to share my ideas, thoughts, and healthy lifestyle tips, but many of you have decided to follow a few of them. I’m thankful because it’s my goal to lead Michigan to a healthier future, and it’s happening!
...and after.
Actually, I want to introduce you to one of my website friends whom I am truly thankful for. She is a lovely young woman from the Holland area who I have connected with on a weekly basis through social media for over a year now. She has been very determined to live a healthy lifestyle for several months now, which has resulted in a significant weight loss, which I know she is thankful for.
Suzanne Paquette began her journey in February 2010, a time when she decided that she needed to lose weight and improve her health. I am so proud of Suzanne and her accomplishments, which is why I asked her to share her weight-loss success story with everyone. Suzanne kindly agreed to submit her inspirational words in hopes that she can motivate you to do what she has done.
Thank you, Suzanne, for your words of encouragement during this time of year when we cherish all that we are thankful for… people such as you who care about the good health of others.
Hello, my name is Suzanne, and here is my weight loss journey:
In February 2010, I decided enough was enough, and didn’t want to be fat anymore. I was very unhappy with how I looked in the mirror, and felt insecure. I had no energy, and loved food too much. Then, I decided to buy a 6 month membership to our local aquatic center, where I worked out in the gym and did some swimming. Over the course of a few months, my eating habits hadn’t changed, I had very little support from Facebook friends and some from family. The weight was not coming off.
Then, a friend called me and told me he heard of Jodi, and started reading blog posts about her amazing success story with walking off weight. Though I have tried that before, I decided to give it another chance and I did. I started to watch my food portions and started walking. The first 6 months, I instantly lost 50 pounds. I felt like the whole world was lifted off my shoulders, and felt good again. Everyone was amazed by my weight loss.
After walking anywhere from 3-7 miles daily during the 6 month duration, I learned about other exercises and joined a website in September 2010 called MyFitnessPal. I kept a calorie and a exercise log, and made a bunch of friends who were exercising and trying to lose weight too. I found it very helpful. I started getting Jillian Michaels DVDs and added some strength training in. I also did some Zumba for a while and found that to be a lot of fun. In August 2011, I decided to go for the C25K program, one of my many attempts, only this time I succeeded. I graduated the program and was able to run 3 miles.
Today I have lost nearly 80 lbs.and I feel very good! If I can do this, I know you can too! 🙂
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, everyone!
