From Preemie to Healthy & Fit

Something resonated with me this past weekend. I was sitting at a BEAUTIFUL cabin in Pennsylvania, with some friends. Topics were being thrown around about life at home, our jobs, our futures, and what we wanted most out of life. I felt like I had already learned so much from everyone else... yet, my quiet nature kept me from talking about myself and my goals, too much.

However, something happened that really made me realize what a great gift I was given almost 28 years ago. It all started with someone asking me about my voice. It is raspy and can sometimes sound like I have a cold, to other people. Here's a little back story to set the tone. I was born 4 1/2 months premature, weighing in at 1 pound, 10 ounces and 12 inches long. No need to worry about your eyesight... yes, you read that correctly. I was a miracle baby, as my grandparents and parents always told me growing up. The doctors said I might not survive, and if I did... I would have a lengthy list of medical problems.

Me as a preemie

My parents had no idea what they were up against, as I was their first child. I can only imagine how scary it was for everyone involved. Back then, there was not all of the enhanced technology we have today. Many months, treatments, and prayers later... I was sent home two days before my due date. It is my understanding that I was still quite small, but the nurses and doctors trusted that my parents and extended family would take great care of me. I would be lying if I said they didn't. I have lived a very great life, so far. I fought like hell to survive... and I am eternally thankful to God, my family, and my amazing medical team who cared for me. And, as for the medical problems the doctors thought I would have... the worst of it is a very strong prescription for my glasses/contacts, and a raspy voice to which this blog post all came about.

I should note that I have one of those raspy, made-for-radio voices. So I am told. When I have previously inquired about why I sound the way I do, I was told that it was from all of the tubes I had as a preemie. Anyways, I was asked a few times this past weekend (and pretty much once a day, my entire life) if I was sick or why my voice sounds like it does. I did not take offense to that question as I used to, years ago. I simply smiled and told them my story.

I have had my fair share of struggles growing up. With being made fun of for my voice, being far too shy and quiet, trying too hard to be "perfect" so I could fit in with the "cool" crowd in school, struggles in school with learning, and basically losing sight of the big picture. I focused so hard on what I wanted right this minute, that I never planned for the long term. That was, until recently... Until I found a way to be healthy, get fit, and take charge of my future. Most importantly learning how to feel GOOD about myself! I was sick of hiding and making excuses for why things weren't going like I wanted them to, or why I acted the way I did. I obviously survived being born premature for a reason, so why was I going to waste my time shoving fast food and chemically processed junk into my body?!

I want you to know that it is never too late to change your life around. I used to think my prematurity set me back from the crowd. Like I wasn't good enough, creative enough, smart enough, or interesting enough for other people. Now I realize that none of that matters. What does matter is how I feel about myself, and that I do what it takes to live my happiest life.

It's time for me to DREAM big. BELIEVE in myself. and ACHIEVE the greatness that I know I am meant for. Are you ready to do the same?