Finding Your Purpose

Every once in a while I stumble across this picture of me at 2 days old. I was born 4 months premature, weighed just over 1 pound, and had to fight like hell to beat all the odds doctors believed were against me. I am incredibly thankful I don't remember the time I spent in the NICU, but even more so for His love and devotion at guiding the hands of the incredible team of doctors and nurses who took care of me. For my parents who were always there to cheer me on with each and every milestone.

Two and a half years ago, one of my biggest dreams was ripped out from my grip. Stomped on with negative talk about why I'll never make it. Told I was clearly skipping class, not studying, and to find something else. Something easier. At first, I was relieved. Like a thousand pound weight was lifted from my shoulders. I pushed all thoughts of pursuing it further under the rug. Convinced myself what they told me was true. Let go of working at the one place I always imagined and started down a new, winding, bumpy path... that's seemingly leading me in circles.

A few weeks ago, I was working at my desk and an image popped into my head of me working in the NICU. It was so real. So vivid. In the days that followed, every time I found myself contemplating my future, it would pop back in. I tried to ignore it to no avail. I have no doubt this was His work. Guiding me back down the path He wrote out for me from the start.

After much discussion and prayer with the support of those closest to me, I have made the decision to look back into nursing. Different school, different program. Hopefully more support. The idea has brought on a whole slew of emotions, but I am trusting my heart and excited to see what comes of things this time around. 🙏🏻❤️👩🏻‍⚕️

Recipe of the Day: Vegetable Egg Cups

Good Morning!

Who can relate to It's always nice not to stress over what you're going to eat for every meal. I am not a pro at meal prep (yet!), but I am working on becoming better at it. With a tight budget, it's a huge hit to always eat out. So, yesterday I whipped up these delicious egg cups for a quick, nutritious breakfast on-the-go. I literally did this in less than 30 minutes (including chopping up the veggies), in between my workout, a shower, and getting ready for work!

I am a huge fan of quick and easy recipes since we always seem to be on-the-go or time just flies by and before we know it, it's 7:30pm and we have yet to eat dinner. These following recipe will surely be a staple in my diet.

Note: I switched up the recipe a bit and added in chopped kale and cilantro, in addition to the red pepper and mushrooms. You can really use any variety of veggies that appeal to you. I even topped mine with salsa, Cholula, and avocado when it was time to eat.

get your copy of the Fixate Cookbook with more amazing recipes, here.

Vegetable Egg Cups.
Serves 6 (2 each)
*for all my fellow Fixers: 2 egg cups equal 1 red container

What You'll Need:
Nonstick Cooking Spray (I used coconut oil spray)
12 Large Eggs
Salt and Pepper to taste (I used a dash of pepper and Himalayan salt)
1 Cup Chopped Mushrooms
1 Medium Red Bell Pepper, finely chopped
2 Green Onions, thinly sliced (I didn't have these on hand, so I substituted. see note above)
Salsa (optional)

Recipe:
1. Heat Oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Lightly coat a twelve-cup muffin tin with spray. (My egg cups stuck to the pan a bit once cooked. I'd suggest using a little extra to save you time scrubbing the tin afterwards. It took me a solid 20 minutes to get that thing clean!)
3. Place eggs in a large bowl; whisk to blend. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
4. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, and green onions (or whatever combination of veggies you'll be using); mix well.
5. Evenly pour egg mixture into muffin tins.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Top each egg with salsa, if desired.

Tip: be sure not to overload the egg cups with veggies. I'm not saying skimp on them, but mine seemed to overtake the amount of egg and didn't set quite right when cooked. The bottoms fell apart really easy, while the top seemed to be where most of the egg sat.

If you try this recipe out, let me know if you enjoyed it, in the comments below!

Have a great day, everyone!

The Last Day of My 20's.

It's been quite a while since I have sat down to write anything on this blog. I miss it. Last December, I set out on a quest to find myself, figure out my passions, and dig deep into what I really want out of life. So far it's been quite the experience. A lot of reflection, smiles, tears, Ah-a moments, and everything in between.

As for today, I knew it would come eventually... it just arrived a little quicker than I anticipated.

You might have gotten from the title today officially marks the last day of my 20's. Thinking back on the past 9 years, it has been a wild ride. From college to graduation, heading out into the "real world", job searching, a break up, long nights, early mornings, finding my soulmate, raising the cutest pup in all the land, a few moves, nursing school, no longer being in nursing school with no other plan because that was supposed to be my "thing", a few different jobs, still trying to figure things out, buying a house with my little family... and here we are. The last day I will ever be 29.

I will say it feels different than past birthdays. Going from a teenager to my 20's seemed pretty seamless. It's not so much about the number, but about where I thought I would be by this point. You know... married, kids, my dream career. The reality is, there is no timeline to accomplishing all the amazing things we want out of life. I will get there one day. I am trusting the process and enjoying the view along the way.

Six years ago I set sail on a path towards becoming a nurse. It was an uphill battle and I did not prevail. I do not regret my choice to chase that dream for a single minute. I grew immensely as a person and a professional. I am grateful for all of the experiences I was able to be a part of throughout each clinical, and for all of the wonderful lives I was able to make an impact on. But it does not stop there. Today, my ship is sailing on a new course and I cannot wait to see where the journey will take me.

Thankfully, I stumbled upon an incredible opportunity three years ago that has taught me the beauty in living for the moment, enjoying the small things, working on myself not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. The tribe of people I have come to know and look up to because of the decision to say "Yes!" has changed my outlook for what is possible for my future.

I may not be where I thought I'd be at this point in my life, but the journey is just beginning. A new chapter is about to start, and I am over the moon excited to write it's pages.

A Confession and How I Overcame My Excuses

I have a confession...

I haven't worked out in SEVEN months!!!

You might be thinking, "But Danielle, You're a Beachbody Coach!"

That is exactly why I am being transparent and writing this blog post for you to realize we are real people, just like you. We backslide, make unhealthy choices, and skip workouts, too.

The backstory on that is I was dealing with a lot at the beginning of the year. I was supposed to be entering my second to last semester of Nursing school, but that obviously didn't happen. (You can read about that here.) I was sad, lost, confused, yet elated to have the weight of school off my shoulders, and a whole other slew of emotions that I didn't know quite how to process. It was a lot to handle, but I tried my best to hide the feelings of defeat and failure.

It was May 23rd, and I was leaving in the morning to head to my brother's wedding 10 hours away. That was the last day that I worked out consistently this year. I blamed the non-existant wifi during our week's vacation, and the fact that it was just that... a vacation! I started eating whatever I wanted after we got home, and the healthy food choices slowly went out the window. The hill was steep, and I was sliding down faster than I could comprehend. Summer came and I hid behind tee shirts and pants. Fall was here and I promised I would start working out "on Monday"... I must have said that five or six weeks in a row. Winter slowly started approaching, and I thought "Oh, I can just wear sweaters".

Then reality hit.

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. I went to the Chiropractor for a consultation. It was my first time ever going. I have been suffering from a long list of symptoms from anxiety, brain fog, stress, not sleeping through the night, moodiness, joint pain in my knees and hips, lack of energy, and so fourth. They asked a lot of questions, took some pictures, had me do some exercises and did some muscle and nerve testing. Basically, my results showed I have really poor balance (which the trainer was surprised at), I have a handful of spinal issues from my neck to lower back, and my posture is poor. I plan to return to get these issues taken care of.

In the meantime -

Last night, a friend messaged me and I realized it was time to change things, once and for all. I am sick of my clothes fitting so tight and not feeling like myself, in general.

This morning... I woke up and had the same recurring thought that I could start tomorrow... Sunday... Monday. So, I got out of bed, picked up my weights, and pressed play on my first workout since May.

It started out and I was in the zone. Seven minutes in, I felt so nauseas I had to sit down for a few minutes. I thought about stopping, but I pressed play and continued the entire 30 minute workout.

There were times when I had to modify the modifier!!!

The moral of the story is, you just have to START. It doesn't have to be perfect, you don't have to jump all the way in your first day. Ease into a healthy routine day-by-day, week-by-week. Add in a light workout and slowly build up to more intense ones. Try one new healthy meal a week, and start adding in healthy snack options throughout the day.

 Check out my "Clean Eats" page for some inspiration on delicious, easy-to-make meals and snacks. If you need guidance or accountability, send me a message on the right side of this blog.

Let's work together to live healthier, happier lives!

The Health Benefits of Almonds

*This post is in partnership with nuts.com. All opinions are my own.

The truth is, we're all busy. We have 100 things going on in our minds, places we have to be, to-do lists a mile long. Some of us are parents, some of us have pets, some of us spend more time at work than home with our families. This is what I call the "rat race" of life. We wake up rushed to get ready, get the kids off to school, and make it to work all while balancing the million other things we did forgot, but need to remember to do later.

So why is it that so many people are struggling with their nutrition and their weight? Well, the answer is simple. Convenience. Time. Energy. It's so much simpler to drive through a fast food restaurant for a meal or a "snack" that often has more calories than we require for one day. Yet, there are a lot of people out there that are afraid to eat certain things. Some including carbs or fat -- healthy fat, that is.

I am writing this post to let you in on the little secret that is ALMONDS!!!

This deliciously nutritious snack packs a serious punch, without the guilt that comes with most packaged, processed snacks we find on our grocers shelves and in our cupboards. I researched some of the benefits of almonds here.

Benefits of Almonds {in a nut shell}

Good for your brain

Promote bone health

Good for your heart

Regulate cholesterol

Strengthen your immune system

Improve the complexion of skin

Reduce inflammation

Regulate blood pressure

Increase energy

Prevent colon cancer

Regulate glucose

Good for pregnancy and weight loss

Prevent constipation

I like to enjoy 8-12 almonds as a mid-day snack. It gives me the protein and energy I need to make it until lunch without feeling hungry or deprived. There's no one way to eat them, and various flavor and types of almonds to choose from! You can find the perfect types and flavors of almonds to fit your palate and lifestyle, here.

Would you give almonds a try by adding them to your current routine? I'd love to hear different ways you add nutritious and tasty almonds to your meals and snacks! Feel free to post in the comments below.

No Bake Shakeology Energy Bites

This afternoon, I was craving something sweet. I thought about running to the store for some ice cream, but let's be honest... that would counteract my workout from this morning and leave me feeling yucky afterwards.

So, I settled for something healthier that is sure to satisfy my sweet tooth just the same--and without all the guilt. I chose this healthy little pick-me-up, and it sure was a great choice!

Minutes to Prepare: 15

Minutes to Cook: No Baking Required; Freeze for 2 Hours

Number of Servings: 25

Ingredients:

1 c. Oatmeal

1/2 c. Natural Peanut Butter (may use other nut butters)

1/3 c. Honey

1 c. Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

1/2 c. Ground Flaxseed

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together as you go. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to form the mixture into about one inch balls. Place them on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours. These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Enjoy!

the nutritional information was found here

Chase Your Dreams

Last night I had a dream I was back in nursing school. Needless to say, it made waking up a little rough when I realized it wasn't reality.

So this morning, I had a long chat with my Dad about my future. Although I'll admit I didn't want to listen to him, he did bring up some good points about DREAMING BIG and going after what you want. I've been searching for something to fill a void that's overcome me these last few weeks since nursing school didn't work out. Feeling lost, emotional, and scared, I began jumping from one idea to the next, exclaiming how "happy" or "fulfilled" it would make me if... "x-y-z" happened.

WHO WAS I KIDDING?!

I kept thinking if I had a different job, more money, this or that... I would be happier and fulfilled. What I failed to come to terms with is that MY HAPPINESS depends on myself. Not on another person or thing.

Through some tears, it finally hit me about an hour ago. I realized my future and the success I do or don't have, will only be a result of my hard work and dedication to the task at hand. It's not hidden anywhere, but in the burning passion I have for helping others live happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives. This is my avenue for pursuing happiness and fulfillment in my daily work. This is my PASSION.

I am READY to create a life of success and financial freedom through something I love and enjoy. Therefore, I am making it a personal goal of mine to help FIVE women each month get healthIER... AND to get certified in personal training and nutrition by the end of Summer 2015.

Whatever your dreams are {big or small} CHASE THEM and don't stop until you're where YOU want to be. Don't let society dictate where or what they think is "right". I know it took me a lot of trial and error over the years to figure out what I truly want. I was too busy searching for something that would make others proud of me, rather than focusing on what I would be proud to do.

Follow your heart. Dream BIG. Believe in yourself. Success will follow.

Best Wishes in all your future endeavors.

Why I Chose Nursing School

*Disclosure: this post is not being written for sympathy. I am simply writing it to get my thoughts out of my head and onto a platform that may be able to help someone else in my position.

"Everything happens for a reason...

Maybe God has a bigger plan for your life that you just don't see yet."

This statement has been told to me multiple times this week. It's taken me a few days to realize that maybe everyone is right on that. Sometimes the path we think our life should be on is turned in a different direction towards something even better.

As I sit down to write this post I am filled with a mix of emotions. On one hand, I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. On the other, I feel like I have had the wind knocked out of me.

Nursing has always been something I have wanted to do. It took me 24 years to realize that and make the choice to go for it. After two years of applying, I was finally accepted for a January 2013 start in a prestigious nursing program. Ecstatic doesn't even describe my excitement. I did not know just how demanding this program would turn out to be, but I was ready to go all in.

Fast forward to the end of 2014, and I was officially dismissed from my institution's nursing program due to being just under the percent I needed on my exam total. Two years worth of late nights, early mornings, a lot of coffee and studying. I failed to make the cut... AND THAT IS OKAY!!!

Even though this isn't where I saw my future... I would do it all over again because it was something I enjoyed. Stressful? YES. Worth it? EVEN MORE.

PLEASE DO NOT let this discourage you from pursuing such a rewarding and amazing career. I can't even put into words how fulfilling it is to hold the hands of your patients and comfort them in their time of need. To cry with them and talk with them... and show them that you care. You are making an impact on their lives, even if you don't feel like it at the time. The best part is, at the end of the day they are also making an impact on yours. It is the most special feeling.

This week has been hard, no doubt about that. I've cried a lot and wasn't sure what to think or how to feel. It's embarrassing and somewhat freeing all at the same time. The constant stress of excelling was starting to wear me thin and affect my relationships with people I care about. I'll admit I struggled a lot with the change in how the nursing curriculum is run as I have never really been an "A" student to begin with. However I have made some great strides in my studies over the past couple of years, learned a lot about myself, my strengths, and my weaknesses. It has opened up my eyes to the fact that everyone is going through something and even though we may feel rushed to hurry through the motions of life, it is important to stop and really soak up the moments...

To be present. To listen. To smile.

Most importantly, to enjoy every minute of this beautiful life.

I know I am meant for something great. I can feel the fire lit in my soul to turn these circumstances into something incredible. Nursing school may have not worked out for me, but if it is your passion... GO FOR IT!

Give it everything you've got and never give up on yourself.

Maybe someday I will go back for nursing... but right now, I am content with putting my faith in God and letting him guide me down the path he has mapped out for me. I will be switching my major to Population Health Management. Ideally with this degree, I would like a career working with today's youth to end the trend of obesity. I will keep you posted on how it all works out.

"Every time life knocks you down, it gives you an opportunity to get back up and rise even higher!"

No matter how BIG or how small...
Follow your heart. Chase your dreams. Give it your all.

These are my recipes for a happy and successful life.
Best Wishes!

Whatever Is Meant To Be... Will Be.

I just got the results from an exam in nursing school that I was so STRESSED OUT and sick to my stomach over... and I PASSED!!!

I am not posting this to brag, but because this semester has given me a run for my money. Hours of studying, long days of early mornings and late nights. Last week, I felt like I hit rock bottom. Defeated. I cried every single day, and was sure that my future in nursing was done. I even went so far as to make a list of back up career options, as a "just in case".

Being 28 years old, living at home, and barely being able to work due to the demands of school is tough. Throw in the possibility of all your hard work, thousands of dollars in student loans, and your future career path thrown down the drain... and it's a recipe for feeling pretty lost.

Some may think that is a bit dramatic, but I will say that to date, my track record on exams has been just below the percentage mark we need. It's embarrassing and disheartening to keep falling short, time after time.

Especially when I KNOW I will make a great nurse!

However, something changed the other day. I was sitting at a stoplight, and had an "a-ha" moment. I realized how silly I was being for focusing on the worst possible outcome. I've come way too far to turn back now. I decided to change my outlook, pick myself up, and give it my absolute best. A few tears of exhaustion later, my hard work finally shined through!

It just goes to show that when you want something bad enough, you will do your absolute best knowing you couldn't have possible done any more. If the end result is meant to be, it will be.

Shine Bright, My Fellow Coffee Lover.

*google image.

Sitting here in silence listening to the soft hum of my Keurig as it heats up the water for my second cup of Vanilla Starbucks coffee. A warm cup of delight. Delicious. My puppy is cuddled up next to me with a slew of her toys, and the washer is quietly cleaning our well-worn clothes. I silently wonder if this is what my life will look like with kids?! Only a little less silent, I'm sure.

I have so many emotions running through my mind this morning, and a persistent fire that is burning deep in my soul. I have a passion... a huge passion. It comes from the heart and it's so real, I can feel it. I want to help people. I love to help people.

Most people who know me really well will tell you I was very shy growing up. I still am to an extent, but I've come a long way. I hated being the center of attention, was embarrassed far too easily, and was so very quiet in social situations, it was as if I wasn't even there. I feared saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing... you name it. I focused far too much of my time and effort into what other people thought of me, that I failed to grasp my own personality. My drive. My passion. I knew I was meant for more, but I had no idea where to start.

High school came and went, and I headed off to college for a life changing, eye-opening, best 4 years of my young adult life. I met some lifelong friends, grew into my own person, and began finding my voice... and subsequently, my way. After graduation, I worked odds and ends jobs... reapplied to school, changed my major a few times, and landed in nursing. It's a perfect career move for me because it encompasses my passion of helping people with my delight of giving back to the community. But it doesn't stop there...

My love of health, fitness, mind, body, and soul led me to Beachbody Coaching, which led me to meet even more amazing friends that have become like family. I have found a way to see the positive in a world full of negatives. I am slowly recapturing the drive I once sought out as a young girl, desperate to figure out my "path" in life.

It's funny, you know... how you can find something--or someone--and you just know it is what you are meant for. Your reason for waking up each day and seizing every moment. Failing forward. Constantly learning, growing, and living with purpose.

I can't even count the number of times I was told I would never succeed. That I was making a mistake by going into nursing, becoming a Beachbody Coach, etc. etc. This told to me by people who failed to see my drive for the desires God has placed in my heart. I am blessed that I have found my niche, and am lucky to have my best friend/soulmate by my side for the journey.

I may not have it all together, but together [with God] I have it all. He will not fail me. I trust in his plan.

As one of my favorite authors (Holley Gerth) says in her book You Were Made for a God-Sized Dream, "There's a God-sized dream knocking on the door of your heart. This is your moment. Now is your time [to shine]."

Go out there and chase your wildest dreams.

Give it your all.

"Small, smart choices + consistency + time = a radical difference!"

-Darren Hardy

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

Do you ever have those times where you look around and find you're constantly comparing yourself and your successes to those of other people? If you haven't, you're one of the very rare exceptions. The truth is, we all want to be successful at something - school, sports, our jobs, our relationships. But the difference between WANTING those things and actually achieving them is HARD WORK. It takes dedication and giving your time and efforts to helping others, while expecting nothing in return. It takes perseverance to want something so bad, that you will make sacrifices to achieve them. It takes letting go of your wants, to focus on someone else's needs.

I'll admit, I've been in sort of a funk lately. My biggest passion is helping others to live their best lives. Yet lately, I don't feel like I'm doing that effectively. I could be a better coach, a better nursing student, a better girlfriend, and a better friend... and I WANT to be those things.

I know I am capable of more. I strongly believe I have the capacity to make a positive impact in this world. To help hundreds of people realize their true potential and empower them to take control of their health and their lives. Not only through Beachbody Coaching, but also as a future nurse.

So whatever your passion is, I challenge you to chase it down and don't stop until you've succeeded. Then, push yourself farther and achieve more than you've ever thought possible. Let your light shine through in everything you do.

YOU WERE MADE FOR MORE! ♡

Grain Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I first came across these delicious muffins on a friend's blog, and I went to get the recipe for them this afternoon and realized she got them from here. Oh the beauty of the internet. You can always count on blogs and sites like Pinterest to find fun, crafty projects, baking and cooking recipes, and awesome DIY stuff you might have never thought of doing otherwise!

{Anywho - It is officially Fall... which now means all things PUMPKIN!}

It is also my favorite season, so what better way than to bake some delicious muffins to honor it. These little beauties are perfect paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or by themselves as a little treat. They are easy to make, nutritious, and healthy! Within 10 minutes of them coming out of the oven, my boyfriend was all about trying them out. Needless to say, he loved them. I am sure you and your family will, too! Without further ado... here's how to make 'em!

What You'll Need:

1 cup all-natural almond butter

2/3 cup pumpkin puree

2 large eggs plus 1 egg white, lightly beaten

1/3 cup honey (may substitute maple syrup)

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (I used Pink Himalayan Sea Salt)

1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate chips)

How to Make 'Em:

1. Preheat the over to 350 degrees F, and line a standard muffin pan with paper cup liners.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the almond butter and the pumpkin until smooth. (if the almond butter has been stored in the refrigerator and is hard, it is helpful to bring to room temperature before mixing.)

3. Stir in the eggs and honey. Mix in the pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Stir in the chocolate chips, reserving a few for the top, if desired.

4. Using a large ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measure, pour the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Top each with a few reserved chocolate chips, if desired. (I took advantage of this because I love chocolate!)

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the centers are just firm.

6. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, the muffins will keep for at least a week. (They may also be frozen and thawed as you eat them.)

**Tip: If you prefer to forego the chocolate chips, you may substitute raisins, dried cranberries, nuts, or a mix of all three.

Now go out and enjoy some of these yummy Fall treats! :)

Bombshell Retreat

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to a FREE weekend get-away to a cute little tucked away cabin with some fellow entrepreneurs. I didn't hesitate very long before I booked a plane ticket to fly out to Pittsburgh, PA, where I met some of the most inspirational and amazing people ever. It all came about because of the hard work and dedication I have put into my Beachbody business over the past few months. This business has given me confidence, strength, a feeling of success and accomplishment. It has blessed me with some of the most amazing friends a girl could ask for... and better yet, the most liberating and humbling feeling I get every time I help someone get closer to their health and fitness goals.

So, without further ado... here are some pictures from my weekend get-a-way. It was full of laughs, hugs, smiles, business building, team building, group workouts, and feeling happy just to be in the company of one another. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am SO thankful, happy, and blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful and life-changing weekend away.

This could be YOU!!! Are you motivated by FUN, fitness, financial independence, freedom to be your own boss, HELPING others achieve their goals, FREE trips and incentives to continuously work harder to become a better version of yourself, while motivating, supporting, and inspiring others to do the same? If this sounds like you, email getfitelle@beachbodycoach.com for more details on how to get started on building your own business! I would love to have YOU join our growing team!

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?