Last night we kicked off our Lose Big Competiton in Gresham. Over 50 people showed up to compete for a grand prize of $300 Cash! The enthusiasm was high and the comradery was moving. We didn't know how many would show up, we didn't know if it would be a competition between 3 people or 300. We were hoping for 20. Because we were uncertain who'd come, the only plan we had for the evening (besides weighing and measuring people) was to wing it. If we had a lot of new people, we'd spend time talking about the program, if we had a lot of salty dawgs, we'd try a different approach. There was a good mix so we squeazed in the new program information, many thanks to my good friends and fellow health coaches, Amy and John Hardesty. Amanda Himes, another fellow Health Coach and Registered Nurse, weighed clients in a private room, ensuring 100% confidentiality. The evening was MC'd by my personal hero, Chemae Stevens.
The reason I'm sharing about the meeting and kick off 'party', as it were, is because I learned something quite profound last night. Or rather, I was reminded of something I'd forgotten in my quest and eagerness to help more people. Going back to who was doing what and the 'winging it' plan, Chemae asked me, last night, to do the 'testimonies' portion of the evening. The purpose of sharing testimonies is always to encourage and create excitement, provoke you to dream. I was glad to do it. I love sharing my story. I tell how I used to weigh close to 300 lbs (carried it mostly in my legs, seriously) and how my life changed and how I got to summit Mt. Hood last year. But then I had asked a few people to share their stories. They were caught off guard, had no idea I would ask this of them and had nothing prepared. They had to speak off the cuff. The testimonies were so moving. I was caught with a lump in my throat more than once.
I'm going to 'sidebar' here and just say a few words about Chemae. I know I've said this before, but I love that lady and am so thankful God brought her into my life. The special thing about her: she loves people. She genuinly cares about your feelings - thus she chooses her words carefully. She cares about your success - so she never gives up on you. She cares about your relationships, so she'll only repeat edifying things and always keep your secrets close. I wish to be more like a lot of people. Jesus, for instance. But Chemae has moved up to my 'top 5' 'I wish I could be like her' list.
There is Donna and her inability to get health insurance and how she's lost 100 lbs in 6 months and is now insured!
There was Patrick, who was depressed because the old 'get to the gym and workout more' routine was no longer working for him-but he found TSFL and the 60 lbs melted off him!
Trudy. Precious girl, had a lot on her plate last year, including a death in the family. Talked about her 90 lb weight loss and how her daughter can wrap her arms around her now and how she is COACHING baseball! Great things are in store for Trudy!
David. He lost 8 lbs. Didn't need to lose a lot, but was suffering from chronic heartburn. He feels amazing now. His wife, Amanda lost 40 lbs and she loves boasting about how you don't have to have a HUGE weight loss to a 'story' or to inspire others! Her life has changed so much and her story is as big as her heart!
Jana. She was nervous about sharing. Mainly because she hadn't before and I sprung it on her. She hadn't 'prepared' anything. Her story was very moving and she just spoke from her heart. She told about how she lost 38 lbs and her 16 yr old daughter wears her jeans. There was some funnies in there. She said the biggest thing people noticed about her was that 'her smile' was back. She's happy and in control of her food, eating and her weight, where she had previously felt out of control. Her smile is back. That put a smile on everybody's face.
Here is the lesson I learned. I've been working overtime, trying to bribe and beg people to try Take Shape For Life. I have had so many 'specials' floating around that sometimes I lose track. Free food, free shipping, $50 off, free set of Habits of Health books..... $300 cash prize for the biggest loser. I've forsaken why I really do this. What is it about Take Shape For Life that draws people in? Is it the freebies?? OR is it the heartfelt stories, the true life transformations and the hope for a better future?
Nobody paid me to try Take Shape For LIfe. I started because I seen other lives changed and that is the business I'm in now. Life change, transformations, dreaming, health, not settling for good when you can have great. For me, this is what Take Shape For Life is about. Now. I'm not withdrawing offers on the table. I do have quite a few and will honor them, gladly! But there is much more to this program then food and I encourage you, if you haven't yet.... give it a try.
There is still time to join our Lose Big competition. You'll have a little bit of a disadvantage, but who knows, you could still win the $$. Everyone wins with this competition though. The motivation, the encouragement and the lessons are well worth your time.
Next week, January 19th, we'll be starting a series called "The Habits of Health" and we'll learn a lot about how we got where we are and how to get where we want to be. This is free and anybody is welcome to come.
