I was hesitant at first, but decided to try Michelle’s 10/10 Weight Loss Challenge (lose 10lbs in 10 day). I took a leap of faith and surprised myself though out the 10 days. This became much more than just losing weight, it was a spiritual journey as well. Just trying to stick the 10 days out I went through a wide range of emotions. Most of which kept me stuck. It was those same emotions that made me unsuccessful in the past. Overall, I think the biggest difference between this and the other times is that MICHELLE gave me the tools. Not just what to eat and how to exercise, but how to mentally cope throughout the 10 days.
During the 10/10 Challenge, you did a lot of sharing stories, giving advice, sending out words of encouragement and inspiration through emails to us all. You were prompt in replying to my questions and concerns.Though I had a few hiccups along the way, I was able to take control of my body and mind and follow through with something related to my weight for the first time. This is a long history for me. I have tried a lot and kept a lot of secrets that had me as a prisoner of my own shame.
I found myself reading and re-reading your frequent inspirational emails and suggestions. I think the biggest thing I’m taking away from this challenge is the importance of positive thinking and managing self talk better. I’ve always been so quick to give up when things aren’t going the way I hoped. The old me would start on a journey to drop those pounds, but was always quickly engulfed with negativity and self-defeat just because I cheated. I realized through Michelle’s guidance that it is how you bounce back that matters and to continue on regardless of setbacks.
On day 7, I went hiking in the Catoctin mountains. After 1 ½ hours of steady uphill walking, I could of never done this before. I was with my husband and I could not stop hearing Michelle’s voice. I made it to the top. None of it was easy. I had many moments of wanting to turn around and go back down, but it’s like you were right there cheering me on the entire way up.
The climb represents an entire history of fighting this and I used it as if I was defeating a great obstacle in my life. This 10 day challenge for me in a nutshell was not only the loss of 10lbs, but also a healing experience. At the start, I had great doubts and felt weak, but along the way I picked up strength to pull through and accomplish what I had started. This time, for the first time, I did not allow for defeat.
I want to thank you for believing in me and giving me the strength to finish this challenge. I’m proud of myself for stepping up and coming out of the closet with some of my behaviors. I look at this as the beginning of my story because there is much more work to be done to reach the true finish line and I am now 9lbs lights/1.5 inches smaller & officially game for it!
Winner and free 12 weeks saved me a lot of money. I was determined to try and use Michelle on some level so for me this was a great opportunity and made it affordable!