I welcome great advice. One bit of wisdom that I have gravitated to, especially in the last 2 years is the following, “Surround yourself with people who will stretch you. Those who will make you stand on your tippy toes.” The first person to share those words with me was motivational speaker and my business coach Lisa Nichols. I have taken those words to heart and everything that I do in my life, I make an effort to stretch myself. Beyond average, beyond mediocrity. My goal is to live life to the very fullest and to adopt a lifestyle and mindset that allows me to be happy, inside and out.

In January 2016, my sisterfriend Carnel Ledet uttered these words in my presence, “Stop rewarding yourself with food. You are not a dog.” I laughed at first, but began to seriously take those words to heart . I had started using food to calm the stress of being an entrepreneur and the extra 20 pounds I was carrying was proof. In March, after watching my sisterfriend and all -around inspiration CeCe Clark release 33 lbs in preparation for her wedding, I was finally ready to get off the pot and shift. Enough with the excuses. CeCe introduced me to an amazing Superfood system which helped me adopt a new approach to healthy eating. Not only did I lose 25 pounds, (yes, I challenged myself to get rid of an extra 5), my energy levels increased, I had more stamina and more muscle toning. I’m feeling fine and fabulous in this new journey back to me!

And I knew I was on the right track when last month, Lisa Nichols said in a group conversation that she wants Michelle Obama arms and Jacqueline Miller calves!!! Yes. Yes!

I am surrounded by great people who hold me accountable now because they know that not only am I doing this as a lifelong commitment, but because I have a pretty exciting upcoming getaway on the calendar and I want to be looking and feeling my very best when I get there!

On the other hand, I know far too many people who are struggling with their health and weight issues and I hear and see the frustration in them all. It saddens me. If this describes you, nothing would make me happier than to have you join me on this journey. Unhealthy living be damned!

The holidays are here and there will be a ton of delicious edibles awaiting you. you can eat health and be healthy, but for some of us it requires a plan.

Who’s ready to step into their physical fitness finest and join me and some of my friends who have already thrown down the gauntlet?