The Truth of Your Existence

I have to admit.

I am so hard on myself. If I were to track the negative thoughts that run through my head, you (and I) would, most likely, be appalled. It seems ironic that I help women better their relationships with their bodies when I seriously struggle with accepting myself.

But, I do believe this is exactly where I am supposed to be...on this journey with you. No almighty been-there-done-that-and-overcome-body-image-issues-and-know-how-to-love-myself attitude coming from me. Nope, just raw, vulnerable "I feel you, sister." 

Today, James (the most amazing man in the world who just so happens to be my boyfriend) gave me one request.

"I have one request for you. I just ask for the rest of the week, you practice giving yourself grace. You so need it!...I just ask you to do one thing for me until Sunday and just practice giving yourself grace...I know you can do it, babe! You are loved and valued!" 

He really loves me. It is through situations such as these that I come to know this man wants the very best for me. And the very best right now is for me to learn to love me, value me, and accept me.

So, I was inspired to write a little something to express myself. In my head, I know the truth. I pray I (and you!) come to know Truth in our hearts.

True Beauty's Quintessence

By Kelsey Clevenger

When you look into the mirror,
What do you see?
Something horrific, tragic,
Someone disastrously ugly.

When you look into the mirror,
What comes to mind?
Unlovable, unworthy, 
Unfavorable, unkind.

Darling, my dear,
Do you know who you are?
Your Maker, your Father
Is not too far.

He hand-knit your soul,
Crafted your being.
He loves you and
Rejoices over you with singing.

I pray you come to know
The Truth of your existence.
With purpose and passion
God pursues you with persistence.

You are His gem,
His precious girl.
More valuable than the
Most most perfect of pearls.

Glistening, sparkling,
You are God's delight.
Sweet darling, please believe
You are perfect in His sight.

Stop feeding yourself lies,
Make the voices halt.
No more negativity,
Make positive your default.

For the words you speak
Become your essence,
When God actually calls you
True beauty's quintessence.

Sweet girl, lovely one
You have so much potential.
And loving who you are
Is so very essential.

If you're anything like me, and the truth of who you really are and your real value has been masked by societal pressures and downright lies, may you find peace today in knowing you're super awesome. You're made to do awesome things. And there is an awesome God who's got your back.

Live fully, love wholly, rejoice daily,
KC
xoxo

February Client Spotlight: Cassie Collins

Cassie Collins has been a joy and pleasure to have as a client. Her initial goal was to lose weight so she would look and feel amazing on her wedding day! Little did Cassie know that her commitment to health and fitness would lead to a serious boost in confidence, a new half marathon running hobby, and inspiring so many other women! Check out Cassie's story below!

My Transformation
 By Cassie Collins

"If I could do this, you can, too. You just have to want it badly enough!"

There are many things that have happened over the last few years and one of them was my weight gain. I was in a relationship characterized by domestic violence. I went from someone who worked out all the time to someone who became very introverted. I indulged on food to deal with my physical and emotional turmoil from that relationship.

After finally getting out of that 4 years of toxicity,  I found myself 50 pounds overweight and completely devastated. I was pre-diabetic and also faced serious preventative measures for cancer. That first year after getting out of the bad relationship was challenging.

Fast forward one year. I was able to drop my initial 14 pounds on my own, but I got stuck soon after. My fiance (now husband) helped motivate me and supported me in reaching out for help to drop the excess weight. Our wedding was coming up and I wanted to look my best.

So April of 2015 I joined FytGurlz and Kelsey became my trainer. I worked out with Kelsey and my my (now) friends, Tracy and Billie, three days per week. I started running more, too. Eventually, I hired a nutrition coach. I dropped an amazing 20 pounds just in time for our wedding on December 6th.

The support I got from Kelsey was nothing I had ever received before. I began running half marathons, training with my co workers before work. After running my first half marathon, my cousin was so inspired by it that she trained to run a half marathon with me. Running became a part of my lifestyle and I'm still running today!

 "Kelsey lifted me up whenever I doubted myself and never let me give up during a workout, even though, at times, I thought I was going to throw up!"

Through my personal training, I was also getting stronger. That lead to finally getting my self esteem back. Kelsey lifted me up whenever I doubted myself and never let me give up during a workout, even though, at times, I thought I was going to throw up!

"...I am so very proud of what I was able to accomplish...to look and feel great for my wedding!"

My journey isn't over. I am still aiming to drop an additional 20 pounds, but I am so very proud of what I was able to accomplish...to look and feel great for my wedding! With patience and dedication to my nutrition and workouts, I achieved what I thought would never be possible. If I could do this, you can, too. You just have to want it badly enough!