Laurel Miller WEAR BLACK

(2015)
I am not sure how to write this so forgive me if I sound disjointed.

   I will start by saying that growing up I was active and athletic.  I loved the outdoors and volleyball was my passion.  I ate relatively healthy and did not diet or count calories.

   Fast forward to January 2003.  I was clinically depressed and had no clue and neither did anyone else. I still managed to get out of bed daily and be a wife, mom, friend.   I did however, drop out of all church activities (I was involved in leading a college class, teaching a daisy's class, and in a small group) and quit playing volleyball.  By May 2003, I had gained 25 pounds and was binging/purging.  I later learned that clinical depression doesn't always mean curling up in a fetal position and not getting out of bed.  Clinical depression can manifest in many ways!
   By the end of November 2003, I was divorced from first husband, married to second husband and weighing 30 pounds less.  Now I was starving myself.  
   Fast forward again....I met a wonderful lady who is now my best friend.  She listened to my story and did not judge me but instead encouraged me.    I stopped starving myself and in doing so, I gained back the 25 lbs.   I stopped starving myself and no longer binged/purged but I did/do stress eat and was NOT doing  any exercise.
   Due to a lot of stress/struggles, I hit my highest weight ever  by 2014.   Then in January 2014, I was in a small group with Channel.  She told me how it was on her heart to start an E class.  I told myself that if she did this, I would be one of the first to sign up!   By April 2014, I knew I had to do something.  I was COMPLETELY WINDED  walking from the parking lot to the entrance at my work (this would compare to parking just past the handicapped parking at TARGET and walking to the TARGET sidewalk).  My blood pressure was elevated, I was pre-diabetic, my knees hurt from the extra weight, and the weight was not good for my heart (mitral valve prolapse and heart surgery at age 5)
   I came to the first class nervous, scared and feeling like a loser.  I left feeling like the class was tough, and I was completely out of shape but knew I would be back!  I  left feeling loved, supported and not  judged!!!!   Being judged throughout my life, the supportive attitude was exactly what I needed!!!  And knowing that the coaches pray before every WOD made me realize that the support would go beyond the physical health aspect.
   Over this past year, not only have I lost 36 lbs, I have gained muscle, strength and endurance. My blood pressure is great -95/55 with pulse of 58. .  I am no longer pre-diabetic.  My knees no longer have the extra weight to deal with and being in better shape is much better for my heart. I have increased in my ability and can now do C wod on most days.  I feel better and am setting a good example for my kids.   And although I still stress eat at times, there are many more days, like today, that I go to the gym to relief stress.  I feel so blessed that no matter WHEN I go, someone is always there with a smile or encouraging word!!
    I am so Thankful that Channel listened to her heart and started the E class and hope that I can encourage others the way that I was and continue to be encouraged.  
Hugs to everyone,
Laurel