My Story - India Scott

We are pleased to present the winning entry from our writing contest. Our winner is India Scott. Many thanks to India and the others who have shared their stories with us!

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't- You're right."  This quote by Henry Ford has held true for the entirety of my weight loss and fitness journey.  From the time that I was young, my mother always told me that I had to take my stumbling blocks in life and turn them into steppingstones.  Little did I know that one challenge could potentially cause other difficulties to arise.  My name's (temporarily removed), and this is my story of how I have, and still continue, to conquer the ongoing battle of weight loss and fitness. My story begins back when I was a child.  At age five, I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor that had taken my vision within a three week time period.  As a result, this limited some of the physical activities that had once been accessible.  It was now harder for me to run, jump on a trampoline, or keep up with my peers without having a fear of potential injury.  Gradually, my lack of activity began to lead to weight gain.  Although I was gaining weight, it was unbeknowns to me.  As a child, I did not see myself as overweight or different from anyone else.  It was not until later years that I realized I needed to make a change.  Unfortunately, the realization did not come until the reversal would take years to complete.       

By age thirteen, I'd begun to develop a negative self image.  I was not comfortable with my body and never felt good in anything I wore.  Whenever someone paid me a compliment, I subconsciously believed it was directed toward my clothing and not me as a whole. Despite the fact that my clothing fit me properly, I always had a negative mental image that I was never attractive enough because of my weight.  This was due in part to hurtful comments from people my age, the continuous harping of my doctor, and propaganda incessantly shown by the media.  By age fourteen, the increase of my desperation grew.  Miraculously, so did my available resources. After doing research about methods I could use to lose weight, I began to look at other inspirations around me.  My sister, brother-in-law, and two teachers from school gave me tips and exercises to help alter my lifestyle.  Although I slowly began to see results, the interests in the regimens eventually began to fade.  As a result, I had lost a small amount of weight and had begun to tone, but became stuck at a plateau.  This lead to continued discouragement and frustration until I changed my behaviors entirely.

Finally, at age sixteen, I had attended my first National Federation of the Blind convention.  Here, I discovered Blind Alive.  Not only did I enjoy their variety in potential workouts, but also became excited that the workouts were accessible to all people.  I had purchased two CDs and began to use them faithfully.  After awhile, my routine began to become inconsistent and almost nonexistent.  This was a combination of learning how to balance my time, schoolwork, and increasing my dedication.

Thankfully, I am now in my second year of college.  At age 19, I am completely dedicated to reaching my fitness goals.  From the beginning of the year until July, I had only been able to lose four pounds.  After speaking to my doctor, I changed my diet and increased my amount of physical activity.  I now follow a Mediterranean-based diet and continue to use my BlindAlive CDs.  This slight alteration has allowed me to lose an additional five pounds since July.  So, to all needing encouragement in regards to your weight loss and fitness journey, don't be discouraged.  It may seem hopeless or impossible to achieve at times, but the sky is the limit.  Try to find a combination of diet and exercise that works best for you.  With some increased positivity, the possibilities are endless.  I hope you have found encouragement in my story and continue to remember- Whether you think you can or think you can't- You're right.

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