Why I Started a Journey to Change My Life

First of all, I’m Jesse. I classify myself as many things: a teacher, a learner, a dog mom, a new health food fanatic, a girlfriend, a nerd; but my favorite title is SURVIVOR. Most of my posts will be about my fur babies Archie and Murphy, my journey to become healthy, and my adventures with my boyfriend Derek, so if you don’t want to read about that you should probably stop reading now. I would like to take this first post to explain why I chose to change my life and to celebrate those changes.

About 15 months ago, I looked at my life and knew it needed to change. First of all I was extremely unhappy. I was in an abusive relationship, and I didn’t know how to escape. Without dwelling on the details, it was emotional and physical. I made excuses and hid everything. We got married quickly, and I felt very trapped. After a month of marriage things increasing got worse, and finally one magical day God finally woke me up. I finally called the police and my parents. I got a restraining order and became free.

Shortly after this occurred, I went to New York City to visit my friend, hide from my abuser, and figure out what to do next. It was one of the best trips of my life. I began to start my healing process, and I vowed not to let my trauma rule my life. 

After my reboot, several of my friends encouraged me to stop hiding in my house and go out into the world again. I started dating. Not to rebound or “find a new man.” I wanted to prove to myself that I could find someone else again. That not all men were evil. Plus who wouldn’t like to get free dinner and Starbucks?  This is how I met Derek. Pretty much by accident.

Derek, my current boyfriend, was and is unlike anyone I have ever met before. Just one of those rare good guys. He does great things for others and never thinks twice about it. The first time I really realized I had a found a keeper was after the first 3 weeks of dating. It occurred to me that he had never made me cry. Something I had not experienced in a very long time. He also loved my dog, Murphy, as much as he cared for me. (My ex was abusive to Murphy as well.) He accepted my life struggles and supported me. I seriously couldn’t gush enough. He made me want to become a better person, and really helped me get my life back on track.

Well Derbear is also a health nut. I had been struggling with my weight for several years. I told him that I wanted to get healthy, and together we started the 21DayFix in February of 2016. Let me tell ya, this program works. Within 21 days I lost 11 pounds, but I hated almost the whole process. After that I switched to Weight Watchers which works best for me. I can eat about what I want and still lose weight. I yoyoed for a few months over the summer due to a job change. In October I got serious again, and I added working out into the mix. As of right now I’m down 28 pounds. I’m learning how to exercise and eat better everyday. I love the way I feel and look. Here is my last before and after picture, but I’m due for another one at the end of the month. 

So in a nut shell, I am working to make my life better inside and out. I have been working through my PTSD and my mental health is back on track. I’m working daily on my body to create a healthier future for myself and family.  Derek and I are beyond happy. We love and support each other everyday. We have two amazing fur babies, my Murphy and Archie (a stray who was literally dropped on my doorstop), who complete our little circus. So, I’m Jesse.  I love coffee, books, comic books, movies, working with children, getting my nails done, Pinterest, Instagram, and pizza. Thank you for following and reading about my life journey. I hope that it can inspire you.  ❤️