Before starting the Thrive Challenge, I wasn’t moving much. I was always in pain, and I was too sore to do anything after work so I’d stay home on the couch. My husband, Chris and I have three children between the ages of 13 and 26, and they live at home. I’m also a caregiver for my mom. I had reached a point where I was groggy all the time.
My co-worker and friend, Lisette Mitchell, encouraged me to start the Thrive Challenge.
We had first heard about the Thrive Challenge from Katie LeBlanc, our store manager, but I made the mistake of trying to make huge changes, and I couldn’t finish my 21 days. I had to take a step back and realize that small steps really take us the farthest. So I started again and I focused on small changes.
My first step was starting to do squats when I would brush my teeth.
I still do this and now I don’t even think about it! I’ll even do it when I’m doing the dishes or folding the laundry. Day by day I’m becoming more active than I’ve ever been. I’m still not where I’d like to be but I’m working towards that goal. I’m down ten pounds and I already feel so much better. My goal is to be pain-free and to be able to hike the beautiful island I live on here in Nova Scotia.
I no longer binge at night and I’ve stopped my unhealthy snacking!
I started realizing my eating was more of a mental health problem than a physical problem. My portions are much smaller now. I switched to whole wheat wraps instead of bread. I eat a lot of chicken in my meals, and I’m drinking much more water during the day. Now, I don’t feel so groggy or foggy headed anymore.
We’ve been doing meal prep as a family.
My family is so proud of me. They only want me to be the healthiest and happiest version of myself. We’ve been going for walks together and going for public swims. We’re also saving so much more since I’ve stopped eating so much junk and takeout food. Meal prepping for the week helps me cut down on cafeteria food, and I’ve also been walking to work and brewing my own coffee at home. They are small changes but they’re building up! It’s making us realize how much we were wasting beforehand on things we didn’t need.
My life took a turn just as I finished the Thrive Challenge.
My mom had a stroke recently. As she started rehab, I thought, “What better way to utilize Microsteps!” Every step forward is a blessing. I’m using the Thrive way of living to help her along. Losing that ten pounds gave me so much relief in my back, and I’m working to build up my strength. I’m so thankful for finding this group and for the changes it is going to help me make in the future. I’m finally showing myself that I can make a change, one step at a time.