Twelve years ago, I made a choice to change my life. I was not living my truth; my marriage was failing; my self-worth was nonexistent. I chose to suppress my pain instead of face it. I dialed down the voice in my head telling me that I was in control of my own life and allowed others to make my decisions for me. On a sunny day in May, twelve years ago I took back control of my life and never once have I looked back with regret. The Nourished Group was born on that same sunny day. Recognizing that I had the power to create the life I wanted was all I needed to remove the excuses for why my life was where it was. At 289 pounds I was facing diabetes, heart disease and probably would not have lived past my 60’s.

I have since lost over 150 pounds. That is the weight of average adult. I was literally carrying around the weight of another person. The Nourished Group is the result of that journey, a place of support and encouragement. No one truly knows your struggle unless they have walked in your shoes. I knew I wanted to help those like me but did not have the courage or the education to do so confidently. My life experience gives me the knowledge of what post-surgery life looks like and my certification gives me the education to help others confidently. As The Nourished Group community grows and I see the positive change and growth in those around me, I know that this was where I was meant to be.