Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday, October 16, 2023...

I'm thankful for the people who bring life, love, and purpose to it. I can't name all of them because sometimes they are not aware they're being used, and at this point, I don't want to make them aware. 

Thank You... 

I have been told that I could not do something or I could not do certain things. I have been told that I didn't qualify, but I'm Thankful it was not a denial or a sentence I could not re-write. The only thing in life you can not do over is death, and that is not an option for me in my current state of mind. 

I have seen many losses in my life, and I think of all the things they could have been only if they had taken the measures to make sure they were healthy, but I'm glad that I took that leap. I'm glad my support system has had my back, but I'm more thankful that I listened and had the transformation in my mind to do something about it! 

I watched myself on my doorbell camera some time ago and didn't like what I saw. "What did I see?" I'm glad you asked. First, I was able to see myself from the back, and I could tell that I was an extra-large woman maybe about 268 when I last saw an image of myself from the camera; I needed to use the handrails for balance because I was actually afraid to walk up and down without assistance, to be honest. 

Today, I'm thankful because I don't look like what I have been through concerning. Weight loss, and actually, when I saw the new camera view of me, I'm pleased with who I'm becoming. I had a lot of luggage this morning and surprised myself with the image. You see yourself every day, and when people start talking, I don't want to listen, but I do understand why they are saying what they are because it is out of love. 

I'm THANKFUL for the LOVE AND SUPPORT!!!  

Excellence

Excellence

Recently, I have been traveling outside my norms. It is always good to get a change of scenery or test the waters to see if things are improving or worse in our world. 

I feel a certain way in my life in the late 50s era that continues to be a constant no matter my upbringing. I would not see things this way, but it is ever-present. I was born in the Delta Region and have seen the small-town syndrome. 

What is that you ask? 

1. People in the town only stick to the people and families they have known for life and do not want outsiders in the mix. 

2. It is hard to get ahead in those places because they hire those they are familiar with before they hire outside of their race, or they will place someone in other places who maybe have some or really no experience in that department but tell you they are qualified for the position. When you are aware that they're not. 

3. You could get hired, but they only give you enough time to pay a few bills but nothing that is substantial for a real quality of life. 

You can do everything to be professional and make others feel valued and respected, look the part, and make things better for the department because God has gifted you for most tasks. 

They can tell you that you are valued, but when the rubber meets the road, it is not true, and they begin to make up all kinds of excuses in order to keep you in a place. They might even give you things or tips to make you feel that that makes a difference, but it doesn't. 

I'm trying very hard to stay positive, but I'm continuing with my plans for my life because I believe that God is guiding my FOOTSTEPS to BETTER. 

I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread ... 

Breast Cancer Awareness

Pink Out Day...

                           I'm a Conqueror...

I don't share with others mostly about battle with Breast Cancer Health issues. 

I found out when I was heavy. I was not along with many others that have tested positive. I thought my world had come to an end but more so stopped. My husband and I decided that we would only share with the children and my dad concerning what we were headed to face. I had my procedure and they got all of the bad tissues and cells and my breast was tagged to show that area for future scans. I was also taught about the issue of weight loss because I was becoming a high risk of having more breast issues. A more reality to keep my weight off and prayerfully stay off.

Today, I salute all women that have conquered, that are going through it right now, those that will be faced with the test and those that lost their battle. 

Everyone have won the Victory!!! 

Heartbeats 💓

Who I'm going to be...Skinny 

I'm loving Who I am becoming, it is good to hear your adult children reminisce on their large frame mom, noticing that she wasn't healthy but now she is beautiful, and now she is on the right side. 

I'm glad they have watched my journey and they have supported my endeavors in every way possible. I love them, and they love me 

Today I salute my children, my other heartbeats and my day ones.

Support, Love & Weight Loss

 Support, Love & Weight Loss 

What does support do for you while on this weight loss journey? 

I'm glad you ask... 

Support is someone who helps you stay accountable concerning your goals, not their goals for you, but the GOALS YOU SET FOR YOURSELF!!! 

This is very important to your success while trying to achieve what you want as a goal.

 

My support team and I learned this the hard way. 

Everyone has good intentions, but how you carry out the plan of action will be one that you will need to ensure you follow. 

If your support team decides that you need to walk 2 miles and you are only ready for 1 mile, then you are defeating the purpose, and you risk the chance of not doing anything at all. 

Your support team is just what it is: SUPPORT!!! 

You don't need them telling you things concerning your progress and how to do it. 

First, let them know that you respect their willingness to help you, but the only thing you need from them is to encourage you to keep going even when you fall on your face. 

Today, I want to shout out this fellow ... My HUSBAND!!!

We started this journey together back in 2016, and we have learned a lot. 

From meal prepping, 

To Exercising 

From Emergency Room Visits 

To Living Our Best 

We don't always get it right even now, but he has worked hard with me to make sure that whatever my desire is, he is cheering me on, even if that means he is in the Blechers, on the Sidelines, or even in the Grit and the Thick of things. 

The Hard MUD!!!! 

I love him with all my heart, and I'm grateful because he wanted the best for me even when I was 385... 

HE STILL LOVED ME.... 

WHEN I DIDN'T LOVE MYSELF.....

HE STILL LOVED ME.... 

I told him, "I didn't do this for him." I did it for ME!  in a discussion that we were engaged in concerning my progress and seeing some success. 

Although he was disappointed when I made the statement, in the depths of his soul, He continued to love me. 

If I didn't have him as my support 

I would have given up!!! 

Thanks, guys, for allowing me to shower love on him and continue to read and reflect on this journey with you!!! 

This is healing for me, and I hope this is healing for you as well.

Although You share in my success to the Winning Life that Continues to Win!!! 

 

Where Do We Go From Here

Where Do We Go From Here 

Many Things have taken place since the loss of my uncle, and although I recognize that he is in a better place, the thoughts of other loved ones that have passed before him have recently flooded my mind. 

I don't want to place myself in a state of depression, but this has really done another number to my family. 

We say, "God doesn't put more on us than we can bear!" but it doesn't feel good.

Life is what we make it ... 

I have recently stepped out of my element, and I have applied for a job that I'm very qualified to do; I finished step 3 of 3, and now I sit and wait to hear what the results will be. 

I would like to have this job because I don't have any insurance, and my medications are kicking my butt. I know what you are saying, "You are 50 years old and don't have health insurance!" 

I wouldn't accept a job without those requirements, and I don't understand how the state is getting away with not even asking if you would like to have it, although you are part-time.   

It should be the choice of the one who is willing to give up their check in order to have health insurance. 

Well, the next question is how they will live without a check, but I'm here to tell you the Lord will make a way!!! 

I see so many people in this world without, and it is people of color and other minorities that find themselves in. It is not fair, but I see this reality every day... 

Wish me luck, and I hope I get the job, and if I don't, I did try, which is half the battle. 

I took this picture to remind me that it does snow in September & October, and it doesn't have to be cold outside to see that things are changing. 

The Leaves are Changing 

The Weather is Changing 

Life itself is bringing a Change... 

My Life is Changing 

My Health is Changing For the Better

I Cannot Go Back... 

Welcome to the Continued Life that Wins!!! 

 

Measure of Life

Measure of LIFE 
 

"The quality of a man's life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavor"

When I think of my Uncle Tucker and see what his lasting legacy has now become, it is an honor knowing that he has done exactly what he desired to do and more than most people would have even thought especially for a little ole town down in the Dirty Delta. 

I wouldn't have even imagined the lives my Uncle touched and seeing how the community embraced my family during these difficult days and days ahead has been nothing but heartfelt and loving. 

My Uncle was a staple in the community and in the job he held since the age of 22 and remained there for 50-plus years. I remember him coming by my Kindergarten class when I was 5 years old and most of the students in my class thought he was my father at first until I made the correction. 

I remembered being proud that he was coming by although, he wasn't coming to check on me but he was checking on the teacher who later had a daughter by him. 

Yes, he was courting and he was good at it... LOL 

It never stopped him from doing for his family or even for other people. I found out that my Uncle had worked for the only Black Funeral Home since he was 16 years old and so many people knew him even from that line of work. 

I remember people would say to me, "Tucker Tatum the Undertaker" is your Uncle and I didn't know if that was supposed to be a good thing or not but I was proud to say YES!!! 

I didn't have a lot of trouble growing up because most of the people in the city know that my family lineage comes from hard-working and stable family values and ethics. If we can't do the task it is not for the sake of not trying. 

I believe we still have that embedded in our DNA

I have been going through many deaths this since July of many of my family and a special friend but this one here hit me a little differently. 

My Father shared something with me this week that I wasn't aware of and he asked the youngest brother to keep it to himself until after everything was finished.  

The Youngest Brother HONORED HIS REQUEST and my father shared it with and now I have a more profound RESPECT for my Uncle even in death. 

He wasn't a man who would have ever wanted people to see him as weak and sickly but a strong man... 

I love you Uncle Tucker and Thanks for Everything you did for me when I was younger to help shape and mold me into the woman I am today. 

Your impartation into my life will always be dear to me and it will resonate in my heart forever.  

Rest Well Uncle 

YOU HAVE WON THE VICTORY!!! 

Long Ago

Long Ago ...

I look like the woman in this picture...

 I remember when I took the picture and I can't believe that this picture was found in the arsenal of the many pictures and I couldn't believe it was even there.

I was happy and was enjoying life but my health sucked, I was on blood pressure medication and I couldn't even walk half a mile, I couldn't even walk to the end of the driveway.  

I tried with some support but ended up in the hospital for several hours because my body was not ready for that reality. I began pursuing learning what I needed to do to fight for my life.  

It has taken me many years to get to the person you see in front of you and I didn't give up I want you to continue to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving to the life that continues to Win! 

Measuring Up

Measuring Up

When I took this picture I was most likely 222 or 219. I truly couldn't believe that I was almost there but life happened and I struggled the next couple of weeks because I had a really good friend and later on in the month my uncle passed away. 

I realized that retail therapy is not a good thing for me to do when I'm dealing with things of this nature. 

I must admit that eating my way into a situation is not good therapy either. 

I will report, that I did okay, I must admit I did better than okay I have lost some more weight. 

I have learned, that life will bring you some ups and downs and although I loved each of the people that have passed away, I still want to live a very long life. 

I will remember their smiles, our talks and most of all 

HOW THEY MADE ME FEEL. 

I love you and I will continue to make you proud, this is for the both of you!! 

Here is to the Winning Life that Continues 

 

The Next Level

 The Next Level

I have many questions in my head, I can't believe that I am literally starring my ultimate weight loss numbers in my face. 

I went to see my doctor a couple of weeks ago and I was asked that question what is the end game because I weighed in at 219...

What a blessing it is to be able to achieve such a wonderful gift that I have been graciously given. I know that losing weight is hard work and it is a struggle for the strongest person everyday. 

I don't take this lightly because it only takes one thing, to push a person back to were they where at first. 

I can say that I would like to lose 30 more pounds and I will be done and I believe that will put me at 187, but in actuality I'm tall, and I think 20 more to go is more realistic for me. 

Here is to the next level... 

The Winning Life Continues Stronger  

Over The Top

 Over the Top

My enthusiasm is just over the moon, I received an email this morning from someone who has been following me for a very long time and I was celebrating him for his next level of accomplishment and I couldn't be more proud of him. 

At the end of the text, I closed our conversation by saying to him and saying to you my readers

DON'T EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS, YOU GOT THIS!!! 

Many people have sewed seeds of negativity into my life and they sought out to destroy my motivation but I refuse to allow that to happen to me. 

I no longer allow that to happen to me; I do this for me and you can do this for you! 

I might have an attitude now but that is because I know my worth. I might had to eat a lot of things in the past but it made me better prepared for the future that I have now. 

I have even had an intervention with my own family because they couldn't deal with the woman, wife, mother, sister, and friend that I have become and that is okay. They still support me and I'm pleased about it, they help me navigate the others that come after me to tell me what they think although, they are up to NO Good. I think the somewhere I read, that people come to sift you as wheat. 

I command and take control over all things that come to challenge me on this journey, I will continue to win because I will never give up until I've completed this journey.