Erin’s journey to better physical health and wellness is definitely inspirational, and we know her transformation will motivate and empower many women!
Two years ago Erin weighed almost 280 pounds and was a type-2 diabetic taking two types of insulin. After losing her job (and facing the possibility of losing her health insurance), she spiraled into depression. “I didn’t like or even begin to understand what it meant to love myself. I felt like I had no control over my life and at the age of 25 that did not give me much hope for my future,” she says.
With a very strong determination to take control of her life and actively work toward more health conscious decisions, Erin prayed to God for purpose, strength, and guidance. “I decided I was tired of paying $200 a month for medicine I did not need to be dependent on. I decided I was tired of fearing being judged on my appearance before going into job interviews or my own self-conscience holding me back. I decided that if I was unhappy with something, I DID have the control to change it.”
She stopped breaking promises to herself, started counting calories, began using her gym membership (that previously collected dust) – and the pounds gradually dropped! Erin found the clarity she yearned for (and more self-confidence too). She recognized that her commitment to positive change led to more experiences she wanted to have, and with each determined step to get healthy, Erin lost more and more weight. In the process she steered her life in a new direction, found a love that she (for the first time) believed she deserved, and pursued a career that landed her the dream job she wanted. That’s not all! Because of her dedication to health and wellness, she was also taken off her diabetic medicine.
Erin passionately continues her health journey with strengthened faith, and today she is 155 lbs (so you do the math). “I was a woman on my knees praying to God for clarity, for reassurance that I was going to get through the storm though in my heart I was doubtful. I am now a woman who still prays for strength to weather my storms but never doubts that I will get through them because my past has shown me that once I do, the future is so much brighter.”
How inspirational is this Phoenix? Kudos, Erin! We applaud your courage and we’re so happy you shared your self-love story with us. Happy Friday. Love yourself fiercely!
Love Yourself First! Friday is a weekly self-love series created by the Phoenix Rising Collective. Beautiful, diverse women of color tell their stories of triumph, share their personal affirmations, and declare their love for their own lives! The series is meant to inspire and empower women to fiercely demonstrate self-love in action in order to build and sustain healthy, positive self-esteem.
This photo represents Traci’s love for knitting and crocheting (and she’s awesome at it too!). Her love-yourself regimen? She makes sure to express daily gratitude to the Creator and to speak to at least one person she loves and adores to empower the day. “I have learned that people who love me seem to think that my flaws are pretty perfect, so I indulge in talking to loved ones so we can feed each other more love,” she says.
This is Monique’s representation of the commitment she has made to put herself first. (Good for you. We love that.) Monique told us that over the past year she has come to appreciate “alone time” because these are moments that allow her to rejuvenate and prepare for the next day. She understands the importance of solace as it helps her concentrate on being happy, and she says, “I deserve to be happy.” And we totally agree, Monique!
