Did you make any smart life changes?

L

lorihart

Cathlete
This comes from the "speaking of marriage" thread.My last post made me think of my life changes and was wondering was anyone else smart enough to change their lives at a young age or did they stay in their comfort zone?

When I was 16 I got pregante for a guy I had been dating a couple of years. I was almost 18 when I had her. I finished grade 12 (which was a challenge in itself with a new born at home) i couldn't have done it without my parents. My boyfriend was away at school while I was home. While in grade 12 I took the breastfeeding option b/c lets face it...there was no extra money for milk.So I opted to be the cow.The principal of the school gave me the teachers bathroom with my own key and every lunch time I would go to the bathroom and pump off milk,give it to the secretary who would put it in the fridge until I went home.What I pumped off my mom would feed my baby the next day.
I remember my first day back to school after having her.We were in the lab and when I looked down my sweater had to round circles on the them.I was LEAKING!I lived through that to.
I finished Grade 12 and took a year off to decide what I wanted to do.The fall of that year I packed US up and moved in with my sister and started collage. I ran into a few bumps in that road as well. Social services was helping me out somewhat but they weren't going to help me go to school. They basically said go back home and the govt will support you for the rest of your life. I kept on trucking and ended up winning in the end.
3 monthes after,I broke up with my childs father, who I didn't love anymore. A little while after, I met my DH and we have been together ever since.
After collage, I started my job and it was the best feeling in the world to call social sevices and say "thanks but no thanks....I can handle it from here":)
When I think about where I could have been, it makes me sweat. I could have still been living home with my child on the system with maybe a couple more babies running around.Or I could have married my boyfriend and I KNOW I would have had more children and been divorced by now.Instead I have a wonderful life and I am so glad I took the road i took.
I see so many people who have kids at a young age and it is so hard to get started again. The govt gives them more then they would make on minimum wage so why bother getting a job at wal-mart?
Anyone else have any great stories that if you could, you would pat yourself on the back?
Lori:)
 
Wow, Lori, what a great story!!!:) :) :)
You should be so proud of yourself and give yourself a pat on the back!!! I don't have a story that could compare to yours. Thankfully I have not had much adversity in my life; not sure I could have been as strong as you were (and obviously still are)!!:)
Oh, and you look great, BTW!!:7
 
Lori,

I so admire you. What a courageous amazing woman you are. Thanks for sharing your story...deb:)
 
Lori~You have truly overcome some huge challenges in your life! You deserve that big pat on your back. Good for you for going back and finishing that last year of HS. That had to particularly hard. How wonderful that your parents and sister were there to help you along the way. I'm glad you are living a happy life and it has to be sooo satisfying knowing you worked extra hard to deserve it.

I've been pretty blessed in life but I have had the hardship of losing close loved ones. I know for a fact that exercise helped pull me thru the tough times. I have also learned to make smarter choices in my nutrition due to the educated crowd here, which in turn helps me get thru emotional times because I am doing good things for my body by eating right. I have learned sooo many SMART changes here at Cathe.com.

Thanks for sharing your story with us all and continued blessings to you, your DH & daughter!

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH (AKA "Den Mother Debbie")http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
In July 1987 I quit drinking, period, and have not had a drink of alcohol, nor have I had any mood- or mind-altering substanes (except for my beloved coffee) since then.

In winter 1990 I realized my college degree wouldn't finish itself, and went back to night school and finished it by winter 1993 - while working fulltime and paying cash for the whole deal.

In September 1993 I asked a cute guy out on a date; we married in May 1995.

In the summer of 1995 I got my real estate salesperson's licence again on my own time and nickel.

In the winter of 1997 I got my ACE certification and began instructing aqua classes, and got my real estate broker's license.

In the summer 1998 I left my old job, went to school for a certificate in paralegal studies, and precisely a year after I left my old job I began the job I now hold, which the director of my paralegal school tells me is still the best paralegal job she's ever heard of.

In the fall 2000 I bought "Interval Max", and the rest is history.

A-Jock
 
Lori, what am amazing story! I can't believe you pumped in the bathroom at noon hour - what incredible dedication! You are one amazing woman - even back then! Thank you so much for sharing.

Trish
 
Lorihart, you are a shining example of turning your life around, making good choices and learning from your mistakes. It took a lot of maturity to do what you did at such a young age and I'm sure you're a great mother. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story.

A-Jock, your perseverence and dedication have always been admired my many of us on this board and your example has inspired many of us to step up to tough challenges, fitness and otherwise. Thanks for sharing your accomplishments too.
 
Oh, my goodness! I did something when I was "young" (is 21 considered young? It is in my book, but oh well) that forever changed me for the better. I took a huge leap of faith and moved away from home to take a promotion with my job. I moved to a place that was 5 1/2 hours from my hometown and where I only knew one person, who was more of an acquaintance than anything. I mean, I was ON MY OWN! I couldn't just get in the car and drive over to my parents' house when I needed something, so I pretty much had to learn how to make it on my own.

At the time, I was in severe debt, too. I didn't realize just how bad it was, but quickly realized this the more time passed. I ended up taking a second job, and my whole life was devoted to working to make money to pay off my debt. I cried myself to sleep a lot during this time, and often didn't know where I was going to come up with money to buy groceries...but, they say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And that's what happened to me.

I am nowhere near the same person I was at 20 years old. I grew from the inside out. My experience taught me so much that I truly believe that the best thing a high school graduate can do before going to college is move about 6 hours away from home and not return for at least two years. It's a tremendous life lesson that teaches you so much more than a college course or a textbook can. And you learn so much about yourself that what you originally wanted to go to college for ends up not being what you really want to do with your life.

Good luck to everyone who is searching for who you are! It's worth the effort!
 
I knew there had to be more then just me. Good Job girls!
I realized at a very young age that it was up to me to change the way my life was going.It was just so common where I am from, to drop out of school, live in a basement apt and have kids hanging off of your hips. And I knew I didn't want that life for myself.
I took 3 weeks off of school when I had my child. I thought I was fine but my mom was a nervous wreck thinking that my water was gonna break in the middle of math class.Thank God I was one of the "cool kids" or I could have seriously been made fun of!
It is so far behind me now and it is not until my daugther gets older that she will realize how much I did for us.
I just seen my cousin go through so much and I knew I didn't want that. And he lide still isn't straightened out and probably never will be at this point.
Lori:)
 
Hi Lori,

Just wanted to tell you to listen to the song "ain't going down" on Shania Twain's UP album. It talks about sacrifice for a child at a young age and is an incredible song. Not your exact circumstance.

All 19 songs on this album rock. Another favorite is "Nah".

Neither song will be a single (at least I don't think).

Winter
 
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