Tess_ATL
Cathlete
Hi ladies, it has been awhile since I posted as I've been dealing with a very emotionally draining divorce, as many of you know. I did get to have lunch with some of the Atlanta Cathe girls over the weekend and it got me thinking about how much this place has changed my life over the past several years. Without rehashing a lot of the reasons for my divorce, I would say the #1 reason is that my husband was a controlling person and I really lost a sense of who I was in the marriage. My membership on this board helped me to start on a life-changing journey, and I am grateful to all of you for your strength and example over the past several years.
I started on this board this time two years ago after having found Cathe again and starting back on my fitness journey. I was struggling with self-esteem issues and just felt fat and out of shape. I managed to lose about 15 lbs in a pretty short time with Cathe's videos and I started feeling attractive again. My husband never noticed or commented, but I kept on going. Then in July 2007 I got the chance to go on the road trip. I have to tell you that personally that was definitely me stepping way outside my comfort zone. It is something I really struggled with but finally decided I would do it, and I am so glad I did. I met some really wonderful girls during the trip and bonded more with some I had known for awhile. I really learned to value friendships with women and now cherish those relationships. Prior to the road trip, I had a few women friends, but it was difficult for me to cultivate many friendships because my husband was so demanding on my time and always wanted to know who I was talking to, what we were talking about etc. In short, he kept me on a short leash (although I allowed it to an extent). Anyway, I think that was the first step to me discovering some independence and not really wanting to be controlled or manipulated anymore. Also these friendships helped me to gain some perspective on what is and isn't normal and I finally worked up the courage to do something about it. I think being physically stronger and more in control also helped me to take emotional control over my life and I was able to make a very difficult yet empowering decision.
I filed my paperwork yesterday and I hope to be final in January. I got to share a little with some of my new and old Cathe friends over the weekend - thank you Atlanta Cathe girls for all your love and support. Also thank you to all of you who prayed and wished me well when I asked for it, and those who sent me notes in my mailbox. It means the world to me. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life and although I am doing a lot more yoga these days than I am Cathe workouts, this place will always have a special place in my heart. Love to all of you.
I started on this board this time two years ago after having found Cathe again and starting back on my fitness journey. I was struggling with self-esteem issues and just felt fat and out of shape. I managed to lose about 15 lbs in a pretty short time with Cathe's videos and I started feeling attractive again. My husband never noticed or commented, but I kept on going. Then in July 2007 I got the chance to go on the road trip. I have to tell you that personally that was definitely me stepping way outside my comfort zone. It is something I really struggled with but finally decided I would do it, and I am so glad I did. I met some really wonderful girls during the trip and bonded more with some I had known for awhile. I really learned to value friendships with women and now cherish those relationships. Prior to the road trip, I had a few women friends, but it was difficult for me to cultivate many friendships because my husband was so demanding on my time and always wanted to know who I was talking to, what we were talking about etc. In short, he kept me on a short leash (although I allowed it to an extent). Anyway, I think that was the first step to me discovering some independence and not really wanting to be controlled or manipulated anymore. Also these friendships helped me to gain some perspective on what is and isn't normal and I finally worked up the courage to do something about it. I think being physically stronger and more in control also helped me to take emotional control over my life and I was able to make a very difficult yet empowering decision.
I filed my paperwork yesterday and I hope to be final in January. I got to share a little with some of my new and old Cathe friends over the weekend - thank you Atlanta Cathe girls for all your love and support. Also thank you to all of you who prayed and wished me well when I asked for it, and those who sent me notes in my mailbox. It means the world to me. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life and although I am doing a lot more yoga these days than I am Cathe workouts, this place will always have a special place in my heart. Love to all of you.
