Cathe, I want to tell you right off the bat that this will be a rather long post, but I wanted you to know my background in order to understand just how important you have become to me over the years. So I'm going to ask for forgiveness at the start.
When I was 17, I became deeply involved with a physically and emotionally abusive man. He was so charming at the beginning that I didn't have a clue as to his true character until we had been together for a few years. By then, we'd had a child, I was estranged by my family because they didn't approve(he was 10yrs older)and we'd moved to another state where I didn't know a soul.
Those years were so terrible. He did and said everything he could in order to put me down and keep me down. The only emotions I felt were anger, fear and shame, but I couldn't talk to anyone about them. So I tried to escape my misery in food--one of the most destructive escapes of all.
Seventeen years and four children later, I found the strength to walk away. It was one of the hardest and scariest things I'd ever done, but I don't regret it. I only wish I'd done it sooner.
I reconciled with my mom, and she let the kids and me move in with her until I could get back on my feet again. It wasn't easy. I'd graduated from high school, but had never held a job in my life. I was worried all the time about the future, and the only thing that made me feel better was eating.
By this time, I had gained over 100lbs. I was 115 when I met my ex. When I left him, I was 225. I hated how I looked so much that I wouldn't leave the house. I went around all day in jogging pants and sloppy T-shirts. I was depressed because I ate and I ate because I was depressed. I couldn't get off the merry go round.
Four things happened to change that. First, my brother in law arranged for me to get counseling sessions at half price with a colleague of his. With her help, I regained my confidence and self love.
Second, my sister helped me get a job as a receptionist. I was terrified and excited that first day, but as time went by the routine became more familiar. Six months later, I had gotten not only a good evaluation, but a 6% raise! I was so proud of myself!
Third, I started to take care of my body. I started walking around the neighborhood and riding a bike. I also began going to meetings of Overeaters Anonymous to further gain control over my food habits. I lost a ton of weight and felt ready to take on the world!
Lastly, my sister clued me in to you. She is a big fan of yours and has a lot of your tapes. When we both felt I was ready, I started using "How To Get In Shape For You Wedding" in December, 1997. I did it every other day for 6 months. In that time, I couldn't believe how far I had come. I lost more weight, had muscles, my heart was in better shape. I was hooked.
It's three years later. My children and I are finally in our own home. I have gotten two more raises at work. I'm dating a wonderful man who is sooo good to me and my kids and we're talking marriage. And your tapes have seen me through it all.
You may be wondering why I'm sending this to you. There have been so many people who have made a positive difference in my life: my children, my mom, my sister, my counselor, people at work, the man in my life, my support group. Again and again I have them them all. Except one--you. Your tapes--the expertly designed workouts, your pleasant demeanor, encouraging attitude--have done a great deal to make my journey in life so much easier. I don't think I could have done it without you.
Thank you and God Bless!
When I was 17, I became deeply involved with a physically and emotionally abusive man. He was so charming at the beginning that I didn't have a clue as to his true character until we had been together for a few years. By then, we'd had a child, I was estranged by my family because they didn't approve(he was 10yrs older)and we'd moved to another state where I didn't know a soul.
Those years were so terrible. He did and said everything he could in order to put me down and keep me down. The only emotions I felt were anger, fear and shame, but I couldn't talk to anyone about them. So I tried to escape my misery in food--one of the most destructive escapes of all.
Seventeen years and four children later, I found the strength to walk away. It was one of the hardest and scariest things I'd ever done, but I don't regret it. I only wish I'd done it sooner.
I reconciled with my mom, and she let the kids and me move in with her until I could get back on my feet again. It wasn't easy. I'd graduated from high school, but had never held a job in my life. I was worried all the time about the future, and the only thing that made me feel better was eating.
By this time, I had gained over 100lbs. I was 115 when I met my ex. When I left him, I was 225. I hated how I looked so much that I wouldn't leave the house. I went around all day in jogging pants and sloppy T-shirts. I was depressed because I ate and I ate because I was depressed. I couldn't get off the merry go round.
Four things happened to change that. First, my brother in law arranged for me to get counseling sessions at half price with a colleague of his. With her help, I regained my confidence and self love.
Second, my sister helped me get a job as a receptionist. I was terrified and excited that first day, but as time went by the routine became more familiar. Six months later, I had gotten not only a good evaluation, but a 6% raise! I was so proud of myself!
Third, I started to take care of my body. I started walking around the neighborhood and riding a bike. I also began going to meetings of Overeaters Anonymous to further gain control over my food habits. I lost a ton of weight and felt ready to take on the world!
Lastly, my sister clued me in to you. She is a big fan of yours and has a lot of your tapes. When we both felt I was ready, I started using "How To Get In Shape For You Wedding" in December, 1997. I did it every other day for 6 months. In that time, I couldn't believe how far I had come. I lost more weight, had muscles, my heart was in better shape. I was hooked.
It's three years later. My children and I are finally in our own home. I have gotten two more raises at work. I'm dating a wonderful man who is sooo good to me and my kids and we're talking marriage. And your tapes have seen me through it all.
You may be wondering why I'm sending this to you. There have been so many people who have made a positive difference in my life: my children, my mom, my sister, my counselor, people at work, the man in my life, my support group. Again and again I have them them all. Except one--you. Your tapes--the expertly designed workouts, your pleasant demeanor, encouraging attitude--have done a great deal to make my journey in life so much easier. I don't think I could have done it without you.
Thank you and God Bless!
