More to Lose with Health Improvements* 3rd Place Winner

Valerie B.

*Health Improvement:  Extreme fatigue, hormonal imbalances (irregular cycle, low libido, emotional instability), knee problems, poor lymph drainage (I can feel tell under my arm and into the side of my breast), mental cloudiness/fuzziness, frequent indigestion, arches cause my feet to ache and require special shoes. I am extremely overweight and depressed about it. I don't have the energy or enthusiasm to do anything, it is a vicious cycle. The worse I feel the harder it is to eat right and exercise and the more I don't do these things the worse I feel.

I am so excited about the changes in my body since I started this challenge! I have tried T-Tapp on several occasions over the last couple of years, but have always gotten overwhelmed at how out of shape I am and how busy life is, and I would slip out of the habit of doing it. I also never measured when I tried it before ~ what a mistake. I had no idea what a difference it could make to just do what I could on a regular basis! During this 60 day period, I have had to take a couple of breaks because of my knee once and my back another time, but I picked it back up as soon as I could and it was much easier than starting over after months of not doing it. Some of the health improvements include:

- My knee is much stronger and doesn't hurt.

- I have much more energy and I wake up before the alarm clock goes off. I have been able to do so much more than I could two months ago.

- My hormones are improving. (I was having very irregular cycles, and was not ovulating on a regular basis, but after doing T-Tapp for a few days, I ovulated and my cycles are becoming regular again. I have had this happen three times since the birth of my last child, and each time I quit T-Tapping, they become irregular again. The only downside is that I am experiencing bloating at the time of the final measurements that I didn't have at the other two.) I have also had increased libido and improved mental stability.

- I have been able to go barefoot or wear regular shoes without any pain because my arch is so much stronger.

- My digestive system is working better, little to no indigestion and greatly improved elimination.

- Lymph drainage improved until I hurt my back and had to rest for a few days, but it improved once I was able to start back.

- I am still very overweight, but my outlook is much different, I am trying not to look at the whole picture, but to focus on 30 days at a time and to make choices that will benefit me during that time. This time has shown me the importance of consistency and lifestyle changes. Even with the challenge over, I am looking ahead at the next 30 days to continue what has been a huge blessing to me.

- I can bend over to work in the garden and do things down low without feeling light headed.

- Perhaps the biggest health improvement is my body feels alive again. I really don't know how to explain what that means except that I have an overall feeling of well being that has been absent for a long time. I go to bed tired from a busy day and wake up feeling good (often sore, but a good sore) with confidence that I can face what is ahead. I feel excited and vibrant again!

I have not made record breaking progress, but that is fine with me. I have made progress and improvement in the midst of living a very full and wonderful life. I didn't put everything on hold while I tried to win a contest. Instead, I have made some lifestyle changes that have blessed my whole family and especially me. My daughter was shocked that I was going to enter the challenge because of all that was going on during the last two months and she said it wasn't the best time for me to do it. As I explained to her that there never is a good time, the truth of the statement hit me. I decided to start small and work my way up in the midst of everything, and that is what I did. I could tell what a difference it made within two weeks, because it actually helped me get through all the activity with more energy and less stress! When I took my measurements, I was shocked! Just starting out small had great rewards! Even with my knee and back injuries, I made progress, small but forward progress!

While most of what I have written has been very positive, the truth is there is some pretty ugly stuff that happened as a result of this challenge. I had to face my own lack of initiative and self control. One day I hated T-Tapp and it took me an hour and a half to get through a 20 minute workout! I would sit on the couch between each different move and tell myself I had reached my own personal max, knowing that I hadn't - then I would commit to do one exercise. This went on and on until finally it was over, and I felt great for having done it. Most days were not so difficult, but there were many times that I realized how stubborn I am that I would not willingly do something that had such obvious benefits. I also realized that I was too easy on myself and wasn't going to my personal max, I would tell myself that I was being careful not to overdue, when instead, I was cheating myself. I have been my own biggest obstacle to overcome!

As far as winning this challenge is concerned ~ I have already won, even if someone else gets the prize. It would be wonderful to attend the Retreat and get tips on doing it correctly. It would also be a great motivating/accountability tool to continue and not stop now that the 60 days are over. I would like to have the self control to do it without needing an outside motivator ~ and am dedicated to trying!

I am so thankful for this 60-Day Challenge and for all the work that has gone into it. I cannot tell you what a difference it has made to me. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for the hours of work and the endless emails that you had to sort through. May the blessings returned to you for your hard work be multiplied abundantly!