Individual Interview . . . and a little reminder

Hi friends, and I do mean friends. Your support during this stressful time has meant a great deal to me and I wanted to take a minute to thank you. I am happy to report that while my mother is still in the hospital, she is doing much better. There were some very dark days when we were not sure of the outcome, but she has turned the corner and is doing much better. We hope to have her in a position to go to rehab soon. After a couple of weeks there, she should be well enough to take the next step, although we are not quite sure what that will be. That's OK, we don't have to know. All I really have to know is the God has us safely and securely in His hands and I really do know that. Boy does that truth make the rough times and strong winds bearable. In fact I just said last night, that the harder the winds blow, the less I sway. I think the winds just make me squeeze tighter on to His hand and deepens my resolve to stay the course. Anyway, again, thanks for all the love and support you have shown my family.

This month's interview is from a group member who has been with this program since it's inception! Take care ladies, enjoy your week end (especially those of you heading to the hills!) and we will meet again next week.

H.O.P.E Individual Interview

What is your name?
Angie Gay

Who is your family and additional support system outside of H.O.P.E. ?
My husband David for 29 years, my sons Ryan(25) and Justin(22) and my Mom who gives me her support and love every single day.

How long have you been a H.O.P.E. Participant?
I am and original member of H.O.P.E.. I’ve lost count but I believe it’s been 6 maybe 7 years.

What is the most useful tool you have received in H.O.P.E. ?
Every single tool has been useful. But to pick one that keeps me going would be “baby steps”. When moving forward on making changes, I would always go for perfection. Walk 2 miles everyday, eat a healthy food plan everyday, and write in a journal everyday. First there is no perfection, second I failed every single time. The changes would never last. Then Julie and Cathy taught me about “baby steps”. At the beginning I broke the changes into tiny steps and when they became consistent I would step them up. I moved slowly because I realize this isn’t a race to the end but a journey for the rest of my life.

What has been your greatest accomplishment through the H.O.P.E. Program?
I’ve done some things I never thought possible. I’ve hiked a mountain in Hawaii and I got on a snowmobile and rode through the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever seen.

What has been your greatest challenge on your journey of lifestyle change?
I would say my obsessing on the numbers (i.e. pounds lost). I have found that this journey is about so much more. I also know about myself, that when I focus on weight loss I usually get stuck and find I’m not moving forward.

What does the H.O.P.E. Program mean to you personally?
H.O.P.E. brought back my JOY. Julie and Cathy have created a program that is life changing!

Can you share some words of wisdom with others who are just beginning their journey of lifestyle change?
I don’t know if I have any wisdom to share but I would like to say, if you are just beginning or anywhere on your journey – live “as if “, throw out the “ wait until “ and live your life knowing you are LOVED.