Karla’s Korner: Motivation to Change Your Life

Karla’s Korner

Motivation to Change Your Life

Motivation to Change Your Life

Motivation to Change Your Life

Taking Chances; Accepting Challenges and Reaping Rewards

A little over four years ago I took the chance and began writing “Karla’s Korner”. A year into the project I was asked to review movies for Lifetime. I had always loved Lifetime movies and jumped at the opportunity to review them and share my thoughts. I enjoyed my little writing job; it became quite therapeutic for me. Two years had passed and an email appeared offering me a “spot” on Lifetime Moms as a contributor. Shocked and surprised I gladly accepted the offer.

I travelled to New York City to meet with my editor and as I shared some of my own personal story it became clear that eventually I would be writing about some pretty intense stuff related to my personal life. On the train ride back to Virginia I became nervous and started to question if I could really do this and would I be able to open up and share like they wanted me too. To be honest, I had second thoughts. I worried about what my family, co-workers and friends would say. I didn’t want to disappoint or hurt anyone but yet I had the strong notion that this was something I had to do; rather something I needed to do. This was my chance of a Lifetime.

Taking chances and becoming a blogger and contributor for Lifetime Moms gave me the opportunity to dig deep within my soul and begin to discover who I really am. Sharing the pain and struggles of my food addiction and weight issues has forced me to become keenly aware that my health needs to become a priority. Connecting with other women who have felt like they were drowning in a sea of guilt and shame because of their own eating disorder not only gave me encouragement but allowed me the opportunity to encourage others. As I re-lived and grieved sharing the story of my miscarriage from 18 years ago and how the ache only dulls and never goes away I received more than 40 responses from women who had experienced or were currently experiencing that pain; once again I bonded with my readers and allowed healing to deepen within my spirit. As my “nest” began to empty and my daughter went away to college I shared the grief of knowing that life would never be the same and since then I have celebrated the new life we have together as mother and adult child. With each article that followed I found myself taking chances, facing fears and finding peace.

For so many years I plugged along keeping my thoughts and feelings wrapped up inside of myself in fear of what others would think and when I finally took the chance and started letting them out it seemed that life started to make sense. Now instead of going through the motions I find myself searching for deeper meaning and purpose for things that never seemed to matter before. Life has changed so much for me in the past four years; most of it is good and some not so good. Sometimes the positive change in someone creates fear and uncertainty in those who share your world. It’s as if you are on the dance floor and the music changes; you begin to change your steps but others don’t want to so they keep dancing to the old music and you find yourselves out of sync. It’s up to you to continue with the new steps and hopefully others will adjust and learn them too. It’s a risk worth taking.

The latest chapter in my life book has brought about some phenomenal changes that have both surprised and humbled me. When I made the decision to become healthy I thought losing weight was the most important aspect. Now, 70 days into this journey I realize that the weight is not the real issue. Focusing on the food addiction and making strides in overcoming the stronghold it had on my life has not only allowed me to achieve success but has deepened my spirit; I feel free and more alive than ever before. The transformation is really what it’s all about; the weight loss is merely a bi-product of the process. It’s a bonus.

As I visited with family in Cincinnati this past weekend it became even more evident that I am not alone in this journey. Knowing that I am surrounded by such a deep connected love makes the journey even more special. Shedding the heaviness of fear, anxiety and shame and allowing others in on the journey with me has proven to be both uplifting and humbling. Knowing that who I am and what I am is really nothing more special than anyone else allows me to understand that it’s because of their kind spirit and loving hearts I am loved; love is worth the chance.

I am grateful for the opportunities given me to reach within my soul and find myself; I remain ready to take the chance, come out and make a difference. I am no longer sitting on the sidelines of life watching others take chances and find life to be a bit sweeter; I am living because I took the chance to live. Mark Twain once said “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.” I didn’t want to be disappointed in myself any longer so I took the risk accepted the challenge and have found the reward worth more than I could imagine.

I encourage you to look within yourself and take the chance to change what you need to change and change it. Live your life with purpose, faith, hope and love. It’s all about accepting the challenges that life throws your way and learning how to throw back. For me, the journey continues and no matter how bumpy the road may be I will never be alone.

Peace,
Karla

I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

For more Motivation to Change Your Life, read these:

Read more Karla’s Korner , also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

Check out Karla’s 24 Day Advocare Challenge updates!

Do you need Motivation to Change Your Life? Why? Share your story with us in the comment section below.