I was once extremly unhappy with myself. Even as i type this I cannot belive how sad i would get over my apperance. What happened was I hit middle school and began to gain weight. I loved food and video games, was basically totally sedentary and lazy. I began to gain so much weight over the years until i hit my max at 255lbs at 19. I remember stepping on the scale at work and seeing that number. I could not believe i had gotten that heavy. I used to get dressed for work and change 4 times becuase everything i put on made me feel ugly and Fat. I was not fat and society taught me that was ugly and not ok, that made me so insecure. Aside from that i also felt wided going up stairs sometimes even walking long distances. So i decided i needed a change.
I began to attend a zumba studio that was so close to my house. I was afraid but i discovered i liked it so much. I went all the time. I would dance and laugh and i made friends. I began to clean up my eating and then people started to notice i was changing. I was a happier guy. I also got a gym membership and i would go workout at 1AM because i was insecure that people would stare at the big guy trying to run or lift weights. I got to a point where poeple would tell me i looked good then others would tell me, "You would look great if you lost 30 more pounds". This totally fucked with my head and i made some bad choices. This is a memory which i constantly have resurface. Though i no longer practice these bad habits I sometimes see the old Daniel iamge in the reflection of the mirror and i grow upset. Maybe this will never go away but neither will my stretch marks. these are all scars. My saggy tummy is a scar. They are there to remind me of what i went through.
I am stronger not only physically now but mentally and spiratually as well. Through my journery i gained a zumba certification which has bee totally FUN and succesfull. I am also a Personal Trainer at an amazing GYM that has had me connect with positve colleagues who've taught me much. I also met an amazing group of people i call friends. I am so blessed. I've gained a few others certs and so much experince. I now stand confident and proud. Throug all this i discovered my passion to help and educate others on the beauty that fitness is. I love to workout and dance. I want to help others not only live healthier but i want to help them build up thier self image and confidence. I do this because i have lived through an ordeal of self body shamming and hate. I dont want anyone to go through it. I want to Teach and Preach and Live -Peace Love & Confidence.
