Friday, May 23, 2008

My Anniversary of Accomplishments: A Personal Story

I am celebrating an anniversary this month, actually two milestones I am very proud of. 10 years ago this month I graduated college with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. The other milestone also began around this same time, where I lost 30 pounds before my graduation. You probably wonder why my weight loss is such an accomplishment for me and why I still remember my start on this road.

I have always been overweight. The Katiebabs’s people are big ones. My father’s people have big hips, which are perfect for childbearing. My mother’s people are very broad. My genes show the best of these two worlds. By the time I was a senior in college and I was close to one hundred pounds over weight. I was pushing 240 on my 5’10 frame. I was known as the cute fat girl. Also at this time I didn’t give a rat’s ass because my four years in college were the best I ever had. I was accepted by both men and women and had great relationships with my teachers and other students alike. I was even Vice- President of my sorority, Alpha Rho Omega. Being away at college allows you so much freedom and for me that was with food. Again, I was always a “big” girl but at school, my appetite for food went crazy. I was close to wearing a size 26 pants and my hips were 52 inches by the age of 21.

The day when I came back for my final semester of college was a real eye opener for me. I was sitting in one of the dorm lounges, when one of my fellow sisters was looking at pictures with one of her guy friends. The guy gasped and asked out loud, “Who’s the big dude?” I glanced over at the picture. There was me, a big blob in a black sweat suit wearing a hat. I don’t know what was worse, being thought of as a man or being fat. I slowly stood up and went into my room and sat there stunned. I didn’t go in hysterics but made a promise to myself to live a life with more well being for myself, whether to live a healthier lifestyle or one of fulfillment. The very next day I went to the gym and for months till my graduation I exercised with incredible results. I pushed myself also in other ways. I worked my brain along with body by reading and writing more than I ever have. I looked forward to what my future would bring.

Ten years later I am in a brighter place all because of one simple picture and the recognition that I can accomplish something most people said I couldn’t.

*People told me I couldn’t keep the weight off. In over ten years I have lost 80 pounds and kept it off. My boobs may be entering a –A cup territory, but I definitely no longer have 52 inch hips.

*I was told I wouldn’t be working in television in a city like NYC doing what I enjoy. I now work at NBC Networks in NYC.

*I was told my book reviews were less than satisfactory and no one would find them pleasing. In the past year I have written over hundreds of reviews and I know for a fact that people read them and admire my skills. And I thank you all for that.

The reason for this personal post is that some of you are at a point in your life where you want to accomplish something great like publishing that WIP or perhaps sitting down and try your hand at writing your very first review. It all comes down to you. Don't second guess yourself. Your success is what you make it. Forget the need for money, fame or prestige. Your success is based on the goals you set for yourself and taking the initiative to accomplish something. Just by thinking about doing it and actually starting on it in itself should be applauded.

I am the perfect example where so many have told me “I couldn’t”. They may say I can’t but I simply say to them, “I can.”

You can too. Now pass me some chocolate *wink wink*

Katiebabs (KB)

22 comments:

little alys said...

I bring you toblerone in SF ^_^. Maybe beer. Okay, we all get shots. ;)

Go Katiebabs! You're such an inspiration and I really needed to read about this today (real life getting the best of me right now >_<).

Cheers to moving foward!

lisabea said...

I heart you, Katie(babs).

Unknown said...

What a great post! And it's so very true. Anything is possible, you just have to want it bad enough and work hard enough to get it.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful Post, Katiebabs! Very inspirational. I need to read this today, because I blogged on the opposite today, and so this is what I needed to see. Thanks!

Bev(QB) said...

You, my sweet little petunia, are AMAZING and you damn well SHOULD be proud of all you've accomplished! And !YEAH! for telling us about it...

...makes me feel guilty. ::sheepish grin::

Kristie (J) said...

I know this is so overdone - but it sure does apply here

You Go Girl!! Katie Power!!!

sula said...

dammit, lb, you and your unibrain took the words that I was about to say.

Kb, I heart you!

That was awesome. And just what the doctor ordered. you go girl!

Ciara said...

what an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing. I should reread it every time I get down about my writing. I love your book reviews. Congrats at all your hard work!

Ana said...

Thank you for sharing your story Katie! You how much I find you awesome dude!

Kati said...

Well, I for one believe deeply in "Katie Power!" LOL! Well said, Kristie!

Congratulations on such wonderful accomplishments. You're an inspiration, girl!

azteclady said...

There are always those around us who tells us that we can't do this or that. Some of them say it out of love and concern--they don't want us to fail and be hurt. Others do it out of deeply ingrained negativity, and yet others out of meanness.

Whichever the reason, blindly following such negative view of ourselves will only hurts us more than trying and risking falling flat on our faces.

Thank you for sharing, katie(babs), and congrats on succeeding in the face of such admonitions. *raising glass* here's to you, girl!

Tracy said...

What a great story KB! This is something I needed to read today. Congrats on your two anniversaries. You're my hero! (yes, you can visit my hut!)

Anonymous said...

Inspiring story - thanks ever so much for sharing! And yes, I love your reviews ;-)

Sarai said...

Wow for some reason I really needed to hear that. Thank you for the inspirational words and as Alys and others have said you are an inspiration and I bow to you *wink*
I wish ya the best keep up the great work and of course those fantastic reviews. After all that is the reason I started doing it.
*bows*

Brie said...

Very inspiring, Katie. I know it feels good to prove the naysayers wrong. Happy Anniversary!!

CindyS said...

Thanks for sharing your accomplishments with us Katiebabs! Your reviews are wonderful (the Ward one was so well done and without spoilers!), I've seen pictures of you on this blog and you look fabulous and I had no idea you were living your work dream.

It's great to hear about someone living their dream and even taking the time to let others know they can do it too.

It's been great getting to know you better since you joined Kristie here!

CindyS

Rosie said...

Impressive. Awesome. Inspiring.

KT Grant said...

Thanks everyone! I know some of you are hard at work towards your goals and dreams, and felt if you knew some my feelings and my goals, you will feel better about yourselves. I am so happy to know a wonderful group of people who are bright, intelligent and awesome! :D

Jace said...

Congrats on all your achievements! Never give up, never say die ... here's to more successes in the days ahead!

Joanna Chambers said...

you rock, KB

Joanna Chambers said...

you rock, KB

Joanna Chambers said...

So true, I said it twice.