Biggest Loser Season 14 Premiere - A Mix of Motivation, Inspiration, and Heartache

Most of us have been anxiously anticipating the new season of Biggest Loser, hoping for a much better experience than the show brought us last January through May.  And our waiting wasn't for naught...this season is already proving to be 1,000 times better than Season 13.

Season 14 brings a couple of new twists.  First of all, there are three teens who are working to get fit and be ambassadors to fight childhood obesity.  Sunny, Lindsay, and Noah - who goes by the nickname Biingo (yes, with 2 i's) - all want to be able to play sports and perform various other activities without being out of breath, or being ridiculed by their peers.  One of the trainers this season knows a lot about this.

Which brings us to the other twist...Jillian is back!!!  Bob and Dolvett are joined by Jillian this season, and it's truly like the life has been breathed back into the show.  Of course, Bob and Dolvett are incredible trainers and work their butts off helping their teams.  But I can't help but wonder if Jillian had been there last season, would things have gone differently?  Would she have smacked Conda into next week, thereby knocking some sense and grace into her?  And maybe the two players who left the ranch wouldn't have left.

Well, we'll never know.  And Jillian wasn't able to keep Nikki from leaving during the first week on the ranch this season either.  Truthfully, I don't think Nikki was ready for the Biggest Loser experience no matter who her trainer was.  She looked scared to death - not of her trainer, but of confronting all of the emotions that were coming to the surface.  She said she was ready to deal with the physical, but not the emotional.  But if she's watched the show in the past, she had to know that the mental aspect is part of the package deal.  Maybe she didn't realize just how much was bottled up inside of her.  In any case, I hope Nikki gets the help she needs at home, including a therapist, to improve her life both inside and out.

For the most part, we were back to being motivated and inspired again.  Each trainer has a team of five adults and one child, but all of the trainers are helping everyone.  It was especially touching watching Jillian talk to the kids outside, asking them what types of things they think about themselves.  She shared how to turn the negative thoughts into positive ones, and you could see their faces light up.  Since Jill was an overweight teen herself, she KNOWS what it's like, and how it affects them.  It's important that they have someone who's been there to help guide them along, both while they're on the ranch and at home.

Jillian was not quite so easy on the adults, however.  Neither were Bob or Dolvett.  When you have all of those years of a defeatist mindset, you really do need that tough love to snap you out of it.  It works faster for some than others, but most of them get it.  I have to say...it is so good to hear Jillian's voice in the gym again!  (The fact that her voice sometimes enters my dreams/nightmares in a recurring fashion made me even more "homesick" for that voice!)  I think NBC finally has the winning combination of trainers this season!

One thing Jill said hit REALLY close to home for me.  She asked her team, "Are you addicted to being a victim?"  OUCH.  That was me to a T for a long time.  Sure, I've never totally given up on myself, but I have sometimes in the past dwelled on negative things that happened, including being ridiculed in junior high by the majority of my class for my weight.  (See...I can relate to our teen trio as well.)  I've always tried to be a positive person, but that didn't stop my brain from going where it shouldn't go at times.  Heck, I STILL deal with it from time to time!  Sometimes it even feels worse when adults do something negative to you...because you think they should "know better" than kids.  BUT WE HAVE TO BE STRONG.  You may think that having people feel sorry for you brings you positive attention, but in reality it just keeps the "poor me" mentality going and keeps you in victim mode.  It's SO much better to fight to live your life and overcome - then people will admire you instead of feeling sorry for you!

Jillian's white team won a 5 pound advantage in the challenge, but it didn't help enough at the weigh-in.  They were at a disadvantage only having four players since Nikki left.  Bob's blue team and Dolvett's red team both beat them.  And since Allison had announced that the losing team would have a red line, the person with the lowest percentage of weight loss on that team was automatically going home.  That turned out to be T.C. - whose heart was breaking (and mine right along with his) as he realized he was going home so soon after promising his son that he was going to be thin when he got home since his son had fought back from a severe car accident.  But when he got home, he decided to take everything he learned in his short time on the ranch and FIGHT.  He wasn't going to be the victim any longer, and he's well on his way to an amazing transformation, both body and soul.

It's just like contestant Cate said during the show...you have to realize you're tired of watching everyone else life their lives around you and not living your own.  Become the VICTOR, not the victim!

Tomorrow night is another new episode...which will be interesting since the white team already has two players less than the other teams.  And it looks like they'll all be doing CrossFit.  I can't wait to see how that goes!!!

And as Bob said, "Welcome HOME Jillian!"

Dealing With Ankle Pain - Part Two

Well, you remember that ankle/Achilles pain I told you about a while back?  I did wind up having to have some physical therapy.  I mentioned it to my doctor and he sent me to his physical therapist - turns out he has the same problem.

My therapist tested my ankle and thankfully it wasn't anything serious...it was a minor strain and I only needed a few sessions.  Everything feels much better now, and I still do the exercises she gave me at home.  Some are with a Theraband, like the exercise pictured above.  The Theraband is already my friend, since I use one to do some Pilates moves at home as well.  Other exercises have me standing high up on the balls of my feet, then stretching the ankle and heel down from a step; plus I need to balance on the injured foot to strengthen it.

I'm glad I asked my doctor about it when I did, so I could take care of the problem before it became something worse.  God truly had an angel watching out for me.  I was able to keep spinning and walking all along, and now I can do my step aerobics and Zumba again.  Once my ankles are even stronger, I'll be able to start running, at least a little at a time.

In the long run, this injury is making me stronger - which I'm sure is what God intended!  I'll be able to do more, and my balance will be better.  And as I continue to lose weight it will only improve. 

Sometimes it's tough to find the bright side when you are injured...but if you are dealing with an issue of this type I ask you to do just that.  You will be less stressed and frustrated...and you just might learn something about yourself in the process!

Dealing With Ankle Pain

For about a week now, I've been dealing with pain at the back of my left ankle.  I have no idea how it got that way.  Last Sunday I woke up, started going about my business, and halfway through the day it started to hurt.

I haven't done any unusual workouts or tried anything new that should have bothered my ankle.  I didn't whack it against anything or even notice any problems during my usual exercise.  It feels like it just showed up all of a sudden.  I wish it would go away all of a sudden as well...it's starting to feel better but still giving me some problems.

So what have I been doing for the last week?  The old me would have just sat on the couch and "babied" my ankle, afraid to do anything.  But this is a new me - while I'm still being careful with it, I am also finding ways to work around it so I can still work out.

I don't put a lot of weight on it when it's not necessary.  I do ankle exercises that are supposed to stretch and strengthen the area.  And I'm skipping the step, but still doing the kettlebells.  I do a lot of leg and knee lifts where I can set my foot down gently.  Plus, I'm doing something I learned from Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition - inspired by Chris Powell making someone sit in every seat in a stadium, I'm doing the same with my couch, moving from one end to the other sitting and standing over and over again.  It turns out that getting up and down out of your seat repeatedly really works your legs, core, and butt...and gets your heart rate going pretty well.

I also can still go to spin class, since there is limited pressure on the ankles.  I've found that I feel fine after spin, so I scheduled an extra class for this week to keep myself moving.  I've come a long way, and I refuse to sit around and backslide, letting weight creep back on because of this.  I will continue to do what I can with whatever issues or circumstances comes up, in fitness and in life.  God gives me the strength to be creative and do what I need to do.

So if you have any type of issue with your workouts, I urge you to find a way to work with or around them.  You will be so glad you did and a stronger person than you were before!

Spin Till You Win!

No, I'm not talking about a slot machine for all of you gamblers out there.  (Though I've been known to play that one on rare occasion...)  I'm talking Spinning class!

Many of you know how much I love spinning.  My budget only allows me to take a class once a week, maybe with an extra Friday class here or there - but I look forward to it each and every time.  And lately I love it even more.

Why?  Because I'm getting stronger and pushing myself harder...not only at the studio but at home with step and kettlebell workouts, Pilates, and Zumba.  All of the cross-training I do makes me better on the bike.

Last night I had my best spin EVER.  I could do a lot more work out of the saddle, while still pushing myself in the saddle and making attempts at some of the moves I didn't think I was strong enough to do in the past.  I discovered I could do it...and I DID!

I'll let you in on a little secret...before every spin class I say a prayer, asking God to help me have a great spin and do more than I did the last time.  Believe me, it works.  When you realize that you can do anything through His strength, it's empowering.  And the momentum only builds from there.

So I encourage you to give spinning a try...just remember to pray for that extra "push" from above!

Beginning To Hit My Stride Again!

This past week, something profound happened. Profound and exciting.

Marie's got her groove back. (Sorry, Stella!) Even though over the last few months I've been making progress and getting stronger, this week is the one where I really hit my stride again.

I think part of it has to do with having some type of workout class Monday through Friday. Cardio step at Extreme Pump It Up Fitness on Monday and Wednesday, Pilates on Thursday, spin on Tuesday and Friday...I'm still learning my way in the cardio classes, but making improvements. Pilates felt especially good after having to miss it for two weeks while I had no transportation.

I felt my groove the most during spin. Tuesday was awesome, and having class again on Friday only built on the good feelings. I'm really digging down deep and experiencing the strength and power that is within me. God gives me this strength, and I ask Him for His help before every class. He helps me find what He has placed in me all along and bring it out. When I leave spin class, I'm dripping with sweat, feeling empowered and looking forward to what life has in store.

Tonight I can't make cardio class because of a meeting at my son's school, but I will kick my own butt at home afterward. I am determined to make the most of every single day. Tomorrow I weigh in, so hopefully the number on the scale is as good as the feelings my workouts give me.

But one thing can never have a number placed on it - the confident feeling of strength I have found!

Be Mindful - Just Say No to Stress Eating!

First of all, thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers yesterday. I'm happy to report that we heard back from our mechanic today and found out that it's not the engine. It's something that costs only $400 instead of $2000 - and I am VERY thankful for that. We will have our car back tomorrow afternoon, and I'm looking forward to being out and about again. For now, I'm watching the snow falling outside my office window, planning which DVD to work out with tonight (maybe step this time?) and thanking God for allowing us to have a bill that was 1/5 of what we thought it was going to be.

The other happy news, which is what I want to focus on today, is that I did not give in to the myriad of food cravings that wound their way through me yesterday due to the stress.

Every fast food commercial seemed to call my name. Chocolate, and a lot of it, was looking extremely appealing. In the old days I would have let myself give in to those cravings and dive into the grease, salt, and sugar.

Yesterday was different. After allowing myself a short time to cry and feel my emotions, I prayed - more than usual. I practiced my yoga poses, breathed in deeply, and stayed in control. I ate a normal, healthful dinner and drank a sugar free hot chocolate later on to put a halt to the candy cravings.

I think the key was allowing myself to feel the frustration and worry within reason. Giving myself permission to be human, realizing I'm not perfect or a machine, and knowing that it's normal to feel these things was important. And that goes for ALL of us, not just a select few. It's OK to feel those emotions, just not let them get the best of us. Which is where prayer and mindfulness come into play.

I believe God allowed me to feel upset about the possibility of an unimaginable repair bill. This way I learned to bring my broken self to him for help. My strength comes from God. None of us can "do" life on our own. With my prayers, He brought my mind to a place where I could resist unhealthy foods and use better methods to deal with the stress.

It's good to share your emotions with your true friends...God wants us to support and pray for each other on this sometimes crazy life journey. But we all must remember that God is the only One who can deal with all of our stuff. Our friends and family who care about us also have their own stuff to deal with. Their minds are on several things at once, just like ours are - so they can't give us COMPLETE support. Only God can do that.

As hard as yesterday was, God gave me a lesson I won't ever forget. And I'm 100 percent thankful to Him for it.

Even In The Darkness, There Is Always Light

Dealing with human emotions, yet trying to stay positive and rising above... I'm sure you know where I'm going with this. You probably struggle with this as well.

If you read my "positive/not perfect" post last week, then you know I've been dealing with a problem relationship that I had to finally let go in order to save my sanity and be who God created me to be. In the meantime, I've lost a couple more friends - at least people I thought were my friends. I thought it might happen since these are people who've known the person I had trouble with for a lot longer than they've known me, and I'm sure their loyalties lie with her. Not only is that understandable, but I also know they're not getting the whole story by only hearing what she tells them. They haven't asked me about the situation so they are only hearing the side of their longtime friend...but I also don't want to drag them into what should be only between me and her. That's not fair to them to have to take sides. And even though it appears they've immediately taken her side, at least I didn't try to make them choose. I can be proud of the fact that I didn't drag other people into it. There may be more fallout to come, but I will stand strong.

Even though I understand what they did, it still stinks - and it still hurts. But one thing I do know is that this is out of my control. I'm not going to beg people for their friendship when it's obvious they didn't value the relationship in the first place. I'm better than that. Once again, this does not mean I'm perfect...far from it. But real friends forgive each other for the occasional bad day or saying something that didn't come across quite the way they meant it. I don't mean those who continally put you down or constantly treat you like you're an idiot for doing what's right for your life if it isn't exactly like their own lives. I'm talking about those who always try to be a real friend but when you occasionally slip up like human beings do, they still support you because they love you. People who claim to be our friends but attack or abandon us without first trying to understand or care are not the kind of friends we need. In fact, that is NOT real friendship - so as much as it hurts, be grateful for the blessings that did come out of the situation and move on.

This is what I've been trying to do for the last few days. This "friend" may think she ruined my holidays (or at least probably hoped she did), but it turns out to be the opposite. In discovering these surface friendships, I appreciate the real ones that much more. Spending time with family and true friends is even sweeter because I can see, hear, and feel the difference with complete clarity. Plus - seeing how NOT to act helps me in turn to be a better friend to others.

God gave me an important gift this Christmas. He gave me the opportunity to see what is real and what is not. He gave me the strength to stand up for myself and stop taking all of the digs and discouragement and move away from that negativity. And He gave me the ability to see what is important in both friendship and life. That can't be wrapped and placed under the tree. Besides, it's such an incredibly large and amazing gift that it can't be contained to a small space. It's the gift that will keep on giving...not only to me but to anyone I can pass it on to. God means for this gift to be shared. His light will permeate through any darkness you may encounter!

This holiday season, may you receive the gift of true friendship and unconditional love from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and may you spread that gift far and wide to make the world a better place.

Learning to Stand Strong

The last couple of weeks have been filled with powerful lessons for me. So powerful, in fact, that I feel 100 times stronger than I did in mid-October.

I've stood up for people (several, in fact) who do the right thing, and in turn I've been bashed. This has been by a small minority...it's just that those few have big mouths (or big keyboards). In the past, I was such a people-pleaser that even if one person disagreed with me it would bother me, and for much longer than I should have let it. I had this thing about people liking me. Now, that's not to say I don't still want people to like me, but I realize not every single person on earth is going to agree with me or want to be my friend. And that's perfectly OK. It doesn't mean I'm a bad person if someone has a different opinion. I just agree to disagree and move on.

I got hit with several instances of this in the past two weeks, and I did have some moments where I overthought it. Of course, I prayed about it. In no uncertain terms, God told me I was doing the right thing and to not let any negativity bother me. I've also learned that working it out in the gym (instead of torturing my mind) feels awesome and makes me stronger in more ways than one. God does not want me to fold like a cheap tent when criticized - He wants me to pull whatever decent advice I can from it, and stand strong in my beliefs.

So with that in mind, I ask that we please all respect each other even if we don't agree. I have no problem if someone doesn't share the same thoughts as I do; the world would sure be boring if we all agreed all the time. I've only had one instance of nastiness happen on this blog, with the others coming in other forms. If you have a differing opinion, think before you say or write it...post something intelligent that makes sense and isn't just attacking me or someone I speak or write about. We all deserve respect.

Also, I do know that no matter how nicely I ask this, there are some people who just can't handle offering their thoughts without telling someone else how stupid they are or attacking. I feel sorry for those people, but I will not let them get to me. I suggest that all of my friends do the same - take eveything said to you with a grain of salt and don't let it break your spirit.

Oh, and if you leave a scathing remark and sign it Anonymous...I get a good laugh because you are too afraid to voice your anger without being real. I delete nasty, negative comments posted this way, because if you can't even put a name to it you don't really deserve a response.

So here's to agreeing and disagreeing - respectfully! :o)

Songs Of Indepedence and Freedom

Tomorrow is the 4th of July - Independence Day. We celebrate what it means to live in America...our rights, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. Barbecues, parades, and fireworks are all a part of the festivities.

So is music. Patriotic songs mix with anthems of empowerment and make us feel stronger. I've compiled a playlist that will not only make you proud to be an American, but will help you strive for your own freedom and independence.

"Party in the USA" - Miley Cyrus

"New Found Freedom" - Taylor Hicks

"Born in the USA" - Bruce Springsteen

"Independence Day" - Martina McBride

"Think" - Aretha Franklin

"Freedom" - George Michael

"Firework" - Katy Perry

"Freedom Song" - Mandisa

As you listen (run, walk, dance) to these songs, remember to turn to God and give him your burdens so you can experience the ultimate freedom. Happy Independence Day!

Extreme Makeover: LaRhonda's Journey of Faith and Fitness!

On my journey of faith and fitness, I love seeing other people on theirs. Something about watching what they go through and the true transformation is more inspiring than anything else out there. For that reason and so much more, I can't help but salute LaRhonda Darby.

LaRhonda was featured on last night's Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition. All of the people on this show have inspired and motivated me, but with LaRhonda there is something extra special that makes me feel a connection. The heart of it is her faith in God - and that she is proud to show that faith to the world. See the picture of LaRhonda above? On the left side of her shirt she has written the words, "With God For Me, Nothing Can Stand In My Way!" And she is darn proud to wear that shirt on TV for everyone to see. (Hmm...I have a couple of plain T-shirts that could use a little writing on them. Time to decorate them with words of faith and empowerment!) I can truly say that this is why LaRhonda is so successful. She knows that on her own she has human weaknesses, but with Him she is strong. (I must also applaud ABC for letting her film in that shirt...a lot of networks would be skittish about "offending some people" and cut that footage.)

How else do I relate to LaRhonda? Well, I lost my mom over 16 years ago, when I was 28. She was right when she said you never get over it...you learn how to deal with it. I've been dealing with it for years, sometimes with food instead of healthier ways to work it out. One thing that really just sunk in for me over the last few months - my mom would want me to remember happy things, and she would want me to be healthy and happy. You can bet that LaRhonda's mom is watching over her...and she's so proud of her!

I love that God is using LaRhonda to teach us...He's so good at turning pain into something of beauty. (And humor...goodbye to LaRhonda's stomach "Bertha"!) Thank you dear LaRhonda, for sharing your journey with us...and thanks be to God for sharing you with the rest of us!

Biggest Loser New Zealand Part Two - Unlimited Breakthroughs

I HAD to use Unlimited in the title of my blog today. Not only because it is Jillian's new book and making such a big difference in my life, but to honor her even though Biggest Loser is supposedly weaning us off of her in preparation for next season. I know I speak for myself and many of my friends on Facebook and Twitter...we have all stated that we'd rather see as much of Jill now as we can before the season is over. Limiting her screen time is NOT going to help; it does just the opposite. I hope this is corrected for the rest of the season, out of respect for Jillian and all of her fans.

Now on a much more positive note, during last night's episode the contestants continued to face their fears and do things they never would have imagined themselves doing before. Swinging over canyons, bungee jumping, rock climbing and river boarding...all were conquered in beautiful New Zealand. (I'm still saving up for a trip there!!!) I have to admit, if I were Rulon and was asked to bungee jump on the anniversary of his plane crash , I would have freaked out too. He finally made the jump, hopefully making the date a little easier for himself in the future. Never let the past hold you back!

I can completely relate to Hannah...getting stronger every day, yet still having those thoughts and fears about backsliding. She and Olivia had many people in their lives tell them they were going to fail on Biggest Loser. (nice support system, huh?) Both of the have proved all of their naysayers wrong several times over. I think working on ourselves is a continuing process throughout our lives, so when we feel like that we have to find a way to get past it, and keep moving forward. It's inspiring to see women going through the same things I am and defeating the negative thoughts.

I must say, this is the most inspiring season so far on Biggest Loser. I've never been able to relate to so many of the contestants so deeply, and I'm hearing from many of you that you feel the same. Please share your thoughts with me anytime...and let's conquer our demons together!

My Zumba Initiation!

Zumba is another thing I've been wanting to try for a while now, but kept putting off. When my friend Kristen invited me to a Zumba party at her gym, I jumped at the chance. There's no better way to learn something new than with a friend, especially one who's been raving about her Zumba classes!

The party was this past Saturday...an hour and a half of pure Zumba. Regular classes are only an hour, so it was longer than Kristen was used to herself. For me, it was trial by fire. Of course I've been working out, but Zumba is high intensity and uses all muscles groups. I wondered if I would be able to keep up and get the choreography quickly, but I was game to find out.

I quickly discovered that I love Zumba!!! I did pick up quite a bit of the choreography right away, and was able to wing it during the parts that were harder to grasp immediately. I noticed that a few of the others in the class were doing the same as me...and I was told that each week you pick up more and get better as you go. I loved the moves and the music was infectious. Kristen warned me that the music would be stuck in my head the rest of the day, and boy was she ever right. Since I dream of doing the Cha Cha and the Samba, the music in my head was very welcome indeed. We all made it through the 90 minutes - feeling exhausted yet exhilarated. (And I was really glad I took Kristen's advice to bring plenty of water!)

Each time I try something new and conquer it, I feel my strength building...not only in my body, but mind and spirit as well. Everything begins to click into place even more than before, and I see how these things fit into the bigger picture. If there's something you've been wanting to try for a while but keep putting off...do it NOW. You will be so happy you did!!!

Little By Little...

And bit by bit, we are made over into His image. It doesn't happen overnight, even though as impatient humans we would like it to be that way. Sometimes it happens in bigger doses than others, and sometimes we have major breakthroughs that hit us immediately. But at other times, it doesn't seem like much is going on. These are the times when more is happening than we even know...but God knows.

Today is one of those days when I have to remind myself of this. I got on the scale this morning to find a whopping loss of .2 pounds. That's right, there is a decimal point before that 2. There are weeks I lose 2 or 3 pounds, or even at least a pound or something close to it. This was not one of those weeks. Now, I also remind myself that my "monthly gift" is here, and that gift always weighs a little bit more than I think it's going to. I think about the great week I had in terms of getting more done, having more energy and squeezing in extra exercise. I had one splurge when I had dinner with my old high school friends...I ate a healthy dinner, but treated myself to dessert. We had such a wonderful time together and I am thankful that we were all able to spend an evening catching up...that in itself is completely priceless. The rest of the week I ate pretty healthy, so that was the only splurge.

Still...I am also grateful that I lost SOMETHING this week! The scale still moved in the direction I want it to go. Waiting on God's timing means that He is in control...and he is strengthening me in body, mind, and spirit even when it doesn't show on the scale. Sometimes when he sculpts me into His image, he takes away big chunks and smooths over whole sections at a time. Then there are times like now, when He chips away a little here and there, fine-tuning certain aspects of me that need that the attention to detail that only He can give. He wants me to be just right, and He knows what it takes to get me there.

So I move on to another week and more chances to be braver, stronger, and healthier. No matter what, I know God has my back. He has a lot in store for me and I can't wait to see what's next!

Repeat After Me: I Will NOT...

I've been wanting to post a current picture of myself for the start of my 2011 leg of the journey. Now I have one. This photo shows four of the five Bitter Chicks who write the Browns blog Bitter Orange and Brown. Kris moved to DC, so she was not able to join us. From left to right are Paige, Alanna, Kristen, and myself. Since this was taken at our Bitter Chocolate party on January 2nd to celebrate the last game of the season, this is the perfect shot for my "Before" picture.

I have certainly already gotten my butt in gear so far this year, but there are still challenges. A couple of new challenges have presented themselves within the last few days, plus there are still the ones that were already there. I know 2011 is going to be a better year, and while I was thinking about it yesterday I suddenly found myself blurting out, "I will NOT fold like a cheap lawn chair in 2011!"

You see, those really cheap lawn chairs are made with crappy materials, so the minute you put any pressure on them they close up and collapse. No matter what the weight is of the person or item that is put upon the chair, it can't handle it. There is no strength there.

I am much stronger than that. God doesn't make anything crappy, so I know He created me to be a sturdy and well made "lawn chair" that can withstand any pressure that is placed upon it. He holds me steady as I turn to Him. As God's daughter, I have Him to help me not only survive but thrive. The same goes for you. Repeat after me... "I will NOT fold like a cheap lawn chair in 2011!"

Biggest Loser Makeovers...Inside and Out!

*photo courtesy of NBC.


Welcome to my favorite week of Biggest Loser every season, not counting the finale. It's Makeover Week! Not only do we look forward to it watching at home, but the contestants are thrilled when they finally hear those magic words and are whisked away for new clothes, haircuts, and outer transformations. It seems to me that every season the makeovers get better, because this one knocked my socks off. All six of them looked amazing, and the reactions from their families were priceless. You can see how different everyone looks now, but it's not just because of the stylists. Their inner pride and confidence shines through, giving them that extra glow after all that they have done so far on the ranch.

Speaking of inner pride and confidence, the second half of the show really focused on that. The challenge for the week involved the "dreaded" Jacob's Ladder. (Actually, I would love to have one of those...I could really take my workouts to the next level, and beyond!) Koli and Daris were each able to keep going for over 2 1/2 hours, both staying strong until Daris suddenly gave up and let go. When Bob and Jillian found out that Daris had given away the win, they were shocked. Bob told Daris that even though he's come a long way, there are definitely still some issues he needs to deal with, otherwise he wouldn't have given up. Bob not only works Daris out on the ladder again, but puts, him through several more demanding workouts. He is relentless on getting Daris to realize just how much mental strength he has. They keep doing it over and over until he meets the challenge, and focuses on how strong he is instead of the fact that his legs were hurting. Daris is now tougher than ever.

The other perfect example of inner strength is Ashley. She recalled how when she first got to the ranch, she had no confidence in herself, and didn't really think she would be able to do it. She and Jillian discuss how throughout the season, Ashley has turned on her mind so she could accomplish what she set out to do, and even more than she thought was possible. Ashley is so happy now, because she realizes how strong she really is, and that she had it in her all along.

This is something I've struggled with in my life. I can relate now to finding that confidence in myself, and the strength that was always inside of me. I see both coming out more in me every single day...and with examples like Daris and Ashley, I'm motivated even more to be my best and bring it out all the way. Thank you to both of you for the inspiration!