"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28 (KJV)

When I first began the journey of Meltdown 7 short weeks ago I never envisioned what wonderful changes would occur.  I am a goal setter and have always been.  Since I am an only child I think I always put more pressure on myself to be the best that I can be because I was it.  There wasn't an older or younger sibling ~ just me. 

The little cowboy is the same way.  It's just him.  The hubby is the eldest child and he too is a high achiever therefore we are very goal driven individuals at our home.

Last night after our Walkfit Class the little cowboy arrived home with daddy ready to eat another supper (he had 2 plates of spaghetti/meatballs before fitness class).  He finished eating and it was time to do our Bible memory verses and then we have prayer time.  Right now we are reading from Luke and last night it led to discussing having a purpose. 

The cowboy told us about writing in his 2nd grade journal.  One of the questions for the day was, "What would you do if you had a Million Dollars?"  The little cowboy said he would buy Bibles to distribute to the world so that every home would come to know Jesus better.  He said he felt like it was his purpose to make sure everyone around him knew who Jesus was and had a real relationship with him.  I sat and looked at that adorable face and had tears streaming down.  He then went on to say, "You have to have a purpose mom or else you'll just wander around without direction."

My purpose for our Meltdown was to help our community become healthier and in the process I have met a group of people who have direction as they strive for a healthier lifestyle.  Our exercise classes have been full each and every week.  Our blog has had an average of 180+ hits per day.  We have lost 203+ pounds and 98+ inches at our Midway point!

Why do you love Meltdown so much and want it to continue? 

This is what you have emailed me so far!!

"Meltdown" has become a special word for me.  I am 61 years old, and tried in vain to lose weight.  I would lose a little then put on a lot.  I vowed this year to lose weight, and with the help of two meltdowns, I did.  I have lost almost 50 pounds. 

 

I started my personal meltdown journey in January.  It was a lonely road.  When the first meltdown came along, it seemed it was meant for me.  The leaders were enthusiastic, and it was contagious.  I started to exercise, and enjoy it.  I was part of a group of people that understood my problems and helped me on my journey.   I understood that it was a premeltdown.  That we would be joining other counties for another meltdown.  We finished our first meltdown, and I was able to hold my own until the second meltdown.

 

I would definitely like to have a third meltdown.  I know it is a lot of work, but it has made so many of us conscious of our body fitness, and the need for exercise in our lives.  We have all become healthier.  As the county health department, it is great that you promote this.  As we continue this, others will see the change in our lives and want to do it too. 

 

I hope that Stephanie will continue to be our leader.  Our theme this time was motivation, and she is certainly a motivator.  She has made us a group that loves to come to exercise class.  The harder we sweat, the more we like it.  And we DO sweat.  And we spread the word about what we are doing.

 

Knowing there is another meltdown coming will help us to hold our own, possibly losing a little more weight during the Thanksgiving to Christmas season. 

I would love to have an opportunity to participate in another Meltdown program.  I had not heard about the Meltdown until the current one began, but it has completely changed my lifestyle.  I used to spend my evenings glued to the couch watching TV with my family.  Now I have so much more energy that I have started playing with my two children again.  We wrestle around, toss a football, or ride our bikes all the time and I am sure that we will only become more active.  I do not want to go back to my old lifestyle and the Meltdown has given me the support and encouragement that I needed not only for myself but for my family.  Please consider another Meltdown for the winter.  I know that if this experience can change me, it will work for anyone and I know that there are other people out there who need this help!

 

I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how much Meltdown has meant to me.  Our exercise classes have increased my energy level tremendously!  It has also reminded me that I am valuable and that I deserve to take time for myself and do things that make me feel good about myself.

Our three hours a week together are so very precious to me.  For the first time in a long time, I put myself first for those three hours. 

I think every single one of us need Meltdown. I look around and I see a roomful of kind and supportive people, who share the same goals and struggles as I do.  Simply being there provides me with the support I need to be successful in establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

We NEED this to continue!!  We NEED more Meltdowns!!  :o)

It truly saddens me to think of this ending.  I know I won’t continue this exercise pattern, without the accountability of our crew.  I am not confident in my will power and I’m embarrassed of my lack of coordination.  I am willing to do whatever it takes to continue the momentum, the energy and the progress our crew has established; we are clearly doing something right!!

Thank you so much for the hard work and effort you have put in to the Meltdown, thus far; you are a HUGE part of our success!!

 

A big YES to wanting Meltdown to continue for another session and another session after that, etc. etc.  I might not always do real well but I do a WHOLE lot better with Meltdown than I would do without.  I know that you are there routing for me and sending out your absolutely fabulous blogs to inspire and motivate me and the others.  Meltdown, dear Stephanie would be nothing without you.  I can be having a perfectly horrible day and your blog comes in with both spiritual inspiration and lots of good advice and recipe's and of course the best of all - pics and news of your son!!  Its just all good and I would be very very sad if there was no Meltdown to guide me through the treacherous maze of weight control.

Thank you for the wonderful emails and many more keep coming to let me know you would like to see it continue!  Remember that it will take a great effort on everyone's part and volunteers to help with fitness classes (3 per week) and keeping track of stats plus a few bloggers to post recipes and help gather recipes.  Thank you for your support, love, & friendship ~ Stephanie