Bre'Anna Donaldson
Team Deep Red Camo
My competitive spirit and desire of a healthier lifestyle has brought me to Fort Wayne’s Smallest Winner where I will be able to be the change and meet people who have the same understanding. I live today like tomorrow is not promise. I Love Love Love my nieces, nephews, and younger cousins they bring so much joy to my life. My favorite hobby at 24 is to travel. I love my culture and enjoy learning about other cultures. I enjoy new adventures and growth. I am currently in Case Management with a desire to continue my education.
My Blogging Journey
7/1/18-7/8/18
Today is my birthday a quarter life!!! I am sooo grateful for everything that God has provided me with! God will open doors and you may not feel like you’re ready but trust in the Lord with everything! You have to do it with him!!
Also, I did not take 100 pounds into this Birthday!!!! When I was 23 I believe my highest weight was 405 and I weighed in early because of my schedule and I’m under 305!! Oh what a mighty God I serve! That’s only one thing I didn’t take into my 25th year of life, I also left doubt, insecurities, and most of all I forgive myself plus so much more!!
I FORGIVE MYSELF! It feels good thank you baby Jesus!!
6/24/2018- 7/1/18
The 5k was awesome! I was doing speed races against myself and one time I did 5.8 for 1 minute and I began to talk to myself saying, “ Bre girl you can do anything” that time on the treadmill was great because my phone died and it was silent in the gym. I really had a chance to do some deep thinking and re-evaluation of self. Identifying insecurities that are standing in my way of being obedient to my calling.
Rejection: the fear of not doing well and not living up to others views. I am living my own identity and cannot focus on what I should have, could have; but what I will do and am doing. Comparison: watching everyone else and wishing I had it. When truly I have exactly what I need and it is for me to focus on who I am and the betterment of myself. What God has for my purpose is for me and who I am to question the one who knew my future and purpose before I existed. I understand my vulnerability in order to grow, I let people into what was going on they gave me an outside view and knowledge from there experience and knowing me. This allowed me to not apply things I felt in that moment of my life.
The best thing about going through the struggle is that you will identify what is holding you back and will develope a solution.
6/17/18-6/24/18
This week has been more than I could have imagined but I made it! I learned a lot of lessons, had a lot of hiccups. I am grateful for every hiccup and lesson because it will help my choices in the same same circumstances. Study alone!! Log my food the night before for the next day and stick to it. Plan out late night snacks. I cannot change my lack of sleep but I can make sure I get all of my vitamins and a quick workout in to keep my mind and body on one accord.
Think good thoughts.
Think God thoughts.
Think grateful thoughts.
Everything that is design in your path will be for you, with hard work and focus.
6/10/2018- 6/17/2018
What a week! The Leagal Educational Advancement Program is very demanding. I was only able to work out twice but they were stress relieving and relaxing, like an escape. Never thought I would say that but I desire to go to the gym to get some space. My schedule is strict there is not room for error at all. I truly miss my FWSW peeps! I look at the picture on my desk everyday and think or send a prayer. When my team mates check in it’s so beautiful to hear from them. As I reflect many of things I learned about myself while in the process with FWSW was all plan in due for me to be successful in preparation for my next goals to accomplish.
6/3/2018- 6/10/2018
I am so thsnkful for all of the opportunities the Lord has provided. It is so beautiful how pieces of the puzzle are put together. Season 11 will forever remain in my prayers and are beautiful humans. I am truly blessed to have made new friends with hearts of gold. My trip to Texas: I am proud of my self, I packed lunch stops for gas and restroom only. Before I unpacked in Texas I went to the grocery store. Leaving no room for error in all areas of my life.
My roomate noticed all of the healthy food and we talked about it. Today we went to the store and she will join me meal prepping her style. Monday is orientation and I am excited. I miss my peeps!!
5/27/2018-6/3/2018
This week has been a journey. I lost a second family member to this weight loss battle. It forced me to do some deep reflecting about how deadly obesity is. I am on this journey to take over obesity before it takes me. Ouch, but it is my reality. I have seen it over and over again, to be honest it has took my father and now my cousin at young ages. I often think I only lost a certain amount of weight but now I’m even more greatful, Bre’ you don’t have 30 plus pounds of fat on your heart. Bre’ you know what triggers you to eat. Bre’ you have gained so much knowledge. Bre’ it is really up to you and you know how deadly being over weight is so, what are you going to do? I am going to conquer.
5/21/18-5/27/18
What a weekend. This weekend had 4 get togethers and my best friend from college came up. This time last year I would have been drinking, eating, and laughing the night away; every single night. This year I ate with purpose, drank my ice cold water , and laughed the night away. My best friend kept apologizing and telling me how proud she was of me. Apologizing because I had to be in environments that were not the best (food wise) and praising my discipline because she has seen how I can enjoy some good soul food and BBQ but made the choice not too.
I just think about my future. The future Bre’Annna Shawn’Tina Donaldson and get chills. That’s what it’s all about making a better future for the future me. The ablity to be as great as I can be. As a wise old man said to me in Zumba. You know how you felt in the interview 30 pounds lighter. You know you have more interviews ahead of you so you have to prepare. Keep working.
It’s about having that Godfidence to take you to the next step; which takes preparation, discipline, faith, happiness, and hard work.
5/13/2018- 5/20/2018
Lessons learned
Stay encouraged it will all work out
Never cut calories even if you’re just sleeping through lunch and dinner
Always communicate
How to properly breathe while walking/jogging
What triggers make me to eat
How to handle my triggers
Plan, Plan, Plan
Everyone is watching you
Support is greater than ever before
My mental will allow me to go anywhere
Asking questions will take you to the next level
5/6/2018- 5/12/2018
While the journey is not easy, I have to live in the presence. To accept the journey that I am on because every piece is coming together to complete the puzzle, my future endeavors. I accept the good, the trails, the understanding, and unknown. When the process becomes hard I begin to see and feel more of the spirit women within; God will not bring me to and not bring me through. This week has been filled with a plethora of struggles but I am on a conquering mission.
I received a better time on my mile which was great without being fully healed and days off. I have been able to plan out my future for school. My mother recovery from her surgery is going great. My mother has lost 7 pounds. I have been able to save more money. I have let go of burdens.I have more control over my tongue. I have made a decision about work. I have lost 30 pounds. I have a wonderful support system. I have to sit back and reflect on the good when I become weary. I know blessings are about to occur while in the struggle, this will prepare me for all of miracle in store for me.
I often ask God to show me a sign or to receive a clear answer on the matter I am praying on and in general. I know that God is always present and providing but it is for me to listen. I truly feel that getting my body/ temple in order has given me more clarity spiritually, and mentally. I will have to admit before the competition things seem to be a little blurry, I did not have understanding, or would second guess what I knew to be my truth. At this time in my life I am just thanking God in advance. Thank you.
4/29/2018-5/5/2018
verything has picked up/ speed. Reality is really REAL. Work outs have been more intense, fast pace, and strength focused. Even Zumba with Nikki … hey Nikki girllll (in my party voice as we shimmy dance)….. It is always a party with Nikki at Zumba but this week she said we are in May and it’s time to step it up. She kicked my butt with the new moves sassy but intense with more core then my body is use to. After class my stomach was cramping and I did not want to hear or see another squat. I didn’t know rather to thank Nikki or ask what happened to the old Nikki.
Sinus infection is what I have been fighting with for a few week. She said I “doctored” it well but I have a lot of drainage and fluids. I learned that we have four sinuses and 2 of mine are infected. I thought I was listening to my body but somewhere I miss interpreted the signs. Just because I felt better does not mean my body is fully healed. I probably should have continued taking my over the counter medication even when I felt better. I did the whole okay if I don’t feel better in 4 days I will go get it checked out, which just prolonged my healing process.
Overall, I have always been a happy person but now that I have been giving myself a little extra me time. I have had a lot of time to self-reflect on the things that I would like to change in my life and things that I want to accomplish. I’m not sure if anyone else has this problem but when you get so busy with work, family, and daily task and other important to do’s become still. Now it’s time to be great and I am promising myself to make time to complete things for my future; because it is an investment in me and that is one of the richest investment I can make, but it is up to me to invest and believe. Entering into FWSW is just the beginning and has been a blessing with more to come. Thank you JESUS for what you have in store for me.
Week 4
4/29/2018
THE CHANGE
Nuts are chips
Water is any beverage
The grill is my deep fryer
The bed is my best friends
Think before I eat
Sleep is important
Energy changes
Body soreness
No room/time for any negativity
Nails are longer and stronger
Using the restroom is frequent
Open to all vegetables
Building new relationships
Trusting the process
Water bill increased
Naps are so beautiful
Reading and researching food nonstop
The cameras never go away
4/25/2018
Today was a good work out. 2 words. Thanks CC!!
4/24/2018
Yesterday was very disappointing to be honest it hurt my feelings. I only lost 1 pound and this weekend was the test of all test. I had an event every day and preplanned with Jenny what I could eat at the Baby Shower since my mom was cooking some of the food. I even helped her cook. I passed up on my favorite cake not once but three times. THREE TIMES. Not a lick of butter cream icing or a pinch of vanilla cake. I even walked out the room after we song Happy Birthday to make it lol. Listening to people comment on my plate looking super healthy and eating like a bird. I laughed it off but it would have been rude of me to comment on their fried chicken, loaded donut, and no portion control at all. The life in America where “norms” should not be our “norms”. This morning I put on my pants that were pretty snug last month and fitted nice today. God knew I needed to see that because hunny, the struggle was real last night but I let it go and will continue to focus on the goal. I will take the inches lost. Work outs have picked up and breathing has become harder. I am starting to feel random burst of energy because the last 2 week I felt drained. Working out more consistently has added structure to my schedule which makes my meditation and completing personal task easier. I am like hello to-do-list goodbye to-do-list.
Week 3
4/20/2018
Fridays are rough mornings due to working and my Thursday second work out. This Friday was a great work out my back is sore but after the workout it reminded me of basketball conditioning. My favorite workouts are HIIT workouts. I like to go hard for a short amount of time break and do it again, I feel as if I can put my all in and recover. Today we received a lot of motivation and on the stairs Tina was doing random dance moves talking about bringing in a boom box and I am trying to focus, not laugh and thinking boom box??? I actually like stairs. With the circuit training today I would have to say my favorite was Rick’s station even with my shoe sliding off and planting on the ground. I will need new shoes soon, I feel like I have at least two more weeks for now I'll just tie them tighter. Meal prepping has been an adventure I had to restart twice. The first time the food was really good but the sodium was too high hence, probably why I enjoyed it so much. My second trial and error was Ms. Dash to replace my salt, I did not like my cabbage and carrots so I tossed it and did mixed vegetables.
It is pretty dope to have people following my journey. Coworkers stating they seen me on the news and asking questions. On Tuesday people are checking in, so I feel the extra pressure to make sure I am eating correctly. A few people have told me I inspired them and they are now meal prepping and walking. One of my Coworkers blood sugar has went down just from 2 weeks of eating better and getting her steps in. Which is awesome! My nieces and nephews come over and eat all of my fruit and are learning what other fruits are. My six year old held up a mango and asked why it looked like that (lol). I explained what a mango was.
4/18/2018
My FWSW buddies we group text all the time and it keeps the Red team girls going. We are planning massages soon because we will need them. Trainer Elizabeth gave us the scoop about the time, basically the trainers have a timer in the head. “Why would we stop you if everyone is going hard" as we are squeezing to hold on to wall sits. I appreciate all of the trainers, they all have a different style of training and it works cohesively.
4/17/2018
Yesterday, we learned some cool kitchen tools and I am in love with making my own dressings because I love condiments, well I use to love condiments. I enjoyed the energy and bonding with my team as well. I would have to say that the Red team is full of personality and there is never a dull moment. Weigh in was good, I was super nervous. Rick called me out, put lesson learned, I trust the process. All in to WIN.
Today has been filled with a lot of reflection mentally, physically, and spiritually. I feel a lot of change coming into my life and I am ready to accept all of the change. I cried tears of joy...tears I can't explain, I just feel the goodness.
week2
It's not easy some days are harder then others but you have to push through. To be honest I give myself a 100 prep talks. With being provided all of these resources it still comes down to me. I have to reach my maximum potential which boils down to how determined I am to be successful. There are no losses in this chapter of my life either I win or learn.
Rick wants to know the real so I will walk you through my Thursday! Pool day! I'm beat from the previous work outs but this is my favorite day because I can sleep in 5 more minutes , yes 5 minutes makes a difference, and I can push my self so hard I don't feel it until 3 hours later. I'm working hard in the pool having fun and I look up and Josh has his thinking face on and huddles up with the other trainers. Oh man.... here this man goes with his insane workouts and he will sure enough tell us we are the first group he is trying this with. I was right! 4 down and backs x2. Okay!! I'll do it lets' make it fun, who can I race because my legs are tired from at least 12 minutes of kicking. I thought CC's watch didn't work but oh my Mari please put a new battery in your watch. Josh is yelling go faster and I think I'm going as fast as I can but some how I move faster. It's amazing what your body can endure. Being natural is beautiful until you have 10 minutes to wash, style, and you leave your conditioner at home. Hair is free, wild, and I'm running into work. I'm putting out fires all day at work! My mental is drained to the max. Hop in the car run to Zumba. I have 1 minute to spare and here is Tina. Bre' hold on I need your picture. I'm like Tina bad hair day and she looking like Idc, take this picture lol. I'm in Zumba feeling the burn. Sweat burning my eyes because of my hair products. Here is Friday and CC has become louder overnight. She is a true T-N-T so small but so powerful, she means well. She yells Bre' get your butt out of the air as I struggle with this plank we have been holding for years. My arms are shaking,abdominal cramping, legs burning, and my eyes are burning from sweat and hair product. I was over it all Friday. So I decided to weigh myself to bring some good to my life. NOPE NOPE NOPE.... I gained a pound... How sway... All I hear is Ricks voice in my head. I'm thinking girlfriend you need to listen child.
The 5k -to be honest I wasn't looking forward to it at all. Rose invited me to walk with her and at the start line she asked if I had a plan. I probably looked like a deer in head lights. I plan out everything but not how I wanted to tackles this 5k. I'll be prepared for the next one. I did not enjoy this 5k until I reached the finish line. Rose was so much help and I truly appreciate her support. Ann from the blue team was fun we jogged once and she was like I did it and thanked me for the push but she pushed me as well.
4/5/2018- My muscles ache. Hamstrings on fire. Burn baby burn.
Sleep where are you. Work slowdown.
In my RiRi voice WORK,WORK,WORK, WORK,WORK,WORK
4/4/2018- Amanda Langan, oh what a beautiful soul. I texted her for assistance with meal prepping her quick response and reassurance was right on time. Also, having her at morning workouts are fun “Anything for Amanda” as we laugh the pain away.
4/3/2018- my daily devotion stated following “Sorrow looks back, worry looks ahead, depression looks down, but faith looks up!” Perfect read of the day a reminder to “live in the now”. Let the past be the past and allow today’s choices to help shape my future under God’s guidance.
4/2/2018-Weigh in was the worst for me this far. Up at night with my mind racing about things that no longer matter now that I completed the weigh in. It is not what the scale DID say but what it WILL say. I have great friends.