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Sixteen years later, it still stings to look back at who I was in this picture. I used to weigh over 200 pounds, with a 5’3” small frame. I was not only embarrassed of how I looked, but about everything—my life feltlike it was spiraling. I hid in my house, drowning in shame and food because I couldn’t face the world. I was a recovering addict who turned to alcohol once I quit meth. I couldn’t face myself or the things I had done. I was constantly sick, my weight kept increasing, I was stuck in the repetition of eating junk and drinking alcohol to quell the self-hatred which only exacerbated my feelings and situation, and my only coping mechanism was more eating. I felt trapped.
One day, I just… couldn’t anymore. I was sick of the excuses, sick of feeling worthless, sick of the victim mindset. So, I made a decision—no grand epiphany, no ‘lightbulb moment,’ just a quiet decision that I had to start changing things, or I would lose myself completely. But damn, it was hard. I didn’t know what to do. What should I eat? How do I exercise? What if I fail? I didn’t have other coping mechanisms. I was terrified to go to the gym. Walking into the gym was a battle—I felt like people laughed, pointed, said things under their breath. Every step felt like it wasn’t worth it, but staying the same was worse.
So I kept going. I didn’t have a clear path or some foolproof plan—I was just trying. I researched, experimented, and learned as I went. Little by little, things started to shift. Walking turned into running. Running turned into races. The weight started coming off, but more importantly, I began to feel alive again. I wasn’t just surviving anymore—I was fighting for my life, and for once, I was winning.
I didn’t wake up one day suddenly ‘fixed.’ It took time, and even now, there are days where I look in the mirror and remember that dark place. But I fought my way out. I found strength I never knew I had, not just in my body, but in my mind. I became a coach, started teaching bootcamp, lifting weights, and finding purpose in helping others find their way too.
And now, here I am, opening my third gym, Texan Tough Athletic Club. Why? Because I know what it’s like to feel lost. I know what it’s like to feel like there’s no way out, like the world is closing in on you. I built this gym for people like me—the ones who are struggling, the ones who don’t think they can do it, the ones who need a place where they can be real and grow. This isn’t just a gym—it’s a place to find yourself but with the help of those of us who have been there.
I know the journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth every tear, every doubt, every battle. You’re stronger than you think. If you’re ready to take that step—no matter how small—I’m here to help you through it. I believe in you!
If you’re tired of feeling stuck, come visit Texan Tough Athletic Club. I’ve been where you are, and I promise, there’s a way forward.