Terra Griffin’s story

WHY I DID THIS

Before my transformation, I saw a picture of myself when I was at a football game with my friends from college on Sept. 9, 2017. I was absolutely mortified, as I did not realize how big I was. I knew I’d gained weight, but I was unaware of the magnitude of my weight gain.

I immediately reached out to my friend Alisha Rushing, who had been encouraging me to come to the gym. Like so many other times, I had an excuse and blamed everything and everybody except myself. But after seeing the picture, I knew I had to do something immediately.

Initially, my goal was to go to the gym and lose 30 to 40 pounds, as I was contemplating weight loss surgery. If anyone knows me, they know I am the queen of the quick fix. At my initial meeting with my gym trainers, I received my first reality check from one of them, who told me that this was not the place for me if I wanted a quick fix. He further explained this would be a process, and I needed to realize I did not gain weight overnight and would not lose it overnight.

While this was the last thing I wanted to hear, I joined anyway. Today, I know not having the surgery was one of the best decisions of my life.

MY GOAL

My goal quickly changed from losing 30 to 40 pounds to 61 pounds, as that would take me from 261 pounds to 200. I felt that if I reached my goal, I would be at the perfect weight and could maintain it. However, I hadn’t bought into or focused on the lifestyle change. My goal was merely to change how I looked physically and my weight on the scale.

After a year working out, I still was stuck in the mindset of just losing weight. My focus was purely on the scale and how many pounds I had lost.

After having worked out for over a year, I was at a birthday party for one of my gym sisters, and two of my other gym sisters, who recently had made tremendous transformations, walked in and sat at the table. I became disappointed in myself, as I knew I had received the same tools and opportunities to be successful but did not put in the work. Again, I was disappointed that I had not attained my goals.

On Monday when I entered camp, I spoke with one of my trainers and asked her why wasn’t I seeing results like the others. I was hit with my second reality check when she clearly stated I was not putting in the work and I had not committed to change.

After camp, my focus changed from weight to health and wellness.

WHAT I DID

My commitment changed, and I increased my focus during the workouts and incorporated walking after every session, as well as off days. My supportive, unwavering and committed friends Cynthia Champion and Marty Washington Moffett started walking with me and have not left my side.

Initially, my goal was to walk 20 miles per week, and as of last week, I completed my all-time best of 42 miles. My gym sisters won’t accept anything but my best.

Refocusing my mind and goals helped me accelerate my transformation, and I went from 261 pounds to 168 pounds. I no longer focused on the weight, but on health and wellness. I also changed my food intake and totally stopped drinking alcohol. Now I realize being healthy and looking healthy are two different things.

THE MOST DIFFICULT PART

The most difficult part of my wellness journey was changing my eating habits. I knew I needed to make healthy choices, but it was difficult, as I was accustomed to eating on the go. I thought if I purchased a salad, that was a good choice. However, I had to refocus my thoughts and actions.

One of my gym sisters told me meal prep was the key to success. I explained that I didn’t have the time to meal prep, and my trainers and gym friends quickly reminded me that you make time for what’s important to you.

To date, I struggle with always making healthy choices, but I quickly remind myself of where I came from and what going back to my old eating habits would mean.

I now am conscious of my decisions and disciplined in my actions. I know it sounds cliché’, but now I eat to live — not live to eat.

HOW I FEEL ABOUT MYSELF TODAY

Today, I feel amazed, blessed and honored — not because I lost weight, but because I got a second chance at life.

It gives me great pleasure to say I am totally changed mentally, emotionally and physically. What started as a health and wellness journey is now my lifestyle, and I will not quit.

MY ADVICE TO OTHERS

My advice to others is to simply start moving. You don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest, but you must be consistent.