...And now for a word from our sponsors...

Well, not really...they are words from me :)

I know that I said that I was done blogging until I got to the beach, and I have posted two other blogs today, but I figured I would post something that I wrote rather than an article or whatever.

So over the past few days I have really been looking at what I can do to help get my name out there in the world; how I can reach people that I would not normally reach.  I need to broaden my horizons and step even FURTHER out of my comfort zone.  So get ready world, here comes Kristin!  Between this blog, my videoblog (www.youtube.com/users/kemaher11), and other social media outlets, I am going to spread the word about what I am doing...About how BEACHBODY and The Bombshell Dynasty can change lives...how might you ask???  Lead by example!

My life has changed completely since becoming a coach.  I know, I may not boost the same numbers as other coaches that have been doing it for as long as or even less time than me, but I know that I have the passion and the desire and the DRIVE to succeed!  Since becoming a coach, I have become a lot more outgoing, I am not afraid to speak up and tell people about coaching and Beachbody.  I am no longer afraid that they will judge me or throw negativity at me.  I wear a negativity-proof vest baby, hit with me your best shot because it will just bounce off of me.

Also, I have surround myself with an amazing support system...This is when I mention everyone by name who is being awesome and supportive and helping me succeed in what I do...Kati Heifner (my amazing DIAMOND coach and one of the greatest friends ever)...Lindsay Matway (one of the most inspirational people I have ever known)...Nicole Morse (best Success Partner ever!)...Lacey Twigg...Kyle Wilder-Slaughter...Holly Schaefer...Rich Donovan...Abby Fix...Amanda Genovese...Melissa Means....Julia Hackle...Danielle Morgan....Derek Cobb...Chris Taylor...My Mom, Maggie Maher...My Dad, Roger Maher...Kam Laughlin...Jodi Beggarly...Josie Urban...Rachel Volna...Alayne Barbary...Cara Crowley...Melissa Pifer...Dan Fillmore...Glenn Zary...and if I am forgetting anyone I am sorry but the list continues to grow every single day.  THANK YOU ALL...and I mean that from the very bottom of my heart.  You all give me tons of support; you are why I can wear my negativity-proof vest because I know that for every negative comment that I hear, you all will spit back positive comments to no end.  Some of you are a part of The Bombshell Dynasty already...some of you I will get to sign up one day :) 

Now you think...who are the positive people in your life?  Who helps to support you and encourages you to strive for your goals and dreams?  If you cannot think of anyone, or very few people...Let me be your support!  I have learned from the best...And I have learned that when someone has your back, you need to have their back too.  Everyone that I listed up there has my back, and I know that I can count on them.  they know that they can count on me too...You can be a part of this...and it won't cost you a PENNY.  Just go to www.beachbodycoach.com/kemaher and sign up for the FREE membership.  That will make you a part of this amazing group of people that will love and support you, even at your weakest, most negative moments...

The Kidney Walk

This year I will be participating in The Kidney Walk in Pittsburgh.  It is on November 6, 2011 at the Pittsburgh Zoo.  Now, some of you may be wondering why I am walking...

On March 20, 1977, my Aunt Karen received a kidney transplant. On May 2, 2011, 34 years, 1 month, and 12 days later, she left this life to move on to a better place. She led a very difficult life, but she fought and defied all odds until the very end. I am walking to honor her memory, and recognize her life. Without that transplant, I would have never gotten the chance to meet Aunt Karen, let alone spend 26 and a half years getting to know her. She was a very special lady, and a huge part of my life.  I miss her more and more every day, but I know that she is watching over me with my Gram and Pap.

Now, her passing was not due to her kidney.  It was due to an abscess tooth infection that she let go for far too long.  She would still be here if not for the infection, which is what makes it that much harder.

But anywho...I am walking to raise awareness and money for the National Kidney Foundation.  My aunt was one of the longest survivng recipients of a kidney transplant. 

Please, either donate a few dollars to help me reach my personal goal of $200, or sign up and walk with us on November 6, 2011 at the Pittsburgh Zoo.  Every little bit helps raise awareness and funds for the NKF.

Please help me honor the memory and the life of my Aunt Karen...I love you and miss you...

R.I.P.

Karen A. Maher

1/2/1957 - 5/2/2011

God saw you getting tired

and a cure was not to be.

So He put His arms around you

and whispered “come to me.”

With tearful eyes we watched you,

and saw you pass away.

Although we loved you dearly,

we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us,

He only takes the best.

It is official....

Last night, I signed up to be a Beachbody coach...and I am SO excited!  And even MORE good news...I am finally feeling better, so I am ready to start bringing it again! 

So I decided last night that I am going to share more of my story...why I am so anxious to transform myself into a healthier, more fit person.  I should probably start at the beginning...

When I was in high school, I was a cheerleader and in TOP shape.  I never weighed more than 105 lbs and I was solid muscle.  Then everything went downhill.  Over Christmas break during my senior year, I came down with mono.  NOT FUN.  Now, I know that people get this everyday, but every person reacts to it differently, just like anything else.  I was out of school for 2 months...I lost a lot of weight (down to 90 lbs at one point), and I was unable to eat or drink anything because my throat was swollen shut.  It was a terrible, terrible experience. 

I have never fully recovered from my "episode".  Having mono destroyed my immune system and also my metabolism.  In other words, I am really susceptible to getting sick (hence my head cold right now), and I gain weight the second that I look at a cookie.  It has been really hard to adjust to because I was always able to eat anything that I wanted and I would NEVER gain a pound.  That is not the case anymore...

So I have made the decision that I am going to make a huge change in my life.  I am taking control of my metabolism whether it likes it or not, and I am not going to let those tempting, sugary foods to attach themselves to my hips!  That is where P90X and Beachbody, along with my AMAZING support team come into play!

I have adopted a healthier lifestyle...eating only clean foods (yeah, I sneak in a little bit of the other stuff, but it is the minimal amount and I work it off in my workout anyway!) and giving up some of the thing that I have relied on to get by...for example...

                                              

Yep!  I gave up coffee aka my fuel to get through the day...cold turkey!  I had the typical headaches, but I just worked through it and learned to LOVE water and all of the delicious, calorie free, good for me additives that I can put into it (love my Xtend!).

       

My daily bagel and cream cheese from Brueggers!  I used to get this with my coffee...now my breakfast is a protein shake and a banana, along with a multi vitamin.  And let me tell you, I am definitely not reaching for a snack at 9 am like I used to after my bagels!

                               

Lastly, I STOPPED MAKING EXCUSES!!!!  "I am too busy"..."I am tired"..."I have to do the dishes"..."My house needs cleaned"...All of these things can wait!  My health is my #1 priority now, even if that means putting off the chores until AFTER I "Bring it" with my new best friend Tony.  Granted I have had to step back because of being sick, but I am so anxious and excited to get back into things! 

I am so glad that I have such an AMAZING and SUPPORTIVE team around me to keep me going...Because motivation is key, no matter what it is!  Even though I don't know most of them, I love them all and am SO thankful that they are in my life :)

If you are interested in your own transformation journey...let me help you!  Together we can move mountains ;)