My Story ~ Taking Back My Life

Taking Back My Life...
In August 2010, I was tipping the scales at almost 300 pounds. My health was dangerously catapulting out of control and my self esteem was at an all time low. Both factors were filtering into my professional life. I am an entertainer/event director and also teach music & dramatic arts. I lead a very busy and strenuous lifestyle. Many of my productions involve strenuous activity and long periods of stamina. I was a morbidly obese woman leading the life of a thin person, and it had caught up with me. I had one staggering health issue after another. It was becoming obvious to all of my fellow cast-mates and colleagues that I had given up on my appearance, which was having a direct impact on my performances and a noticeable decline in student attendance.

After years of my body expanding and continued bad health; my journey took me to yet ANOTHER doctor's office in August 2010. I underwent a 2 hour medical test for an inner ear imbalance, due to the fact that on top of pancreas issues, severe acid reflux and vision ailments; I was now experiencing horrific attacks of acute vertigo and continual nausea. During the examination, I had a violent physical reaction that ended up with me being covered in bodily fluids, vomit and fecal excretement.

I sat up from the table, in a freaked out state of embarrassment and disorientation and cried,”Joan you didn't sign up for this".

Over the next few weeks, I was sidelined preparing for a music festival that I run; all the while realizing as the days passed and with every tick of the clock, I was inching closer to death. I was in agony both physically and emotionally until the morning of August 27th, which was the first day of the Rock of Ages Festival in Brantford Ontario. I was not only the festival director, but also the Grand Pubbah of the entire weekend and I needed to perform. Something happened on August 27th, 2010, a moment that I cannot put into words. The proverbial "AHA" moment.

Whether it was just the realization of so many people depending on me, or my brother John reaching from heaven but at 6pm on August 27th, I WOKE UP!!!

I left the hotel to go home to change and I walked upstairs to my bedroom, stood in front of the mirror and I vowed from that moment that I would NEVER EVER look OR feel like this again. THIS time, I was listening.

And when I walked back into the hotel...My Journey Began!!!