The woman you are about to meet is nothing short of amazing! Her story is definitely one of inspiration, and as you will see, she's a woman of strength, beauty (INSIDE & out!), and determination.  The happiness that she has found in life is abundantly apparent through her smile.  Once you've heard her story, I know that you will be in awe of her like I am! I am honored to share her story and present to you, the lovely, Krystal!

If you would like to be a part of this project or nominate someone you feel would be perfect, contact me today!

P.S.  You can follow Krystal's blog HERE!

When did you realize that your life was being held back by fear or self-doubt, and what kept you from moving forward?

I had known for a while that my life was being held back but I didn't know how to overcome the feeling. I had no idea where to start and I was too ashamed to start. I was a mom to 2 active boys and I couldn't keep up with them. They weren't getting the mom that they deserved. A mom who loved herself as much as she loved them. I didn't love myself for who I was and I was uncomfortable in my own skin. But I also had a husband who deserved a better wife. He told me repeatedly that he didn't care how I looked he loved me regardless. How could he love me regardless when I was so uncomfortable letting him see me. I never wanted to dress up and if I had to I was uncomfortable. I kept myself from moving forward. I would make excuses and I was to afraid of what others thought of me to make a change for myself. I didn't think I could stick to the life change of losing weight because of the many failed attempts in the past.

What triggered you to no longer live a life of fear or self-doubt?

It started when I was told I had high blood pressure at the age of 28. I knew part of it was genetics because of my family history, but I was also told my weight would factor into it. A year later though, a weekend away with girlfriends helped change me. When I had a complete emotional breakdown in the Kohls store because I couldn't enjoy shopping like they did. I was a 29-year-old who weighed 252 pounds and was having to shop in the plus size clothes and watch them shop in the cute juniors. Then the trip back home and an in depth conversation with my best friend's mom made me realize I could change myself. It was possible if I could just commit.

What did you have to let go of in order to take the leap to move forward?

I had to let go of the fear of being judged. I always worried more about what people thought of me then what I thought of myself. I had to let go of the fear that I was a woman weighing 252 pounds and was going to take that scary step through the gym doors. My fear was that people would watch me fail. They would watch this obese woman get on gym equipment and have no idea what she was doing. So on May 1, 2013, with the support of my friends, I walked through the gym doors at the YMCA and started with one step in front of the other and I didn't turn around and run away.

What did you find on the other side of fear that made it worth it?

I found me again. When I started this journey, I thought it would only be a physical journey. The journey began with just needing the numbers on the scale to be less so that my blood pressure and health would improve but also so I could buy the cute smaller clothes. Don't get me wrong this happened over the last 3 years and with 94 pounds gone I have done that. But, I didn't realize how much of a psychological journey it would be on me as well. I was changing from the inside out. I was enjoying life. I was smiling. I was letting the true me shine bright and not worrying about what others were saying. I was becoming the person I was many years ago and the person I was always meant to be. I was becoming the active mom that my boys could look up to. I was no longer embarrassed of the person who was staring back at me in the mirror.

What would you tell someone (or your former self) who still feels held back by fear or self-doubt?

If I could give you any advice at all, it would be to not give up. Take that first scary step to a new you. Don't worry about what the other people are thinking.  I am living proof that anyone can do it if they put their mind to it. All that matters is what you believe in.  Do you believe you can do it? Do you feel that hunger to become a better you? Are you ready to commit to a new lifestyle of no fear? Start with those baby steps because there are no shortcuts. Find that one small commitment and stick with it before adding another. Surround yourself with positive people who can give you advice when needed. That accountability is going to play a huge role when making a lifestyle change. Those days where you feel like you are failing and you just think you need to give up, DON'T! Turn to that support system and ask for help. It is okay to be scared. It is okay to think you can't achieve the impossible. But I can tell you once you take that first step towards a better you, you won't want to look back. Once you ignore what the voices inside your head are saying and realize you can do anything there is no stopping.

Is there anything else you would like to share? 

Remember only you can make yourself happy and hold yourself responsible for what you want out of life. Find the reason that makes you want to get out of bed every day and fight. That purpose is what will remind you to keep going on the days when self-doubt and fear try to take over. Believe in yourself and all that you can be. Always know that there is something deep inside of you that is greater than any fear.