by Tina Laws | Jul 6, 2018 | Thoughts
For the past 10 years I have struggled to maintain my 130 pounds weight. Since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2008, while in University, I have been on an uphill journey to get the weight off and keep it off. No matter what diet and exercise plan I choose, the weight refuses to leave me alone. I am 100% certain that my hypothyroidism was a result of many years of stress and holding on to that dirty little secret.
From the hair shedding, to brittle nails, feeling extreme tiredness, anemia, fluctuation of mood, and memory lapses, I remained determined to take control over my life. According to my doctors (yes, I saw a few), I will be taking hypothyroidism medication for the rest of my life; and continue to experience the various symptoms.
However, in 2016, after removing my mask and speaking to the world about an issue that was very personal to me (so I thought), I decided that I will no longer allow my diagnosis to hold me hostage. You see, at that moment, I realized that I was no longer keeping that dirty secret of domestic violence. I was no longer a victim. I was a victor! Sincewhich, I have applied that approach to my life. I have decided to face every obstacle head on and conquer it one step at a time (sometimes I take 3 steps at once lol).
Although I continue to struggle to leave those snickers chocolates alone, I am commited to working out daily and a healthier lifestyle.
I say all of this to encourage you to approach your challenge head on. Whatever you may be struggling with, know that there is an answer. Sometimes the answer may just be to go on a strict diet, but for others, it may be to seek support, leave that unhealthy relationship, take a look in the mirror, tell someone how you really feel, etc. Whatever your challenge, just know that until you address it, it will always be a challenge. As with hypothyroidism, if unaddressed, the symptoms can manifest into something untreatable.
This morning while doing my workout in the heat, I was reminded that if I don’t do it, who will. So weight, I am coming to conquer you too!
Yours truly
Tina
by Tina Laws | Jul 4, 2018 | Thoughts
Today, during a telephone conversation with a girlfriend, I was reminded of why I launched Under Konstruction. We talked about our family, future aspirations, goals, and the things in which we are doing to reach them. It was at that moment when the lightbulb went off. I was not blogging! I have always wanted to blog. Personally, I find blogging very therapuetic. It allows me the freedom to express my thoughts, ideas, and advice to all of you. I have always written down my thoughts, doodled when bored, and referred to my past notes when attempting to refreshen my outlook on life, or prove a point to another lol.
I have always been a person who loved to talk, write and provide support to those seeking something different.
Under Konstruction was birthed with the understanding that we as women, are forever evolving. Our intimate, family, social and professional relationships are always “Under Konstruction.” We deal with the good, bad and the ugly daily. All while wearing a mask.
Who am I, and what gives me this space as the founder? Well, I was that teenage girl who one day decided to remain in an abusive relationship with someone because he said he loved me. I was that girl whose self esteem had yet to evolve but thought I was an adult. I was that girl who allowed that relationship to suck all of the air out of my lungs. I was that girl who thought being a teen mom, and a high school drop out was cool. I was that girl who gave birth to a son before having a high school diploma, an active savings account, or a job. I was that girl who loved a party after my son went to sleep at night. I was that girl who chose my unhealthy relationship over friends. I was that girl who was raised in a single parent home of a hard working mom. I was that girl who was very clingy to my mom but never mentioned the abuse I endured. I was that girl who left the abusive relationship numerous times to find true love, only to return. I was that girl and so much more.
In spite of all of that, I was the girl who was a pro at covering up everything. I would put on a smile and be the support, advice, and direct verbal shooter for everyone else. All while dying on the inside. So if anyone asks, please share with them, that I was that girl.
After pushing aside my pride, embarrassment, and shame, I sought the necessary support and education that allowed me the time for self reflection and awareness that continues to encourage me to remove my mask.
Don’t get me wrong now, I can still work a mask (LOL). The difference today is, I choose not to wear one.
Revealing my authentic self to the world was one of the Mask I never thought I could remove.
Join me on this journey of being my authentic self, providing support, and sharing my experiences, advice and honesty
Yours truly
Tina
