Jackie: Winners Are the People Who Never Quit

Winners are not the people who never fail, but the people who ever QUIT! I know the world thinks that I am not challenged by my weight but little do they know I have to work hard to stay #FITNI! Just like most women of color, I DO GAIN WEIGHT in my lower extremities. I have to eat right or yep, my thighs become disproportionately larger than the rest of my body if I don’t.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer once is very traumatic, but being diagnosed with breast cancer twice and living to tell about it is a blessing from God. I do not take this for granted. TODAY, I will love myself and the second chance at life enough to exercise and eat right. I am very grateful that I am alive and healthy. I have watched ladies who fought and transitioned to angels, and seeing that drives me to stay healthy and to fight to help others stay healthy. Plus, I have chosen to be happy, because it is good for my health.

Since my second diagnosis of breast cancer, I have been determined to fight breast cancer by helping others and giving back in so many ways. I create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that just looks good on the outside! I decided I wanted a fitness program to live out this statement, but I wanted one that was an overall lifestyle program. One that would first change one's mindset when thinking about their health and wellness. I wanted to help them using a trilogy that creates change in the mind, body, and spirit. I decided to try out a new “FITNESS” program called #FITNI (FIT IS THE NEW IT), and it would improve how and what you eat, your ideas about exercise, and the way you valued your body as a whole. This program, I have hoped, would leave a lasting impact, and the goal is to see the development of each person throughout each phase of the program. No matter what changes in your body, mind, and spirit, #FITNI makes everyone a winner in the end. This will be a test of the mind, body, and spirit. FITNESS is not just weight loss, and saying fat and skinny will eventually become a thing of the past.

I introduced the idea to my trainer, Alec. He has actually worked with Simone and Heavenly in the past and knows them very well. He has come in contact with the other ladies and their husbands through my connection at past events. So I invited Al over last week to intro the “subjects” in the phases for #FITNI. Now it's time to put it to the test. We have decided to go by and ambush each of my friends and their spouses to take them by force into #FITNI. Now what are your friends for if you can’t get help with a new idea? #winkwink

I started at the house of the person who I know will give me the greatest push back, and that starts with my girl, Simone. As I thought, she’s home on the couch eating a candy bar. Now this one, I just have to get right down and dirty and roll on the ground to get her to commit. I then know that Toya will drag Eugene into this, because she tells me so much how she wants Eugene to stay around and raise her boys and has asked if I could help her help him…and no, Eugene, it isn’t genetics, it’s hard work and strong dedication.

Then as I thought, I meet little to no resistance at Quad and Greg’s house. Though you can look at Quad and see that there is some #FITNI going on on her side of the house. Greg is willing to be a part if schedule permits. Then there is Dr. Heavenly, who if I say anything out of my mouth, this lady is going to compete with me. She’s on board and ready to bring it. Thank you, Heavenly, for letting the world know we are strong and smart enough women to let our differences be a thing of the past. However, I do know this will last only until our next opportunity to compete.

#FITNI is off and running. Now I'm on to the next phase of Operation #FITNI next week.

Now there are two other operations that are off and running and those are the battle of “Simonya” and the battle of “Quadsa.” My friends have some unfinished business, and it appears it just may not get finished! Simone/Cecil and Toya/Eugene attempt to meet at a golf range (I guess a mall would’ve been better). However, Toya comes in with a lot of bad energy and Simone was already sitting on the line, so this battle is over before it gets started. Well, that meeting didn’t last long and ended with Simone screaming to the top of her voice that Cecil has set her up for failure. Cecil is staying so calm and Eugene is like, “Maybe our friends will come back”! Nope the Maserati has left the building.

Simone Is Through With Toya

As quiet as it’s kept, Ms. Quad is living up to her promise and meeting a PI to investigate Lisa Nicole. Quad wants as much info as she can find on Lisa and even her heritage. I guess what’s good for the goose is good for the gander? OMG, it’s a real PI involved in the friendship. I wonder what will come of this phase of the “background-gate”! Are we sure Quad wasn’t around for Watergate?

Heavenly is expanding beyond #TeamDaddy and #TeamMommie and actually going into the office to clean her baby girl’s teeth. She’s not only teaching the kids great mothering skills (i.e. cooking for your family), but now she’s teaching them all about her skills as a dentist. Alura seems to speak her mind when it comes to her mother.

Lisa and Darren are talking about keeping their lives out of the media as Lisa reminds Darren he’s again given the world something to talk about. Darren must know that Lisa is a strong independent woman and keeping their business out of the media is vitally important to her.

Now this stuff is only heating up! Our muscles will be burning and seems like friendships will be burning too!