Reader Model: Jacqueline Carly

Some of you may know Jacqueline as Fitarella.    That is how we met.  But for today, she is the “What IF everything was possible  Bombshell.   I joined in on a *project* she had going on with the asking yourself  “What If*  and posting ever Wednesday. She came up with the idea while reading  a book by Don Miller called A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I’ve Learned While Editing My Life .  Don posted a post on his blog about the question What IF?

I have met some GREAT bloggers through that project.  It was the same time, I was working on my No Excuses and some  emotional questions with another blogger. Some intense changes in my life (and some things I will be talk about Friday on Part 2 of Comfort Zone of Excuses)  One of Jacqueline’s first What If’s was this:

What if I started a local organization to help young girls, like my daughter, learn about health, self-esteem, and physical activity?

I’ve been thinking about this for a looooooong time now.  My biggest fear is that my daughter grow up with all the body image and self-esteem issues I had and I hope I have been steering her in the right direction.  But I’ve also thought, what better way to teach her then to lead by example and also teach others with her by my side? She and I teaching other girls together.

Her What If is what drew me to get to know her a bit better …

She is an extremely busy, busy lady with numerous projects going on and I am grateful that she had the time to answer a few of my questions..

Meet Jacqueline:

When did you start your weight loss Journey?

My weight loss journey started when I was a child.  I remember as far back as being 7-8 years old
and thinking I was fat.  That led to years of dieting, deprivation, and a horrible eating disorder.

How did you get into blogging?

I started blogging in 2004 after I gave birth to my daughter. I was living in a new
state with no friend or family close by and was suffering from Postpartum Depression.
Blogging helped me cope and connect with other moms around the world that understood
the feelings I was having at the time. It also gave me a sense of community that I didn’t
have around me.

Explain a little about your education and what Holistic  Health Counselor?

As a Board Certified Holistic Health Counselor, I practice a holistic approach to health and wellness.  I look at how all areas of my client’s life are connected and affect his/her health as a whole.  My role is as a wellness guide and supportive mentor, together we work to achieve my client’s goals in areas such as weight management, food cravings, sleep and energy.  I am also a Certified Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and Endurance Coach and am currently working on my Masters in Nutrition. I am board certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, a member of the American Holistic Medical Association, the Association for Size Diversity and Health, and the Eating Disorder Coalition for Research, Policy & Action.

Can you talk about being an eating disorder advocate?

Having suffered from an Eating Disorder, I am passionate about helping others and doing
anything I can to spread the word. I am a member of the Eating Disorder Coalition and our
goals are to get increased funding for research, education, prevention and improved training,
Encourage federal policymakers to improve access to eating disorders care and promote the
national awareness of eating disorders as a public health problem.

What is your biggest wish, hope, or dream for the future?

Personally, it is for my daughter to never forget how perfect she already is.  And truly,
I wish that for everyone to know that as well. We are ALL special, unique and beautiful.

What would you like to say to the readers of Big Girl Bombshell?

Thank you for allowing me to share this time with you, I am honored.  Have faith
and trust in yourself. You have an inner source of power that is divine and unstoppable.
You need look no further than yourself to find it.