Sumetra Reed

Started my Friday attending a brunch with a room full of amazing women. Such a beautiful event!

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! I’m alive to praise God for another year. This is not your typical birthday post. I’m going to share something that is not easy but I know it will bless someone. I’m often told that I am very transparent and open about my journey and it’s all to give God all the glory for what He is doing in my life.

For my birthday this year, I wanted something very specific. I knew I couldn’t do it on my own, only God could help me. 2024 has been a challenge to my health. I found myself on all kinds of medications. From high blood pressure to pre-diabetes. I weighed more than I had ever weighed. I was experiencing back pain, knee pain and even heel pain when waking up. I knew something had to change. This was not God’s will for my life. So I decided to start a journey to a healthier me. I’m going to share specifics, as embarrassing as this may be.

At the end of September 2024, I weighed 232 lbs. October 1, 2024 I started my journey. I walked 3-4 miles daily, stopped eating after 7pm, I cut out a significant amount of junk food, I incorporated more protein, started lifting weights 2-3 times a week, cut out sweets (that was a huge issue for me) and started drinking more water. I also have a dietitian who helps me with planning every month.

For my birthday, I wanted to be under 200 lbs. That meant losing over 30 lbs in 2 1/2 months. My doctor said it was ambitious and I should aim for something more practical. That made me push even harder.

As of Sunday, December 15, 2024 I hit my short term goal weighing in at 197.4 lbs. With the help of The Lord, I got what I wanted for my birthday, a healthier me. I’m not done yet. I have a long road ahead. AND that’s not all. I had my doctor’s appointment on December 16th, with the same doctor who said my goal was too ambitious. She said with the progress I’m making, I should be able to come off my blood pressure medication.

I’m in tears. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift. I appreciate my husband for encouraging me and keeping me focused, my family for cheering me on when I felt I wasn’t making progress and my work family for going walking with me daily during breaks. GOD IS GOOD!

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