Joyful Life in the Slow Lane is a basic look at my life and how I am trying to learn to live and love each and every day.  I am on a constant journey to try to live a healthier life and help others along my journey. Most of my posts will be about the challenges that I face on a daily basis in trying to get fit.  I will also offer tips that I have come across in my research in an effort to help other people. I hope you enjoy.

A little bit about me:
My name is Jessica and for as long as I can remember I have had a passion for helping people and trying to find ways to bring health and general wellness into my life and the lives of others. Most of my life I was within the normal weight range for my 5’2” height. Due to a health issue I had to take medication that caused me to gain 55 lbs in a little over a year. Instead of fighting the weight gain, I just went along with it and here we are many years later and I am still holding on to that weight.

I’m at the point now where I know that something has to change and well enough is not good enough anymore. I am working to get back to the place where health and wellness are important to me and my family and where I feel like I have something to offer to other people who have experienced the same challenges that I have. I want other people to be able to look at the example that I’m setting and know that they can be successful in their efforts as well. I’m not perfect and I never proclaim to be, however I am willing to put in the work to get to where I want to be and help other people along the way.

I’ve competed in a half marathon, quarter marathon, several 5K and 10K events, and 5 Sprint or Mini Triathlons. I’m not fast and usually come in close to the back of the pack in my age group and I’m ok with that. The way I see it is that even if I’m not the fastest person out there, I’m doing it. No one can take that away from me and I can be proud of that.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University and a Master of Arts in Human Services with a specialization in Health and Wellness from Liberty University. I am now an ACE Certified Personal Trainer (as of April 2014). Clearly from my educational choices I am making the conscious decision to put myself into the right position to do this. I currently work in health and wellness and have the extreme joy of helping others on a regular basis.

My other focus is on gaining financial independence and helping others do the same along the way.

Follow me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jessicamarie35 or on Instagram @lifeonourterms_

The time is now.