When it rains it pours, a common phrase used (usually) when bad or unpleasant things happen consecutively. Today, I want to flip this idiom on its head and with a positive connotation of when it rains (blessings) it pours (even more blessings)…don’t believe me?
16 days ago I received the Health & Fitness Award from Atlanta ACHI magazine during their 2019 annual gala. I was honored and excited but a part of me wanted to know who nominated me
In late February 2019, while sorting and deleting emails from my inundated spam folder, I came across an email dated early February 2019 that informed me about being nominated for an award. The email was also an invitation to the nominee luncheon that was happening here in Atlanta in less than 24 hours on Sunday Feb. 24th. At first, I thought the email was a hoax considering this here day and age of “You have won $1,000,000 if you send xyz…” I also found 3 more emails from January informing of the same and since my Sunday afternoon was open, I reluctantly decided to sacrifice my Sunday afternoon binge of “The Widow” (netflix) to attend the nominee luncheon and figure out what it was all about.
The luncheon turned out to be a great session of networking and bonding with beautiful, strong African American women as we shared stories about why we are passionate about what we do. I learned more about ACHI, a sisterhood organization with chapters across most cities in the US, their vision and purpose. The luncheon was a beautiful celebration of us and I left feeling truly uplifted and motivated to keep working and changing lives, despite not knowing who nominated me.
March 25th was the Award gala where I showed up with no expectation but filled with gratitude to have been considered. They did mention at the luncheon that only half the nominees would win an award and I wanted to be there to cheer on these amazing ladies. Winning the award was a shocker. I barely remember walking on stage, or my speech was because I didn’t prepare any…that’s how unexpected it was π I remember driving home with the nagging thought how did this happen? who nominated me and why?
The very next morning, I got a call from Dr. Fletcher, founder of ACHI magazine and organization. She congratulated me on my award, complimented how great I looked and my great speech, the very same one I barely have a recollection of. She then asked if I would be interested In being featured on ACHI Magazine Spring/Summer Cover. They were going to feature 2 ladies on the cover but she and her team agreed that I would be a great addition. I was stocked and was adviced that the photo shoot was scheduled to take place 6 days later. I hang up feeling like I was in the twilight zone or the matrix…nothing was making sense…but I was flowing.
The photoshoot was 3 hours of playing dress up and having fun. I received the cover (above) this morning and was deep in thought, overflowing with gratitude for ACHI opportunities, blessed to be able to do what I love while changing lives when my thoughts got interrupted by a phone call…
It was Annette who I hadn’t talked to in about 8 months. I met Annette in 2017 through a mutual friend that also happened to be her Doctor. He wanted me to help her lose weight because she had tried for so long and just couldn’t succeed and it was negatively impacting her health. Annette was overweight and a diabetic (type 2 with an a1c of 9.5), knee pains, back pains, and a few other issues. I worked with her for 4 months, created her weight loss meal plan, coached her and was able to help her lose 34 pounds (17 kilos) by simply changing her eating habits. By the time she lost 15 pounds (7 kilos), her knees and back had stopped hurting, by 34 pounds (17 kilos) she was off insulin and restored to health. She continued to lose another 31 pounds (16 kilos) in 5 months totaling 65 pounds (32 kilos) over 9 months and has kept it off for over a year. Annette is not on social media, but today she received ACHI magazine’s newsletter and saw the cover with me on it and remembered that she nominated me in October 2018 which warranted the phone call. She was so excited for me, I for her, her new life and also happy to finally know where the nomination came from and why π someone that had totally escaped my mind made all this happen for me.
You see, in 2017 Annette was sick, sad – semi-depressed, a loner that felt as though her conditions were a jail sentence. She is now a happy, energetic, fun woman that is excited about life. She changed jobs, and just met the guy of her dreams and she couldn’t stop thanking me for believing in her and holding her hand when she failed to succeed on her own. We were both in tears as we caught up and when I got off the phone I found myself thinking and wishing that people could truly understand weight loss for what it truly is…
Weight loss is more than a vanity measure. It is an act of self-love, self-improvement, self-appreciation and wanting better for ourselves. It’s becoming healthy, disease free, getting off medication, feeling energized, happy confident…it’s becoming the best version of ourselves, who we were meant to be so that we can fully live the life that God intends for us, but only if we are good stewards of what he has given us (our bodies/health, our lives, talents).
As I take a moment to smell the roses and celebrate ACHI wins whose culmination was a magazine cover that reconnected me to Annette, I want to dedicate my 2019 ACHI Award to you as you strive to be or stay healthy.
Healthy living is a long term commitment to self, an insurance policy that pays off as we age. Do not tire. Stay Committed. The person you become during the journey is worth fighting for…I believe in you, you got this! Say this with me “I GOT THIS” – yes you do – Say it again and type it in the comments below “I GOT THIS” and believe it π
Awesome n congrats Jane
Thanks Much Catherine π
I have been struggling with weight loss am almost turning 24 heartbroken depressed but revenge body is coming soon. I got this
Congratulations Jane!God repays good deeds
I really needed to read this. Hit a plateau and was convincing myself that’s how far I can.go but I know I can do better. I GOT THIS π
Wow!! Soo happy for you. You deserved it. You are true inspitition to many. Congratulations Jane
I GOT THIS.
Yes you do Alpha! π
Congratulations girl πππππam very happy for you
I GOT THIS!!
And congratulations Jane
Yes you do Jen + thank you π
I got this,i truly want this
Congrats and may the Lord lead you to help more
I got this congratulations
Congrats Jane for the award. You have truly been a blessing to many. Be blessed abundantly
I GOT THIS!
Thank you Elizabeth π
I GOT THIS
Congratulations dear. May Almighty God bless you
Great
Wow Jane, the struggle is real. Congratulations. Am struggling with weight loss from three digits to two digits.
You can do it Kathleen but make sure you understand why you need to do it, without a good reason, it will remain a struggle.
Congratulations Mukami, this is indeed a well deserved award. The weight loss journey continues for me. I am determined to be a testament like Annette was. Keep up the good work.
Thank you and you can do it π
Congrats Jane. You deserve this and more for your great work. Am inspired to do this. I got this
Wow congratulations Jane, the story is so inspiring especially to me who has been struggling to lose weight. As they say “tenda wema nenda zako” you did your best and the lady was so grateful such that she went ahead and nominated you. May God continue blessing you Jane
Congratulations. I am happy for you Jane.
Congratulations. “I GOT THIS”
I GOT THIS. Congratulations
you do! π
I Got this……what an inspirational true story,it surely rained and poured blessings lady and this is just the beginning for you,keep it up
I got this
I got this
Mukami that is so so sweet. I am happy for you you are amazing. You deserved the award.
I SO GOT THIS!
Awesome! You have been such a trooper its only fair you are celebrated. Congratulations.
I GOT THIS πͺπΎ
I got this!
Wow! I GOT THIS
Last year I started my weight loss journey and successfully shed off 16 kg thanks to you. I have managed to keep it off. I GOT THIS! Thanks Jane.
yay and congrats Angelina!
WOW, Congratulations Jane you really inspire us. You deserve it
Congratulations mukami ,you have help many ladies and menβs to live healthy,may God protect you and many blessings.
I need to hook up a friend with you. he can’t workout since last year coz he got a knee injury and he has added alot of kilos and I know it depresses him.
I will hook him up with your stuff.
I GOT THIS.
CONGRATULATIONS JANE
Congrats Jane I GOT THIS.
CONGRATULATIONS
I GOT THIS
Well done!!!! I like the beautiful summary on what weight loss is. Very well put Jane! Keep on living your God given purpose
Wow..you just an amazing and adorable being,keep going,,helping people cut their weight
CONGRATULATIONS JANE
I GOT THIS
congratulations Jane,you deserve it,a great inspiration to many
Congrats I admire Ur passion I love the testimony loosing weight is a sacrifice
Congratulations Jane. Very well deserved…
Congratulations Jane!!
Just Amazing!!!
Congratulations Jane!
I so very much GOT THIS
I Got This!!! Congrats Jane. No i one deserved it more!! I can’t wait to walk the same path with you…. In just a couple of weeks!!π₯π₯
Congrats gal..you deserve it .You have been a real motivation to me.
I GOT THIS! Thank you for being a continued inspiration many.
Congratulations jane.you deserve this.you have changed Soo many people lives,I been one of them though a silence follower after I gave birth 3yrs ago I managed to lose 20kg from 80 to 60 and I have maintained.
Big up sister
GREAT!! I GOT THIS!! THANKS JANNY FEELING SO ENCOURAGED
wow,congratulations! Your’e an amazing woman.
I GOT THIS. Thank you Jane, God bless you.
Congratulations Jane!
I GOT THIS
congratulations Jane .you deserved it. inspiring and changing lives. be blessed
I GOT THIS!
Thanks Mukami,this so encouraging, keepup the goodwork
I got this!
Congratulations Jane.I GOT THIS
Congratulations Jane.I GOT THIS
Congratulations girl, keep going everything we do in this world has a reward.
I GOT THIS!
CONGRATULATIONS JANE. Keep on keeping on. The sky is no longer the limit.
I GOT THIS
Congratulations Jane, If God is on your side who can be against you!!! keep the fire burning we thank God for you.
Congrats Jane. I got this
Congratulations Mukami.
For one that has attained her ideal weight and maintained it for 3yrs now . Am happy
that I got introduced to your healthy eating program by a work colleague. Thank you for being an integral part of my life.
Congratulations and may it keep pouring(Blessings).
Congratulations Jane! This caught my attention, perhaps because its what you have helped me believe in and experience during our coaching program”Weight loss is more than a vanity measure. It is an act of self-love, self-improvement, self-appreciation and wanting better for ourselves”
“I GOT IT” and Believe It.
******I GOT THIS and Believe it.
Congrats Jane. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. I GOT THIS!
This is such a powerful read! Well in Jane! And yes I GOT THIS…
I GOT THIS!
Congratulations…I GOT THIS
Wow! I GOT THIS!! thanks mukami for all you do inspiring us to become better versions of ourselves. β€
Congratulations!!! I GOT THIS!!!
Congrats dr
Thanks Jane Yes l got this
Wow congrats jane
I Got this! You inspire me Jane
congratulations Jane… Yes, I got this
I GOT THIS!
Congratulations Jane,youβre an inspiration to my life.
Congratulations Jane. I am a silent follower of your groups and am on a weightloss journey myself. since february this year am down 8kgs. i need to lose a total of 25kgs and i know i will coz am following your guides. Thank you.
Thanx Jane and Congrat……..I GOT THIS
Congrats gal u deserve this,and for me “I GOT IT”
I GOT THIS AND BELIEVE IT. CONGRATS JANE MUKAMI AND THANK YOU FOR CHANGING PEOPLE LIVES. GOD BLESS YOU
I GOT THIS
I GOT THIS!!!
Congratulations Jane and thank you for being our support!
Congratulations on you win. Well deserved.
I GOT THIS!!!
Congratulations!! Thanks for the motivation, my struggle is extra real
Asante, youre welcome…and yes YOU GOT THIS Herma
Congrats. I got this.
Congratulations
Congrats jane I got this
Congrats Jane! I GOT THIS! I just love reading your emails. Every time l go to my emails am always hoping to find yours coz you really inspires me. Thanks Jane and my God always bless you.
Congratulations. You really are an inspiration Jane Mukami. I need to get my head straight, I did it before and I can do it again. This time I GOT THIS!
Congratulations, I GOT THIS
Congratulations,i got this
Congratulations Jane, I GOT THIS
Jane, I am truly happy for you, from the core of my heart! And this is because you achieved your personal goal of weightloss and fitness after hard work and overcoming a lot of challenges, I am sure because success only comes with determination, self control followed by appropriate regular action regularly over a period of time, this is no quick fix. Achieving success and being able to stay in that position is a just by continuous effort and Jane I applaud you for where you have reached today on the ladder of successful people and I fiurther applaud you for your something even greater and that is helping people globally and especially our fellow Kenyan women who have been challenged with weight issues, many who have other issues because of their weight being over the required number on the scale. I am one of them. I applaud you for inspiring, motivating and selflessly giving advise, sharing your diet plans and much much more, on facebook and probably other platforms and doing alot of this free of any charges unless ofcourse a material purchase is applicable to assist the person. God Bless you Jane! I GOT THIS!. Nushi
P.S. Thank you for that lovely selfie with me at Java Coffee Hose at Sarit! π
Thank you for the kind words Nushin and you’re most welcome (for the selfie)
Congratulations, you totally deserve the Award…
I GOT THIS πͺ
Congratulations! We thank God with you for this. May His blessing continue to shower you!
I GOT THIS!
EXCELLENT AND CONGRATULATIONS JANE. YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION. YES I GOT THIS, I BELIEVE AND RECEIVE.
waaaoh got this thank you n congrats
Thank you & Yes you do π
I totally GOT THIS!!! Thank you Jane Mukami. Congratulations, you deserve it!
yes winnie you got this!
Congrats Jane ,you’re indeed a great woman
Thanks you Anne for those Kind words
Congrats Jane you really deserve it
Congratulations Jane Mukami you are truly an inspiration to many like us through you i was able to lose weight stay off wheat am now working on sugar and snacking. May it continue to Rain and Pour blessing on you.
Congratulations to you too and keep up the good work Pauline π
this is so good, keep soaring Jane.
Congrats Jane, you deserve it, and yes, i got this
That’s amazing congratulations Jane!
congratulation Jane.you are such an inspiration.
Congratulations Jane. I GOT THIS
Oh wow! Congratulations Jane! You deserve it!
I preach about you to my friends who struggle with weight issues- you are an inspiration indeed!
I have managed to maintain my weight since i discovered you in November 2015.
Many thanks for your continuous tips!
Blessings
congrats Aggie on your success and much thanks π
Congratulations Mukami! Very well deserved!
I have done the 10 day weight loss program thrice before! Lost some weight but yoyo back to….!
I am determined to move out of this yoyo situation and in the process of making a committed life style change! I GOT THIS!!
yes you got this!!
congratulations fit girl to more of these awards
asante sana Elizabeth
Wow! True inspiration. Keep doing it Jane…
thank you
I GOT THIS
Congrats Jane, you are indeed helping many of us
keep up the good job
Yes I got this and congrats Mukami. You deserve it.
Congrats. You are a true inspiration.
Congratulations Jane. I got this.
Wow, Congratulations Jane
thank you π
Wow Awesome! You really inspire me and will not give UP coz I GOT THIS.
Congrats dear….
I GOT THIS,THANKS JANE FOR BEING AN AMBASSODOR OF POSITIVE CHANGE!!!
Thank you and you got it girl!
Congratulations Mukami!!
βWeight loss is more than a vanity measure!β
π It’s way more than vanity…it’s life changing
Wow! Congratulations Jane. You deserve it all. Thank you for your continuous motivation.
karibu sana and thank you π
I got this
you absolutely do Mary π
Revenge body underway!!!I have set my mind and Iβm keeping it set to live a healthy lifestyle.I GOT THIS!!Thanks Jane.
you can do it #RevengeBody π
I GOT THIS!
Congratulations Jane. You deserved it!
Thanks Joan and yes you got!
I Got This,congrats and thanks for renewing my strength.
you’re welcome π
Congrats.we thank God you look gorgeous.
Thank you and thank you again joy π
I GOT THIS. Congratulations
Congrats girl. Keep it up. Thank you for sharing.
Congratulations jane..keep up the good work.
from you i believed weight loss is a dream thats a achievable ,you such a heaven sent to many unknown and known.Keep doing good and may heavens favours always be your portion.
I got this…..congratulations beautiful!
Congratulations Jane Mukami! You surely deserve the award.
I GOT THIS!!
How Awesome!
I GOT THIS.
Congratulations dear.
I GOT IT! Congratulations Jane!
Congratulations Jane for the amazing influence you have had with people across the globe. Here’s to the rest of us in trying to be fearless influencers of society. π
Congratulations!
I love this! Congrats Jane.
Comment…You have been a blessing to many and to me in particular. Continue the good work and you will see how the blessings will keep on following you. much love π
I GOT THIS!!
I GOT THIS
Congratulation dear u deserve it en much more u inspire me hope to get an opportunity one day for you to transform me,# I got this an I believe it π
Oh amazing. You deserve Jane. Your dedication to help is on another level. I GOT THISππΎππΎππΎ
Woow im so happy for you, your truly a blessing to so many women and i am blessed to have met you.
GOT THIS
Woow im so happy for you, your truly a blessing i am blessed to have met you.
GOT THIS
I GOT THIS..thanks Jane for your continued encouragements
karibu sana!
I got this
absolutely π
“I GOT THIS ” and believe it. Wow congratulations to you Jane you really deserve this and more. This fulfills the saying.” Tenda wema nenda zako “God bless you
asante Caroline π
I got this
Congratulations Jane. I GOT THIS
Congratulations Jane. No doubt I GOT THIS!!!!