Meet Stacey
Welcome to Come Alive in 365!
I’m Stacey Strickler, but my friends call me Stace, Stacewa (the French name I gave myself in 9th grade), Stacey Lacey McPacey, Strickler, Strick, That Girl, Hollywood, Fabulous, Diva, Face, and the list goes on and on. Let’s just say I have a name for every facet of my personality. Speaking of personalities, if you haven’t gathered by now, I have a big one, along with a big smile and a big heart.
As you can see from the pictures above, I am not a size 2. Luckily for me, that’s not my goal because I’m pretty sure I would fail miserably at reaching it. I am however on a weight loss journey and my focus is on becoming a better and healthier version of ME and enjoying my life in the process.
Although I am a size 22 (for now), I am real clear on the fact that my self-worth is NOT tied to the number on the scale. I am NOT my dress size. But what I am is, fearfully and wonderfully made. I haven’t always “felt” this way about myself, but today I can say I am beautiful. I am bold. I am brilliant. I am talented and gifted. I am creative and I am capable of doing anything I put my mind to.
That’s how I feel about myself and that is also my message and encouragement to you. You are not the number on a scale. You are so much more than you give yourself credit for, and I am here to help you embrace that.
Come Alive In 365 was born out of a need to keep myself accountable and moving forward on my journey. On October 5, 2011, I started blogging about the journey and for 365 days I shared my ups and downs, my highs and lows, my challenges and victories and my obstacles and triumphs.
Over the course of a year:
I completed a 40/40 challenge by running 40 miles in 40 days.
I ran 5 miles STRAIGHT, without stopping (on my 45th birthday no less)
I became a licensed Zumba Instructor!
I taught my first Zumba class to 29 beautiful women, and have been teaching 2 classes a week since March 10, 2012.
I ran in not one, not two, not three, not four but five 5K races.
I lost 71 lbs. in the process.
My Journey Is Not Just About Weight Loss, It’s Also About…
Trying new things
Fishing
Hunting
Camping
Kayaking
Hiking
Inspiring Others and Building a Community Through My…
Weight No More Accountability Program, where I lead a community of people who are reaching their goals through encouragement and daily accountability challenges.
Speaking Engagements, where I motivate, inspire and encourage women to put themselves at the top of their list.
Virtual 5K races, designed to get you off the couch and moving to the body you deserve. Also through this program a portion of each registration goes towards finding a cure for Lupus.
Coaching Practice, where I help others experience a breakthrough and finally see the results they’ve been desiring.
Zumba Classes, where we shake it up, have fun, and leave some serious calories on the dance floor.
Encouraging Others to Come Alive by….
- Setting aside a year of their life to focus on making it better
- Helping women to “Weight No More” and to start doing the things their life is calling them to do
- Experiencing all that life has to offer and not be hindered by their weight
My Journey Continues
Although I’ve had some setbacks (I’ve gained back 40 lbs. in two years…smh), I have not given up on myself or the journey. I am on track to releasing these 40 lbs. and have already shed 10 lbs. since I recommitted myself to the journey. I have emerged with more fire, more vigor and more determination. My God Sized Goals include:
- Running in the Broad Street Run, May 2015
- Completing a half marathon in the fall of 2015
- Running a full marathon in 2017, the year I turn 50
- Authoring a book that tells exactly how I accomplished all I set out to do
I love this journey I’m on. What I’ve learned along the way is that satisfaction doesn’t come in reaching the destination, but the real joy comes from all you do to get there. Once I decided to set out on my journey, that’s when I started experiencing the abundant life. I am enjoying the ride and I can honestly say that I have Come Alive!
That’s what I want for you! Are you ready? I sure hope so☺