Veteran and VA employee Shaunelle Tharpe tells the story of her journey with MOVE! in her own words.
Shifting Away from the Struggle
"The struggle is real. Weight loss isn't easy, and it's definitely not for the faint of heart. I'd been on that yo-yo roller coaster for years, a dizzying cycle of highs and lows that left me exhausted. My weight affected my life and health by robbing me of the joy and happiness that I rightfully deserved as a human-being. The weight gain represented, to me, a profound sense of loss of identity and joy that was replaced with the disconnect that followed my military service. The toll of this experience was significant. I wholeheartedly believe my inner turmoil manifested itself physically. I seriously wondered if I could handle another challenge, another potential failure. The fear of adding more fuel to my depression was paralyzing. Changing my lifestyle felt intimidating, even mandatory, but the thought of doing it alone was overwhelming. Then, something shifted. It wasn't a magic pill or a miracle diet. It was the realization that I didn't have to go it alone."
A Turning Point
After attempts to lose weight with "fad diets" and "magic pills," Shaunelle realized she needed to try MOVE!. This represented "a significant turning point and a shift in approach towards holistic healing—moving beyond purely physical solutions and recognizing the mind-body connection and the importance of addressing the root cause of the problem." Shaunelle’s experience with MOVE! through the VA Medical Center in Durham, NC was transformative. "MOVE! rescued me from a years-long battle with weight loss," she explains. "This journey wasn't just about shedding pounds; it was about rebuilding strength, resilience, and a powerful support network. I experienced professionals and real battle buddies – my support system – standing beside me, offering support and encouragement when I was ready to give up. Their unwavering support and encouragement, combined with the key strategies learned throughout the program, were instrumental in my success."
If you are struggling with your weight, and are looking to make lasting positive changes, I highly recommend checking out the MOVE! program. It provided me with the tools and support I needed and helped me build a sustainable healthy lifestyle, not just a temporary fix. Remember: there is power in change!
Shaunelle Tharpe
Empowering and Engaging
"MOVE! is about learning to live a healthier life. The emphasis on lifestyle changes, not just diet, appealed to me; the promise of building skills to manage my behavior and celebrate even small victories felt attainable. The thought of regaining vitality, of reclaiming my health, fueled my determination. Walking into that first MOVE! session, a mixture of hope and trepidation filled me, but a new resolve burned brightly within. The program helped me identify and manage hidden calories, make realistic fitness goals, learn to better manage stress, and track my progress. Most importantly, it taught me the value of self-accountability and seeking help when needed. Learning to celebrate my achievements, big and small, has been incredibly rewarding."
A Transformative Experience
"The MOVE! program was transformative. I significantly improved my diet and increased my physical activity, adapting the program to my health limitations. The biggest impact was mastering the goal-setting tools – they helped me stay accountable and truly prioritize my well-being. Learning the effectiveness of setting S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic, Time-based) goals, I continue to use this in many areas in my life, successfully. I learned to set goals I can actually reach instead of the unrealistic goals I used to set for myself that only fueled my depression when I was unable to measure up.
I learned not just to be present, but to actively invest in my health. Before MOVE!, I struggled to prioritize my health. The program gave me the tools and support I needed to make lasting changes. Most importantly, MOVE! taught me self-compassion and the importance of showing up for myself – something I'll carry with me always.
Thanks to MOVE!, I have lost approximately 75 pounds! I'm less tired throughout the day and my sleep apnea, a consequence of carrying extra weight, is gone. I am not only maintaining my weight, I am also realizing that I am empowered to go even further. I'm ready to set new goals and implement this lifestyle change to support all levels of wellness, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I plan to achieve long-term sustainability with the lessons I have learned by participating in the MOVE! program."
