Oh So Cynthia is about showcasing the city of Dallas and what makes it a fabulous place to live. Although I love the luxe life, I'm a girl with champagne tastes on a soda-pop budget, so I am all about smart shopping. Throughout the holiday season, I will be bringing you a series of posts that will combine both of these concepts called Shop Local/Shop Smart, bringing you great gift ideas for under $200 from local designers and retailers.
Today's feature is for the person in your life who might be struggling to find themselves, who is trying to get to a better place in their life, who needs some hope, motivation or encouragement that anything is possible and life can get better when you set your sights on a goal and start moving towards it, one step at a time. Abby Rike is from Mabank, TX (so she's from the area!) and I first heard her story three years ago when she appeared on one of my favorite TV shows, The Biggest Loser. Her story has moved and motivated thousands of people. I know it will touch the life of anyone you share her story with.
Today's feature is for the person in your life who might be struggling to find themselves, who is trying to get to a better place in their life, who needs some hope, motivation or encouragement that anything is possible and life can get better when you set your sights on a goal and start moving towards it, one step at a time. Abby Rike is from Mabank, TX (so she's from the area!) and I first heard her story three years ago when she appeared on one of my favorite TV shows, The Biggest Loser. Her story has moved and motivated thousands of people. I know it will touch the life of anyone you share her story with.
In 2006, Abby Rike lost the life she knew and loved when her husband, 5 year old daughter and 2 week old son were killed in a car accident. Devastated and numb, she shut down. For nearly three years she walked through life like a spectre, present in body only. As she descended into darkness, so did her health, as she turned to food for comfort.
Fortunately, Abby was not alone. She had loving parents, supportive friends, and a faith that continued to sustain her. Little by little she found the courage to return to life. Deciding there was more living to do in this life, in May of 2009, Abby embarked on a very public journey of healing and wellness when she went on NBC’s hit reality series “The Biggest Loser.”
Abby began her journey on the show weighing in at 247 pounds. Despite suffering a stress fracture early on, while on the “ranch” she lost 46 pounds. She then went home utilizing the knowledge she gained and lost an additional 54 pounds to weigh in at 147 pounds at the December finale. Abby feels blessed to have had the opportunity to realize God’s grace full circle and feels compelled to share with others what she experienced firsthand. She continues her healthy lifestyle and vigor for life and is a living example that even in your darkest hour, there is always hope.
Abby began her journey on the show weighing in at 247 pounds. Despite suffering a stress fracture early on, while on the “ranch” she lost 46 pounds. She then went home utilizing the knowledge she gained and lost an additional 54 pounds to weigh in at 147 pounds at the December finale. Abby feels blessed to have had the opportunity to realize God’s grace full circle and feels compelled to share with others what she experienced firsthand. She continues her healthy lifestyle and vigor for life and is a living example that even in your darkest hour, there is always hope.
In this riveting book, Abby tells her story--from her joyous life before the accident to the unbearable pain that followed it and her eventual emergence as a woman reinvigorated by her faith in God. Today Abby's resilience and positivity are a testament to the power and importance of faith in the darkest hours.
Available at Walmart or online at Amazon (on sale now for $11.57)
