![]() This year has been filled with numerous highlights and proud moments. Why? I finally made the decision to own my confidence and live out my dreams. I have always loved writing, but allowed it to go to the wayside over the years. I have always wanted to model, but self-esteem issues got in the way. I can recall, since childhood, having an overwhelming sense of feeling unworthy. I felt that I wasn’t outgoing enough, not pretty enough, and the list goes on. Throughout the years, any dream that would require me to be in the spotlight, was placed on the backburner. I just didn’t have the confidence. But toward the end of 2014, I reached a turning point. I began to feel miserable. My children were growing up, and did not need me as much. I found myself with so much more time to myself, and I didn’t know what to do with it. After much prayer, I decided that it was time for me to stop running from my dreams. I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to model. In 2015, I am proud to say that I am doing both. This blog, Truly Charmed, was born November 22, 2014, and is a labor of love for me. I thoroughly enjoy providing content that has and will inspire others to live their dreams. Antoinette the Plus Model was ‘born’ in January of 2015, during my first runway show. I was so very nervous to attempt it, but once I hit that runway I was hooked. I can honestly say that I have never been more satisfied with life than I am now. I have never been as confident as I am now. I would encourage others to fight any obstacle that is keeping them from their dreams because owning your life’s desires is a beautiful thing. I am totally looking forward to all that’s in store for both my modeling endeavors and writing career. What are your dreams? Are you working toward them? I am certainly rooting for you. Throw caution to the wind, and go for it! Antoinette Be sure to subscribe to avoid missing the latest posts on Truly Charmed! Follow me on Pinterest to see updated images from my latest runway shows and photoshoots: www.pinterest.com/trulycharmed1.
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![]() At the age of 24 I was diagnosed with hypertension and placed on medication for the condition. This was not a surprise because, of course, hypertension often runs in families. That is the case with my family. I’ve always hoped that there would be a day in which I did not have to deal with a chronic condition, and I certainly dislike the idea of being prescribed medication for the rest of my life. So, throughout the years I have tried every fad diet there is hoping to lose weight and correct my hypertension. As of yet, I have not been successful. Honestly, with each try I became easily discouraged and we all know that fad diets simply don’t work in the long run. At this point, the health of my family is now top priority. Change is no longer an option. Should it have always been this way? Yes. Old habits die hard, and sometimes it takes a brush with reality to give us a push in the right direction. Since his accident, my son has now become hypertensive and is on medication. I’m sure that moms and dads reading this would agree that there is no motivation like that of a parent determined to improve their child’s circumstances. So I am now on a mission to improve the health and well-being of my family. On September 1st, we started the Truly Fit Family Challenge, and invited other families to join us. The Truly Fit Family Challenge is a six week nutrition and exercise journey in which we are gradually making changes that will hopefully improve our health over the long run. We’ve had a great time over the past week trying new recipes and engaging in fun fitness activities as a family. Read on to learn more about the challenge….feel free to join us… Follow Truly charmed on www.facebook.com/trulycharmedlife to keep up with our progress, and to tell us about your family's healthy habits! We look forward to hearing from you.
Let's get fit together! Antoinette ![]() Be careful how you treat people. You never know who you will end up needing. These are words that I have said many times, but never have they rang as true as they do now. During life’s most critical times, strangers can become heroes. Friends can become more like family. You learn who really has your back during those times in which life causes us to ‘put up or shut up’. Let me tell you! Over the past six weeks I have found that my family is surrounded by genuine heroes and beautiful souls. On the morning of July 8th, I experienced a parent’s worst nightmare. I received a call that I would wish on no one. My son collapsed at football practice. He went into cardiac arrest. His lungs failed. The doctors told me that it was very likely that he would not leave the hospital. I wanted to wake up and continue with life as normal. Unfortunately, this was real life, and the hardest experience of my life and my son’s life. Those who know me will tell you that I am very independent. I don’t like to ask for help. I am the poster child for the Superwoman Complex. But this situation, I absolutely could not handle it alone, and I didn’t. My family carried me, figuratively (at times, literally). My mom. My rock of a sister. My brothers. They were ‘my everything’. Not only did the Lakewood High School coaching staff save my child’s life (thank God for their quick action, thinking, and presence of the AED), but they have been there for us, non-stop, through it all. They have become family to us. People who I have known for only a very short time became a part of my support system. Acquaintances visited, called, and most importantly, prayed with us. I was overwhelmed by the support, by the genuine care and concern. I have to say that I am touched by the love that we received from strangers throughout the entire experience. Doctors, nurses, therapists…they didn’t just do their jobs. They cared and it was genuine. They would even call to check on my son on their days off. They prayed with us. See, this is why we have to be cautious about how we treat others. That person who you flip off during your morning commute…that person who you grumbled at because they held up the line at the grocery store…could by some twist of fate become someone who you may need, someone who could help you. Or they may need you. Who knows what battles they are fighting? The world is so much smaller than we realize, and you never know whose path you will cross from one day to the next. This entire experience has taught me so much. I am thankful for each lesson. Always let your loved ones know how precious they are to you. Be nice to people. It may seem so simple, but one kind gesture could mean so much to someone who is going through tough times. It’s okay to admit that you need help. Some experiences in life are too much to endure alone. I have to give another huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported us and prayed for us during this ordeal. Zaire is doing very well. My family is doing well. I am grateful. Comment and let us know what or who you’re grateful for!! Antoinette |
AuthorThe creator of Truly Charmed, Antoinette Cain, delights in all things fashion, all things fostering empowerment, and all things that inspire ambition. Antoinette started this fashion and lifestyle blog to celebrate those who are living their Charmed Lives and to empower those who haven't yet realized that life may be imperfect, but in every day there is a Charmed moment. Archives
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