My name is Jane Sheffer, and I have tried every diet, and/or health kick ever on the market . . . until NOW!

My story began at Breakthrough Personal Coaching & Wellness in November of 2013.

I joined with the intentions of losing a quick 40 lbs. so I didn’t have to wear the typical “fat Mother‐of‐the‐ Bride” ensemble for my oldest daughter’s March 2014 wedding.

Before I could “Officially” join Breakthrough, my rheumatologist recommended I see a physical therapist to make sure I could tolerate the exercises, and wouldn’t be doing more harm to my joints.

I appreciated his concern, but I was determined to prove him wrong!

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 40, and lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle.

My doctor felt I should be doing “Pool exercises” at the local “YMCA” or “Modern Maturity Center” with all of the other victims of arthritis, most of whom are 20 years my senior!

The thought of this made me depressed, but even more determined.

Arthritis is not a death sentence, I was going to learn to deal with my condition, and learn to live a normal healthy lifestyle!

After a month of physical therapy, twice a week, I got the blessing of both my physical therapist, and my rheumatologist to, “Go for it”.

I was thrilled that I listened to my body, and not the doctor, for once in my life!!!

The first step of my journey at Breakthrough began with the 24 day challenge between Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2013.

I am not going to lie, it was difficult juggling the holidays, a new gym schedule, eating healthy, home, and work.

I soon learned that this was not a quick diet, but a lifestyle change, and I would be in it for the long haul.

I succeeded and lost inches, lbs., and lowered my BMI.

I was on the road to a healthier lifestyle!

The start of the New Year 2014 I signed up for the 1st 10 week challenge at Breakthrough.

This is when I started to learn about myself, why I was in the place I was in in my life, why I was unhappy with myself, and so on.

I found this to be the most difficult part of the journey because I don’t like talking about myself, or digging into my emotions.

I slowly caught on and started to use some of the many inspirational videos, chats, and readings that Chris has taught, and shared, in my life.

The one major aspect I knew I would have to change if I was to further “My journey” was to remove any, and all, unnecessary negativity.

I felt my life was surrounded by negativity, this was going to be difficult.

After doing some soul searching, the first thing I did was quit my job.

This allowed me more time for the gym, less stress, and so much more energy.

I enjoyed four months of retired bliss. I spent time with family and friends, cleaned out my house, and just unloaded things that would not fit into my new lifestyle.

Last November I received a call asking if I would be willing to come to work for a similar company.

I knew I didn’t want to end up in the same situation, so I agreed to work for the company, but on my terms!

I laid it all out . . . work part‐time, no nights, plenty of time to allow me to get to the gym, allow me to eat at my desk every three hours, etc.

They agreed, and I accepted the position, and I couldn’t be happier!

In conclusion, my eighteen months at Breakthrough has been a very positive experience.

I have realized that anything worth obtaining you have to work hard for, and have accepted the fact that it is not going to happen overnight.

I am so grateful for “My journey”, from the initial invite from Shannon McCarty to join her in November of 2013 for a visit to Breakthrough, to the inspiring teachings and preachings of Chris, the expert coaching of both Karen and Chris, but most importantly, to all the awesome friends I have made at Breakthrough.

I would not be where I am today without all the encouragement from each and every one of you, and I  thank you!

Jane Sheffer