Setting the record straight

After some "speculation and expectations" I've been hit with recently, I wanted to set the record straight in regards to the creation of 'Aim to Change' and what it is I'm trying to do here... 

I'm just a normal person who went public with her weightloss. I lost bulk of it "in secret" for three years - and would have happily left it that way, only that it was encouraged by others that there'd be people out there who needed my story...  I know in myself, that *I* was someone who needed that 'hope' too, and despite my concern about being so 'open', went public earlier this year for the benefit of others.   Quite frankly, I didn't need the attention or kudos, but felt obligated to help other people....

Since then, 'Aim to Change' has taken on a life of its own - my blog picked up speed, and then BLC approached me for the 'Commando Challenge' - and things really took off.  Having started the Facebook page, and just recently the 'Aim Train' sub-group - not to mention recent national media exposure, this whole thing has taken momentum I couldn't have predicted nor imagined.

But not without cost.

It's been speculated, and I've copped recent criticism for what it is I'm trying to do here for the public.... so let's get some facts straight... 


National media coverage opened up avenues for people to find and personally approach me with a barrage of questions and commentary... some often pleading with me for help...

Whilst I have no issues with helping people (which is what I wanted to do in the first place) - this has taken a HUGE toll on me both emotionally and financially. 

It is MY hip-pocket that has funded the establishment of these groups, web pages, marketing, group prizes...  and it is MY time that is taken up keeping them going.   I don't do this for financial gain - because there simply is none.... 

I have NOT been paid for any local media stories...  Nor was I funded for my national magazine or TV coverage, and I am NOT sponsored by any companies. 

I was NOT paid for the 8-week duration of the 'Commando Challenge' (despite it running like a fulltime job).  I am NOT paid for my endorsement of the BLC product, nor am I subsidised to be a regular participant and contributor in the online forums.

My website and Facebook groups were self-developed and self-funded and are not affiliated or linked with any financial sources.  My merchandise range is a 'hobby' based line, and runs through a printing company that manufactures and delivers, with the designer/seller making a small (and I mean SMALL) margin of profit.  Any sales/profit from this line has since been re-invested in the 'Aim to Change' activities (namely prizes and postage for participants).


As I am still a work in progress myself, it DOES effect me when I cop criticism or the negativity of others who 'assume' that I'm being funded by all these activities, or when I haven't responded "quickly enough" to their messages. 

Quite frankly, I'm emotionally drained - I'm like a sponge, and the constant questions and upsets I've been fielding HAVE taken a huge emotional toll - and has affected my own goals in the process.  Taking a step back was my way of regenerating, so I can come back and help some more - refueling for the next hit... 

As a self-funded single person, the time this has taken out of my business activities (income source) has taken a huge financial toll aswell...  and it very much upsets me when I'm criticised for trying to 'make money off people'.  My bank balance says otherwise....



In the establishment of the Facebook community, it was my goal to encourage people to step up and "help themselves" (just as I was forced to do three years ago).   I have a network of "weightloss champions" at my disposal, who are all normal people, doing awesome things - and in forming a community of like-minded individuals, who run on that same drive, creates a huge forum of knowledge and motivation. 

I am extremely humbled and proud of the people who help me run the 'Aim to Change' community on a daily basis (who don't even realise they do) - THEY are to be commended for their support and encouragement, and their participation in driving this FREE support group. 

I may be the backbone of this community, but it simply would not run as fluently as it does without the positive contributions of the members that help me keep it going on a daily basis...    (... and for that, I am truly grateful to the contributors).

I am extremely proud of 'Aim to Change' and the messages it delivers to the wider community....  and will continue to develop this amazing "whatever it is" for the long term.   .... but ask for a little consideration from those who question my validity and purpose.  After all, I'm only trying to help...