Visit Scaled Nation Training for more information on the Working with Larger Bodies Seminar! 

Looking for more?

Somebody that I used to Know | Week 7 Weight Loss

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017

The Journey

Visit Scaled Nation Training for more information on the Working with Larger Bodies Seminar! 

Looking for more?

Athena 

Perez 

Let's get social

I'm Athena, "Bean," a dedicated advocate for training larger-bodied athletes. Since my first CrossFit story in 2018, I've become a CFL2, owner of Scaled Nation Training, and creator of "Working with Larger Bodies" seminar. I've also written "Lifting the Wait," with sequel "Waitless" coming soon.

Hey There!

Blog Categories

Visit Scaled Nation Training for more information on the Working with Larger Bodies Seminar! 

Looking for more?

Blog Categories

this is me | Be Courageous, Be Myself.

True Colors Part Deux | Drawing Those Parallels

Currently Trending

search the post index

meet athena

Welcome to my digital den! Raw stories, real talk, and CrossFit banter—all about building consistency, healing, and an unshakable mindset for lasting transformation.

hey, friends!

Seven weeks and things are changing quickly. I can hardly believe it to be honest. I’m already in a place where I couldn’t have imagined just a short time ago.

I was getting ready for a networking meeting this morning, and I found myself standing in front of my closet staring at “skinnier” clothes wondering if I would be brave enough to try them on. There was this one pair of jeans in particular that I haven’t worn in over a year, maybe longer. There’s nothing special about them other than they are soft and they have holes in them which are my favorite kind of jeans. I had to put them away over a year ago because I ate myself out of them. But this morning, there I was; holding the hanger half biting my lower lip wondering if today was the day. Not only was I able to get them on, but they fit like a glove. I thought I was going to start crying. It was an overwhelming feeling I can’t describe. For someone that has been stuck in Yoga gear for so long, being able to wear something normal made me feel human again.

I wake up in the morning feeling refreshed. This is actually something that hasn’t happened in several years. I roll out of bed and hit the ground normally instead of sitting there for several minutes debating whether I was ready to feel that stabbing pain as soon as my feet hit the floor. It used to take several minutes to “brave” that first step.

Not long ago, I cringed every time I had to leave the house. Speaking of the business meeting this morning, this was a place for the last year and a half, I only went if I had too. My knee hurt so bad it got to the point where I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want people to see the wincing and hobbling around and certainly not the cane that seemed to have attached itself to my hand. But this morning? No hesitation. I couldn’t wait to go. I haven’t had that feeling in a very long time. And I am officially cane free. My legs are still a bit wobbly; some days are better than others. However, I am walking without it, and that’s all I care about.

I feel alive again, I feel good, I feel happy, and I feel strong. I’m finding things I used to love doing; picked back up on hobbies and things I cherish! I have this perma-grin on my face that’s just not going away, and I’m ok with that.

With time, I know all the things I want are on their way. I’m going to buy clothes in a normal store again. Nobody is going to be looking at my cart at the grocery store. I am going to start traveling again, start exploring all the parts of Minnesota I haven’t seen! Hell, I’m even going to garner enough courage to ask that guy out. God, I can hardly wait.

That girl six weeks ago is becoming somebody that I used to know. Before too long, I won’t even know her anymore. I’m creating a better person, a stronger person and I haven’t been more proud in my life.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Love,

athena bean

Share this post:

  1. Melody says:

    Keep it up girl!!! can’t wait to see the transformation when we get home……love you…Mom

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

this is me | Be Courageous, Be Myself.

True Colors Part Deux | Drawing Those Parallels

Currently Trending

search the post index

meet athena

Welcome to my digital den! Raw stories, real talk, and CrossFit banter—all about building consistency, healing, and an unshakable mindset for lasting transformation.

hey, friends!

Since 2011, I've been on a mission to rewire my own self-limiting beliefs and patterns that were holding me back because I believe an unshakable mindset can be our #1 life hack.

In these parts I not only share my own journey but also lend a hand to others to create a life filled with genuine resilience, purpose, and grit. I'm a big fan of a good cup of joe, chalk, and teaching folks like you how to 'lift the wait'. Let’s get weird. 

Welcome, Friends!

so glad you're here

i'm athena Perez

COPYRIGHT © 2004 - 2025 · ATHENA PEREZ | SCALED NATION INC. | TERMS & CONDITIONS | HEALTH DISCLAIMER | SAINT PAUL, MN