best decisions series – meet maureen

Welp.  I’ve got another sick child on my hands – Miss Clara this time.  This stomach virus reminds me of ….well, I can’t think of anything as bad as this thing is.  Brooke Hogan, Vanilla Sky, even Crystal Pepsi…they all pale in comparison to the foulness that is this toddler stomach virus. 

We’re hanging low over here, but I didn’t want you guys to suffer.  So I thought it would be a great day for another installment of the “Best Decisions” Series.  Today, meet Maureen!  An inspirational, 120-pounds-lighter actress who I love!  Check her out!

The 5 Best Decisions I Ever Made:

1. Committing myself to a happy & healthy life.

I spent the majority of my life not just overweight, but obese. By the time I was 16 years old, I weighed 246 lbs (and I’m only 5’2). My junior year of college, however, due to a variety of factors, something clicked within me. I started eating right and exercising, losing 120 lbs. Unfortunately, I went through a period where I was too obsessed with exercising and calorie counting and I gained some of that weight back during a period of binge eating and depression. I’ve committed to a healthy, happy life, free from my disorder and I’m finding my way back there now. I’m finally on my way to discovering a healthy balance between food, fitness and fun, and I couldn’t be happier.

2. Getting involved in Theater.

Theater has been an integral part of my life since I was little. Ever since I did my first play at 10 years old, I’ve been hooked. The thrill and adrenaline I get performing in front of a crowd. The passion and joy I get from theater is like no other high in the world and I can’t imagine my life without it. It has given me so much self-confidence, so many wonderful friends and innumerable treasured memories.

3. Studying Abroad.

During my sophomore year of college, I made a rash decision to study aboard, and honestly it was one of the best things I ever did. I learned how to be independent and how to travel and fend for myself. I made lifelong friends that I never would have met otherwise. I connected with family I hadn’t seen in years. I was lucky enough to travel across Europe, being a young, carefree teenager, and I will always be grateful for that. I left a part of my heart in Ireland, and you can bet I’ll be back one day to get it back (or leave more of it there!) J

4. Making my college choice by following my heart.

I faced a lot of pressure my senior year of high school to attend a college that was “worthy” of me according to my high school teachers and counselors. However, I chose to attend a smaller, lesser known college that gave me a full academic scholarship and placed me in an honors program that would allow me to make meaningful connections with wonderful professors and friends who remain an integral part of my life until this day. I was blessed enough to be chosen as the commencement speaker for my graduation and it was the perfect end to a perfect college experience.

5. Appreciating how important family and our culture is.

My family has always been incredibly close and we act as each other’s support system. Our Irish heritage is very important to us and we use it as a means through which to stay connected and tied to each other’s life. My family is like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” Irish Edition, and I wouldn’t have it any other way J

Thanks for listening to my ramblings!  If you’re interested in reading more, please check out my blog!  <-thanks so much, Maureen!!

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Don’t forget to head over to the Blend site and enter our FITMIXER giveaway!!  Remember – we’re giving away something EVERY SINGLE WEEK leading up to Blend!  Oh, and we still have tickets available!

splendid…lindsay