FUEL MY SPIRIT:
DeDe Thompson
by Cyn The Great
The most challenging aspect of growth, in my opinion, is self reflection. When we are able to acknowledge and take accountability for self it puts us in position to reach a level of inner peace that becomes unmatched in every aspect. Inner peace is one of the most sought after accomplishments that one can gain within a lifetime. Dede Thompson knows exactly what it feels like to be backed into a space where realignment is the only option left. Growing up as a preacher’s kid (PK) Dede was always taught to trust God and uphold herself to the standard her parents set. Dede’s turning point was reaching her heaviest weight and actually seeing it on the scale. She was forced to take accountability for the way she felt about herself and where she was in life; which wasn’t enough. Dede used her lowest point as the fuel needed to drive her to not only help herself but others as well. She encountered pivotal moments throughout her journey that required self reflection and redirection in order to get her where she is today as a fitness coach, certified trainer, influencer and CEO of ACV Fitness. Dede grew up in Walhalla, South Carolina and recalled being very involved in the church and sports. She was a cheerleader, danced, ran track; played basketball and soccer. Dede’s father was/is a local pastor and her mother
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a minister. Growing up, for Dede, was difficult because there was an unspoken standard that she had to live up to. As the middle and the only one of her siblings that did not move out before the age of 17 she always held a very close relationship with her mother. When she finally went off to Southern Wesleyan University, in Clemson, South Carolina , she craved the freedom she was not allotted while growing up. She played basketball and maintained good grades, still living up to the expectations of her parents. There were times where she would come in from a long day to find her mother in her dorm room checking in on her unannounced. She went through a partying phase and decided that the school was not working towards her best interest and then transferred schools. Making the transfer to Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina put Dede back on track. She earned her B.A. in Sociology at the top of her class. While attending Lander Dede worked two jobs and was involved in a serious relationship. Their time spent consisted of going out to eat a lot because they were always on the go. Dede worked two jobs so she wasn’t as active as she was while attending SWU. She began to feel like she was starting to fit her boyfriend’s “ideal” image of being heavier and subconsciously started losing her confidence. The relationship grew toxic and Dede found out that her boyfriend had been lying, cheating and doing other things she didn’t approve of. She decided to break things off with him for good. Shortly after her breakup her aunt who was more like a mother to her passed away and her grandmother was very sick in the hospital during this time. Dede felt herself mentally in the dark. She decided to quit her job and start fresh.
