There’s a beautiful becoming process in any journey, especially when it comes to improving your health and wellness.
I don’t mean just a physical difference. I’m talking about a spark deep within that gets ignited when you make decisions to honor this one life we’re given.
I saw that spark in one of my post workout pictures the other day, but I almost dimmed the light by looking at it through the wrong lens. You see, I just finished double duty in the gym with a tough round of weights and cardio. I was sweaty, exhausted and happy. I looked at myself in the mirror, and rolled up my shirt to see any progress around my belly. Ya’ll know what happened next. I felt deflated when I realized any hint of a six-pack was hidden way, way, way down deep. Listen, if it’s in there, it’s nice and comfy under a stubborn layer of belly fat, okay?
I soon reflected on what started me on this journey back in 2012. I was so terrified after a high blood pressure diagnosis at just 27 years old that I vowed to take better care of myself. I decided to live! And here I was, living up to the promise I made myself all those years ago – jiggly belly and all.
I looked back at my belly, and it looked different to me. It now looked strong. Healthy. Enduring. I was finally able to see the joy of a belly that had been on this roller coaster of a journey with me. It has taken a beating through years of bad health decisions, and weathered the storm of getting out of my comfort zone to live a healthier life.
When I started this journey, I had dreams of what my fittest body would look like. I’ve learned there is danger in comparing yourself to a figment of imagination you drummed up in your mind. Instead, I’m learning to find happiness in making good, healthy, consistent decisions, and being proud of my body, however it responds. Count it all joy!