About a year ago, I embarked on a journey to improve my health and fitness. For the first time in my life, I took control of my habits and started to change them. I started eating better, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, etc. All the things we know we should do but don’t always do consistently. Since starting this journey, I have slimmed down quite a bit and have grown stronger. I can run miles (plural!!), which I had never thought I would be able to do. I have more energy and I have seen an overall improvement in my appearance. I’ve received many compliments on my improved looks and that is exciting and appreciated.
However, something I realized while going through this journey is that I always was beautiful. I was unhealthy, but there was always something about me which was beautiful. Whether it was my eyes, my long graceful fingers, or my cute button nose, I always held beauty. I still do hold beauty, and there are things about me which as they change catch me as striking. For instance, as my thighs slim down I notice that they are long and have a soft grace about them but also the strength and power to carry me over distances. It’s an amazing work of art, my body, and I am just waiting to see what the next stage of the sculpting reveals.
We don’t have to break down and destroy what we were to become what we want to be. Achieving goals, being at a certain weight or dress size will not automatically make me happy with myself. I have to remind myself to appreciate and love where I am now. I don’t live in shame because I was (and am still) overweight, I just am thankful that I started changing it while I still can. I was and am still beautiful, and so are you.