When I started this training, I knew it was going to feel good. I knew what my goals were and I could set them down on paper and chart my progress and see, in black-and-white, the difference between the first day and the last day.
What I couldn’t have ever charted, though, were the million little differences I have noticed in my everyday life since I started. Those are the best. They’re like tiny little surprise bonuses, like the universe is encouraging me to keep going by saying, “Good job, Becca, here’s something that will make you feel even better about yourself.”
I could never list all of them here, because I’d be here all day, but in the 27 days that I have been training, here are some of the differences I have experienced that just make me feel so proud to be doing what I’m doing:
I am more flexible in about 12 different ways. I can touch my toes without straining, I can bend in ways I don’t think I’ve ever been able to bend, which makes so many little tasks easier. Things you’d never think about, like picking stuff up off the floor or shaving your legs. Every time I discover something new that comes easier to me, it’s like this little victory and I could just laugh out loud. It peppers my day with little bursts of happiness, and it’s wonderful.
I am gaining muscles in my legs. This is brand new territory for my body; to have muscles. I’m going to brag for a second and say this: My calves are BAD-ASS right now.
I have more energy. I should have known this one was coming, but this is like a win-win cycle where being active makes me want to be more active. I’ve always been on the high-energy side, but this is a whole new level for me. It’s fantastic.
I am losing weight. As much as I love my body, losing weight seems to be a natural side effect for me of being active. I’m not really concerned with the numbers, and couldn’t even begin to tell you how much I’ve lost, because it’s not about that for me. Losing this weight truly has not made me love my body any more than I already loved it; BUT — as I have more and more clothing options open up to me, I feel excited at the prospect of being able to more accurately represent my personal style through my wardrobe. I am beginning to understand why it stereotypically takes girls so long to get dressed in the morning, which is one of those “normal moments” I have never had in my life.
I am happier. Just generally happier. I know that I am working hard, and that makes me feel good. I can see and feel that I am making progress, and that makes me feel good. I am setting myself up for success, and that makes me feel good. I feel encouraged, determined, and productive, which are three very good things to feel.
I am running a 5k. Just saying it makes me well up with pride. Me. ME! I’m doing it. I’ve had some struggles, and I will have some more struggles. But I will keep pushing, and keep going, and I will accomplish this goal.
YAY!
This is my best friend, Becca. She is amaziface and I love her so much for chasing her dream and changing her entire life to make it happen. I also love that so many positive and surprising changes are coming her way! She deserves all of it! :-D <3<3<3
