April 18th marked a major milestone for me. It marked the beginning of me flying on my own and truly holding myself accountable for my health.
I completed a 6 week accountability challenge where I worked out every single day for 6 weeks.
42 days straight.
42+ hours at the gym.
It resulted in the loss of 14+ pounds.
And even more confidence and life changes.
I wasn’t forced to breakup with food, but I did voluntarily make the choice. I now know how to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat. I know my body and learned how to properly FUEL it. I also know when and how to indulge without going into a binge.
I’ve struggled with my weight since my metabolism decided to turn against me and disappear in my early twenties. I knocked off the initial weight with my personal trainer (shout out Trainer V!), but I hadn’t committed to eating healthy. Turns out, if you eat donuts and french fries a few times a week then it doesn’t matter if you go to the gym…
This winter, I was sitting on the couch watching an episode of Real Housewives and staring at my belly. I signed up for an accountability program during the next commercial break. Then my life changed.
This lifestyle change originally started specifically for me to improve my health and fitness. But oh boy, did it turn into so much more.
The first three weeks I dreaded the hour long cardio sessions. I was angry most days from feeling hungry and wanting to eat all of the things I knew I didn’t truly need nor want to eat. It was an inner battle. Eat for fuel or eat to be full and “happy.”
Yes. I used food to be happy. Most of us do.
However, after three weeks and great physical results, my mindset shifted. I started enjoying my time on the treadmill. Not only because I had started to see my hard work and dedication to healthy eating payoff, but that time became the time first thing every morning for me to pray, meditate, and prepare my mind for the day ahead.
I took that time of sweat and dread and transformed it into my daily pep and prep space. I began cherishing that 4:45AM alarm because I knew I was about to take control of my mind and day…while also taking care of my body and heart!
That incline treadmill became more than just a torture device. It became the segway to me growing mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
I faced my fears, my anxieties and most importantly, myself. I’ve been running away and playing hide and seek and dodge ball with myself for the past three years.
I was afraid to admit that a large part of me was lost and depressed. I didn’t know who I was anymore. What fed my soul? What were my passions and aspirations? What enlightened my heart and mind?
Eight weeks ago, this girl couldn’t have told you.
Now, TODAY, today is a new and bright day.
And that incline treadmill made me run back to myself. I had to run back and face me. Then I had to punch myself in the face to start an awakening and start the soul searching.
I dig and reflect and pray every single morning now.
I’m excited to say that I’m back, and I’m brighter and more hopeful than ever. Do the hard work. Do the work that hurts. Do the SOUL work.
