Change is possible!
Getting back to living, getting back to me!
I sat down with a friend to chat and see where she is at with some changes in her life and how movement and diet slowly helped her get a different mindset than last year. Meet Sarah. Her occupation requires a lot of moving and carrying heavier loads. Here is what she had to say about her current journey in better health.
*Why did you want to change the way you ate and moved in your life?
What I was doing wasn’t working and it took me a while to understand that in order for me to achieve my ideal body, I was the one who had to physically make those adjustments in my life and not let excuses, fear, doubt and my own ego and ignorance keep me from my goals which was the ideal person I saw in my mind. I was the one holding myself back from a better life. I felt I had no control over my body and I fed those lies about myself.
*What encouraged you to start making more changes?
Seeing the results of small changes, such as movement and food intake, was mind-blowing. Just these two areas made me feel better, mind-body. As I reflect on it, I knew I would feel better and was told by multiple sources that I would feel better by making these small changes but I did not expect what I got. My life improved! To physically feel and see this new version of myself that I never thought it could exist opened my eyes to a whole new universe and motivated to make bigger changes. Now what was fantasy to me become realistic in my new body. Now these new changes helped me see I could achieve so much more!
*What sort of things do you now implement in your day to day life?
Now, I keep track of how much I moved for the day, not just in my job but at home. I try to incorporate more walking, hiking, dancing, and stretching. I am consciously adding movement in my life. Making small goals like getting this many steps, dance this long today. Now I pay attention to what I am eating, how much and how little and how different foods affect my mind and body in different ways, which helps me have a balance view of food. I choose healthy foods versus processed foods. I am trying new things I would’ve not tried before. I choose to consume healthier options as I know it will benefit my future myself. I am still eating what I like, just thinking of how it will nourish my body but appeal to my tastebuds. I am adding strength training as a part of my life and some Pilates. I make sure I have sleep routine or a relaxing routine to help me relax.
*Do you see what you ate and how you move connected with how you felt?
Absolutely!! Mind-wise, I am motivated to achieve more things. My negative thoughts have switched to having humility that I can always learn something. I feel more confident and less anxious and don’t feel shame. I have a more positive outlook on life in general. What I felt last year was not the same. I have learned the struggle, humility and re-learning to get here was completely worth it. Being in a better body has made me a better and happier person in all areas in my life. Body-wise, I have more energy, agility and alertness, stronger. I never knew I could feel so good in my body!! I look forward to learning more and feeling amazing using Pilates to help me get there and to create a regular practice of exercise at home!
Thank you, Sarah J, for sharing your story. You expressed wanting to share your feelings so that others could relate to your experience. We all share similar struggles when it comes to how we eat and how we move; when we voice them it may be a motivating factor for someone else to feel heard but also moved to encourage each other.
