Not only is there a difference in these two body shapes and smiles, but there’s a difference in these two mindsets. The woman on the left rarely exercised. The woman on the right, however, exercises nearly every day. Even if it’s just a walk, do it. Even if the journey seems too long or difficult, do it. Even if you feel every eye looking at you and judging you, do it. 

•

The picture on the left is from my trip to India in November of 2009. My journey to changing my lifestyle began the next month when I stepped on the scale for the first time in a year. I was shocked by the number that flashed before me! “How did I get here?” I thought. 

Instead of falling further into a pit of despair, I decided to do something about it. My first step was becoming more aware of what I was putting in my mouth. The second step was beginning to regularly move my body. No, I did not start with running. I first started with walking. It was another year and a half before running entered the picture. Read more about how I went from a couch potato to a marathoner HERE. 

Fast forward to today and exercise is now a regular part of my routine. Ideally, I run 5-6 days a weeks and incorporate strength training 2-3 times a week. Why do I say “ideally”? Because if I’m being honest, some weeks are better than others. Sometimes I lose focus and have to remind myself that there’s no end goal. Rather, this journey to better health is an everyday series of choices. A choice of what foods and drinks to put into my body and a choice of how I’m going to exercise. 

Friends, the journey may not always be easy, but it is SO worth it! Find a friend or family member to support you in your journey. Read and/or listen to books such as Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst to keep you on the right path. And even if you aren’t in the mood to exercise, go for a 20 minute walk. You’ve got this! I believe in you. 

Your sister journeying in this with you,