Glimpsing My Journey Through Another's Eyes

Recently, I was talking with a friend and the conversation turned to exercising.  My friend asked if I used headphones when I worked out.  Lately, I've been wearing them less, mostly because they're just one more thing to keep track of when I pack my gym bag.  I mentioned that the downside to not wearing headphones was that people were more apt to start a conversation during my workout, interrupting the rhythm.

I usually keep working as we're talking, but I told my friend that I'd be thinking, "We need to wrap this up.  Can't you see that I'm still fat!?!" My friend was surprised at that statement.  She told me that not only wasn't I fat, but I'd kept the off the weight that I'd initially lost, which she felt was the hardest part of the process.

Her comments got me to thinking later.  I'd been down on myself because this stubborn belly fat is still an issue for me.  I sometimes focus on the problem areas, rather than looking at the whole picture.  So, I mentally listed all of the positives that I could think of.  It was a pretty long list.  Here are few of them:

My friend was right, I've kept the weight off for nearly two years.

I'm stronger than I've been in years.

Ditto for stamina and endurance.

Every week brings more muscle tone.

While I'll never be confused with a "clean" eater, I plan my meals much better than I have before.

I exercise at least three days per week.

Just this weekend, my grandsons and I were running around the yard and playing in the trees!

My swimming instructor has decided that I'm part fish (lol).

So, the current "pity party" is over and I have enough ammunition to keep the next one at bay for a long time!

Reps and steps