Transformation Tuesday

Facebook Time Hop is a funny thing. It always seems to remind me of past periods or events in my life that are somehow in sync with where I'm at presently both mentally and emotionally in my life. Which is how I came across the pic on the left from three years ago.

Also within that same span of time, a relationship ended that was for the best, but was the most loving, supportive dating relationship I've experienced. We weren't right for each other and our split was amicable.

Each time a relationship ends, most of us go through some sort of redevelopment, rediscovery period. Mine was to take a long look in the mirror and instead of looking at the inside, which is what I really should have been examining, I focused on the exterior. But hey, I made some pretty great changes, so I'll be thankful for my past superficial focus. ;)

The main thing I changed up was diet. The old adage that it's 80% diet and 20% exercise rings true from my personal experience. Eating smaller portions, several times a day, focusing on lean protein and high quality grains along with green vegetables; these became the daily staples of my diet.

I'll be honest. I've never worked out for myself, for my health and overall wellness. That was never the driver behind my health focused lifestyle. I was driven by one main factor outside of me: attention from men. When I didn't have it, I found it challenging to develop the motivation to workout and eat well.

Continuing with honesty, I still have tough days where I want to gorge on cake and cookies (sugar is my addiction fo' reals) and not workout, but I know I feel better even if I just do a few minutes of yoga and stretching. It's a part of taking care of, nurturing me as a whole person. I allow that to drive me, be my motivation. When I want to eat junk, I remind myself of the long term effects - feeling lethargic as those sugary, refined carbs hit my stomach, not feeling at my best in my work and that it's working against my end goal of being the best me, for me.

As I begin my inner redevelopment I will struggle to maintain focus as well. So far I've found this proving to be more challenging than anything I've worked through on the physical front, but Facebook allowing me to see the physical change helps me understand that I am capable of the emotional growth as well.

Although that relationship that ended three years ago wasn't the right fit for the two of us, I'm thrilled he's right for his girlfriend of 2 years and we remain good friends. When I shared this before and after picture collage with him, he replied "I love that look!" When I responded that I am so much happier with the way I look and feel now he said "I'm glad you're happy with your self image. I really did like that weight and build. Mmmmmm." I thanked him again, but responded that I prefer supermodel build Blair to the prior.

And what I realized in that moment is that I've taken an important step forward in my current journey because what I think and how I feel and see myself is more important than what anyone else thinks of me... and that makes me feel truly accomplished. What began as a superficial, physical reflection has become an emotional and inner evolutionary accomplishment. Kudos to me! I'm feeling good on this Transformation Tuesday! :)

With Love, B :)