A Decade in the Making…….

Ten years.
That’s the length of time between these two photos.
I look at these two pictures, and I really don’t see much of a difference on the outside. I KNOW how much of a difference there is on the inside of these two people – and it wasn’t a quick change either.

Ten years brought with them a lot of changes, and this body carried me through all of them.

Moving and new homes.
A broken heart.
Vacations.
Girls nights.
Weight loss.
Weight gain.
Depressed times.
Happy times.
Friends made.
Friends lost.
New experiences.
Family gatherings.
Storms.
Calm.
More dark times.
Dreams realized.
Dreams lost.
New beginnings……
…and happy endings.

This body has carried me through all of that – and then some. Over the past three years I’ve made a very conscious effort to improve my health. I’ve come to realize, though, that the only way to see permanent results is by making permanent changes. It hasn’t always been easy, and I’m not saying that I don’t have cheat days. I have a lot of them. I still eat chips and guacamole more often than I should, and I still drink wine. A LOT of wine.

Nothing about this journey has been quick, but it’s been worth every step. I’ve changed my way of life and what I consume – and I’m not just talking about food. I make a conscious effort to read and/or listen to positive content everyday. I keep a gratitude journal that I use every morning to start my day off with a grateful mindset. I’ve become a certified yoga instructor, and I plan on beginning to teach this fall. Nothing that I do for myself would I consider to be part of a ‘diet’ or ‘program.’ I try to make permanent changes, and – while they may take longer to see the results of than ‘quick fixes’ – I know these changes are leading to permanent changes in the quality of my life.

If you are reading this and find yourself somewhere you don’t want to be in regards to your health, happiness, or any other avenue in your life – make the conscious decision to make a change today.

Make ONE change today.
Take ONE step forward.
Do ONE thing differently than you did yesterday.

Then tomorrow – do one MORE thing…….

Slowly you will find yourself changing your life and your world. It took me ten years, but I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

Can’t wait to see where the next ten years take me…..and where they take you, too.