To all the ladies putting in the hard work…

I just want to applaud all the women here putting in the hard work, not taking any shortcuts, and striving their best to live healthy, balanced lifestyles. Our bodies are ultimately reflections of our health and the lives we live. When we become committed to honoring our physical health then our bodies (and minds) change to reflect that. Our health is an ongoing journey, not a mountain to be climbed or conquered, not a goal to be achieved. For so long, my insecurities trapped me, all I wanted was to look skinny. My actual physical health wasn’t a priority to me, all I was focused on was weighing a specific number on the scale. This past year something magical happened. I started believing in myself again and it completely shifted my attitude towards my overall health. I started focusing on getting stronger without worrying about what the scale said and I started to nourish and fuel my body. It has not only done wonders for me physically but mentally, as well. I guess I decided to post because I think this may resonate with a lot of women who feel pressure to look a certain way, as I did. I think it is important to remember, at the end of the day, it is your overall health that is most important. To all the women out there doing their best to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle I am inspired and motivated by you. Although I still struggle with my insecurities, I have the courage to look them in the eye and know I am committed to living a lifestyle focused on wellness and not someone else’s expectations of me. I hope others can find freedom in this realization, too, and are able to resonate with this message.