The Stark Reality

Before I start, let me start by apologizing for any visuals this blog creates.

I stayed in a hotel four days this week. You all know what hotel bathrooms are like. You throw back the shower curtain and there you are, in all your "glory", in the mirror opposite the tub. One day, instead of hurriedly wrapping the towel around me, I stopped and looked.

I took inventory.

I decided that I wasn't all that bad for a 44 year old. ( and no, I don't enjoy looking at myself "that way").

Let's face it, I'm not rocking any washboard, six-pack abs and the back of my thighs look like a cottage cheese dieters' paradise, but there are some good things.

My legs may never run a marathon. But they're going to walk a 5K in two weeks for charity and they can run as far as friend in need when necessary. My arms still have a little flab between the shoulders and elbows but they are strong enough to give good hugs and hold on to those I love. My shoulders slope some but they have borne the weight of the world on more than one occasion and held the tears of friends' eyes. My back is a little crooked but it is strong and straight enough to stand up for what I believe is right.

So, I may never weigh 120 pounds again but that's OK. I'm at a healthy weight and a lot closer to 120 than I used to be. I've dropped a lot of weight and given my heart a chance. I'm making healthier choices more often than not and giving my body a chance to be it's best.

I'm taking care of me. So what if I'm a little soft around the middle? I am loved. Just the way I am

And that's alright with me.

That's not to say I'm giving up on trying to be even better, but that's all gravy at this point.

No, I'm not perfect. But I'm not bad either.

And neither are you. Wherever you are in your journey.