I Showed Up

Today I did not feel like exercising.  I just didn't.  My monthly discomforts are in full force and even though I was dressed to exercise I didn't feel like going.

But I did.

And as I sat up the things we would need for todays cycle circuit workout I thought to myself, "I showed up."  

Just like five years ago this week I showed up.  

I was overweight, having pain in my knees and desperate to change something in my life to be in better health.  I felt like a failure at the very thought of trying to lose weight again for the umpteenth time.  

But I showed up.

I made a commitment to try.

I started this blog to track my journey.

I faced the discomfort and went for it. 

And just like today's workout class, I've found myself on the other side of the attempt a successful girl.  

What started out as discomfort began to turn into something familiar and when things got tough I just took one more step in the right direction.  A few times I even pushed myself harder than normal and as I was putting away my workout equipment I felt strong.  I was reminded of where I started and how far I have come.  

May 15, 2009 I wrote that this was going to be the last time I lost weight. 

And it was.  All because I simply showed up.  

*deep grateful sigh*

Note:  There is this little voice saying, "But you're still trying to lose some weight you gained back..." and you know what?  I know.  Because that is what maintenance is all about.  There's a little losing and a little gaining, but having kept off as much as weight as I have and being as active as I've become is success in my book.  So there, little-voice-who-wants-to-keep-me-down.  *wink*grin*