choosing you

Had a very busy, but great holiday weekend...i managed to squeeze in time for my much needed Couch to 5K sessions on both Saturday and Monday morning. I even did some upper bodywork too...all a result of my lessons learned from last weekend, -- it felt good to push myself to not skimp on my me time despite a jampacked calendar.

I did have a very interesting realization in the midst of the 3 day break however. I have found that when friends/collegues realize you are not eating what everyone else seems to eat (i.e. toast or pancakes for breakfast) it is deemed "you are on diet". I have had this happen more than once since making this lifestyle change. The assumption is that if you are opting for fresh fruit on the side of your scrambled eggs and not bacon, you must be on a diet. When in fact...I am not on a diet at all. I simply have CHANGED my diet. Altered it to insure my body is running at optimal speed, that its condition is not hindered by unnecessary carbs, sugars, etc. I still had a very yummy breakfast, I did not feel like I was missing out or withholding options from myself. I found it all so interesting. I also find it interesting that because I'm petite people are nearly outraged that I'm working to transform my body...what they don't understand is, this is not really about the esthetics here, its about what's happening on the inside. Since changing my lifestyle (and I keep using that word because its the only way I can really sum it up easily) - I have more energy, I feel more confident, I am physically and mentally stronger, I am MORE compassionate and empathetic toward others who struggle with finding their way through the barage of diets and pills and surgeries that promise magical results. And in the midst of all this...I have discovered that my own career path may very well change at the ripe ole' age of 42. The connection between the psychological well being and physical well being is something I had never been aware of (or entirely believed in!) before now.

So its not about choosing the fruit cup over the bacon. Its about choosing yourself and doing what you feel is best for your optimal you. Does this mean I'll never eat bacon again? Heck no! But instead I opt for turkey bacon, a slightly healthier option from what I've read.

Its all about choice...and I choose me. The me I've always wanted to be.