Stairs of Change...

Photo Credit: Manganite

"Sunlight creeps in between the curtains

Lose the sheets there’s no time for sleep

I lie, I pretend ‘til I’m almost certain

It’s a beautiful world"

~Carolina Liar

I work at the top of an old building and I take the stairs up to that fourth floor everyday. I could take the elevator, but I choose to take the stairs for the health benefits. These stairs are steep, by the last flight I am always winded. Students walk into my office out of breath everyday...athletes, dancers, and academics alike. They are not the easiest stairs to take and that is why I push myself to do it.

Over the weekend I got to the point that I love when I start taking care of myself. It happens about two weeks in after I have started eating better and exercising. I start to feel strong and healthy. My body is beginning to work for itself as apposed to against. I know that this wouldn't be possible yet, but I feel like I could go successfully run a marathon, lift 500 pounds and swim laps with ease. I think it's just my body's way of saying "thank you...finally, you got a clue. Now let me show you what I can do." I have more motivation and excitement about even everyday things. I am sleeping better and I love it! Once I reach that first two week mark I know that I am on my way to forming the new changes into solid habits. I know this sounds like I am making this change often, in truth it has been since before I got pregnant with Elijah that I was making any kind of effort to take care of myself.

My two pregnancies threw me off balance. My whole body changed, any woman that has been pregnant can attest to that, and I have had trouble regaining my balance. I decided I didn't want to always feel tired and run down. I was done with looking in the mirror and not being happy with what I was seeing.

I have a sense of renewal and energy that motivates me to keep it up. Plus, it's great fun to be able to run around the house with my 2 year old and not feel exhausted. So here's your challenge, join me...start taking better care of yourself and let's see what wonderful things may come of it!