"Y" I'm Thankful Statement

Three BIG reasons: I don’t want to sit on the sidelines of my kid’s lives, I don’t want to believe the lie that I was only an athlete when I was younger, and I want to fight the mental battlefield of body image issues with healthy habits. 

Experiences are my jam. Bring on the rock climbing, long bike rides, backyard soccer, kayaking with the dolphins, epic rollercoaster rides... I’m here for it all! I’m 100% an amateur at all these things, but I still want to show up, be present and experience the joy with my kids. We both become braver and more courageous in the process. A healthy and strong body gives me that chance. 

Comparison is the thief of joy. Of course, I remember my mile time in high school and the size jeans I wore my freshman year of college. I remember the thrill of the district championship basketball game and sorority flag football bowl (yes, this is laughable!), but that doesn’t mean I can’t set new personal records in my 40s. It’s even more important now; I have 3 little humans watching and a husband I still want to impress. Sitting on the sidelines is not my style. The past was awesome, but I’m here for what the future holds.  

My daily mental load is nonsense. The last thing I need to add to that load is a bunch of unkind thoughts about myself. I am my own worst critic, and some of the things that I say to myself are so hurtful. BUT put me in the gym with a tough workout, good friends, a little competition, and some encouragement along the way, and I walk out a different person.  

My thoughts are kinder, my perspective has shifted, and my load is a little lighter. No one will ever see that weight that is lifted, but it may be the most important one I lift. I only have this one life and this one body. I want to make the best of it.