Deeper Perspective on the Situation
This was a great week because I feel like I'm really listening to my body consistently. For the first time EVER - I took a nice long hike solo. It was only 3 miles but it was great exercise up this mountain in Elfin Forest. Here is the view from near the top. I was decked out in my hiking gear from hiking sticks to camel pack - I was ready to embrace that mountain. It took 3 hours because I really really took my time and stopped when I needed to. It was nice to just worry about myself, my pace, and my goal of getting near the top - and I made it! In addition to hiking this week I also did weightlifting alone for the first time in a very long time - years. . . which is why I was disappointed when I weighed-in with Ellen and had only lost a pound and 0 inches. Ellen, with her usual grace, reminded me that I'm working toward progress not perfection and that there are other things to consider: time of the month, water retention, ect. She encouraged me to not equate "X" amount of exercise with "X" amount of weight-loss. It doesn't work like that. Instead - my path is of well-being. I exercise because it feels good. I eat well because it feels good and it is what my body needs. I am respecting my body as a partner in this life rather than an enemy. She helped me get back to center again and I'm so thankful for that!
On my way out of the Golden Door, I was inspired to take this cheesy shot of me in the door's reflection. This place has been such a turning point for me that, although it sounds cheesy, Golden Door has been my safe place to reflect on the person that I truly AM, embrace her, and treat her with the same love and thoughtfulness that the Door treated me with. If they will do it for me, why wouldn't I?
