Before and After.

First let me say from childhood to adulthood, I have never been camera shy. I think we should enjoy every aspect of ourselves – the pretty, the sad, the funny, and just plain bad – but sometimes taking an outside look can really hit home. This is a side by side comparison of me doing an almost identical pose with my teammates. (Far left 2008 à Far Right, April 2012)

I can’t even blame the difference on bad angles! What it comes down to is how I have treated my machine, my body. Over the last four years I have not attempted to maintain a healthy weight, I have eaten what I wanted without a care for counting calories, I have used the excuse of being comfortable in my various relationships, and I have changed my personality to that of a “Mama Bear”. For those of you who don’t know, a mama bear is such because she protects her smaller cubs (friends/family) using her size to intimidate, often acting out by presenting herself as loud (funny) and ‘tough’ because of her larger size. I refuse to allow myself to be the Mama Bear anymore! I am ready for that change and every time I need some motivation I will look at these pictures. I encourage all of you to find a before and after picture of yourself anytime you feel like giving up and remember what you can accomplish by looking at the picture you like (the before).

After recovering from my weekend of volleyball I got back to it by attending my sister’s Pilates class yesterday evening - check her out on FB @ Paris Ashley Pilates! We focused on inner thigh and butt strengthening movements alongside major core and flexibility movements. I had a moment where I hesitated to go, but I looked at my before and after pictures and remembered what it is I am trying to accomplish. So far today I have not had a chance to workout but my goal is to take a long jog/walk in the beautiful sun to keep that blood pumping.

Also in staying true to April’s Food For Thought, I drank three liters of water Tuesday, three Wednesday, and I am working on my second liter of the day today! I definitely feel a difference and I’m sure my body is grateful for it.

Keep moving forward and only look back for motivation. :)

-Darbs