Now that Christmas and Chanukah are behind us, many of us are starting to focus on the new year just a few short days away. This is a time of year when we all vow to purge unhealthy habits and replace them with healthier ones. There is something about having the opportunity to have a fresh start--to leave the past behind us and move onto the future. Four years ago today, I joined SparkPeople as a member, just like you. During the past 48 months I have literally transformed my life, not just for my health's sake, but in developing the confidence to go out on a limb and take risks--risks that once paralyzed me. For many, many years I allowed my weight to define me as a person. I believed that others judged me by my size and while that may not have been the case, I believed it. In other words, I put up walls around me that kept me from reaching out. I did not have the confidence to embrace the joys of life. So what led to this epiphany of confidence building? I must say when I started chatting with others on the message boards there was an instant connection. Others understood where I was coming from. They could relate to my trials, obstacles, frustrations and even my triumphs. I have made so many great friends and the list continues to grow with each passing week. What I have discovered is there "ain't no mountain high enough" for others to help us overcome the challenges that are inevitable in this life's journey. I know for me, seeing the mountain I would have to climb in order to reach the top was terrifying. My goal to achieve the summit seemed insurmountable. I quickly learned to appreciate the summit for what it was, while putting all the focus on the small steps that were in front of me. I had to take the concentration off the big picture and look at each accomplished baby step for what it was--a step that took me closer to the summit. I am proud to say I reached the top of that one mountain, only to forge ahead to other mountains. Having goals is my motivation to stay the course and while it only took me 44 years to discover the key to healthy living success, as the old saying goes, "better late than never." How has being a SparkMember transformed your life? Are you accomplishing goals you never envisioned yourself meeting before joining SparkPeople? What are your proudest accomplishments since joining SparkPeople? |
More From SparkPeople
|
.png)
