My Fitness Journey: What Has Changed

Some things that have changed since I began my fitness journey are obvious:

• I look slimmer and the body parts are all firming up.
• I feel better: healthier.  Less heartburn, headaches and other general discomfort.
• My skin has been super clear.
• My body is getting stronger.
• I can work out longer/harder.

Other things that have changed that I didn't think would.  I am pleasantly surprised that these have changed:

• My mindset.  Changing the way I think has made all the difference.  I feel I can achieve, and I have achieved.  With every little bit of progress, it makes me want to stay with the plan even more.
• Positive body image.  I knew I was never going to be a size-2 but now I am okay with not being a size-2.  Not all my body parts are where society believes they should be, but I am okay with it.  I am okay with being "plus-sized," and having "rolls" and "stretch marks."  For the first time in a long time, I actually like what I see in the mirror!  That is a huge deal, especially I always felt like the ugly fat friend.
• Confidence.  I never really felt confident--but now that I've been strengthening my core, I can feel my posture getting better.  I look physically more confident has led me to believe that I am more confident on the inside.  I stand tall, my shoulders straight and walk proudly.  I think having confidence is more than half the battle.  If you carry yourself well, people won't say, "You'd be so much better if you lost weight."
• My priorities.  Originally I really wanted to lose weight so I'd look better.  While it has improved how I look, I am more concerned about how healthy and strong my body is.  How fast and long I can run, how heavy I can lift and so forth.