I've never been one to appreciate my own photo. I love to take pictures, but of me, not so much.
Things are changing [a bit]. I still don't enjoy seeing myself, but I am very much finding an appreciation for the inspiration found in seeing my hard work and dedication become a reality.
I belong to a large group on Instagram who INSPIRES, ENCOURAGES & SHARES healthy attitudes, menu ideas, work outs, quotes, silliness and accountability/accountability photos. Okay yes, some people are just self absorbed with their selfies and at first I thought REALLY!?!?! But then I had an attitude adjustment, GOOD FOR THEM! Shouldn't we all feel good about ourselves? Shouldn't there be a sense of self pride and accomplishment when you've worked so very hard to obtain a goal, why feel like we must hide it in a private folder some where. I am finding through these brave individuals I am being encouraged! I am finding that we are all in the same boat rowing towards the same goal and if we can't encourage and support and wave a flag (or take a selfie) of victory well... that's just not fun for starters! There is something to be said for sharing "WELL DONE" with someone who is winning the race. There is power in the words "YOU GOT THIS" when someone is sliding up the hill. To INSPIRE, To ENCOURAGE and To SHARE... there is power in this!
I have been on a mission to have a better love of self. After hearing my daughter talk about being "fat" OMGOSH she is a ten year old athlete and bean pole ;) I made a mindful choice to LOVE ME and to show my daughter how much I love me! It has been perceived as "selfish" by a few - a few mom's who don't agree with making time for yourself. My thoughts "haters gonna hate" and I don't need explain anything to them. After all it isn't between me and them - it is between well first Me & God.
I'll begin there. I am blessed to have a healthy body and I am grateful for a family who allows me to nurture and take care of that body by allowing me the time needed to run or work out. I'd like to share, I place my family first and squeeze my work outs in ~ it is with their support (and their doing their own thing) when I am able to find "me" time to run or exercise. My family understands when I go for a fun, I'm spending time... I'm dating Jesus. This is my time to be still and yet be moving. I leave my headphones at home, grab the dog and we hit the wheat fields. Thank you Jesus for putting us in the middle of Eastern Oregon where the views are never endingly breathtaking and the air fresh and clean! Typically I run before the family is awake, on my lunch hours or while my daughter is at practice. So call me selfish, for an hour or two a day, I choose to be a gal seeded in Jesus taking care of my body, doing something healthy AND I date Jesus and upon my return, it is with a happy heart I rush right back to being a wife and mother. There is much truth to the saying "Happy Wife, Happy Life" and "If momma ain't happy, ain't no body happy" These aren't wives tales, when we are happy with who we are as wives, mothers, women... we are happy with life. "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches over everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her. There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all" Proverbs 31:25-29
Now. about my daughter and what I am working on to INSPIRE HER. I share with her my milestones. When I first began running again, I wasn't going far and I wasn't going fast. As I have run further or faster I share with her how proud I am of me. I talk about being stronger and healthier and feeling good about myself. I asked her to take photos of me being "strong". When I began my accountability photo, it was with her in mind. I don't want to see myself get skinny, I want to see myself get stronger and I emphasis this with her. I share with her I want to be healthy and strong. I don't say I want to be beautiful and skinny.