Strong

I haven't blogged about my weight-loss odyssey in a while. I'm still plugging along--not really losing weight, thanks to summer eating, but also not gaining.

Today, C. had me work my arms with 10-pound weights. Until now, we've stuck mostly to the 7 1/2-pound weights. But today, we moved up, and I did it! The exercises were harder, but I managed. I commented on this and C. smiled and said, "You're getting stronger!"

As I left, I thought about this, and how right she is. I definitely walk taller these days. I have pretty much spent my whole summer wearing tank tops--unheard of a year ago. I feel a lot more like I could kick butt and take names, and it's awesome.

I started this journey to be healthy and to lose weight. I've found, as I go along, that there are so many other benefits I never really dreamed were possible. As my body grows stronger, so does my self-esteem. It's not about having a hot body--it's about being the strongest, healthiest person I can be.

Ten pounds may not sound like much, but it's a big deal to me--I'm getting stronger, and I can't tell you how good it feels.