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Hey there, fellow warriors of age and wisdom! Today, let's dive into a topic that many of us can relate to - the relentless saga of battling body image perceptions and reclaiming the true essence of health. Yes, I'm talking about the rollercoaster journey of seeing our bodies as blobs of fat or powerful machines that carry us through the adventure of life.
So, picture this: at 62 years old, dealing with the pressures of societal norms, I found myself in a whirlwind of emotions surrounding my body. It took me years to break free from the notion that my worth is tied to the number staring back at me on the scale. I spent many of my early adult years battling my weight in all the wrong ways.
Today, I might be a little "fluffier" than I'd prefer, but let me tell you, I am strong, so strong, and capable. And that strength, my friends, is what truly matters.
Cue the flashback to three years ago when I embarked on a life-altering journey - training for and completing my first Full Ironman. For those unfamiliar, an Ironman is not for the faint of heart; it's a grueling triathlon encompassing a 2.4-mile swim, a 116-mile bike ride, and a full marathon, 26.2 miles on foot- all conquered in a single day. The dedication and sweat poured into that training led me to cross the finish line as a lean machine, the lowest weight I had seen in my adult years.
But here's the twist - obsession over that number became a constant companion post-race. Fixating on being heavier than that fleeting moment of triumph became a mental hurdle that many of you might resonate with. Weighing each ounce lost or gained, we often forget that the number on the scale is just one piece of the health puzzle, not the entire picture.
Let's set the record straight - a few extra pounds above society's so-called "normal" range does not define our health. It's about the strength we carry, the resilience we've built, and the vitality we possess. Our mission should be to nurture our bodies, strengthen our bones, and champion muscle mass to live the life we envision, not constrained by arbitrary numbers.
Sure, a doctor's office visit can sometimes feel like a weight audit, but true health goes beyond digits. It's about ensuring our bodies are strong enough to embrace spontaneity, conquer challenges, and seize adventures without hesitation. Who wants to miss out on the beauty of life's offerings due to a lack of self-trust in our bodies?
Not me, and certainly not you!
As we age, our focus should shift from the scale to our body's functionality. Cultivating a strong body today that means ensuring a future filled with limitless possibilities. Embrace the journey of strengthening your body, nurturing it for the long run, because after all, it's the only vehicle you take with you your entire life.
I will take this "fluffy" body to the start of another Ironman knowing I am stronger today than I was that day, and I will get stronger.
Remember, we are more than just numbers - we are resilient, powerful, and beautifully imperfect beings on a mission to live life to the fullest.
Here's to being fluffier but stronger, embracing health beyond appearances, and rewriting the story of what it truly means to thrive at every stage of our lives.
Join me on this empowering journey of self-love, resilience, and unwavering strength!
Cheers to a life lived unapologetically strong!
Deb
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