Choose Optimism

I took a photo of myself for Snapchat before going to the gym on Monday and I instantly recognized the changes that my intentions have made already. I wanted to post in on Instagram as well but didn’t get to it and forgot about it until I was awake at 3:00 am this morning. I posted it with the intention of creating a motivated, energetic feeling but what poured out of me was so much better and I wanted to share it with my readers here and expand on those realizations and ideas even further.

I used to hate almost any form of exercise and while finding something that you enjoy is paramount, your mindset in anything is the most important aspect of achieving everything. This is a lesson I've been learning for a while and I am certain that I get it now!

In the weight loss program that I mentioned previously, I have found positivity goes a long way in not only having a successful round and losing the most pounds, but actually enjoying it! The rounds that I have done where there are fewer to no distractions or stressors, I have had the most success and subsequently was able to make a conscious decision to actually enjoy it.

The same goes for the gym! First I set an intention regarding working on my health, as well as one regarding not letting fear dictate my life path. Then I opened my mind to trying something new and I discovered something I like! These intentions came together and brought me to where I am; a person who looks forward to her workout, who is focused on getting strong and healthy, who has goals and support, and who doesn’t say “no” out of fear.

I felt a shift after setting my intentions on New Year’s Eve. I still feel the changes happening within me. With every conscious decision I make to learn more, to try new things, to explore the world around me, to be positive, be kind, and BE LOVE, it gets easier. Positivity and optimism become second nature. I can't say why it often isn't for most of us, but I want to spread it to anyone reading this. It is a conscious decision. It does get easier. Allow yourself to be optimistic. The rest will follow.

As a result, I have been told countless times over the past few weeks that I seem different. "Happy. Glowing. Bubbly." are words I often heard myself described as when I was younger, but then not for a long time, until now. And you know what's even better? I believe them! I FEEL beautiful and whole. Not just on the surface but from the inside. And from that place, my creativity is returning. I am writing and it just flows from me. I am capturing the world as I see it in photographs again. I am drawing. I long to create and inspire.

This is the real me: Happy. Glowing. Bubbly. Positive. Real. Optimistic. Excited. Pumped. Strong. Kind. Raw. Beautiful.

I am so happy to be back and I am excited to see where this path leads.