Better, Stronger - The New Year Edit

The beginning of another new year, and its got me thinking as it does with many of us about things in my life that I have achieved, want to achieve or want to change. I have never really been one for resolutions - I have the attention span of a gnat. Over recent years I have learnt alot about myself and the way my mind works and realised that putting myself under pressure is likely to have the opposite effect on my commitment levels. I am more aware that my moods, surroundings and health issues have a huge effect on my motivation levels and expecting that I will stick to a strict or harsh routine is setting myself up for failure from the off.

Things I have wanted to achieve over the years vary greatly, some I have managed. Others I have dipped a toe in and ran to the familiar safety of comforting habits. They cant all be winners, I am a hobby enthusiast - in that I have many and excel at none. They ebb and flow much like anything else in my life. " A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away" is a great quote by Phyllis McGinley and I think just about sums up my attitude.

When I initially considered the possibilities of losing weight and doing some sort of physical activity to do so, I looked at it as though I would a hobby, it held all of my attention until it didnt.

A number of years ago I set out to lose weight, and I'm going to be completely honest here and say that was all I was doing it for, I had become unhappy with how I looked and wanted to change that. Over the past 3 years my weight has, as most peoples does, fluctuated.

What I didn't expect was to fall in love with feeling strong, somewhere along the way my goal to "be thinner" changed to be healthier, enjoy exercising more, push my own limits. I had never been particularly strong, I am a tiny short human at barely 5ft, and have always been, il put it politely here: stocky . Following a traumatic but I imagine relatable introduction to exercise in primary and high school I resolutely made up my mind that nope exercise was not for me.

Reader, I was wrong. Because exercise is part of our daily life, you are doing it even when you dont realise you are doing it. And there is something out there for everyone. I am never going to be the person you see smashing 10k runs in the rain, but I can lift some serious weight and enjoy it. I can make achievements and gains which give me a huge sense of accomplishment and pride.

I am bolder for learning and embracing what I enjoy, trying new things that sit far outside of my comfort zone. Much of this I have to thank my wonderful personal trainer for, and the supportive people around me who have encouraged and motivated me. They have guided me in understanding that I can enjoy the process, focusing on the journey not the finish line. Creating a habit, not a hobby.