Hi
I haven't written in quite a while.
There's a reason...
It's not a good one.
But it's a reason.
You see...this is the thing. Every time I go to start to write something, I read it back and I'm like: this is stupid. No one will want to read this. Delete. Move on. But tonight-it needs to be out there, so here goes.
I mostly keep everyone up to date on my facebook, but I haven't been posting on there as much with the personal stuff (although I'm full of crazy cat pictures and george takei shares)....because this journey that I'm on? I love sharing it with you. I do. But, it's gotten really personal. I hit a certain amount of weight lost and I kind of lost my mind for a bit. To look at me you wouldn't have been able to tell. I was still working at it. Running (good lord, the running!), exercising in general...running races..but, inwardly I was struggling. Am struggling. And I finally decided to do something about it. I needed to talk to someone. Someone who isn't related to me. Someone who has an opinion about things, but isn't my friend. Someone with a degree and is able to talk about these things. So, this week marks my fifth session with a psychologist. She's great and we are making a lot of progress (I think). She's helped me talk through some things that happened in my past, some things that happened in the not too distant past, and ways to equip myself for the future and dealing with 'stuff'. Because the way I used to deal with stuff? It wasn't there for me anymore..well, it was-but I had to walk away. Food has always represented comfort and safety for me-but I've had to learn to look at it as what it really is-fuel. And while I'm making those adjustments I had to make sure that I wasn't taking one addiction and just substituting it with another: exercise. The running thing I started because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it..and guess what? I can. Since I last posted here..? I've run a 10 miler, several 5k's and a mud run...and, the biggie: a half marathon. I never thought I would ever say that in a million years. Along the way I've had some amazing supporters and I couldn't have done it without you. Your kind words, encouragements and prayers have helped me battle the inner demons that tell me I can't do it. That I'm not good enough..no one will want to love me...that I must look foolish running...etc. You name the self negative talk..and I've had it. I think that I have come a long way, especially in the last 6-8 months. I had to make some tough decisions about who I want to be, and how I want people to perceive me. And maybe to not care what they think. The only thing that matters is how I view myself and how God views me. And He loves me. He's proven it to me in oh so many ways over and over. I don't want to get all preachy on you all here-but do you know Him? Have you talked with Him? He's waiting for you. I hope that you listen to His call.
That's all for my rambling right now. I had to take a week break from running to nurse an 'ouchie' knee and today was my first tentative run back after it. And it. was. amazing. I loved it. Wow. So, I have a few races that are "maybes" coming up but two that I'm running for sure. The Annapolis 10 miler on August 24th, and the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon in VB on September 1st. I welcome anyone to come and cheer me along the way. I will usually just post my run on my Nike app after I've finished a run, but can you do me a solid? If I post on Facebook that I'm currently on a run through Nike--it's because I need those cheers! Every time someone likes the activity or comments on it the app literally plays the noise of a crowd cheering and noise makers. It's awesome. So, thanks in advance for that. I love you. I'm here for you. Message me if you have any questions about anything I've said in this blog post. Or if you need a hug. Hugging is my favorite.
-g'nite
3 comments:
Congrats! Congratulations on digging in deep...looking in the mirror ...and deciding you deserve...I'm so proud to see how amazing you look, how healthy you have become...but mostly that you are working on loving yourself in the most important way....I am a big fan of therapy...everyone can use it...its such an important toolbox to pull from...you are strong...amazing...and beautiful!
Shawna, thank you for sharing your story and for your transparency. I am not a person of moderation and have some similar struggles. I have learned that there is more to being healthy than just stopping whatever it is I am overindulging in. I don't think I will ever be a one cookie kind of girl, lol!
I some times struggle with self-esteem and guilt over some things that I have done in the past, but I try not to look back if I can help it. I am super proud of you! Glad that you are open to sharing your progress and struggles.
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