"I Really Regret That Run" -Said no one Ever

In July, I looked at my event calendar for the next couple of months and saw everything from bachelorette parties, to one-year-old birthday parties and weddings. I had a feeling I was in trouble, but surprisingly, knowing my past when it comes to murdering cupcakes after they taunt me with their deliciousness, I managed to lose 15 pounds through it all!

Honestly, I really shouldn't be surprised. I knew from the beginning that I was strong enough to do this, which is why I even attempted it in the first place. But, one of the best parts of finding yourself is when you finally find the courage to believe all of the things you already knew. I knew I was, and that I still am, a strong person. I just always ended up letting my brain talk myself out of being strong by saying I really wasn't. It was an excuse so I would never have to try and an excuse to keep myself inside of my comfort zone.

It's amazing how our minds can stop us from becoming extraordinary, and by now, I'm sure all of you have heard the myth that humans only use 10-percent of their brain. Well, myth or no myth, it just can't be true. I truly believe we use 100-percent of our brains. However, my belief is that 10-percent of our brains works for us, and the other 90-percent works against us.

Aside from the annoying 90-percent, no part of this journey has been as difficult as I had anticipated. Just because you don't want to do it doesn't make it difficult. It's not hard to move your body, and it's not hard to stop stuffing french fries in your mouth. The only hard part is convincing your brain that exercising and eating healthy will actually improve your life, and that sitting on the couch won't. Trust me, even though I've lost nearly 70 pounds, there are still many, many days when I don't want to lace up my tennis shoes, strap on my heart rate monitor, and head out the door. Believe it or not, the nights when I want to run the least are usually when I run my best, and I never, ever regret it.

Although I still get discouraged at times and forget to notice that there actually is a light at the end of the tunnel, I continue to amaze myself everyday. Not because I have lost the weight, but because I have finally learned to feel proud of myself and not forget that this is absolutely something I can conquer.

Throughout your journey, what has been the one thing you are most proud of?