Hey, everyone! I'm super excited about a new series I'm going to be doing, but before I get into it, I wanted to talk a little bit about what's been on my mind and what led me here: body positivity. I promise I won't ramble on for too long, as this is something we've all read about, heard about, and had conversations about.
As I'm getting older (yes, I realize I'm still very young at 24), I'm starting to notice changes in my body. It's nothing major, nothing my friends or family would probably notice, but I see it. After all, we are our own worst critics.
Body positivity has long been a topic of concern — and rightfully so.
The bottom line: We are all born different.
Just as we all have different personalities, different strengths, different weaknesses, we're also physically built differently. We embrace most of our differences, but for some reason have a harder time with our physical appearance.
For me, it's not about obtaining a certain dress size. It's simply about feeling healthy and strong. And over the past year or so, I've had a lot of highs and lows.
Growing up, my parents threw me in about every sport that was offered in the little town I grew up in. I ran track from 2nd grade until I was a senior in high school — where I was a four-sport athlete.
I had always been in shape — and it was easy for me. But even when I was in high school, I was body conscious. Yes, I was an athlete, but I wasn't the super skinny girl. I would have never considered myself "lean" in high school, either. I have muscular legs and especially muscular calves — which was the thing I was most self-conscious about. It's funny thinking back on it now, and I only say that because now I have other things I'm insecure about.
Next up was college. When I went to college, I discovered what happens when you keep the mentality that "I've always ate this way, so I should be fine," even though I wasn't working out nearly as hard, as often, or as consistently as I did in high school. Plus, you're introduced to alcohol in college, which can really do a number on you if you're not careful.
I've actually opened a little about my weight struggle in college in an older post, which you can read here.
But really ... the past is the past. All excuses aside, I've decided to make a change. My body isn't the same vessel it was when I was 17 years old. And I'm asking for your help.
I really want to better myself and truly feel healthy. I started TODAY June 4, 2018. I'm going to work out everyday for the next three weeks. I'm opening up about this to you guys because it's the only way I'll stay accountable.
If you're interested in what I'll be doing, I'm going to journal every day, right here on my blog (today's journal entry is actually already posted here!). I'll also add bits and pieces of every workout to my Instagram story — check it out if you want to follow along!
Cheers to everyone who's on their own personal body positivity journey!
xoxo
Shelbie Renee
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