Part XII: The Finale

Throughout the past twelve weeks I have shared stories of my past struggles, experiences, and triumphs while on my journey to a healthier lifestyle.  My main goals at the beginning of my journey were to feel comfortable in my own skin and create a healthy balance between work, school, and exercise. Looking back at my experience I have accomplished those goals, as well as many others along the way. With this final post I hope to enlighten you to begin your own journey with any aspect of life, health related or not.
 

“If you think you can. You can”. This quote came directly from a fortune cookie I received from a restaurant years ago. This statement has had such an impact on my outlook on life that I keep it in my wallet just in case I need a pinch of motivation. In a previous post I mentioned that these were the words I started my journey off with. It is fascinating to think that these simple seven words can be so encouraging, positive, and have such a motivational impact on someone, like it did on me.


 Food used to be a comfort in my life because I could channel all my emotions and negativity into eating more while creating a false sense of happiness. I have found a happy medium to eating a healthy, properly portioned meal. By working out I have the opportunity to eat the foods I want to, while providing a healthier lifestyle for myself.
 

Before I started this journey I would have never been able to run one mile straight or complete a workout DVD. I have seen my progress and am thrilled that I have come so far. I have a passion for running now that I would have never guessed would have occurred. I’ve completed an uncountable amount of 5K races, one half-marathon, and plan to race in a full marathon later this year. I have also embarked on a fifty-mile bicycle ride, worn out four pairs of running shoes, listened to a plethora of music, and drank enough water to fill up Lake Michigan a couple times over. I am proud of my accomplishments and I am hopeful that my future goals will keep me motivated to continue a healthy lifestyle.
 

This journey was not an easy one to grasp or accomplish but with time anything is possible. Always keep your goals in place and think of yourself as a pioneer, even if that is just a pioneer of your own health. Never give up on what you want just because something got in the way or someone told you that you couldn’t accomplish it. That should just be more reason to prove them wrong.
 

My journey will continue on; isn’t it about time that you start yours?
Journey on, my friend.