She Strengthens

Transforming My Body and Mind: A Journey of Self-Discovery

As I approach my 30th birthday, I’ve come to realize that I’ve been living in a state of self-deception. Despite being active in my younger years, I’ve let my physical health slide, convincing myself that a busy lifestyle and occasional dance classes were enough. But deep down, I knew I was lying to myself. I felt weak, out of breath, and unhappy with my body.

The Turning Point

It wasn’t until I faced my shortcomings head-on that I decided to make a change. I realized that I’d been avoiding exercise because it felt like a chore, and I was afraid of failure. But I also knew that I had the power to overcome these fears and take control of my physical health. So, I started working out seriously, beginning with Pilates.

Overcoming Fear and Embarrassment

I chose Pilates because of its reputation for building strength and improving posture, both essential for someone who spends most of their day hunched over a computer. I also thought it would be more accessible due to my dance background. To ensure I didn’t give up, I invested in three private sessions to learn the basics and build confidence. It wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it. Those sessions allowed me to ask questions, make mistakes, and feel empowered to continue.

Staying Motivated on the Go

When I embarked on a two-and-a-half-week trip to the West Coast, I could have easily let travel fatigue and intimidation get in the way. But I made a promise to myself to keep up with my workout routine, even in unfamiliar cities and amidst social temptations. And I did. I attended classes in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sonoma, and Seattle, even when it felt daunting.

The Power of Consistency

By the time I returned to New York, I felt proud of myself for pushing through my comfort zone. That momentum has continued to propel me forward, even on days when I feel tired or tempted to skip a session. The cost of my workout routine is significant – around $240 a month – but it’s a price I’m willing to pay for the energy, happiness, and sense of control it brings me.

Ruthless Honesty and Self-Care

The key to making lasting changes is being brutally honest with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses, and excuses. It’s easy to pretend we’re someone we’re not, even to ourselves. But confronting our laziness and inconsistencies is the first step towards overcoming them. Pushing ourselves to do things we thought were impossible is a form of self-care, as is holding ourselves accountable for our goals and desires.

Becoming the Person I Want to Be

I’ve come to realize that self-care is not just about indulging in comfort, but also about making an effort to become the best version of ourselves. It’s about deciding we deserve to feel strong, capable, and proud of our bodies. And it’s up to us to take the steps necessary to make that happen. It may be painful at first, but the results are worth it.