Milestones

We’ve all had them. An event or achievement that marks an important stage IN A PROCESS (Macmillan Dictionary).

I especially like the last part -- the process, the journey. Often, we look at the obstacle(s) and think it’s near impossible. That was me and the dam* dam I mentioned in my first blog.

The first time I went up this hill I kept asking the walkers breezing down how far it was to the top. I remember asking a British lady how she could do it. She replied: “You can do it, just put in a little Michael Jackson** and you’ll get there!” OK, I appreciated the vote of confidence but all I heard was ‘Beat It’ -- you have no business attempting this!! That first time, I didn’t get all the way to the top.

But I went back and back and yes, back again. I got to the point where I could slowly push myself... then the double stroller up to the dam, without saying dam*! But always, no matter how hard I thought I was pushing, my husband would be way ahead of me. I’d be heaving, doing my personal best; keeping my pace and eventually getting there.

That was months ago.

This past Wednesday, something had shifted. I power-hiked the dam WITH my husband, keeping his pace without feeling winded! His comment: Finally, we can hike together! The real thrill was getting to the top and jogging further up the hill to reach the golf course and continuing on down. I could hear MJ crooning -- ‘She’s Bad!’

OK, so this achievement, this event highlighted the other milestone I reached this week: 20 POUNDS DOWN, BABY! Right here in front of me, the journey is taking beautiful shape. Right now, there’s so much satisfaction. It’s called freedom. I can hike at a reasonable pace; run up stairs and inclines to fetch my son in record time; act like a grown-up 5-year-old at kindermusik by jumping up & down while jamming with my kids; enjoy a power-hike with hubby.... Absolute freedom is limitless!

A friend told me that her workout guru once said: “Nothing tastes as good as slim feels.” I would say “nothing tastes as good as strength & freedom feel.” Wow!

This is an amazing process. I’m still on the journey. But yes, ‘The (Wo)man in the Mirror’ has changed her ways -- “if you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change” MJ counsels.

Most def.


**Apologies to those affected by my unabashed referral to MJ. I’m not even a fan... not really...