own it.

as i was running on the trail behind our house last weekend i ran past this girl with the most awesome body ever. lean & muscular. and she looked strong & fast too. i thought to myself, "dang, i work so hard...why can't i have HER body?" and this is what i immediately realized: "DUH. because it's HER body. and YOUR body, kerith, is YOUR body"

yes, i work hard. on the outside i don't feel like my arms or legs or my abs look as strong as they really are. but here's the point: they ARE strong. and that makes them awesome, regardless. i might not have the perfect body but here's what i DO have:

i have strong arms that can push through "boy" pushups in boot camp class (stupid term...i'll show you "boy" pushups...). i have arms that embrace my family and friends & carry around my nephew when he comes to visit.

i have legs that have powered me through 4 full marathons, beach to bay with good friends every summer, and just last winter allowed me to run 13.1 miles alongside my cousin as she completed her very first half marathon. i have legs that hurt so good during spin class as we tackle hills. and i have legs that love to dance at parties and weddings.

i have abs that allow me to finish that last round of crunches in kickboxing long after everyone else has collapsed. i have a stomach that can hold plank, plow or boat pose for as long as my yoga teacher urges me to. and i have a stomach that someday i will marvel at as i watch it grow as (God-willing) it supports the life of my child.

one thing i'm slowly learning to value in my old age :) is confidence...not cockiness, but being comfortable in my own skin, workin' with what God gave me and being GRATEFUL for the gift of health. in a society where so much emphasis is placed on outside appearances & superficial achievements, i'm learning to value myself based on much more important things than pounds, good hair days or designer labels. i urge you to make a conscious effort to do the same.



yoga challenge update: going beautifully!

day 4: 60 min. yoga class @ the gym. this class is tough but i love it! we do this standing series that never fails to turn my legs to JELLO by the end.
day 5: 25 min. yoga "sculpt" @ home
day 6: 60 min. body flow @ the gym. body flow is a combination of tai chi, yoga and pilates...great workout for mind & body.
day 7: 20 min. "zen" workout @ home

it can be a challenge to squeeze in time for yoga every single day but i'm finding it's completely worth it!