Cathy does the happy dance after her annual physical.
Many of you know I’ve been on a transformative personal journey this year.
Because of injuries sustained in an accident more than twenty years ago, the aging process, family medical history and, well, let’s be honest, eating and lifestyle habits that needed improvement, I decided approximately 10 months ago to make a commitment to safely improve my health.
It wasn’t the first time I tried to do this before. In previous attempts I achieved various measures of success.
Still, the old injuries would flare. In addition, a change in jobs resulted in a nose dive in my level of activity; think “extremely” long work weeks and being anchored to a desk.
Yes, a change was definitely in order!
Ten months later my injured back and leg are much improved; plus I had the best physical exam I’ve had in a long while!
The journey to better health has been rewarding. It’s been also physically and mentally demanding, as I faced various levels of physical pain while balancing nutritional needs for various medical conditions.
Stay tuned for more in upcoming posts!
There is, and always will be, so much more to do to stay steady on this course. Also, from a purely physical standpoint, there is so much more that I still hope to accomplish.
What was surprising..and yet I shouldn’t have been so surprised.… has been the emotional and spiritual journey that has also taken place.
For instance, a few weeks ago when Dan, trainer and motivator, was working out knots in my leg after a workout I experienced a flash of memories from a long time ago.
As the pain from the knot surged through my body I wanted to scream, “Where did that come from…and why did I remember that now?” Incredibly, it appears my body has harbored memories that my conscious mind seemed to have forgotten. It would not be an isolated incident.
So where do I go with this?
Like many women, I’ve wrestled with issues how I thought I looked and how I felt about my body, especially after experiencing injuries. I also had numerous struggles over the years when people were cruel, thoughtless and insensitive.
Cathy’s journey continues…it feels good to feel good
As I continue this journey I know that I have to address the thoughts and emotions that have come with it. What this means is, I’ve looked back at many events in my life to make sense of how I perceived myself and in particular how I perceived my body.
There is much to express in this area.
I’ve decided that my outlet will once again be my writing. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is just around the corner! I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to delve into the emotions and events that have brought me to this point.
NaNoWriMo is meant to be a vehicle to create a work of fiction. I’ve gone through the site and am quite aware that there are Wrimos (participants) who are considered rebels, i. e. they are writing, but not necessarily producing fiction…and no, they are not disqualified!
Honestly, I haven’t decided yet if I’ll create fiction or be a rebel. I just know there are volumes inside me that absolutely must be released!
I’ve given those volumes a title.
Releasing the Body Within will not necessarily be a work about physical transformation. It will be a work to declare that inside of each of us is a body of emotion and spirit that is often trapped and waiting to be set free.
Through it all I plan to have more posts about my own journey and some of the changes that have occurred. I also hope some of this will be light-hearted. There are more photos to share like the second photo in this post!
I have no doubt it will be cathartic…and I can hardly wait!
Please accept my humble thanks and gratitude.
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Be safe, everyone, and be at peace with yourself.
We’re all in this journey together.
In humble gratitude,
– Cathy
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I've always enjoyed writing and finally decided it was time to blog! As part of my profession I write every day, but I'm now trying to take the time to write creatively. My family and friends have been very encouraging as there is little that is written down in the way of a family chronicle. This is a favorite topic of mine! In addition to family history, I write about life, family, friends and faith. My husband is a full-time parent to our special needs daughter. I’ve explored this topic, too. I also enjoy music, crocheting, reading and relaxing with my family. I hope you enjoy what I have to offer!
Comments from Cathy 
You look great, but also feeling great is the best!! Congrats.
Thanks so much! Yes, feeling great is such a plus! 🙂
You look fantastic. Congratulations! It’s wonderful to hear how much better you feel. This post motivating.
You’ve come so far and done so much for yourself (and in doing so, for your family). I’m behind you 100% and am looking forward to your NaNoWriMo journey. Be well and much congrats, Cathy!
Psst. I think I might have commented in the wrong box. Sorry! Did I slip in under Sheryl? Oops 😉
Hi Gemma, you may have but that’s okay! 🙂
The changes have been extensive and in some ways dramatic…it’s the main reason I decided to use NaNoWriMo to help me take stock of it all. Thanks so much for all your support!
That you have! my dear! I admire your tenacity and am inspired by if. Knock ‘me dead with that story!
This is awesome Cathy! Sometimes I do not really read everything people are writing but yours was one that I kept on reading to the end. You are strong and you our going to get better and better. Hugs to you, in a way I can relate to your situation
HI scrapydo! What an uplifting comment! I have to admit I’ve often had to “dig deep” on this journey. Yes, the challenges we face can often test our character as well as our mental and emotional strength and stamina. I’m fortunate to have a number of people who have supported me along the way! Be well…thanks so much! – Cathy
way to go! Keep up the good work and I must add you are an inspiration to us.
What a wonderful comment! Thanks, Patty!
Thank-you, Patty. It’s been an amazing year filled with challenges, surprises and affirmations, I am very blest. 🙂
Keep going on your forward journey Cathy. You look terrific. Go girl!
Hi Dor! The journey continues…there’s still much more to do!
Thanks so much – Cathy 🙂
Very Inspirational!
Awww…thanks, rupacoach! 🙂
🙂
Good for you! I’ve been struggling with change myself, and the family is having to change as well. It’s not easy. I applaud you for your success and wish you much continued happiness. I’ll be following your story.
I am signed up for NaNo as well, but have no clear idea as what to write about. Best of luck to you!
Hello appletonavenue – I’m pleased to meet you! Yes, I understand your point about family also making adjustments. In my own journey, I know that I have the full support of my husband. I’m *very* fortunate as I realize this increases my chances of long-term success. Thank-you for visiting my site and following along!
As far as NaNo, best of luck to you! If you’d like to send me a message from there, you can find me as Cathy G.
🙂
Thanks. I will. I’m on there as Catchms.
Best wishes to you! It will be quite a month! 😀