I had an epiphany this morning.  I was off for my morning jaunt (I am in maintenance, so my butt gets out of bed and hits the pavement.)

Many years ago, I was 300+ pounds, and trying to walk a 3 mile walk.  It took nearly 2 hours, and by the time I finished everyone had gone home, the finish line was done, and I was left alone crying because my feet were caked in blisters.  I vowed never to forget that day.  This morning I laced up my shoes and pushed myself out the door.  I was starting to feel tired, and my body hurt, and … and… and… it struck me.  My brain was giving me excuses to quit.  My body was working hard, and getting the job done, and my brain was quitting.

In that moment, I realized something.  It is all about me.  It’s about the effort I put in to everything I do.  It’s the pushing myself to go a little harder, a little further.  It’s the choices I make, the bite I take.  I am the only one who controls whether or not I eat something, I get up an exercise, or I make excuses.

Today I ran 2.5 miles… and I feel great!

It’s all about me.  My strength, my determination, my willingness to push myself.

Is it selfish to be your best?  No, it’s a gift to yourself.  It’s about respect and love.

I love myself enough not to let my brain quit before it’s time.  I love myself enough to make healthy food choices.  I deserve the best I can be.

I am not selfish, but it really is all about me.