What a difference a year makes

A year ago today, I left my marriage and set out on my own.  It's hard to believe that it's been that long already, but it has.  In the last year, I feel like I've regained my sanity, I've lost 55 pounds, and I've had 365 days of peace.  It's amazing how little we realize the bad situation we live in when we're in it for so long.  It just becomes part of who we are, like having bad vision and squinting or adjusting the distance of what we're trying to read in order to see -- and then you get glasses, and all of a sudden, everything is clear.

Though I do not take leaving my (or any) marriage lightly, I also wish I had done it years ago.  I can only wonder where I'd be by now if I had, but I can't dwell on it.

Here's to a year dedicated to me.

"To the fatty running on the track this afternoon"

I read this post from a friend yesterday and thought it was really compelling.

Facebook user pens a message to "the fatty running on the Westview track" - but you might be surprised to read what they have to say…

The message begins in a typically condescending manner. It accuses the overweight runner of "footslogging in the wrong direction", calls them out for wanting to "stop twice a lap" and points out the "sweat" that "drenches" their body.

But then, all of a sudden, the tone changes - and we find ourselves confronted with a seriously inspirational messages for all the would-be runners out there:

Via Facebook "There's something you should know: You f**ing rock.

"Every shallow step you take, you carry the weight of more than two of me, clinging to your bones, begging to be shaken off.

"Each lap you run, you're paying off the debt of another midnight snack, another desser, another beer..

"It's 20 degrees outside, but you haven't let that stop your regimen.

"This isn't your first day out here, and it certainly won't be your last. You've started a journey that lasts a lifetime, and you've started it at least 12 days before your New Year's resolution kicks in.

"You run without music, and I can only imagine the mantras running through your mind as you heave your ever-shrinking mass around the next lap. Let's go, feet. Shut up, legs. F**k off, fat.

"If you'd only look up from your feet the next time we pass, you'd see my gaze has no condescension in it.

"I have nothing but respect for you. You've got this."

We have to admit that, after reading that, we're suddenly feeling a LOT more inclined to lace up our running shoes and give pounding those pavements a go!



http://www.closeronline.co.uk/2014/03/to-the-fatty-running-on-the-track-this-afternoon-facebook-user-pens-surprising-message-to-overweight-runner