Walking Tall

I have gone through a huge transformation over the past 4 years.  I have made great progress in my professional career, my personal relationships and my physical well being allowing my confidence level to soar! 

After living for so long in a negative environment and not being encouraged to believe in myself, my mental health took a beating.  I walked behind people with my eyes glued to the ground and my shoulders slumped.  I let people tell me what to do and when to do it because I believed that what I had to say didn’t matter.  I was wrong.

Last year I had a conversation with a new friend about how tall I am.  I am 5’2”.  She did not believe me. She gave me one of the greatest compliments that I have ever had.  She said “but you seem so much taller”.  Her words hit me in the heart.  And I believe she meant it.  I believe it because I no longer walk with my shoulders slumped and my eyes glued to the floor.  I walk tall.  I walk proud.  Because I am. 

Working on my mental health is an ongoing battle and not an easy one.  It is a daily struggle of ‘walking tall’.  Of holding my head up and facing the day without fear.  Some days I win.  Some days I don’t. But every day I get up and I try.  One of the things that has been instrumental in my mental health has been my physical health.  I began exercising regularly almost 4 years ago.  I started out slow.  And each year I push myself harder.  And the harder I push myself, the easier it becomes to get up and try.  I truly believe without a shadow of doubt that my increased physical health has saved my mental health.

Physical health does so much for us.  Research it.  There are countless articles that support this.  Our energy. Our mood.  Our confidence.  The benefits are truly endless in regards to our mental health.  I have become such a huge advocate for physical wellness that I am working on becoming a fitness trainer.  Something I never thought I would be able to do. But if this journey has taught me anything, it is that anything is possible. Any purpose can be my purpose. If I can help one person achieve better mental health through increased physical health then… well… getting up every day and trying just became a little easier!

Be your best you. Live healthy.