OWN IT!

I find it interesting that when the weight started to come off and was noticeable by others, I started getting compliments often. Sometimes daily even. "Paige, you look wonderful! Paige, you look fantastic! Paige, I'm so proud of you and what you're doing to change you're life? Paige, You are inspiring!" The funny thing is, nine times out of ten when a wonderful compliment like this came my way I often reacted as if I were in denial or even somewhat disappointed in my progress. "No." Or how about "Well, I still have so far to go." Or "You're just being nice." It was always this ho-hum response. Why couldn't I get excited like they were? Part of it I think was mere fear. Fear that I was really doing and accomplishing what they said I was. Second, I was afraid of failing. And lastly, I was still envisioning the picture of the old Paige, the only person I knew. It wasn't until near the end of my journey I learned what it meant to "OWN IT!" Own what I'd done. Own what I'd become and celebrate everything in between. To learn to "OWN IT" might include some of the following, which I will touch on in more detail in future posts: (And believe me, I'm human and still struggle with these from time to time.)

- Recognize the progress you have made (even the little things)

- Believe!

- Talk about your success with someone else

- Get rid of those clothes! (see here)

- Celebrate

- Recognize you've accomplished hard things

- Use positive self talk

- Try on smaller clothes

- Admit you're a smaller size than you think

- Verbalize the idea - "I'm going to run a Half Marathon"(Just   saying the words.)
- Don't hit the excuse button

- Say thank you when someone gives a compliment

- Look at old pictures

- Look at yourself in the mirror 

- Eat treats (in moderation)
- Picture the "new" you
- Climb a mountain
- Recognize how much better you feel
- Don't hide from the camera (see here)
- Motivate someone else
- Have someone give you a piggyback ride

......and the list goes on.


Taking time NOW to learn how to utilize such simple tactics will help prevent so many hurdles I seemed to encounter by not learning how to "OWN IT" in the moment. Things as simple as self doubt, fear, and inspiration. How much greater would have been my joy if I could have tackled some of these things head on from the beginning. 

So whether you're just starting out on your journey, in the thick of it, or nearing the end, it's never too late to learn how to "OWN IT!"