Because I can
 

I was at spin class today and there was a fast part and I found myself going faster than usual, really pushing myself and dripping with sweat (sorry if that's a yucky visual!) Anyway, I was grinning like an idiot while I was doing this and for some reason felt so happy, and I found myself wondering why I was doing this and why I felt this way and then it hit me...
It's because I can.
I know that sounds simplistic and a little weird, but having been heavy, out of shape and exercise-averse for so long, it's taken me a while to get here. The exercise is not just a means to an end, not just something to suffer through to burn calories or get more fit. OK, it is that, and sometimes it's a huge effort to go and do when it's not comfortable.
The real reason I keep going and doing though, is simply because I can. And after so many years of not being able to, I feel a lot of joy and gratitude for this. Even though I'm not good at it, even at 220 lbs, even though every other woman in the room had a waist the size of my thigh...

Absolutely feel happy about that!
I can't imagine a better reason to keep at it and improve yourself BECAUSE you can do something now you couldn't before.

Good for you!!!

Love this. I've had the exact same feeling, and it actually brought me to tears. You're doing amazing things, keep it up!

That an awesome NSV!!!!! What an inspiration! Thank you for posting.

Sounds like a NSV to me! Good job! :carrot::carrot::carrot:

Wonderful feeling isn't it? I walked 6 k today and it was hailing so I thought I'll go home, but I had a good pace going and was in the zone, so I did another 2 k! Just because I could.

This is the path to permanent change and ongoing weightloss

You are doing fab!

LOVE this post....Congrats :)

Your success is inspirational. Congrats!

So wonderful! LOVE IT!

Fantastic. With your attitude it's no wonder you are so successful at this weight loss game! Keep it up.

Lin

Love your post! So amazing and so true! Thank you for your story! :)

Thanks you guys - it's so great to hear such nice comments and positive feedback...
I was so sore today that I was going to post something along the lines of "No, actually I can't" but I made myself go back to spin class and get back on the bike :) Spinning again and aleve made things a lot better (there might have been a drink in the mix as well!)

Glad you got back on that bike too! I always found the soreness dissipates a lot faster if I "worked it out" of my muscles again.

You've done amazing. "You can" isn't simplistic -- it's 132 pounds monumental!