I have been making it a personal goal of mine to due at least a weekly check in on what's going on in my life in regards to my journey.

Things have been progressing lately. On Thursday (7/23) I was able to squat up to 80 pounds with the smith machine, which was a good jump from normally dong 50 pounds. I have been really enjoying using the smith machine because I honestly feel safe with how you can't really fuck it up. You have the guided bars to keep the barbell in place and then the hooks and guard so if you do drop it you won't be what the bar falls on. The past few weeks I have been really enjoying any sort of strength training. Not only I have been really noticing some results physically but mentally it gives me a huge boost to my self esteem. I leave the gym thinking, holy shit there would be no way for me to do this a year ago. You really have to  take in the small moments of victory because if you focus so much on what you can't do you just end of restricting your level of success,


I do have a confession to make. These past two respite rotations I have been finding myself snacking more and working out less. Our weekends off are Friday-Monday and it is only every other weekend. I end of telling myself that I have been "good" for the ten days we are on and so I splurge. Luckily I haven't been gaining any weight but it has slowed the losing process. I do have realized that we all have to be realistic and never fully cut out the food we crave. That is what sets us up for failure, and I cannot afford to lose again. I guess that's where patience becomes that special virtue and is also something I lack. Luckily it hasn't caused me to give up and instead I am using it to motivate myself to be better.


I am very excited for our extended time off which begins tomorrow (7/27) and lasts ten days. The first few days we are spending in the Acadia National Park area. We were fortunate enough to find a nice camp ground in Searsport ME which has access to private beach. I am not only excited to get away but it gives me a chance to be more active on our time off with hiking and exploring. Plus the camping experience has always be a favorite activity to do in the summer time. I will be posting pictures when I return!!

So I am going to set myself a goal for this week. To STAY active and healthy during our time off but still have time to relax. Oh dear god the balance can be so hard! One major thing that motivates me every day is how I am really beginning to love my body and what it can really do. I seriously wish everyone was able to feel this way because we all deserve to love who we are inside and out!!

~Rachel