I found a group of photos this week that have been missing for the past seven months. As I scanned through, I realized how much my body has changed since moving here. For the past five years, I have steadily put on weight. I maxed out shortly before moving here, a result of weeks of traveling, eating out and splurging on all the foods I was sure to miss while living in Nicaragua. A pound here and there adds up on a five foot frame, and the 20 lbs that have been added in the past five years have made a huge difference.

Since moving here, I’ve lost a lot of those pounds. I’ve started eating better. My activity level has increased. These are good things. I’m not brave enough to post pictures like this amazing woman, but I have taken them. And I realized today I’m really happy with my body. It’s not perfect, and I have a long way to go. But I like it. I feel confident, strong.

January 26, 2010