A Look Back Over the Years


I took some time today to look back over the past 8 years. 

I graduated with my undergraduate degree in December of 2008, and since then I've accomplished many goals, experienced living in new and exciting places, visited multiple cities and states, and grown personally and professionally. While looking at the photos though, the thing that stands out to me the most is the growth I've had in my health.

Eight years ago I was about one year post-treatment, and was looking to jump start my fitness again. After nearly 3 years of high doses of steroids and chemo, my body was foreign to me and everything - even the simple things - hurt. It took until January 2010 to take my goals seriously, but the results, while slow, have been more than worth it.

I started a new bootcamp this week, and I am SORE. My arms hurt, my legs are stiff, and my core feels like I was in a car accident. And you know what?

I LOVE IT!

I feel alive. I feel grateful for the opportunity to push myself and be sore. I feel like I'm taking my health and fitness into my own hands, and controlling the outcome.

I can't wait to add on my photo for 2016 and see even more progress.

4 comments

  1. Chemo? Macey... how did I not know about this?!?!? I need a "catch-up" with you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a long time ago and not something I've been overly vocal about over the past few years. I was treated for an auto-immune condition that was muscularly debilitating (not the most scientific description, ha ha!) and they found cancer in my intestines as well. The treatment was large amounts of steroids to bring back the muscle strength and chemo to kill the immune system that was attacking itself.
      I've been in full remission since 2007 though, and knock on wood shouldn't have any issues in the future. :)

      Delete