Why I Get Tears...

This picture. 

I have looked at it so many times since it was taken by my daughter.

I get tears. 

Every time.

Because.

You have no idea what that picture means to me.

When I look at it I see a woman celebrating life. I see a mama playing with her kids. I see a woman participating in life. I see a mama spreading fun & joy. I see a woman who isn't afraid to be herself. I see a mama showing an example of self-confidence & self-love. 

I did not used to be her. 

I used to be standing on the sidelines of life. I used to not love who I was or my body. I used to not be the confident one running around like one of the kids. 

This picture shows the mama & the woman I want to be. 

This picture was from a field trip to the sand dunes with my daughter & her fourth grade classmates. My Jacee, who is my biggest fan, told me she had informed her classmates that I would definitely be running on the dunes "because my mom works out a lot & runs marathons." I cannot even put into words how amazing it felt to be literally running up & down the dunes racing my daughter & her friends & even racing some of the boys who wanted a challenge. I was just like one of the kids. 

A few years ago, this field trip would not have been this way. I would have stood & watched the kids have fun. I was weak then, overweight, tired, and physically unhealthy. 

I also got in a few pictures with my daughter and her BFF who is like a daughter to me as well. I captured the memory for all of us; Jacee will look back & see her mom on this trip. Again, a few years ago, I would have stayed behind the camera not wanting to be seen.

It took me some years. It took some major failings. It took some tears. But, I have grown into the woman I have always wanted to be. I am exactly who I am & I am proud of that. 

This picture. 

Will always give me tears reminding me of the journey I have traveled & the path ahead filled with many more wonderful memories. 

Until Next Time~
*krisha*