“It’s been a few days, where’s your gym selfie, Lauren?”
As I read my friend’s words via SnapChat, I was equally excited that my friend had noticed and horrified that someone was noticing.
When I first began my health and weight loss voyage, I started tentatively posting gym selfies to my SnapChat story for accountability purposes. Why SnapChat? Because it was easy, for one, and two, because that is my smallest audience. I didn’t want to post on Facebook, fail, and have 500 people know about it. Instagram was too curated and I again was concerned with the failure fallout. And Twitter, while I have plenty of followers, they seem unengaged.
And so, SnapChat it was.
I diligently posted my sweaty gym selfies. 3-4 times a week, about every other day. Then I skipped the gym for a couple of days in a row. I forget the reason, it honestly didn’t matter.
Up until I received that message, I didn’t think anyone was really paying attention. I figured, they’re probably numb to it or annoyed (one person was both and told me as much, lol). Everyone seems to be on a fitness kick lately. I don’t know if it’s my age group, or if it’s just part of our culture now, but everyone’s wearing leggings and doing squats it seems like, so why pay much attention to that fat girl who hasn’t run seriously since high school.
That message kind of changed my life. She just became my accountability partner. In a simple, understated way. I knew someone was cheering me on.
I went back and re-read my post about what I learned through my
And with that, I’d like to shower these
To Laura, thank you for being the first person to believe in my gym time. And for always being so helpful and supportive. I’m lucky to have you as a friend and especially lucky I’ve been able to call you one for more than half my life.
To Susan, thank you for your kind words, advice, and giving me someone to chase. I love how you love to run. And your general energy and positive attitude is something to aspire towards. (Also, Susan is raising money for Canines for Service. Click here to donate.)
To Beth, thank you for having started your own health and fitness journey around the same time. It feels like we’re in this together, even though we’re far apart. It’s been comforting knowing that you’re out there sweating it out too.
As you embark on your own journey, whether it’s health journey, or some other personal goal you’re trying to accomplish, look for the supportive people in your life, and cling to them. Support them right back. And don’t forget to thank them. Like I almost did.
