Just a Little Further

Many of you know I've been on a life long journey towards health. There have been many ups and downs, but every single struggle I've had was something I needed to go through to learn what I needed to learn to become the person I'm meant to be. The struggles have also made the accomplishments that much sweeter!

A few weeks ago we bought a treadmill (we got a stinkin' good deal on Craigslist!). The first workout I did, I couldn't even do 15 minutes. I did 12 minutes 34 seconds at a 2.5 to be exact and it took me about the same amount of time to recover. I decided I'd just start doing a little more everyday.

I got to the point that I was able to do about 25-30 minutes at a 2.2-2.3. Many of you fitness fanatics may think this wasn't much, but to me I felt it was all I had inside me.

I always watch a TV show called Extreme Weight Loss because it keeps me interested and motivated. I told myself I was only allowed to watch that show while I workout so if I'm finished working out the rest of the show has to wait until later.

Today I got on with the goal of going 30 minutes at a 2.5. It was faster than I had ever gone. At 28 minutes the internet stopped working and I was unable to watch my show. I immedeitly thought :"Okay, thats good enough... I can stop now!" But the little girl inside me told me I could keep going. I decided to go to 45 minutes and I got my iPod and blasted my music. I was so empowered by my decision that I turned up the treadmill to a 2.8. When I got to 45 minutes I started to cool down and then at 48 minutes I decided I only had 12 more minutes. I CAN DO IT!

At 60:02 the treadmill stopped and I got down on the ground and starred at the ceiling feeling like the best version of me. I've never felt more accomplished. I look forward to the day when I can look back at this moment and see how far I've come but for now this is my moment. This is me at my best.

I could have gave up at 28 minutes but I didn't. I could have stopped at 45 minutes because it was the longest I'd ever gone, but I didn't. That little girl inside me that I've come to love so much in the last few weeks kept telling me "A little bit further, Ashley!" I trusted her and she trusted me. Having trust, respect and love for myself is new.

When you think you can't go any further, just push yourself to go a little further. The decision to keep going will give you so much power that it will no longer be hard. All of us have greatness inside of us and I'm only beginning to realize how much I have inside myself.