Body or mind transformation or both?

I was shopping the other day, surprise surprise.....and as spring is fast approaching I thought it time to inject some new colour into my wardrobe. So....I bought bright, sky blue pants.....and am totally loving them.

When I saw them on the rack......the label said "extra slim fit".....and in my head I was thinking.....no way will they fit. The surprise, they did and no.....it does not look like I am wearing tights! :-)

They fit now.....but 4 years ago there would not have been a hope in hell. Back then, I went through a phase where I was really into bodybuilding, a phase that I thoroughly enjoyed and with no regrets. It taught me various lessons such as the power of the mind.....how we can go beyond our perceived limits and many more. My weight increased by around 7 or 8kg...all muscle! With that.....of course, my body shape. The blue jeans I bought the other day would not have passed my thighs had I bought them back then.

Now, I have "slimmed" down and I much prefer my body shape now. However, at least I know what it is like to have more muscle (bulky) on one's body, and can now respect the effort of those who are body builders, and the dedication it takes to get to, and maintain such a size. Even though I have lost the bulk, I have not lost the lessons. Surprisingly, these lessons can translate into several parts of my life. Such as the lessons of:

- Never give up. Just when you think you cannot go on....try again and you will be surprised at what you can achieve.
- The mind usually tells you to stop, when in fact there is more you can achieve.
- Success comes from making an effort, welcoming change. Staying still is not an option.
- When you are determined to achieve, and not give up, others will notice and recognise your effort.
- To make such an effort to change, you must be doing it only for one person, yourself. To work hard for other people's wishes, will only bring about unhappiness.

The above were just some of the surprising lesson's learned. What also is amazing to me is how we can affect our own body shape, be it for the good or the bad. The lesson here is that the power is within us to effect such a change, be it on our own bodies and/or our own lives.