Life of Uh Former Fat Girl: Aging In Motion

It’s been 11 years since I had my gastric sleeve surgery, and while I did a finale post last year, this moment still deserves a pause. If you think I'm bout to show a bunch of then n now pics-I'm not. I am no longer chasing a number-although for full transparency in case you needed a reference; I'm currently 225 which doesn't give or takes 5lbs based on how lazy I am for the month. These days, it’s less about milestones and more about momentum.

LOL!!! No better sound than hearing "FEET IN STRAPS" aaaah...it's my favorite part of Pilates. The worst...planking on and off the reformer **cringe n cry** Pilates has held me down for two solid years and, now I’m checking off another goal: pickleball, baby! As we continue to age (gracefully, of course), I’ve become more aware of life’s finiteness. Losing people we love becomes more frequent, and it reminds me that taking care of my body isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying here longer-Inshallah!!

My social circles have expanded with these groups as well. Nobody is saying you gotta become besties but you build relationships with folks that become familiar faces. I have a young lady who I pilates with who's 87 years old. I asked her the secret to youth and she stated "Keep Movin". She chooses to stay active at least 5 times a week and has had the structure all her life. I'm impressed. With all age ranges out here movin...there's NO EXCUSE. I keep walking shoes at work because I'm near a track and last time I was out there, I seen a man with a cane AND limp. Come on now...shame on who **le sigh**

To honor the breath I still have, I wanna keep moving. I also have an inside walking treadmill I hop on while watching TV and for rainy days. So wherever you are in your journey—whether you’re stretching, dancing, or just taking that first step—choose movement. Your future self is already cheering you on and the benefits are even better. You can even start small with a daily stretch, a walk around the block, or a new hobby. Anything that'll keep you off your azz more often than not.

I wanted to celebrate within this Life of Uh Former Fat Girl post which actually makes me emotional thinking how far I've come beyond physically but emotionally and most definitely mentally-with notating the promises I've kept to myself by showing up. Whenever I get down or lose momentum; I can always harken back here. I went from taking an intro pilates class to attending regularly and stacking on with crossing off another sport on the wishlist to extending it with a class to make it come true-action...check. YESSSS!! Why Not-NOW!!

Circa 2012