What I learned from being 117 pounds

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves looking back at those moments when we felt like the best version of who we are. Maybe it was a time when we achieved something incredible, or when we felt more energetic, more successful, or more fulfilled. It's natural to reminisce and to want to return to those heights. But sometimes, that longing for the past can overshadow the beauty of the present.

This morning, I woke up thinking about exactly one year ago—when I was competing in a fitness competition. I was 117 pounds with 10% body fat. I looked incredible, the kind of physique people daydream about. But was it healthy? Honestly, no. Despite how it looked on the outside, it was one of the unhealthiest points in my entire wellness journey. The physical demands, the strict routines, the internal pressure—it left me depleted. Everything was for the look and to be judged subjectively. 

And yet, it was a valuable experience. Every version of ourselves teaches us something. That phase helped me realize that "looking" like your best self doesn’t always mean "feeling" like your best self. It taught me to pay attention not just to outcomes, but to energy, mindset, and sustainability.

What if, instead of comparing ourselves to who we were years ago, we focused on who we are today? Every day brings a new set of circumstances, energy levels, and opportunities. Being the best version of ourselves today means honoring what we have right now, and making choices that reflect our current reality.

It’s not about the end result. We often set big goals and measure our success by whether we achieve them. But what if we measured success by the journey itself? Today, being your best self might mean choosing to eat a nourishing meal, taking a walk, or simply taking a moment to breathe and appreciate the day. It's about making choices that align with your well-being and growth in the present moment.

You have all the tools and resources you need to make the best decisions for yourself today. It’s not about who you were 20 years ago, or even last month—it's about who you are right now, and how you can honor that person. Every day is a fresh opportunity to redefine what it means to be the best version of yourself.

So, as you move forward, remember that each moment is a chance to embrace your current self. Learn from the past, but don’t live in it. Celebrate the journey, and know that you are enough, exactly as you are, today.