I can't believe it's been 6 months...a reflection.

Hey all!
This may get a little emotional and long- just FYI.

So today marks my 6 month anniversary of changing my life. I can't believe it's already been 6 months. I feel like time has flown by. Everything has changed so much since this all began. I can honestly say that I am a different person. A completely different person. I am doing things that I never in a million years thought I would do. There are words in my vocabulary that I never thought would be there. I have friends that I consider an extension of my family. The best part from these past few months, is that I feel like my mentality has changed so much. I'm more confident in my everyday life. I'm nowhere near where I want to be, but I can honestly say that I am getting closer every day.

These 6 months have helped me develop a deep admiration for crossfit athletes around the globe; But mostly for the athletes at my box. I have witnessed so many amazing accomplishments- and continue to see them on a daily basis. From Colleen's first toes to bar, to Michelle's clean PR, these are the people that continue to inspire me daily. I've been at RCFBC since we were in the small back gym. I remember the day that we moved into the new space- and the WOD that followed that. All those burpees. I remember all of the people who did those burpees with me- and encouraged me to keep going, even when I wanted to quit. I remember the group hug following that- people that I didn't even know- rooting for me to press on. That's what keeps me going. Every high five, and "good job" is what carries me through. To some people it may seem like just a small gesture, but to me- it means everything.

From the beginning of my time at RCFBC, my coach Mike was/is an integral part of my new life. As most of you know, Mike is the best. Seriously. I know I say it every time I blog, but it's true! I never had anyone really, truly believe that I could do this. From the first time I met Mike, I knew we were going to be friends. He has such a genuine personality- and the guy remembers everything about everybody. He knows who is having problems with one thing- and who is having problems with something else. It's amazing. I don't know how he keeps it all together. I feel more at ease when Mike is near me during wods. I know it's weird, but I get this sense that it'll all be okay, as long as he's there. He pushes me & motivates me more than I think he knows. I've always had an incredible amount of respect for him, but when I broke my wrist, that amount of respect grew immensely. He sat with me when I fell off the box until I was ready to get up- and then sat with me even more until I was ready to go home. He checked on me and made sure I was okay- and even offered to drive me to doctor's appointments, if necessary. I never expected that from someone who was supposed to just be my coach. And that's what makes him different. He truly cares for each and every one of us. I can't express how much I appreciate and love him. He's like the older brother I never had. I hope that this will help him realize how much he has changed my life- I am thankful everyday for him. I'm seriously tearing up right now as I type- he is such an amazing person- words cannot even explain. Thank you, Mike- from the very bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much everything you do, high five you give, words of encouragement you give mean to me. <3

Our community at RCFBC is a true reflection of our head coach. People are so friendly, and motivating- it's awesome. I am friends with people that I never thought I would be friends with. I have made so many new relationships through crossfit- with people that I would probably never meet otherwise. I know I've said it before, but I never had guy friends. Now I can honestly say I have plenty of guy friends- which is amazing when you need man advice- or just a really strong hug! Probably one of the most unlikely friendships that I have started, is with Colleen Mcd. She is the kind of girl that I would probably avoid in real life- thinking that she would never want to be friends with me, because I'm not pretty enough to fit in with her group. Little did I know, she is one of the most amazing and accepting individuals at our box. She is hilarious- and we are a lot more alike than I thought. Although, she can out-drink me on every level! I'm so happy to have her in my life. Love ya C-dog! Other unlikely friendships that I'm glad to be a part of are with Gareth, Marvin, & Amy. Gareth is awesome. I don't even know him that well (yet), and he is always pushing me to do better and succeed. And make me laugh- Along with Marvin. Marvin is special. My first impressions of him were that he was just a jerk, meat-head. Boy was I wrong. He is one of the kindest people I've ever met. He came from a different box, and fit in with us perfectly. Probably because of his girl- Amy. Amy was my very first crossfit friend! Her and Marvin are moving far away to California soon, and I'm so sad. Our box is definitely going to be a lot different without the two of them there. I'm already so sad to say goodbye. But I was already assured that there is a guest room in there new digs, so I'll be visiting soon! :) When it comes to wodding- Marvin and Amy are like a superstar crossfit couple- and they are both so nice, to boot. I'm sad now. haha. but seriously...I'm so sad.

Since it's been 6 months, I figured I would list the 6 things that I'm the most proud of since beginning crossfit/paleo life:
1. I smile way more than I used to, and genuinely feel more happy and optimistic about life.

2. I look forward to exercising (it even feels weird to type that, but it's true!) I never thought I would find myself refreshing the page to see if the wod was posted yet!

3. I am more confident in every day interactions with people (mostly men). I used to shy away from social interactions, but now I embrace them.

4. I can fit into clothes that I would never even dare try on- and lately, most everything I put on is too big! My scrub pants could fall off at any moment!!

5. I'm stronger than I thought- getting through my wrist injury has definitely proved this. If I were in my old state of mind, I would just quit & blame it on the injury. Luckily, I had everyone in my corner, and Mike concocting one armed wods for me to complete! Also, who knew I could back-squat 115lbs?! That's so crazy.

6. I am way more cautious about my eating habits. I know the way refined carbs make me feel- and it's terrible. I'm far from perfect with my eating habits, but I know that I feel better when I eat real, nutritious foods. Adopting the paleo life has changed everything. My palate has expanded & I'm trying different vegetables that I would never even give a chance to!

7. (one for good luck!!). I competed in my very first crossfit open! I can't wait to see where I stand next year during the open!

So to everyone who reads this- Thank you. From the very bottom of my heart, Thank you. This journey is far from over, but I'm definitely headed in the right direction. I would not be this far, if it weren't for everyone's support and love. I only hope that the next 6 months are as productive as these. With all of you in my corner, I'm not sure how they couldn't be. Thanks again! Love you all! <3

-A

Left photo is today- Right photo is almost 3 years ago. I may look happy in the right photo, but I wasn't.

I've been trying to fit into this dress for 2 years! FINALLY!!!!!