Whether it’s your New Year’s Resolution or a goal that’s been in the back of your head for some time, moving more to feel your best is always a great aim to achieve. This year, Spooner East Chandler’s Lead PSC, Cathy Reardon, has done just this- moved more to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Cathy has shared with us her motivations and goals that have brought her this far:
Cathy’s Journey: Having Achievable Goals
Cathy’s journey started with a health scare in late March of this year. As she was seeking out answers for what was wrong, she had a medical advisor who really saw that she hadn’t been feeling great. While she knew weight was a factor in over overall wellbeing, this journey led to her working to feel better. It began her on a journey of hope to feel the best she ever could.
This program had to be sustainable, basic, and something Cathy could achieve every day. Her nutrition changed- cutting out bread and sugar to reduce inflammation. She also looked at eating “clean” and controlling her potion sizes. Her workouts, in Cathy’s words, are realistic for her work and life schedule. She walks!
She hasn’t let this limit time with her family- and has made it a point that this journey can’t impact this at all. She finds herself in restaurants and breweries staying on course and holding herself accountable to her own goals.
Cathy’s Reflections of Her Success:
Her goals have led her to not only a physically healthier life, but a mentally healthier life as well. Cathy notes that her mental transformation- her mindset- is unbelievable:
“I have been surprised by my determination and discipline. I always knew I had it in me to meet and defeat any challenge thrown at me, but, usually, those were challenges that other people threw at me, and I felt obligated to succeed. So, this is new ground for me. This is my battle, and I am on my own. It’s a very lonely journey.
I have fought for every single day, and I continue to fight. I have had to motivate myself and talk myself off of ledges. But, I have never taken my eye off the finish line. I haven’t veered off my course. Some days are easier, and some days are filled with really hard challenges.
I have learned that I am stronger than I ever gave myself credit for. I have discovered that I am no longer defined by who I thought I had to be, but am at peace with who I am. I have spent much of my life focusing on the needs, happiness, and wellbeing of my people. It has been a challenge to change my mindset, mostly as not to disappoint anyone. But, when I put my needs and self-preservation first, it creates a better version of me, which in turn gives me the strength to share that with my people.
I can still be that person, that is present to support the needs, happiness, and well-being of others- I’ve just learned to do it with a full cup instead of an empty one.
I believe the most valuable outcome for me is discovering that the physical transformation is so minimal compared to the mental transformation. This has never been about body image for me. I am the same person with a clearer vision. My vision is to embrace the moment I’m in. Celebrate the life that has taken me to the present. Cherish the past for its lessons, wisdom, and growth.”
When asked if Cathy had any advice for those looking to start a health journey, she simply said, “Don’t wait. Do it now.”