4 years ago on this day I stood in front of @_ai.ris’ bedroom mirror while getting ready. She looked at me and said “Mom, you’re so beautiful.” I turned and looked at her and said, “No I’m NOT I’M UGLY AND FAT!” I’ll never forget the look on her face before she took off running. That was the moment I knew I had to reframe the conversation I was having with myself about my body, my nutrition, my way of moving, and ultimately my way of life. I started this fitness journey because I wanted to find a way to love myself again. The act of self love starts with taking care of yourself and that was something for years I put on the back burner. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As a mother it's important to me that my daughters look up to me as an example. Not just as a hard working career mom, but as a woman who defines her own path in life. I lost that vision through my own self hate, but found it through hard work, a fitness journey that turned into a lifelong transformation, and belief that I can become this vision of a woman my daughters would be able to look up to. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What you want to be is inside you. It's waiting to show the world how bright you can shine. It's ready to take on the challenges that life brings. What are you waiting for? A sign? The right moment in life? The perfect timing? The reality is, there is no right time, there is no perfect moment, there is no sign. The changes you are searching for are right in front of you. Through the darkness you will find light, through the pain you will find your happiness. It will take work and patience, but you'll find exactly what you're seeking, it's not far, it's staring at you in the mirror. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thank you for being here, reading my long winded captions, for hitting that follow button, and for giving me your time and heart. I’ve been through a lot of change over the past few years and it’s been an incredible ride. #relentlesslybeautifullife #gofitjo #fitnessjourney2017 - @barre3 #b3partner #b3strong #b3anywhere (at San Jose, California)