Nothing is Impossible, Impossible is Nothing

"Impossibility: a word only to be found in the dictionary of fools."
- Napoleon Boneparte

Growing up I've always heard the saying "nothing is impossible and impossible is nothing" but I always thought it was just my parents' way of motivating me to go to medical school. Little did I know, they were right! And yes, I hate it when that happens!

I have always been the chubby one of the group. Love food, Hate exercise. I grew up in a home where comfort food was readily available and food for comfort readily accessible. Little did I know, what I was putting into my mouth was comforting for my taste buds but definitely not comforting for my body and my mind. I grew faster than the rest of my classmates but it wasn't vertically and that body stuck with me throughout my college days. Being away from home, I definitely didn't have easy access to my mom's delightful dishes. But when one thing gets taken away, life always gives you back a replacement - my loving roommates! We would cook, eat, and repeat all day every day!

Next thing I knew, I was 10lbs heavier than what I was two months ago and I was very unhappy with myself! Being human I dwelled on the situation for days but it was that moment that something clicked in my head. I realized that I wasn't just unhappy with the way I looked, I was unhappy with the way I felt - I was unhappy being unhappy!

I knew what goes in must come out for me to lose the weight. However, I didn't just need to change my looks, I needed to change my state of mind. I needed to change the way I look at food as comfort and food for comfort. I started becoming more conscious of my actions and my choices when it comes to food and started practicing yoga at the university gym.

Initially, I was skeptical about yoga as exercise and literally fell asleep in the first few classes because it was boring and "too easy." However, I kept going because it beats sitting around doing nothing. After many years, let me say something about yoga, it's EASY when you do it WRONG!

I lost the excess weight and still stayed active but I wasn't expecting any big changes. I just wanted to stay healthy since I was still hating the physical discomfort of exercise. It wasn't until a few years ago that I started making fitness one of my priorities as it became a part of who I am. Days went by, I started noticing my body doing things I never thought I would ever be able to do in my life. I never thought I would be able to run more than a mile, now I can. I never thought I would be able leg press 120lbs, now I can. I never thought I would be able to do the splits, now I can! I became physically and mentally stronger and it feels great!

I have to admit, my parents were right. Nothing is impossible if you really put your mind to it. If a thought comes to mind telling you "something" is impossible, just remember the latter part of the quote - "impossible is nothing." Thus making that "something" nothing. So throw that thought into the trashcan (not out the window, don't litter!).

Keep reaching for your goals and eventually you will be able to embrace them in your arms! Don't ask if and will you get there, ask what you're going to do when you do. Don't ask when you're going to get there, just ask how will you get there. If there are roadblocks along the way, walk around them! The hardest part is taking that first step!

Here's a little motivation!

As always, keep on going on!