A Memory That Left Me Motivated
A year of growth
While checking my social media notifications yesterday, Facebook and Instagram both showed me a memory that conjured up mixed emotions.
Have you ever felt embarrassed and proud of yourself at the same moment? That’s what happened when this photo filled-up my phone screen.
To give you a little context, the photo was clicked at a bookstore in my hometown, Surat (in India, Gujarat). It was a momentous occasion for me because the Crossword chain of bookstores is one of the most popular book shopping hubs in India. On this day exactly one year ago, my books were placed in its franchise store in Surat. So, yes, it was a very proud worthy feat for me.
Hence, the pride upon seeing the memory.
Now, to the embarrassing bit (which also made me cringe a little). You see, I was way over my ideal BMI in the photo shared above. I weighed 76 kgs back then. But, I do not look like that anymore.
This is a recent (and the only decent one I could find) full-length photograph of me, clicked in January 2021. I weigh 60 kgs here (and as of February 6th too)
To give you a better idea, here’s a comparative photo (a before and after if you must)
This whole episode made me reflect on not just the physical changes in me, but also my growth as a person and as a writer.
Here’s what I was able to reflect upon:
a.I published another book.
My third solo book came out in July 2020. In my humble opinion, it is my best work as an author so far. If the reviews are anything to go by, the readers feel the same way too.
As gratifying as that is, it is not the thing I’m most proud of achieving in this one year span.
I write consistently and have become more experimental in my writing (wherein I explore new themes and genres) Besides this, I have also grown more receptive to constructive criticism.
Both of these habits have helped improve the quality of my writing.
b. I am a stronger person: physically and emotionally.
As can be seen from the photos, I have been able to lose oodles of weight. I eat healthy stuff, consciously avoid junk food, and exercise every day. This has not only improved my physical stamina but has done wonders for my emotional wellbeing too.
I carry myself with confidence and smile more. I am also cognizant about not letting people’s views/opinions impact me in a negative manner. I simply think, “Does this impact me in any manner?” And if the answer is no, I let it go.
In conclusion, here are a few takeaways from my change and growth
- Physical fitness helps attain mental peace and strength.
- If you do something consistently (writing, eating the right food, and exercising in my case) positive results will show sooner or later.
- Let your past motivate you to become a better version of yourself.
Thank you for reading. If you liked this story, do check out my other similar pieces.
