Trying Tofu

I know it must seem like I am losing my source of profound things to talk about if I am now going to tell you about how I tried Tofu for the first time tonight, but just stick with me here. Recently, since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I have been trying to be more concientious about what I eat and what I do with my body. Though I have to say that there are times when I haven't done such a great job, I have pretty much given up coffee and I am trying to do regular exercise and eat more vegetables. It is incredible to me how these very small things, starting with not drinking as much coffee, have helped me to completely change my own image of myself.

I have started to think of myself as a healthy person for the first time since I stopped playing soccer in high school. And deciding to try one little thing at a time has made it fairly manageable. But the thing is that I had to try things that I thought I wouldn't like to find out that I actually did. Yoga, for example, was always an exercise I had a very strange image of. I thought you had to balance a lot and twist your body in crazy ways. I never thought I would be able to do it, much less like it. Come to find out it is challenging, strength building, and yet very relaxing at the same time. Now, I actually desire to stretch my body after sitting for long periods of time. Kickboxing is still a big stretch for me but I'm proud of myself just for going and trying. I can't always keep up, I'm not coordinated enough to do all the kicks and different moves, but still, I feel proud of myself just for doing something active with my body. And the exercise makes me want to take care of myself with what I eat too.

So, today, after doing Yoga, an exercise I never thought I would enjoy, I tried Tofu for the first time, a food I never thought I would enjoy and low and behold, it actually isn't too bad. I just discovered a new great source of protein to add to my diet. Ever since studying abroad, I learn over and over the ways that trying things I never did before can change my whole perspective on the world, or, in this case, on myself. And I also strive to remember the importance of taking care of myself in this life and being the kind of person I really want to be, even if it takes a little more effort. My mom used to have this quote hanging up on the fridge from a popular song:

"This is your life. Are you who you want to be?"

It helps to reflect on that every once in awhile and remember that it's never too late to change and become more of who we really are...