LEA WEST

My ability to learn and commit to seeing something through is what I appreciate the most about myself. This has shown up in my life in a variety of ways… yoga teacher training, running businesses, obstacle course races and other things I’ve set my mind to. (The only thing I haven’t committed to is myself and a weight-loss journey. But this is a positive post, so more on that later.)

I am most confident about my ability to surprise people. I can adapt and learn just about any topic. I have completed intense projects that have gone against judgment and assumptions. I love people able to show people that there is more out there than what we’ve been told.

I have two first positive memories…

When I was in fifth grade, we had Field Day. I don’t have much memory around this, but I distinctly remember the feeling of winning the 100-yard dash against my peers. Boys included.

The second and most dominant memory takes place a year later – actually two schools and two states later.

I was at recess and I had found myself among a pack of boys. While most girls were off to the side talking and giggling, I was always throwing footballs and finding myself around the active kids at recess.

At the back of the field, there was a tree on a small hill. Nearby, a dirt mound that had been long forgotten, packed down by weather and kids. One day, my guy friends started running down the big hill with the tree and jumping off the small mound adjacent. (I didn’t know the track event “long jump” at the time, but that’s essentially what it was.)

I didn’t participate, just observed. I had no plans on getting involved until a friend nudged me and said, “Hey, Lea – you should try it!”

Wait, what? Me?

“Com’on. It’s fun!”

Erm. Ok. Here it goes….

Suddenly, the nerves I was experiencing were converted into energy. I sprinted down that hill like it was something I did all the time. The ascent up the mount took only two large steps, I planted my foot on the top and soared through the air.

The thrill of weightlessness blocked my ears, being suspended in the air was a moment of pure bliss and happiness.

I landed and my ears began to work again. Cheers and thrilled bystanders echoed through the neighboring woods. My best-guy-friend clapped me on the back and that moment was solidified as one of my favorite positive memories.

**This is part of a series that uses “beautiful you – a daily guide to Radical Self-Acceptance” by Rosie Molinary as a model for prompts to look inward. Here’s why.**