Habits and Triumphs

It has been 21 days! That is how many days you need to do something consecutive to form a habit. I am feeling really good and strong, like I can actually make permanent changes in my life. I had two great triumphs on Saturday that really helped me to feel like I could overcome my challenges and win!
Here is the first:
I made it up the back side of the trail to the lake before the others made it up the face. When I first started this three weeks ago, I had to stop about every 50 feet to catch my breath. Saturday I bounded up it without stopping and in record time. Since I still have problems with my breathing, the doctor didn't want me climbing the faster, steep side. But, here I am in the picture by the lake, they thought they were going to have to wait for me. Hah!!!

My second triumph is that I was supposed to walk the trail around the lake while the others hiked up the rest of the way to the waterfall which was about another 2 hours up. I wanted to try it and I thought I would come back down if my breathing became a problem. The last mile of this hike is called the stair stepper because it is straight up in a rock bed. I made it the entire way and felt fantastic. My breathing was under control the whole time and I was compelled to keep going.
I made It!

Now I am feeling like I can accomplish so much. I can keep going even if it is hard and life throws challenges at me. My good habits are forming and now I have my final week here to solidify those good, healthy habits and make permanent changes in my life and my families. Nothing will stop me now!