If you’re on Social Media and especially if you follow a fitness page, you’re likely to eventually come across a meme that reads something like, “in a world full of ‘befores’, strive to be an ‘after'”–as if who we ARE, at any given point, isn’t enough.

I myself am guilty of parading around my before/after photos, aka my #Transformation #Tuesday pictures and while I make no apologies for sharing them because (quite frankly I went through a long period of being more than just a “before”–I was actually a complete mess), in all fairness I worked my butt off!!

I’d be remiss, however, if I didn’t acknowledge my own contribution to perpetuating the attitude of never being satisfied.

That’s not to say that people shouldn’t strive for more.

I am certainly a big proponent of better health, better fitness, better choices–it’s why I have my Facebook page– but there is a middle ground, a place of balance that should exist, between striving for betterment and being happy with where you are.

Competing onstage was a goal for me precisely because it seemed so unattainable, but unless your goal is to be a career competitor, the average person isn’t going to walk around in “show shape”. Maintaining your physique in that manner requires great sacrifice–both physically and mentally–it’s just not sustainable indefinitely. Which brings me to my original point.

On the left is my “BEFORE” the ONE DAY I stood on stage to be judged by others (on purpose) and on the right is my “AFTER”–me the other 364 days–being judged for who I am as a person.

I want you to know that this is what a regular Mom, who eats healthy and exercises regularly, can look like. No crazy program. No shakes or funky diet. No endless hours in the gym. It still takes time and it still takes commitment, but it’s absolutely, totally, doable!

And my stats? At 5’6″ I’m 119 lbs., 17% BF in 3/14 on the left and 130 lbs., 20% BF in 8/15.

And yes, both are by choice.