Wow, what a great conversation has been going on in here! Chloe, I'll try to get back and post something in your log also, but your post was very eloquent and right on where I am as well. Sometimes I question myself as to why I am continuing to strive for improvement, in physique, fat loss and muscular strength. I am in a similar situation in that I have lots of "identities"--I am the mom of my kids, the wife of my husband, the daughter of my parents, even one of the owners of Ski Denton, but does any of that completely define me? I don't think that any of those are unimportant, and I wouldn't be me without them, but who am I including all of those things? I feel that I am an adventurer, whether it be fitness-wise, or the way I love to try new foods, travel different places, meet different people, learn new things, or have new experiences. And one of my greatest and most fun adventures is fitness! I want to be the best that I can possibly be in everything, and though I'm not unhappy with my looks, health, or fitness level now, how exciting to make it better!
Also, Ginger, I love what you said about catching a glimpse of a new muscle or seeing your body in motion and loving what it can do. I do too! And not in a narcissistic kind of way--more like amazement--is that really me?! I recently got a new tank top at WalMart to work out in, and the only style they had was a racerback type. I feel a little bare in the gym, but dh says it looks ok. Anyway, I was doing these db rotations today in front of the mirror and I realized you can actually see ALL of the muscles separately in my arms and shoulder--traps, uh...shoulders...uh... whatever all those muscles are called.
But it's so cool to see stuff like that and realize "wow! I AM in shape! I AM a strong woman!" Anyway, long ramble. But I'm with you ladies on this...