Joan MacDonald is a 73-year-old fitness fanatic, but she didn’t begin her health journey until 2017.
At the time, MacDonald was on medication for high blood pressure and acid reflux. She suffered from edema, painful arthritis, fatigue and had trouble walking down the stairs. That’s when her daughter Michelle had a heart-to-heart with MacDonald and the 70-year decided it was time to workout and make healthier choices.
Three years later, MacDonald looks completely different. But for MacDonald, it wasn’t about becoming an idealized version of herself so much as it was about learning to love who she is in the moment.
In April, she posted before and after photos to show her progress. On the left, she looks tired and unenthusiastic about working out. But on the right, MacDonald proudly flexes her biceps in a pink top and leggings. She’s clearly loving life.
“When I first started out on my transformation journey, I hated trying on clothes,” she said. “I didn’t love myself back then and that’s how I dressed myself. I used to think 1.) I didn’t deserve beautiful clothes and 2.) nothing nice would fit me anyway, especially at my age.”
MacDonald wore baggy clothes in “boring” colors that she didn’t really love. Then her daughter took her shopping at Forever 21. MacDonald’s body hadn’t changed yet, but the way she saw it did. The clothes were fun and flattering. It was a moment of realization.
“When I saw myself in flattering clothes in cute colors, I could see that my inner dialogue had to go,” she explained. “Please don’t wait ’til you’re ‘perfect’ to take pride in yourself. You have to already see your perfection your effort and your courage today. Love yourself enough to change and show yourself that love daily.”
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