January 31, 2011
As January ends, I just want to say thank you.
Today is the 31st, the last day of January. We’ve come a long way together, haven’t we? Now is the perfect time to think about the progress we’ve made. For me, things have gone well. I take my dog on lots of walks, particularly on the weekend, I’m making time to relax and rest, I’ve started practicing deep breathing when I feel panicked (and it works so well), and, you guys–I cooked a vegetarian meal last week! That one is particularly exciting for this meat and potatoes southerner. These are changes that are going to stay with me. I’ll carry them beyond this month. They are permanent commitments to bettering my health, and I’m sure you have your own stories. That was always our goal, that what you did here doesn’t just last for the month, but that you carry it with you and continue to grow.
After all the things we’ve talked about, the most important words I have to say are simply, “Thank you.” Thank you for your courage to share your stories. I have been so inspired by the blogs and videos I’ve seen where all of you have been talking about your struggles–they have reminded me that even in these intensely personal struggles, we are not alone. Thank you for your willingness to engage with the ideas presented in this campaign, and to participate in activities that may be new to you. Thank you for your positive spirits that motivated me to jump over some of my own personal hurdles. Thank you for being a part of this incredible community–you guys and girls are the greatest, and I wouldn’t have wanted to tackle the Body Bind with anyone else!
Your challenge today is to let us know about how you experienced this horcrux battle. Did you change something in your life, or are you able to look at yourself in a new way? Were you encouraged? What are your plans going forward? Tell us in the comments, and feel free to link to your Body Bind blogs and vlogs. I would also personally love to hear feedback on what you thought of this campaign, or of course to serve as a listening ear if you are still struggling–please know that you can email me any time at heatherm@thehpalliance.org.
And so we move to February, LGBTQ equality! This will be an incredible opportunity to fight for civil rights. It’s going to be a month of real change and powerful activism–that horcrux is GOING DOWN! Please attend the livestream on Wednesday, February 2, at 8:30 PM EST for the official launch of the Inequality Horcrux!
Heather
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No thank you H Dawg!!
Vanessa
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This was a really awesome campaign, and I had a lot of fun, despite my knee-jerk aversion to the idea of exercise. *Ominous piano music*
I have found that exercise is not so bad, and can really be quite fun, and that I will be something that will take with me forever. I had a great time talking about this issue with people, both as part of discussion in comments on blogs, and as personal discussions with my HPA friends.
You did an amazing job as project leader, and for that, we all owe you a great big thanks!
Marcel
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I’ve been exercising for quite some time now, but let me tell you this : it’s always a real pain at the beginning. Your body isn’t used to it, you’re out of breath easily and you’re aching all over when you’re done…. trust me, I know. I hated it! But when you’ve got a strong will and if you keep pushing yourself, at some point you’re going to start enjoying it. You will feel your body changing, build up a resistance, you will see and feel the weight loss, which will only motivate you further. You’ll even get to appreciate the aching feeling because it’s proof that you’ve done something, that you’ve taken control over your body’s activity.
My personal horcrux this month was the cigarette, and I’ve beaten it. I quit! And already I feel better, free from the stench and only now do I realise how much energy it’s been sucking out of me. One horcrux down! Bring on the next one.
Heather Murray
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Thanks Vanessa!
And that’s awesome Marcel! I’m glad you’re able to quit and thanks for the good advice. 
Christine Gary
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I think it’s an amazing cause you’re supporting. I too loved reading the various blogs and getting inspired by people’s journeys. Thank you, Heather! For giving us all an outlet to share, shine, and learn from eachother!