🪞 A Letter to the Body That Stayed
Dear Body,
It’s been a while since we met out there — you, me, and the pavement. Two years ago, we had a rhythm: five days a week, sunrise sweat, miles that meant something. Running wasn’t just cardio — it was clarity.
And then, life got loud. Work. Dreams. AI projects that demanded energy once saved for early-morning miles. Slowly, my sneakers settled near the door — silent reminders of a season when I moved for joy, not just productivity.
I told myself it was okay to rest. That I’d get back out there soon.
“Soon” turned into “someday.”
🏠 The Comfort of Stillness
Over the past few years, I’ve grown so comfortable being inside — literally and emotionally. My home became my sanctuary, my creative studio, my everything.
AI gave me something new to chase: imagination. Prompts became my new 5Ks — each one pushing me a little further, teaching me that creativity has its own kind of endurance.
And yet, I can feel it — my body asking for its stage back. The same body that carried me through real life marathons and marathons of motherhood, career climbs, heartbreak, and healing. The same body that now whispers, “I’m ready for movement again.”
🧠 The Pull Between AI and Action
There’s an irony to it all — creating scenes of women in motion, while my own steps have slowed. I’ve spent hours fine-tuning AI images of strong, confident women striding through cities, coffee in hand, wind in their hair — every one of them a reflection of who I used to be.
But AI can’t replace the feel of pavement underfoot. It can illustrate motion, but it can’t breathe it.
That realization has become my quiet motivation.
🏃🏾♀️ Reacclimating to the Run
So, I’m starting small — lacing up again, reclaiming the slow pace, and reconnecting with community.
I will soon re-joined Black Girls Run because I remember what accountability felt like. The group doesn’t care how far I go — only that I show up.
This time, the goal isn’t to chase miles or personal bests. It’s to find joy in showing up for myself again.
Whether it’s one mile, one block, or one brave step — it all counts.
✨ A New Kind of Endurance
Maybe this is what evolution looks like: learning to run not from pressure, but from love. Balancing the mind that creates with the body that carries.
AI taught me how to build beauty from pixels. Running reminds me how to build strength from persistence.
And both — in their own ways — are art forms.
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” ~ James Clear
💬 Final Reflection
To every woman finding her way back to movement, I see you.
We’re not starting over; we’re continuing differently.
Our glow-ups aren’t always glamorous — sometimes, they’re sweaty, shaky, and slow.
And that’s okay. Because returning to yourself is still progress.
🥂 Closing Line
Here’s to the pavement, the pause, and the process.
Dear Body — thank you for waiting for me to catch up.
Be You, Love You, Forgive You!
—Bettina
Confidence lives here!