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Gleeson reboots

Grin and Bare It

7/16/2016

27 Comments

 
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This, aside from writing my brother's obituary, is the hardest thing I've ever done. But I promised myself - and you - honesty.  And so much of this journey will be physical. It will be built of muscle and bone, flesh and ligament. Blood, too, I'm sure some of that will flow, running in streams alongside a torrent of sweat and hot, salty tears. I'm not kidding myself that in order to be remade I won't need to be dismantled first. I don't know what ascending two of Seven Summits next year will cost me, but no matter how dear the price I will gain so much more than I give. 

Part of that profit will be greater strength. Increased flexibility, better balance. A dividend of energy not possible for me to imagine in my current state. My body, so long only a vessel for pleasure, will become a temple of pain. But I will emerge from it healthier than I've ever been in my life.

​In the meantime, here is the beginning. Me, exactly one week from 50, the day before I begin training. No retouching in these photos - all sags, wrinkles and lines are presented here, in their full glory. Acting against every instinct, I didn't hold in my tummy. Hell, I didn't even get a pedicure first. It's terrifying, laying myself open like this. But to see how far I've come, I need to be truthful about where I began. 

By the way, these gorgeously shot photos? They were done by Tamar London. She made me more comfortable getting photographed in a sports bra and bike shorts than I ever would have believed possible. Those smiles are real - we were laughing so hard it's a wonder she could shoot anything at all. If you're anywhere in Central Pennsylvania and need a photographer, give her a call. She's magic. I'm so grateful she's joined my team. 
27 Comments
Rebecca link
7/16/2016 09:15:40 am

You are one courageous woman. Now.

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Jill
7/16/2016 11:22:35 am

Maybe no so much courageous as desperate. I figure this remaking yourself and your life stuff is all or nothing, Rebecca. Is it courage when there's no other option? :)

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Judy
7/16/2016 09:34:41 am

Omg. These photos made me cry. Cry! Your vulnerability is not a weakness. It is maybe your greatest STRENGTH!! I am so overcome with emotion. And pride. Omg I truly adore you!

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Jill
7/16/2016 11:27:54 am

Thank you, Judy. I feel the exact same way about YOU. I've never felt so vulnerable as I have this past month. Figure if I've been stripped down to the bare essence emotionally, I might as well be physically, too.

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Jeani-Valetta
7/16/2016 10:46:52 am

Amazing. Just just internet met you and you are an inspiration. Such a hard thing to do to actually go through with re-inventing yourself. I keep trying and stop because of fear. You are giving me the strength to do it as well. Much love And strength coming your way

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Jill
7/16/2016 11:32:37 am

Jeani-Valetta. YOU. You and anyone else who might find the slightest bit of inspiration in my story is why I'm putting myself out there like this. It can't be all about me...it's all about US. We are going to stay strong together, and anything I can do to help you on your journey, I'm here for you. And thank you. Your words mean more to me than I could ever express. You lift me up.

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Beth Anne
7/16/2016 11:02:35 am

Beautiful, inspiring, amazing, strong... The first thoughts in my mind.

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Jill
7/16/2016 11:34:57 am

Beth Anne, we are going to get through this together, aren't we? Please know that as much as I might inspire you, you inspire me. YOU are STRONG. Don't ever forget that.

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Peter Burrowes link
7/16/2016 12:05:30 pm

Go Jill! I'm a friend of Sarah Bullion's, and saw her post on Facebook. Come to Colorado, where we have big mountains. I didn't start climbing them until I got dumped in my mid 40s (20 years ago). Mountains are just the thing. You're going to do great!

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Jill
7/16/2016 12:19:11 pm

Peter, this is insane. I AM coming to CO! My brother, before he died, lived there for years and I have a whole tribe of friends there. I'm going to climb a bunch of those 14ers! You should come with!

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BrendaH
7/16/2016 12:27:11 pm

You will so appreciate these pictures in a few months, to show you how far you have come. I wish I had the strength to do what you are doing but alas, my body won't cooperate. Thus, I will live vicariously through your words and pictures and videos. Love you! Keep up the soul work!!! You will be soooo happy you did! XXOO

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Jill
7/16/2016 01:05:48 pm

Thank you, Brenda. Scared down to my bones most of the time, but still doing it! Love you, too!

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Roberta Perry link
7/16/2016 02:36:35 pm

What sags? What wrinkles. All I see is laughter and joy and beauty!

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Jill
7/16/2016 02:41:08 pm

I've been having a down few hours, Roberta. You just picked me up when I needed it most. Thank you.

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Trish
7/16/2016 04:32:30 pm

Jill! These are beautiful photos! It makes me cry to see your bravery! I love you're rebooting. After being dumped in 2005, I did Pilgrimage in Nepal, India, Sikim, spas in Thailand, climbed the tallest Volcano in Mexico, submitted Mt Bora and am still going! Cant stop! My latest was trip was Hawaii, and building a 'beach body' before i went. I look damn good & feel even better at 57! Come join me every morning at 6am to build your "beach body' in 21 days online! You GO GIRL!

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Amy
7/16/2016 06:54:04 pm

I am so glad you and Tamar connected. She is amazing! This blog entry is so striking. Keep moving forward. This is awesome.

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ConnieY
7/17/2016 01:39:42 pm

Girl.....you GOT this!!!!! So, so, so admire your strength, courage and unbeatable zest for life. Cheering you on every step of the way.

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Jill
7/17/2016 02:36:54 pm

I love you, Connie. You are showing me how it's done with your light and strength.

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Mary link
7/17/2016 01:47:12 pm

"All sags, wrinkles and lines..." Huh? I don't see any of that in these photos. I see a very attractive woman in a sports bra and workout shorts, great gams, and, oh my God, I love your hair! And just so you know, I'm in the same boat with trying to reinvent myself, only I'm not brave enough to put my "before" photos on my blog. So, yes, I can tell you that you are indeed courageous, but not because there is anything wrong with how you look. It's how you think you look. I bet further along on this journey you're taking, you will look back at these photos and see them much differently. Then, you'll feel less "desperate" and very much empowered. I look forward to reading your blog. All the best - Mary

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Jill
7/17/2016 02:41:56 pm

Mary, I don't think we know each other? But I sure hope we get to know each other well. Check in, let me know how you're doing on your path to reinvention - I have a feeling you will inspire me GREATLY. And thank you for putting a big smile on my face today, lady.

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Janet Hoffman
7/17/2016 05:41:29 pm

Great photography. She does beautiful work. Those are great shots of you

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Jill
7/17/2016 08:08:57 pm

She is amazing, Janet. I am incredible blessed that I found her. Or we found each other.

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Amanda Todd
7/18/2016 03:23:08 am

You are a gorgeous woman!

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Jill
7/18/2016 09:11:31 pm

Back at you, Amanda!

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Betsie
7/19/2016 08:14:52 am

Jill, you are beautiful inside and out, always a kind person. We are our own worst critics. I don't see the "sags, wrinkles and lines" you speak of. I see a happy, laughing woman being real enough to inspire others and inviting us all to join. You're on an exciting journey, leading us through all our insecurities, letting us know it's ok, we're rebooting, come along, we're not alone! You go, girl! You got this!

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Ann Augunas
7/19/2016 05:47:16 pm

Jill, Darlin', I'm out of breath reading all this! I know you are meant for adventure but...please email me, as what I would like to share with you is meant just for you!! Much love, Annie

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Thea Klett
7/20/2016 07:35:41 am

Shellie Peters shared this with me. You will make it, I am sure and in doing so, help to push others (me) out of our lazy little nests to be that person they can be and dream of being. Go, Jill, go!

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    Jill Gleeson

    Jill Gleeson is a journalist based in the hills of western Pennsylvania. She is a current contributor to The Pioneer Woman, Country Living, Group Travel Leader, Select Traveler, Going on Faith, Wander With Wonder, Enchanted Living and State College Magazine, where her column, Rebooted, is featured monthly.  Other clients have included
    Woman's Day, Gothamist, Washingtonian, EDGE Media Network, Canadian Traveller, Country and  Country Woman. 

    Email me! 

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