When I was still a teenager, I discussed with my family the importance of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul in order to live a better life. Aside from learning to appreciate the cool and stylish clothes that I received for my birthday and Christmas each year, I also tried many different methods to stay in shape.

However, for a few years, it became difficult and I was coming up with different excuses (like not having the time, too much homework or other commitments) to not workout. Then in 2017, I received a gift for Christmas that changed my life.

I will never forget the moment when I got a Fitbit for Christmas. It was something that I always wanted to try as a technique for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. At first, I was not sure if this was a good idea, but I decided to make a commitment to use the Fitbit for one semester and see what happened. It took a while getting adjusted to (setting it up, charging, and linking the app), but I found this device to be a fun, cool, and unique way of staying in shape.

There were some difficulties that I had to endure when using the app, but nothing too problematic.

When I first downloaded the app to my phone (a Samsung, because I am not the type of person who gets an iPhone only to get a slightly different one each year), I had to update the settings and check out the features that came with the Fitbit watch. I did not realize how beneficial this device would be.

The Fitbit watch allowed me to count the number of steps that I take (going to a university with a big campus really helps with that) and tracks distance traveled. The app includes other things like calories eaten, heart rate, water consumed, weight, and sleep. After the first three months of the semester using the watch, I slowly began to see progress (thanks to the app) and felt happier as well. I studied hard, got enough rest, and ate healthier food.

You could say the watch became an addiction. While this is true, it did change my behavior in a more positive way than other addictions like social media. While platforms like Facebook and Twitter were created to connect with people (while putting relationships with family and friends at risk), my Fitbit did the opposite. I went from exercising once or twice a week to four or five days. My confidence increased and so did my participation in clubs and events on campus. I noticed changes in my weight and was able to concentrate more in my classes. This watch was one of the best gifts that I had received.

Towards the end of the year, I continued to monitor my weight and changed my exercise routine. Replacing one to two hours a day spent online with family, exercising, or reading instead was a choice I do not regret making. Although there will be challenges ahead, it feels great to have made so much progress.

While I have a journey to finish my education, complete my goals, and find a good job, I will remember the advice that I got from my family, but I never thought that the greatest gift that I received that made my life better (aside from having a caring family and high grades) would turn out to be an electronic watch. This is why it's important to appreciate the things we get because it might impact your life in a way that you would never expect.