It seems as if every New Year is the date to join gyms, diet programs and lose weight. In the beginning, motivation is high; determination is unending and perseverance is unstoppable. But after a while, interest wanes, energy depletes and incentive for a new life comes to a stand still.
This week I will have reached a 6 month milestone of healthy living. I still question why my motivation has continued, even when I don’t feel like exercising or eating healthy. Here are some reasons that have helped me push forward and not give up. I hope they motivate you to restart, continue or begin a journey of health.
1. Exercise…not only has given me a new body but is also a great stress reliever. When I exercise, I can lose myself in the movements instead of thinking about all the stuff that is clogging down my faith, my life or my optimism. It also provides moments of reflection which help answers or solutions to develop.
2. Breathing…has taught me to be aware of how I react when I am in stressful situations. I have learned to breath deep from my core instead of from my chest. It has also become much less labored due to exercise.
3. Muscles…are developing. My turkey waddle under my arms is much less, my thighs no longer rub together when I walk, my stomach is much leaner, my chin no longer has a twin, and my heart beats with a regular rhythm, recovering much faster after an aerobic workout.
4. Clothes…fit much nicer. Before, I could not find anything because it was way too small. Now I can’t find anything because it is too big!! Yet, when I do find clothes, I can fit in the lastest fashions. And I don’t have a closet full of black clothes but also purple, red, pink, yellow and other colors.
5. Life longevity…is a benefit from living a healthy life. Did you know for every hour of exercise, you gain 2 hours of life? Not that I want be immortal but I sure would like to live longer than my 47 years already. Plus, regular exercise may help to prevent disability as the body ages.
6. Breast Cancer, PMS, Mood Swings, Heartattack, Osteoporosis…all risks that may affect a woman’s life. Healthy living and eating can help prevent the onset of these abominations.
7. It is/was/has to be time…to get in shape, eat better, and be stronger. Now is the best time to just do it. Even if this means exercising for 5 minutes at a time, substituting 1 glass of water for a cup of coffee, eating an extra serving of 1 fruit or veggie every day, or not shaking the salt shaker as much. One day at a time as been my mantra throughout. And sometimes, starting with small goals, one at a time is the best way to incorporate change.
The most important things I have learned are…
-I will fall. I will cave in. I will be tempted. But no matter what, I need to get back up, figure out what caused me to cave and decide to say no next time.
-No is a complete sentence. I don’t have to explain myself to anyone else. I am not accountable to anyone else. I only have me to answer to, be responsible for, and figure out whether I can.
-Try is too easy of an excuse and often leads to failure. It is not as definite as can, will, or must. Instead of trying, do it. You can because your will is strong and your spirit must.
-Change is not easy to get through or accept. I consider myself a fairly flexible person. However, healthy living requires constant change. Many changes have occurred on my own journey…choosing to give up comfort foods, rise at 5;30 am 4x a week, not eat after dinner, give up all pop products, use the word ‘fat’ when describing my former self, look at myself butt naked, gaining a differnt body, and choosing to put myself first. None was easy…but all were necessary.
and the best one…
-Hearing my husband utter the words, “You are a sexy mama!” Even if I am not doing this for him, that is the main motivator to keep me going because I know the health I have gained is benefiting others as well.
Let me know what you think.
JC & G,
Annie
