Finding Your Way Forward

We all have those things that have happened in our lives that effect who we become, how we feel about ourselves, and how we take care of ourselves.  So many of us cope with those things by abusing ourselves in one way or another.  For some it's with drugs and alcohol, for others it's with food.  We bury our hurts and as they say "self medicate".  But we all have to come to a point in our lives where we have to make a decision.  Do you continue on the path you are on or do you change directions and make a better path?  I have decided it's time to change directions.

I think the biggest thing is making that decision and then finding the determination with in yourself to make the changes that need to be made.  I actually began this journey in November at 263 pounds and it's taken me a few months but I've finally found my momentum and now I'm moving forward.  I finally hit the 20 pounds lost in the last week and I know I still have a long way to go but I'm going to get there.  

How do you find that determination?  I don't think I really have an answer for that question other then you have to pull it out of yourself.  I hear people say all the time who say "I wish I could be excited about exercise like you" or "I really wish I could be motivated like you".  And I will even admit that I have said "I'll do it if I know I have someone waiting for me but if I'm on my own I won't".  And yes that used to be me.  I am by no means excited about getting up and working out when my alarm goes off at 4:30am.  That's especially frustrating when I'm not seeing any changes on the scale.  But I know that I HAVE to do it.  It's no longer a choice.  If I want to be a healthier, better mom and daycare provider I HAVE to change the direction my life has been moving.  While it has to start within yourself, having a support system is HUGE and I want to be there for you as well.  Let's do this together.   

So since today is the 1st day of the month and a Monday, why not start today with your change.  I have found that setting a challenge for myself is a huge motivator.  I have determined myself to workout a minimum of 5 days a week, on top of walking at least 100 miles in the month.  What are you going to do this month?  Give yourself a reasonable goal that you can achieve and then push yourself a little more.  To walk 100 miles you have to get in 3.34 miles each day for 30 days.  Don't think you can do that just yet, that's ok you'll get there.  Determine to walk at least 25 miles. Get a calendar and write down what you've done each day.  You will find that as the month moves along and your total starts getting closer and closer to your goal that you have even more motivation to get there.  And of course you will find that the more you do the easier it gets.  Need a cheerleader or someone to tell you to get up and moving, or both because each day is different.  Let's do this together.