Do You Ever Look Back?

I was thinking back on the past few years and realized that I have the ultimate journal right here on my blog. I went back through some of my old archives and laughed at some old things and cried at seeing pictures of all of my babies when they were much younger. I stumbled upon this post and remembered how hard my fitness and health life was for me back then. That was 2007, when Samuel was only a couple of months old. I had so much weight to lose. I felt defeated every single time I tried on a pair of jeans, stepped on a scale, or caved and ate way too much. I really thought I was just always going to be "that size." That post was the start of a slow turn around for me. Slowly I started exercising more, eating less, and eating better. I'm so glad I did. If I would have given up back then, I'd still be exactly where I was then - now. Actually, I probably would be up on the scale even more.

It can be so hard and so overwhelming to start a healthier lifestyle. (especially if your results are not immediate and occur over a long period of time - like mine.) But WOW. I had almost forgotten how it felt to be in that place in life. It's so much easier now! It's just a part of what I do and I rarely give it much thought. I'm excited about new exercises, new healthy recipes, and even going shopping for clothes. (boy.. that used to be so depressing!)

I felt the need to post this because I know that soon, the New Year's weight-loss excitement will start to fade. Will-power alone never keeps anyone on a healthy track. Determination is the name of the game. Self-control. Self-worth. Pride enough in who you are and your physical body to take care of yourself. That is so hard to conjure up for so many people. I know it was for me. When you spend so much time taking care of your family, working, rescuing others... there is little time to check on yourself.

So, if you're feeling defeated already or your momentum is starting to waver, pick yourself up and dust yourself off. So what if you don't want to exercise today? DO IT ANYWAY! So what if you'd rather eat pizza than baked chicken and brown rice... EAT IT ANYWAY. Why? Because you will love and thank yourself for it a year or two from now, and you'll feel awesome at what you've accomplished!