Motivation

There are a lot of sources of inspiration in my life when it comes to getting in shape.

One of the biggest would be my family, whether it be my mother who has come so far in her journey to be healthier (and is looking amazing!), or my Aunt who I’ve mentioned before and who has given me an example of what can happen if I don’t take care of myself, or Brandon’s mom who has been dealt quite the hand in life and still has managed to lose 80+lbs and keep it off for at least 8 years now.

Reading blogs is also incredibly inspiring. I have found so many great recipes and workouts, and I love reading about everyone’s journeys. It helps to know that so many others have been where I am now. I really do want to make the most of this community as I can. I know I am slower to really pick up on this than others but I am trying.

Another great source is Pinterest. I have found so many great tips, workouts, and just inspirational pictures/sayings that my “board” is getting larger and larger by the day.

Some of my favorites:

The last two are my favourites.

But, even after all of the great sources of motivation available to me, want to know what really motivated me today?

Taking before photos.

I felt like I was baring my soul. I’m not brave enough to share them with you now, or maybe ever. Not even with Brandon. For now they are just for me. It hurt so much taking those photo’s I immediately did a TurboFire workout (HIIT 15), which I suck at FYI. I am so uncoordinated. But I felt better afterwards, and that’s the main thing.

So tell me,

What motivates you?

Perfect Conditions

While I was passing time at work the other day on StumbleUpon, I came across this and it just really hit home to me. I immediately wrote down the link so I would remember where I found it when I got home.

I have SUCH a bad habit of finding excuses not to do something.  Like if my iPod is dead, well then my work out is ruined because heaven forbid I go on the treadmill without music. Obviously that means I should just go home and try to remember to charge it for the next time. Not!  I am the queen of making excuses, and then doing everything I possibly can to try and rationalize my decision.

Or I could apply it to just life in general. If Brandon and I had waited until things were perfect (in our 'dream jobs’ with higher salaries etc) to move in together and eventually get married and such, we would be waiting forever. No matter what, there will always be bills to pay, random expenses will come up and timing may never seem just right to take whatever step is next. Sure, in time we will probably be comfortable financially and what not, but who knows how long that may be! I sure as heck don’t want to wait that long to live and be with the man I love. Plus, going through and experiencing all of what’s ahead of us is only going to make us stronger as a couple in the long run. Why would we want to skip that!?

This picture serves as a great reminder to stop waiting and making excuses. No more waiting for the right time – because the right time is now.