This weight loss and fitness journey is not about vanity.
Ok, well, maybe it is a little.
But my self esteem is not entirely dependent upon what size my pants are or how much I weigh, like it was when I was in my twenties and thirties.
No, this journey is about setting a good example for my children.
It’s about teaching them healthy habits.
It’s about performing at my best, whether that’s as a mom, or as a triathlete.
It’s about teaching my children this:
Because they come from a pretty long line of relatives with a history of addiction.
And depression.
It’s about setting them up for success, and setting myself up to be around as long as possible.
I’m 44 years old.
My grandma died this weekend.
I was very blessed to have her in my life as long as I did.
But being an older mom, if I want to give that gift of being an awesome grandparent to my children’s children, I need to take care of myself.
So while this journey is about 25% feeling good in clothes,
and out of them,
it’s 100% about being a role model for my kids.
If you look at my pictures, not much has changed in the past 2 weeks.
December 9
December 23
December 9
December 23
But if you look at the scale,
a lot has changed.
And NOT in a good way.
December 16
December 23
Here is where I think a lot of people get discouraged.
And give up.
I know I did not gain 4 1/2 pounds last week.
My weight can actually fluctuate that much in a 24 hour period.
Don’t get me wrong, I definitely don’t like seeing that number.
But I’m not going to let it derail me.
That number is a combination of things.
Last week everything kind of came to a head.
We had the news of the failed septic system.
Then we were thrown the curve ball.
Two of the kids got sick.
Then my grandmother died.
I didn’t work out one time last week.
Not once.
I chose not to make it a priority.
And it really affected me.
It may have affected the number on the scale a little bit.
But it really affected my brain.
I was beyond irritable.
I was frustrated that I didn’t have my normal opportunities to work out.
And I seriously lost it on my husband on Friday.
Big time.
Screw the scale,
or the size of my waist.
I need to work out to maintain emotional balance.
And while last week was particularly difficult,
there is always going to be something.
Not just for me.
For all of us.
It’s always a roller coaster.
If you wait for life to plateau so that you can fit stuff in,
or start something new,
or make a much needed change,
you’ll be waiting forever.
The ups and downs are inevitable.
They are a constant.
But giving your body and brain the gift of health can help you to deal with those ups and downs.
If you are struggling to make your overall health a priority, consider signing up for my next e-course.
You will find yourself in a group of super supportive people who can all totally relate to what you are going through.
It’s not a group of psychos who are training for an Iron Man or a marathon.
It’s a group of people who are all at varying levels of age, fitness, athletic ability,
who are struggling with balancing kids, marriage, finances,
whatever.
It’s a group of people who help to support you and keep you on track to achieve whatever your fitness goals are.
It’s a group of people just like you.
And just like me.
I want you to read this message I got on the Fit, Fierce, and Fabulous Facebook page a couple days ago.
It’s from a woman who is not enrolled in the current course, but who took the one before it.
More rewarding than the fact that I helped her to get started on her journey is the fact that from taking an eight week course, she developed some new behaviors and attitudes,
and this happened:
Susie I just weighed myself. . . Drum roll please. .
160— down 34 pounds thanks to you. You rock I talk about you all the time. I have not stopped hearing you tell me to stay focused. THANK YOU
Awesome.
So. freaking. awesome.
Why don’t you give yourself a Christmas gift and give yourself some support, structure, and guidance.
Start the New Year off with me. Click here to register!
Make yourself, and your health, a priority.
Set yourself up for success, just like Georgie did.
When you do that, you give not only yourself, but your children,
and your grandchildren,
the biggest gift of all.
Susie, I’m sorry to hear about your Grandmother. It’s wonderful that she got to see you and the kids right at the end, and you’re so right to focus on the 44 wonderful years you had with her. That is truly a gift.
I couldn’t agree with you more about the mental benefits of working out, and you’re right, it IS important to set a good example for health and exercise to our children. But I also think that it’s important for kids to learn from their parents that it’s ok to give yourself a break sometimes, when life gets too hectic. No one can do everything, all the time.
Your motivation and support literally CHANGED.MY.LIFE. this fall. At the end of September, I was not where I wanted to be physically or mentally. Your courses changed that for me. I’m now thinner and fitter than I was when I got married, let alone thinner than I was pre-pregnancy! More than that, I have FINALLY learned to tell the little doubting, insecure voice in my head to “SHUT UP, BITCH!” and that has translated beautifully into other areas of my life, as well.
You’ll get back on track. This isn’t a sprint, after all, it’s a marathon (and you’ve already conquered that!) to last the rest of your life. You can do it, I know you can! Merry Christmas!
A great reminder to keep balance in our busy, and often hectic lives that always seem to get in the way of the little things. I am trying to incorporate exercise into everyday of my life as well to keep on track in the long run. Thanks for the motivation!
My condolences on your loss. Stress is a killer toward both motivation and weight loss. Cortisol, the stress hormone, floods your body in tough times, which let’s just say results in opposite of losing weight. Get sleep, try and eat right and don’t stress about being stressed. It happens to all of us.
Susie, I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother! I love reading your blog! Merry Christmas!