Not just a job...

I openly, freely and whole-heatedly admit that I am a visual kind of Gal.

Don't get me wrong, I am also very Spiritual, and when times are tough or I seem to have lost my way, I have faith that things will work out for the better in the end. However, when I can FEEL or SEE something that resonates purpose, reason or "light at the end of the tunnel", I am better (even excelling) at pushing through hard times.

For example, in my life I "know"that raising kids is one of the most rewarding and precious things any human being can accomplish. I know this, even when my 2 year old has found a crayon and colored on her brand new WHITE dresser...for the second time in one day. Or when after being told he could not get out the craft supplies right before bedtime my sweet 8 year old son decided to be disobedient and did it anyway...and left me a HUGE mess to clean up. I even "know" how rewarding parenting is when I am on my 10 year old daughter's hate list for the 3rd day in a row...or is it 4th? But, even though I "know" that, I am able to push through the more challenging times in this journey because I can FEEL and SEE every day, every minute, just how rewarding it is, and I am constantly reminded of my purpose, via handmade cards (just because), extra long hugs and extra bedtime kisses, and even tiny fingerprints I scrub off walls. All of those are visual, concrete PROOF that things will work out.

My daily struggle to gain control of my life, (with regard to weight loss & health) is no exception to my need of proof. I "know" that I am SO much more healthy than I have been in years, just on account that I actually work out every single day. I "know" that changes will happen eventually if I am strict to my diet. I "know" that I am happier because of the changes I have made over the past year or so. Still, it seems that my motivation, determination and drive have depleated, simply because I've lost VISUAL confirmation that my efforts have had any effect on anything in my life. You know the feeling:

1. Day 1 (Diet & Exercise) - Pumped and excited for future changes
2. Day 5 - Step on the scale or measure yourself and SEE the changes already happening
3. Day14 - More weightloss (or inches), feeling great
4. Day 30 - Physical changes are visually aparent to you
5. Day 60 - Other people start noticing changes made
6. Day 120 - Hit a plateau...motivational & physical
7. Day 150 - No longer seeing ANY changes; stop diet/exercise all together

It's this rediculous rollorcoaster that I put myself on. Up...Up...Up...Up...Dooooooown....

I got to thinking this morning...I have been SOO blind! Proof? PROOF?!?! So many things, as concrete as any old sidewalk I've ever stepped on, are proof that I am in COMPLETE control of my lifestyle.

For one...I have been dedicated to working out RELIGIOUSLY 3-5 days a week for the past year, and recently increased to 7 days! I have NEVER commited to any other workout routine longer than 2 months before in my LIFE!

Second...I can jog. I can jog!

Third...I am happy.

Fourth...I think about what I eat before I eat it. "I" am in control!

So, now you may be wondering, "Good for you, but what does this have to do with me?"

Well, oh faithful readers, I'm so glad you asked! ;D

I got to thinking more and more about my need for PROOF that my actions ARE working, that everything I'm putting myself through, despite the lack of melting inches/pounds, is WORTH it, and better for me in the long run. I thought, "Hmm. If I need that proof, that constant little reminder, I bet others do too!"

I want to inspire you...to motivate you...to let you know that you CAN be healthy. You CAN stick to an exercise routine. At times, it will be hard. Outside influences or circumatances may tempt you to quit. You may say to yourself, "what's the point?", but I urge you to press forward. Proof that your efforts are worthwile and effective will surround you. You will FEEL better. You will FEEL happy, energized, and proud. You will SEE changes in your body and in your stamina/endurance. As soon as you take that first step toward a healthy lifestyle, everything else will fall into place, and you won't believe how quickly the changes will start to occur.

I want you to read a quote I saw somewhere online. I don't know the author, but I couldn't have said it better:

Losing Weight. It's not just a job, it's

an adventure. I'm joining today.

As we head off for the weekend, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss's "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

Any direction you choose.

You're on your own.

And you know what you know.

And YOU are the one

who'll decide where to go.

Keep healthy, keep safe and keep going!

Have an AWESOME and inspired weekend!

©Fit~NOW~Girl©