Old Dog...New Tricks

It seems that the older we get, the more routine our lives become. There is so much to pack into our short waking hours that a set schedule is the only way we can ensure that nothing is missed and we have best utilized our time. The more routine things become, the more difficult it is to alter or add things, and as a result, we fear change and avoid it at all cost.

When I first made the decision to change my lifestyle by joining a boot camp group last year, I knew that there would be many difficult days ahead. I knew that my decision would force my husband to take on some responsibilities he had never had before, and I felt bad for being selfish. I knew that although he would support me in my weight loss journey, he would also resent me at times for leaving him to bear burdens on his own, and that was scary to me. I was afraid that, by committing to 90 minutes of "me time" to work out away from my kids 3 times a week, my kids would feel neglected. I knew that we didn't have a lot of spare funds, and the monetary commitment would bear a burden. I had so many voices telling me that the change I was making would not last, wouldn't be worth the stresses sure to follow, and that the change (although positive for me personally) would have a directly negative impact on my family's functionality. Despite the constant nagging of negative voices, I took the first baby step and embarked on my journey to becoming a healthier ME, and have never looked back.

There have been days when frustration or anger arise and conflicts over my dedication to working out develop between my kids or husband, but I carefully assess each situation and act appropriately. If my son is struggling in school & needs an additional hour's help with his homework, I accept that his needs come before my own that night. If my toddler is feeling clingy and feverish, I have faith that my husband can comfort her until my workout is done. I have learned that although my family would much rather prefer to have me at their beckon call 24/7, they will find a way to survive (on most occasions) until I get home from my work out. As an added bonus, my husband has come to appreciate my "maternal awesomeness" a little more now that he is responsible for baths & bedtime 3 mights a week, something he has NEVER done in his life.

My point to this little story is that you're never too old to change.

Sure, change can be scary, and routines are comfortable, but if you're not happy where you are now, unless you change, you never will be. No one will come into your life and arrange it so that you can have time to yourself...you have to be the catalyst. You have to make the decision to improve yourself and find a way to make it work. I promise you that it can be done. Changes just aren't about loosing weight, they're about feeling GOOD about who and how you are. Simple changes such as omitting your morning frappachinno or bagel, walking 20 minutes during lunch, or bringing your lunch rather than buying can have amazing positive results. I have found that my 3 year old is just as content talking to her friend in a stroller on a 3.5 mile walk as she is playing with her at the house. In fact, nightly walks have now become part of our routine, and my daughter whines on nights I have boot camp because she would like to "walk."

Small change, big impact, and everyone is happy.

"It's never too late to be who you might have been."

~ George Elliot ~

Have a super weekend!

Keep healthy, keep safe and keep going!

Have an awesome day!

♥Fit~NOW~Girl♥