Motivation! Where do you fit in FITNESS?

Yesterday, I saw someone who hasn't seen me in about 3 years. Number one, she came right up to me and starting talking to me, and she did not recognize me at all. Number two, when she realized it WAS me, she nearly fell over. I seem to have that sort of reaction from people a lot these days. She made me turn around and around and kept saying how she couldn't believe it was me. After the initial shock is over, people always ask the same thing. How do you stay motivated?

What some do not understand about fitness is that motivation, true motivation, comes from WITHIN. I did not wake up one day and become a fitness activist. The truth is I was reluctant to move in any direction, but I knew I HAD to do this for ME. Any movement in the right direction, whether it be 5 minutes on a treadmill, or a walk to the mailbox, any movement is better than no movement. With the staggering numbers of obesity rising in our country, it is disheartening to me to know that most of the ailments out there could be prevented with a dedication to one's self and well-being. The more I was active, the better I felt, and the journal I documented the good, the bad, and the ugly was my reminder of how far I had come.

Personally, the gains for me are when I go into a store, try a size on that looks small on the hanger and it fits! Hello?
And whoever said people had to "look their age" was an idiot! I neither look my age or am ashamed to tell someone I will be 49 in one month from today! I think when people lie about such things, it is only a cover-up to bigger issues of low self-esteem.

What got me started in body building and fitness was when I decided I should take hold of my life, and change what I could. Not the instant gratification of the little picture, but the overall benefits of the BIG picture. I had not put my weight on overnight, so it was not feasible to assume it would just magically disappear overnight! Most of the overnight successes you read about, were NOT accomplished in one day. However, I am the real deal! Nothing fake on this girl! My love of life has made me realize I CAN be whomever I want to be when I BELIEVE I CAN.
And I have no doubts in my belief system now. If anything, I am even MORE dedicated to myself and my fitness plan.

I think most importantly is the desire for long lasting results. If a person sets out in one direction only to find a dead end, does the person stop the journey? No. The person should seek another route to get where they want to be.
I am not where I want to be yet, however, I am closer now than if I had never began my journey at all.

Don't let the negatives suck you in to believing you are not worthy of success! You are worthy. I am worthy!
And good things come to the seekers in life!

I love my journey, my life, my gym, but most of all, I love the strength of the person I have become inside.
Big hugs 2 U!

The year is young!
Teri