Motivation

Everyone knows that success is a great motivator, but do we really believe it?

I have spent most of my life trying to find the motivation to eat right, exercise more, and be healthier. In my twenties tennis was my great motivator. It took up a lot of time I might have spent eating and it burned calories like pinewood in a forest fire.

After that one thing after another got in my way and food is a fast and soothing way to reward yourself when life is rough.

A few years ago I lost a lot of weight with a friend, but with a major difference. He decided to eat healthier. I decided to lose weight eating special foods. We both lost, but I gained mine back right away.

Now I am trying to eat healthier while still eating things I like. I've even found some new things that really are satisfying to my palate but not loaded down in calories. I am exercising three short times a day, so I never feel overwhelmed.

I lost twelve pounds last month. It didn't seem like a lot until I picked up my twelve pound bag of cat food and was surprised how heavy it felt. I don't feel any lighter, but seeing the number on my scale and knowing I have maintained this healthier lifestyle for nearly six weeks has been an amazingly powerful motivator.

Today I walked for almost two hours shopping with my daughter and still managed to take my regular three short walks. I am exhausted, but proud of myself. That's something I've seldom felt able to admit before.