When the going gets tough…..

So it’s over 100 degrees here in Missouri and this girl doesn’t want to even try to get used to it. It’s basically miserable and an excuse to not workout, right? OK, so maybe not but it’s been mine lately…..ironically, in my mind, it was too hot long before this heat wave. I tend to get home at night and feel exhausted from work and just want to sit around watching TV and basically doing nothing. Guess that type of thinking doesn’t get your results.

I have a great mentor who’s been where I am and I see my future self in her. What a great combo….I love talking to her and feel special that she takes the time out of her new, busy life to talk to me and give advise. It’s amazing how someone believing in you can make such a difference. I’m truly thankful for her…..

She understands that I just don’t want to work out some days and I shouldn’t feel guilty about it. She always says "you shouldn’t sell yourself short of what you could be. Don’t let yourself get in the way of a better future….get up and DO something about it. It’s time to start loving yourself enough to change the things you hate about yourself!" Great points to ponder and take to heart…..

No matter what I’m blessed…at least I have a chance to change things. So here’s the motivation I needed to….get going!

"Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it."
…..now it’s time to start moving…..with no excuses…..

Rewards???

So I was listening to the radio on my way to work this morning and heard a McDonald’s commercial where they said to “reward” yourself with a breakfast sandwich today.  Shockingly, my first reaction was “what?”….that’s no reward! 

My whole life I’ve “rewarded” myself with food and now it’s the battle to get the remnants of the so called “rewards” off!  LOL….. It’s amazing how our society, in general, considers eating a big “reward” for something great!  It’s no wonder that when we are feeling down, we turn to food to help us feel better – to recapture the good feeling that we had that one time we were “rewarded”. 

There are lots of restaurant commercials on each day that tempt with delicious looking food and great deals.  It seems to be the one thing people revolve around….family dinners, dates, time with friends, needing to get out of the house so head to your favorite restaurant.   Now, while these aren’t necessarily a bad thing, it does all come down to moderation and watching what you put into your mouth.  I’m the worlds worst when it comes to maintaining control around my “favorite” foods.  It’s easy to overeat while you are catching up with friends (or nervous about your date) so paying attention is a challenge. 

Of course I’ve gotten off the real subject of my post and that is rewards…..so, what are appropriate rewards for something great (or even good)?  We are a society of instant gratification and rewards truly do make the world go round.  I personally can never wait for the reward (like a pedicure, hair highlight, facial, massage, etc) when meeting goals so I end up getting them whenever I want.  I guess through this whole process, the thing I’ve learned is that true “rewards” are living each day healthy.  Each day where I don’t wheeze at the top of the stairs or can tie my shoes without passing out…..that’s a true reward.  Living each day happy and thankful….that’s a true reward.  Being proud of myself and the little accomplishments….that’s a true reward. 

Guess I get lots of small rewards daily and never even noticed…..so I think that I will thank McDonald’s today for reminding me of the daily rewards I receive….and no, I won’t be “rewarding” myself with anything from their restaurant!