Motivation

My goal for this week is to create a "world" for myself  (at school) where I can be surrounded by motivation.  Last week was a hard week emotionally so I really want to do all I can to keep my spirits up and keep myself moving towards my goal.
Here are some things I've found helpful so far:

1) I have become extremely inspired by the ABC show Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.  Watching their struggles with food and working out and getting to see how they look in the end really gets me going.  It helps me think about different things, I want to look that good, look, her and I have the same goal, if she can do it, so can I.  Thinking these things makes me want it even more.
I would definitely suggest you get caught up on this season!

2) I made myself a motivation wall, just a couple of simple sheets of paper that remind me of things I want to accomplish, why I am doing this, and daily reminders. I have a friend at school who is also trying to lose weight, she suggested I try this because it helps her to physically cross things off when she completes a task or goal. So I figured I'd give it a whirl, I will keep you posted as to how this is going over the next few months.

 Notice my workout clothes directly to the left of my motivation :)

3) Asking for help and support.  Today I recieved a card from Bailey, goodness did I need that.  Just knowing that other people are concerned about my well being and making sure that I stay on track helps me.  I have been missing my girls like crazy, it is so much different doing things without them, but it shows me that I want to work even harder so that when we are reunited we can do fun, active things together :)

I also reached out to Trainer Sara this week so that she could help me work out a plan with some aerobics classes as well as look at my food log from last week. 

It is A OKAY to ask for help, I know we all think we need to be strong, independent, self motivated people, but sometimes it helps to just get some new feedback or a new point of view on the things that you have gotten into the routine of doing.

4) Teachers.  After class today I met with a teacher who seemed to take a special interest in my weight loss journey after I shared it in a presentation last week.  Talking with her today I learned that she was also in my position at one point and she knows the struggles and offered her help and support whenever I need it.  It was so nice to know that someone here, so far from home, I have an ally. She is providing me with the support and resources I need to succeed.

All of these small things are making a huge difference in my level of determination.  The wedding is fast approaching and I really need to step up my game.  I am so excited to see what the next phase is in my journey, I know it is going to be a lot harder then the first phase, but I think I've got all the tools I need now to kick my goal in the butt. 

Stay strong!

Until tomorrow,

C