Loved My Kids Enough to Get Skinny!

Because yesterday was Mother's Day, I've been thinking heavily on what a joy it is to celebrate being a Mom. I have two of the greatest reasons for such a celebration, and today I get to share both of them with you. 

When I stop and think about when I was obese and terribly overweight or about the woman that I've become today, even though they are polar opposites, one thing is certain, the joy that has come into my life because I have been blessed to be a mother is something I hold close to my heart. Sure, when I look back on the choices I made as a mother when I was heavy, tired, and limited, I'm sure I did things differently than I tend to chose to do them now. (Lazy couch potato verses heading out on a hike with the kids.) Regardless, I know my children have not been robbed of my love or affection but have learned just how much I love and cherish them. Here is what they have to say about the matter:

Ever since my Mom has lost weight and become more active in her life, she's become even more of a joy to be around. (She's always been a joy but now it's SUPER JOY!) I love how active she has become and that she loves to go hiking, running, and work out. She even is hilarious to watch as she tries to master some of my clogging moves. She not only is my Mom but she's one of my friends. She's super cool and so fun to hang out with. I love spending time with her just bonding and doing girl things together. She truly is my role model and I love that she has taken her life back in a way that has not only changed her but changed me to be a better person too. I love you Mom! - McKenna

                                       Then.....

                                       Now......

I love my mom. She has always been so wonderful to me but it seems as though now days she's even more wonderful. Some of the things I love is that she does so many things outside now. Like hiking, and running. I've run with her and she's pretty good. She even makes it look easy! My mom is so fun to hang out with and doesn't seem to get as tired as she used too. She's always happy and I think she looks more elegant and pretty then ever before. One of the upsides of all this is that she makes awesome protein shakes for me before school. She also buys wheaties now and other yummy healthy stuff. She makes me want to eat healthy and exercise forever and teach my kids to do the same too. I try to help her and take care of her too by being supportive. She's always helping and taking care of me.  I guess the only downside to all of this is that we don't seem to have much snack food in the pantry these days. AKA-Not enough goodies! It doesn't matter though because I'll take a healthy mom over any other thing in the world. I'm so glad she's my mom. I wouldn't want any other mom in the world. I sure am lucky. I love my mom so much. - Blake

                                 Then.....

                            Now....

For my kids to see and witness that I'd want to take care of myself in a way that will allow me to live a long, healthy, active life has "sealed the deal" for them on the power of a mothers love and how much her children mean to her - that nothing will stand in her way of becoming the best mother she can...not even her weight!

Hitting the Excuse Button!

I'd like to introduce you to someone who has become very familiar to me during my weight loss journey. In fact, we've developed such a relationship that some days we've spent multiple times a day together. Unfortunately, I'm not all certain this little friend is someone everyone wants to have a relationship with, but none the less I'm sure some of you already do.

Meet my excuse button! He's pretty cute, huh? My friend Tammy introduced me to him early on in my journey and was very good at often times pointing out to me that I was pushing the button. (Should raise her hand, pretend like she was pushing a button and make a beeping sound) I can't tell you how many times I'd make up excuses for things and half the time I really didn't even know I was doing it. A lot of times I think it's what naturally came out of my mouth because whatever excuse I gave for whatever reason, was giving me that sense of security and comfort I was thinking I needed in the moment. The reality of it is that every time I hit that excuse button it moved me further away from where I know I wanted to be. I think we are all guilty of this type of behavior in our own way. Especially if we are overweight and feeling insecure about ourselves and our appearance. It's almost as if it comes natural to those of us that fall into that category. Here is a list of the things I'm guilty of pushing the excuse button for:

- That won't fit me! 

- I can't run that far!

- He/she can do that because they are athletic!

- I don't have time!

- That won't look good on me!

- I could never wear that!

- You're just stronger than me!

- I can't climb that mountain!

- I'm too tired!

- I'm just big boned!

- I CAN'T!

- It's expensive to eat healthy!
- I'll start Monday!

- I've tried that!

- I'll never get there!

- I'm too sore!
- This is taking too long!
- It's too hot outside!
- And the list goes on......

Do you have an excuse button? Maybe you do and haven't even realized it? No worries in either case. Really one of the best things that has helped me overcome some of my struggles mentally on this journey is recognizing that this button exists and is very real. Is it a bad thing? Yes and no. I believe if you entertain the thoughts that the excuse button puts in your mind and don't realize it's a problem, you'll never really get to the root of why you're struggling in the first place. On the other hand, knowing that we all have a tendency to not want to try new things, hard things, or things that seem out of reach - It's nice to have someone there to help you recognize that you are pushing that button and only hurting yourself by slowing down your progress.The best part about all this is that I've been on both sides of fence on this one, and I can tell you it's so much better to have someone there to help you focus and realize you're making excuses when half the time you don't even know you're doing it. Whatever it may take, whether it's finding that friend, writing things down, or simply teaching yourself to not get intimate with the excuse button will only give you nothing but motivation, strength and the courage to get to your goal. 

Believe me, I've yet to master this one and still seem to struggle from time to time but the good news is, the excuse button and I are certainly not as good of friends as we used to be!

Live in the Moment!

Looking back, I've learned what a huge roll the mind plays within us as we try to lose weight. In fact, I think it's the biggest obstacle. More so than any exercise or eating regimen. The MIND! (This was true for me anyway.)

All I can say is, whatever you're in the middle of trying to accomplish, focus on the moment. To understand how to live in the moment you must first realize that this is about participation rather than just observation. Focus is no easy task in a society which so many of us dwell on the past or anticipate the future. This is something I admit I was terrible at while losing the weight. I was often times doing just that..dwelling on the past and not being able to see myself in the future. Not a good combination when you're trying to change your life.
Don't worry about what you did or didn't get done at the gym yesterday, or start comparing what you were doing last week to this week, or what food you should or shouldn't have put in your mouth. Learn to live in the moment. What is going on right now. Today. In the next few hours. Pay attention and make note of how you feel when your making good food choices and choosing to exercise. Write it down if you need too. When you look at it like that, getting to the gym or choosing to make good choices are often better and don't seem so unmanageable.
When you find yourself wishing for something you don't have, or wishing your life would be different, start your dreaming by being thankful for what is already in your life. This will bring you back to the present moment. Again. make a list if you need to. You don't want to miss the gifts right in front of you. If you are thankful for what is, you'll be happy to be in the moment instead of some place else.

All in all, Just remember that the greater your ability to truly focus on the present moment, the greater the likelihood that you will enter into that state of focused immersion often referred to as “the zone.” When we get into that "zone" state, nothing can stop us!

What am I doing in the moment? Relishing the fact that even though it's been a long day, I just returned from a much needed run my body had been waiting for. Now it's off to prepare a taco salad and help a kiddo with homework. 

What are you doing in the moment?