Work in progress.

Tonight I was thinking about why I work so hard to lead this life of health. I think it's good to reflect on our goals and what drives us and it's been a while for me. If you would have asked me a year ago, I probably would have said weight loss. I had a number on the scale I wanted to reach and I did. I've spent a lot of time reading and researching and refocusing since then and I've realized I want it to be about more than that. Numbers on a scale are just numbers. I've reached the same weight twice, before and after pregnancy and I can tell you I felt different both times. The numbers were the same but my health was completely different. What I really want is to feel strong. Healthy. Nourished. Balanced. I want how I feel inside to be reflected outside. I would be lying if I said I didn't care about losing weight. On top of nourishing my body, I do want to lose weight. I know the extra weight, even if it did come from growing beautiful babies, makes me feel sluggish and tired. I just don't have a number in mind. I don't do the things I do JUST to lose weight. I eat well for sustained energy and good health. I workout so that I can be strong and energize my body. Losing weight happens naturally from that and I know what my body feels like when it is functioning optimally. THAT is what I work for. Not a specific weight or size. My ultimate goal is to feel good about myself. And I'm not quitting when I get there.    That might be 10lbs heavier than my "recommended" weight with a tummy that has grown two babies and I'm pretty sure will never be flat again. I've accepted that and I know if I feel my best, that's what matters most.  I'm going to constantly work to make sure my body stays at its best. 

Something else that has changed the way I see things? My daughter. Almost every morning she asks if we can exercise because she thinks it is FUN. And that is how it should be!! Moving your body shouldn't be a chore, it should be something you enjoy doing. If I can show her now that fitness is fun and it makes our bodies strong, my hope is that she will continue to develop the habit as a teenager and adult. I want her to have a healthy relationship with food and fitness and I believe that it starts for children when they are young. I want her to understand that food can either nourish her body or slow it down and take that knowledge with her as she makes her own food choices. The same goes for my son, although he is only 6 months old so we aren't quite to that point yet. My hope for both of my children is that they learn to respect their bodies through what they eat and how they treat themselves. It's my job to set that example for them. 

I'm still very much a work in progress. However I know that every positive choice I make brings me closer to a happier, healthier me. 

And you know the saying--- when mama is happy, everyone is happy 😉