Finding Your Motivation

Good morning, fellow people!


As I'm sure you can tell by my greeting, I am in a very oddball mood this lovely morning. I was lucky enough to come into work later than normal and that always makes a happier-albeit stranger- mindset for me. :D

I went for a nice, invigorating run this morning. Invigorating because there is just something surreal about running for miles at the break of dawn. Breaking from tradition, I didn't listen to my typical Jillian Michaels' podcast during my run, instead I put on my favorite workout station on iHeartRadio: Spin Cycle. I broke with my normal podcast routine because I felt the need to ruminate on a few things. Often my runs are the only time I get to spend alone and today that meant I needed time to think freely- something I cannot do while focusing on a podcast.

Lately, I have been focusing on what my motivation to live a healthy life is. Its easy to run down the list of perfect body, flat abs, etc., but trust me when I say  that is not enough. I know it is cliched, but it truely will not get you through the long haul. It might work for a while, but when you have a significant change in your life it is far to easy to let go of your good habits unless you have strong motivation in the first place. Motivation is never stagnant either. It will change as you change and grow as you grow.

My current motivations are a mix of old and new. While many are still evolving into distinct, substantial concepts, I want to share what is currently near and dear to my heart.

As a single woman my focus was very "me" centered. And while I strongly believe that women should always take the time to care for and nourish their bodies, it is unbelieveable how challenging this is once your focus shifts to include a husband. I can only imagine how much more so once there are children in the picture. I have realized that I have to create the foundation now to continue exercising and eating clean, healthy foods for the long haul.

For me being physically active and eating healthy foods isn't an option (although I often act as if it were!). I have food allergies/intolerances that make it necessary to eat clean and avoid trigger foods. If I eat crap, I feel like crap. Its a very simple concept. I also have asthma that is only controlled through diet (eliminating sensitive foods/substances) and physically pushing my body through endurance training (mostly running). The healthier I live the less I have to fight to breathe.

I want to live a long, healthy life. Living to be 100+ is not unheard of in my family. Most of my grandparents and great-aunts/uncles lived will into their 70s or 80s. I've seen some of them pass away still leading an active, vibrant life while others withered due to inactivity, poor diet, and disease. To see someone turn into a shadow of the active person they once were is devastating. I never want to experience a decreased quality of life because of my unwillingness to strive for health and wellness.  Granted, there are illnesses and diseases that we cannot prevent or control. But I do not want the regret of wondering if I could have lived a happier, healthier life, but didn't because it required too much effort.

My thoughts feel a little jumbled right now, but I hope they are clear enough for you to understand them. Do yourself a favor. Take time out to really think about what your motivation is. Maybe you need to find something a bit more substantial or maybe you already have the best of reasons. Either way, having that motivation clearly defined, whether in your head, written down, or shared with a friend, is a great first step on the road to wellness.

<K.E.