There comes a time in every persons health and nutrition journey where strength all lands on your own shoulders.  That moment when you realize you can have the best support system around, but it really is up to you to find the inner strength to follow your goals, to stay on track.

I have recently had a humbling moment.  I have stayed so true to my nutrition and fitness goals, yet the universe wanted me to make sure that I was going to truly appreciate the weight and fat loss.  I set a mini goal for myself and sure enough right when I was ready to celebrate…the scale and measurements stopped moving.

I openly admit I am an overachiever, not hitting a goal is not an option in my mind.  So my frustration level was at an all time high.  The negative little devil on my shoulder wasn’t whispering any longer,  she was full on yelling and laughing at me….telling me to just give up.  What’s the point?  Just eat the food you want, it doesn’t make a difference!

In attempts gone by to regain my health and fitness,  I would have given in.  I would have let the she devil win. I would have found my reflection at the bottom of a bowl of ice cream (who are we kidding the container, the whole container).  This was my eureka moment, this is where I stood alone with my thoughts and had to choose….did I dive head first into some Cherry Garcia or did I find a way to navigate my feelings and keep going?

There were tears, there was anger that would have made the Incredible Hulk proud.  Then there was a feeling of being defeated that was so familiar to me that it made me so sad.  I knew this sadness well, it has been my friend for the past 8 years.  I sat in “mom’s” room, I tried to meditate, I still felt like garbage.  I went for a walk, I still felt like garbage.  I took a shower to try to feel better, didn’t help.  I got dressed went into the bathroom and started to brush my hair, I stared at myself in the mirror and asked myself “Why do you feel so bad”?   Without hesitation I answered “You failed again”

A seismic shift happened right at that moment.  I happened to glance at a book I was reading on the counter The Universe has your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein.  I was reminded of a section of her book so I asked myself another question, How did I fail?  I followed everything that I was supposed to.  I got up 3 to 4 times a week at 4:30am to get to the gym. I worked my butt off literally.  I felt better, my clothes were getting looser every day.   My answer was more empowering then I thought it would be.  I DIDN’T FAIL!!!!

I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I know it will be worth it!  Sorry Ben and Jerry, one day we will meet again, but it sure as hell wasn’t going to be that day!  The effort I am putting in is for long-term results, it isn’t going to come over night.  I have more than 50 lbs to shed.  I am not giving up now, not ever!

So all you strong busy moms (or ladies or Gentlemen) be kind to yourself, when things take longer than you want, please, PLEASE do not give up.  You are worth it, you are amazing, your effort is inspiring!  Stay the course, Success will have a sweeter taste than any Ben and Jerry’s can give you!

Before you give in, before you let the little devil on your shoulder convince you to stray be sure you really dig deep.  You are stronger than you think you are!

Until Next time,

XOXO

Jen

Oh and to the little devil on my shoulder…