Putting myself out there means opening myself up to criticism...

I'll admit it, I like a complement as much as the next person. It definitely makes all my hard work seem worth it and pushes me to try harder. I have discovered, however, that there's a flip side to receiving praise, receiving the cold shoulder and/or criticism. Yes, I have been checking into the gym, sharing this blog, and posting motivational fitness quotes on facebook. I am NOT doing it to brag or to make people feel bad about their lives, my two main purposes are:

1) It makes me get off my butt and go do something knowing that SOMEONE may see it.

2) If it motivates even one person to be active, I feel a sense of accomplishment!

I have felt that the more time goes by and the more days I post my check-ins and quotes, I have found a surprising number of people that are distant and unkind when I see them in person. Some have said things like, "Oh, are you going to put this on fb?" or others who won't even talk to me as if I have nothing new to say (I ALWAYS have something to say and LOVE talking to people)!? It actually really hurts my feelings when others don't seem interested in having a conversation with me. Do they think all I'm going to do is talk about what workout I went to today or how many points my food is worth?!? I have three kids for goodness sake and work with elementary kids all day, I have tons of other exciting things to fill conversation with than myself! I love to chat about family, books, movies, weather, climate change, common core, Obama care, or Norway, to name a few ideas...
I would never try to make someone feel bad or guilty but, if someone wanted advice or motivation, I would be more than willing to share ideas or information.

I will continue to post despite having felt the chill from some cold shoulders and harsh words recently. Why? Because I have also had many friends thank me for my motivation and that's what it's all about for me! It does make me sad if someone thinks I am being annoying, however, it truly empowers me and gives me a sense of purpose knowing that something that I posted encouraged someone to get up and do something that made them healthier, more fit, and happier!

Today I ate within my WW points and I made it to Body Rock aerobic class. My body reminded me that I hadn't done either for two days and will most likely continue to remind me tonight and into tomorrow as my legs ache from numerous squats... but it's worth it! I have 4 pounds until I make my goal #1 and 14 until my ultimate goal! I CAN do this and I WILL do this, for myself, with or without anyone's support!!

I am my own worst enemy...

This weekend has been very productive; laundry done, house cleaned, lessons planned, attended Chisel & Step Aerobics, played at the park with the kiddos, and a new blog site started. So I should feel satisfied, right?!? Wrong :(   One of the other "accomplishments" of this weekend was recording my Weight Watcher points and, lo & behold, I went over by quite a few points this weekend. Ugh! It just proves what my WW leader said yesterday, "The points you don't record today find there way onto the scale tomorrow!" I wish there was a magic pill that gave me the same will power that's motivated me to exercise as to say no to snacking, anyone know where I can find it?

Alright, my pity party is over for the day! I'll get up first thing in the morning and head to aerobics class and start the week on the right foot. Tonight I'll plan out what I'm going to eat tomorrow (including my snacks) and stick to it NO MATTER WHAT!! I do find it can be difficult to not want a snack right after working out. I just have to be more mindful and plan my breakfast after my morning workout and supper after any evening workouts. Now to say a little prayer that my mind, stomach, and will power work together...

I also wanted to mention another big decision coming up this week. Lent will be ending on Sunday and I've successfully given up pop. Now I'm struggling with whether to start drinking it again after Easter. My husband says that if I've gone this long without why start again? My mind says that I've wasted many points on coffee and creamer the past 40 days in order to keep up with all the things going on in day to day life, it would be nice to go with zero point diet pop?! Hmm... I put a survey on my blog so if you are reading this and have a minute, I'd love your opinion! :)

Start the week out on the right foot, make healthy choices and be active!