a different Kind of Strong

“You can never stop a disciplined mind with determination and direction,” Nadia Kashouh.

Train the mind and the body will follow. The hardest part of any goal, to any journey, is to START. Many times, we concoct all the reasons why we will fail, why we will not persevere and what is limiting us from taking that first step. We place our energy in believing this fabricated lie and allow the fear to stop us from moving forward. This was ME!

Starting my fitness journey, I got caught up in the comparison game and scrolling on social media for countless hours. Comparison is the thief of joy. I would pick apart my body and take pieces from all the ‘perfect women’ I saw to create what I thought would be MY PERFECT BODY.

 

My first workout I was extremely discouraged. Our perception is our reality, so I had to shift mine. It was about loving and appreciating me in the moment as I work towards my best self daily. I focused on progression and perfection. If all I could do was one push up, then my next goal would be 5 and we would go from there. I had to redefine my reason for exercising. It was no longer to have this perfect body or for temporary results but for my overall health in the long run. This path is a marathon NOT a sprint and we are not going to arrive at DESTINATION FIT with a few reps, low carbs, and tea drinks.

 

When I placed my focus on lifelong health and honoring my body with movement, I found my muscle of discipline, determination, and direction. My MIND was decided that as long as GOD allows me on this green earth that I would honor His temple with physical activity and work to create healthier habits. We are not always going to “feel” like working out OR want to always make the better food choice and sometimes we may just decide not to. However, when you are consistent in your efforts and your mind is focused on the long-term goal – a slip up here and there will not STOP you from pushing and pressing through.

We are the story we tell ourselves. Be sure to tell yourself how proud you are of any activity you have accomplished, that you are getting stronger and celebrate all wins. The world does a great job of making us feel less than so it’s important that we become our biggest cheerleaders. Confucius said it best, He who says they can and he who says they can’t are both right.

 

As the Spring is blooming let’s be sure to take advantage of the warmer weather and the brighter days.  It is not too late to begin to develop a NO EXCUSE mindset when it comes to moving our bodies. We all have 15 minutes to start something, why not putting YOU first.

See below for some great ideas to start implementing, mind and body.

1. Wake up with a heart of thanksgiving and list of 3 things you are grateful for. Be sure to say this out loud for your subconscious to catch a hold of it.
2. Do 15 jump jacks, 15 squats, and 15 sit-ups before you take your morning shower. BOOM now you already have 5 minutes done of your 15 minutes recommended to start with above.
3. EAT BREAKFAST!! You don’t drive your car on empty, you don’t want your body to run on empty either, especially as your starting your amazing day
4. Pack snacks for the day. Fresh Fruit and nuts are great snacks for in between your meals, keep your energy up and cravings down.
5. Drink a glass of water for every hour you are up. A gallon a day keeps the doctor away that’s what I say.
6. Walk on your lunch break or even in your building if the weather doesn’t permit it that day
7. While you are warming up your food (normally 90 seconds – 2 minutes) sit up and down from your chair. This is assisted squats (you will work up a nice quick sweat and get that metabolism going).
8. Pick the parking spot a little farther from the store and use the stairs instead of the elevator.
9. Rock your best curve and build your strongest muscle – your smile and confidence.
10. ENJOY the cookouts and the celebrations life offers. A diet has a start and an end date. Commit to this lifelong journey and if you have a slip-up, Congratulations – YOU’RE HUMAN! It’s all about coming right back to the journey with focus and committed action. You are a different kind of strong!