What Motivates YOU?

Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

 ~ Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery

So I have been thinking about what motivates me in regards to this weight loss.  I have said time and time again, that it has been my family including my mother who nagged me constantly the last few years to do something about my weight.  Though it hasn't been easy and the motivation has not only been friend and family but even a few enemies here and there  (LOL). So let me share some of my motivators and it might be enough to motivate you!

1. Photos of my skinnier self in HS and college.  If that isn't a motivator, I don't know what one is!  I have been hesitant to see people from those times in my life because I was not happy with what I have become. So what a great motivator to get me off my butt and MOVE it! :)

2. Changes in my face and body shape.  Seeing small changes makes me want to see what I will become in a year or so. Right now I have a really hard time seeing them so I have to have pictures done to see the progression.  I did this to reinforce the motivation.

3. Rude comments from exs (two in particular).  One loves to describe me as a fat cow and the other likes to make comments to other people about me, who in turn (and he knows this) tell me what he says.  Now most people would get upset and freak out.  I just take it in and realize that the best defense is a good offense.  Why let him be right?  I mean seriously, both of them are known to be dishonest so why not let others see that??? Yep, I am going to do it for two reasons: To prove them wrong and to show them that they can't get to me like they think that they can.  It's called taking back control! Plus well placed anger is great when you don't have any other motivator.  I do my best work when I am angry because I turn it into results!

4. Medical issues.  Guess what?  Most have been resolved!  No BP meds or fibro meds and a muscle relaxer here and there.  I can even run again with little regret.  That is the best motivator to me because I will be around longer! I also have never let those issues hinder me.  When life gives you lemons, make an Arnie Palmer.  That is what keeps me from wallowing in self pity and misery.  Alternative and contingency plans are a must.

5. Going places without being self conscious.  I am no longer the elephant in the room.... Strange but true and though NO ONE wants to admit this, people treat you differently when you are obese. Yeah it isn't right but it is human nature to be prejudiced no matter how much we say it isn't so.  Having been smaller and larger, I do and have seen a difference.  It is hard to let people know and see that you are intelligent when all they can see is you in all your fatness... Yeah, I am being blunt but I can see people literally sizing me up.  I think that they think and believe that if you are heavy then you are stupid, ignorant, and dumb.  Of course anyone who knows me, knows that I am fairly intelligent, but somehow the world looks at weight as an indicator of intelligence... sad but true.

6. To be a healthier version of what my husband fell in love with.  One thing that I love about my husband is that he loves me for me.  Either that or he doesn't want be murdered in his sleep.  He has never told me that I was "fat" or "big" but has gently worked with me to do what he can to support me in the weight loss.  In fact, he was the one that researched the surgery as an option before I considered it. Point blank: nagging doesn't work with me and he knows it.  I just tend to tune people out (like my mom- even though I love her, sometimes she just needs to realize I am 35 years old).  I also tend to remove negative people from my life pretty easily.  Get too negative about me or other people and you can go bye bye. Bill just supports me and lets me do my own thing instead of putting me in a corner (No one puts Ami in a corner)!



Lastly, I have a question... What motivates you?  Write it down!!! Keep it close to your heart. Pray about it.  Share it with those close to you! Ask for accountability.  I am human and I do fail.  I have my days when I am discouraged but because I have been honest with others and admit that I too fail, it makes it that much easier to pick myself up by my combat boot straps and keep on going.  We all make mistakes, we all get discouraged but it takes a strong person to realize that and move on.  Tomorrow's another day, with no mistakes in it... Play on!