a journey

When you have a lot of weight to lose, it is easy to come up with excuses rather than get yourself off the couch and into motion...
So by taking the initial action of getting up and heading to the gym, of joining and being a part of a like minded group of positive people, all with similar or fitness related goals in mind - youve taken a difficult step already. You have ACTIVELY chosen to get rid of the part of you that has become an expert in excuse-making and procrastination, and are choosing to work instead towards a new, healthier you... that's a fantastic commitment!

At the fitness venue, you are in the right place for encouragement and motivation - never be afraid to ask questions - of anyone ... you've got a great support base and every day, as you start seeing results - you will become more confident with the choices you are making and be continually proud of yourself.

It's not going to be easy - every day, will bring about new challenges - but you KNOW you CAN conquer them. Have faith in yourself. Some days will be damn hard, and others a breeze ... but each morning when you wake up remember your goals, then be proud of yourself and the journey you are taking towards them...

My starting thoughts .... (I'm sure many more will come :D )

1. To get ongoing and permanent results *YOU* have to be the one that wants the change for yourself - not for anyone else - that can ONLY come from within or you will be fighting one hell of a very long battle. Be ready.

2. There is NO quick fixes - it's a long journey, but a very rewarding one - the saying 'slow but steady' really is true in this case, for long term results. Do NOT become frustrated or become attached to a 'kg' number - changes can often be internal some weeks, your energy, your fitness levels, the good you are doing to your internal organs, are endless.

3. Stop relying on food and eating to manage feelings - when you find yourself in that situation choose a different, more positive, behaviour - in time, that will become the habit.

4. Stop being afraid of what other people might think about you - most.... aren't :)

5. Stop thinking you dont have what it takes to lose weight (or to do much of anything else) - rid the negative self esteem and thought patterns.

6. Stop being terrified of what might happen when you succeed and you no longer have your physical limitations to use as an excuse for avoiding 'life' and living it to the maximum you're entitled to.

7. Become active, start to love the huffing and puffing of exercise, it has an amazing afterfeel that lasts for hours!

Mostly - have fun :) beginning a journey towards a new, positive, healthy you, is amazing.... I look forward to seeing how you transform and blossom...
Remember, every day is a new day, a new beginning

peace
-a-lways

( I wrote this back in september 2010, after giving a talk to a few ladies at the gym, beginning their weight loss journey's, have just come across it, and, on rereading, everything I thought back then, still stands ... so, with a few word adjustments to make it relevant, have posted it here, for everyone  to read. )