The “C” Word(s)

WHO is that hot mess??? Oh hi, that is me. Believe it or not I wasn’t always a picture of health with all my ducks in a row (you can laugh and roll your eyes at that one)Let me share a story…buckle up friends, this is a bumpy one. Way back when, I thought I was invincible. Invincible to cake, cookies, late night drinking, and diner visits. Pizza at 2am, why not? Beer pong and pancakes, sounds good to me!! I worked hard and partied much, much harder. Never thinking it would catch up to me, I continued down that path for a good 5 to 6 years…YEARS! Old enough to know better, but young enough to not give an F!I was working, full time in my profession…what I went to college for and took exams for…what some of you may not know or believe about me…the brilliant and action packed field of Accounting!! My dream profession since I was a teen! Ok so let’s stop here…what are the C words you are wondering??? I know, I am getting there! So. I am working overtime and partying and eating and sitting on my butt all day! Gaining weight, getting uncomfortable in my clothes, my conversations and even shaking my confidence. But no, those are still NOT the C words! I was busy. Too busy to workout, pack a healthy lunch or even think about how these habits were impacting my lifestyle and long term health. Which was why it went on for so long. One day, I had finally had it. I was at the breaking point. I didn’t recognize myself, I was buying bigger clothes and nothing was satisfying me. Not food, not sleep, not work. It was time to make a change. This is where the C words come in! In a sea of excuses such as “I don’t have time”, “I can’t afford it”, “I’ll start tomorrow”… I was drowning and my only shot at a life vest was putting my big girl panties on and taking control of my life. I looked over my schedule for the week and weekend and found that the only time I could get a workout in was 5am! I know a lot of you are thinking NO WAY. But when you hit the bottom and really want to make a change, your reason will make you do things you never thought you could. I got up an extra hour and a half early that following Monday. Walked into that gym (using the membership I already had of course…oh this is what it looks like in here!…) and I proceeded to workout. This was the beginning of my COMMITMENT. I started going 5 days a week! CONSISTENCY! I worked with a trainer, talked about my goals, got my diet in check and found the best way for me to get stronger and lose all the party weight I put on. And guess what, it worked!! I was dropping weight every week. Looking better, feeling better, getting my confidence back! I felt great. And I almost let that feeling slip away because…why?? I was being lazy. Physically and mentally. I wasn’t committed or consistent with any type of meal planning or exercise. And even with my busy schedule (at many times, 16 hour days) there was still time to plan. I just had to take the time to make the time. Once I did, I never looked back. That was 11 years ago. Since then my life looks really different. But you know what hasn’t changed? How BUSY I am! And if anything I have gotten even busier! But I am 100% committed and consistent to my fitness. You all know about ELITE, the studio, the Virtual and Underground sessions. But did you know I also work my day job? I run my business, work in the business, work for another small business, volunteer with the chamber of commerce, and still find the time to spend time with my husband, family, friends, cook healthy and workout. Many times my day starts at 5:30am and doesn’t end till 10:30pm. I still take care of myself (and a few others). And I am proud of all that I can accomplish. So, the next time you think you can’t commit, can’t be consistent, can’t make a change or take control…think of this story. You may even know others that share the same. I’m not telling you this to gloat or try to impress you either. I am telling you because it is important to take a good look at yourself, find what is important to you and then get committed and consistent with what is going to make you the best version of you. There was a time when I didn’t think I was capable…and now that I have conquered my fears and goals, I am moving up to bigger and better! All by being committed and consistent! There are 2 types of people and I was both, in the left picture, lazy, not taking responsibility for my health, acting immature…in the right picture, mindful, healthful, successful, confident…who do you want to be?