Courage, Faith, And Hope

Today I have titled my blog the three things I think it takes to truly lose weight and keep it off (I'll keep you filled in along the way). No one said it would be easy only that it would be worth it!

Courage...simply put...It takes courage to admit to yourself that you've got to do something. That's easier said than done. Admitting that something needs to change is also admitting that you aren't where you want to be. To me that's admitting to myself it's not just "a little weight" anymore, but truly a problem that needs fixed. It wasn't easy to admit that to myself. It took years and tears for me to get to the point where I could say "I'm not healthy and something has to change." For years I justified not being thin as being big-boned, but the truth of the matter is it's more than that, I'm putting myself at serious risk for health complications. Big boned may mean that I'm never going to be a size 2 but it doesn't mean either that I need to be over a 12. It's hard to get to this point, but once you get there it's an exciting place to be!

Faith...You have to have faith in yourself that you can acheive your goals. Don't start with something off the charts like 100 lbs in a year! It took you more than a year to put that on and it's going to take more than a year to get it off. For me it's easier if I start with small goals like say 20 lbs. and cheer when I meet that. Once I see I can do that move it further for another 20 more and so on until I get to where I want to be. Maybe by the end of my journey it's 100 lbs, but mentally I need to set smaller goals to see that I am making a difference!! Know that you can accomplish anything you set out to do if you work hard at it. Go on take a look around...go on...look at all you have done in your life. Everything you have accomplished...did you get it by sitting around?...by putting things off? NO...of course not! You got it through dedication and lots of hard work. Weight loss is no different. It's going to be hard and there are going to be times when you say what's the point...but know in the end it's all worth it!!! The hard work and time you put into YOURSELF is all worth it!

Hope...You need to have a support system providing you with positive support when you most need it. Surround yourself with positive people. You're very own cheering section. They can be your brother, sister, mom, dad, aunt, uncle, spouse, friends, co-workers, and on and on. Just when you think you can't do it or you have no time to go to the gym these people tell you they are behind you...they believe in you...and let me tell you that's powerful stuff! That motivates me to take that 30 minutes and ride my bike or take the 10 minutes that I have and power walk or jog. I have found a great support team through my beachbody team. They are always sending me encouraging words. If you want to get involved just check out this websidte or email me. http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/KRISTASCHERLEY

At the end of the day remember that it takes ALL THREE to accomplish your goals, and they are all right at your fingertips. All you have to do is reach for them!