TOP 10 REASONS I PUT MY HEALTH FIRST

1.) I work harder and I am more productive when I exercise and workout, which gives

me more free time in the long run.

2.) I am more motivated and energized, which allows me to use that energy to help

others get what they need out of life, in turn making me feel fulfilled!

3.) I am a VERY happy, stable and reasonable person when I eat right and sweat

everyday!  This helps me fight any anxiety and stress that is waiting right around the

corner because of my hectic, full schedule.

4.) I am able to handle more because exercise and eating well keeps stress levels

down.

5.) I am more fun to be around because l am not stressing over all the things I did not

get done, or how bad I feel, or all of the drama because everything is in perspective

and is getting accomplished!  No more sweating the small stuff!

6.) My relationships are better because I love myself.  When you are happy with who

you are, you are able to truly focus on others and see all the good things they have

to offer.

7.) I get to say GOODBYE to jealousy of ANY sort because I like who I am and what I

have to offer.  Eating healthy and working out makes you learn to love yourself, your

body and it helps give you the energy and motivation to find what you are meant to

be doing with your life!  Most importantly, it teaches discipline and appreciation.

8.) It helps with any seasonal depression I’m dealing with!  Even when there is no sun,

negative temps and I am trapped indoors, I know that if I go get a great workout in no

matter how miserable, sad and mopey I am, I will feel like a million dollars afterward!

9.) The feeling of overcoming a negative attitude, a bad day, choosing the healthy food,

not drinking, getting good rest, choosing the high road, ignoring “Debbie Downer,”

getting a workout in a crunch is better than I can even put into words.  The rewards

start rolling in after you have made a habit of a healthy lifestyle.  It is never easy, but

being a miserable person is a hell you create by yourself, and I am not gonna live

there!  I know being disciplined is the key to a lasting, happy life.

10.)  I never have to listen to myself say “Poor ME!”  Working out and eating right makes

me very aware of how blessed I am to be alive.  I have a clear mind and I am very

rarely crabby or tired.  This helps me realize that I am the creator of my life,

destiny and happiness.  No one can give this to me besides me, not even my

friends or loved ones!  I have to love me before I can love anyone else.  Being

happy draws good things to you, whether it be job opportunities, friends or

reaching your dreams!

Hey Friends,

How are you?  I thought I would take a minute to chat about MOTIVATION,  something that I know everyone struggles with including myself! 

There are many things that motivate us, but finding them is not the main problem.  The deeper issue for me always seems to be D-I-S-C-I-P-L-I-N-E.  That simple word that you can’t get anything done without.  It is easy to do things when you are feeling good and things are on track, but what about the other 364 days of the year when life is happening? 

I can’t tell you all the nights I layed awake until the wee hours with grand visions of my dreams dancing in my head, only to awaken to the same old junk.  Did I do anythig to change it you ask?  No, but I am pretty sure I did my fair share of complaining and being jealous of the people who appeared to have it all.  Now I am not  proud of this, but c’mon, this was way easier than actually doing something about it!  Looking back on those miserable days I realize I was lacking DISCIPLINE!  Yes I worked, and yes I worked out, and YES I even thought I was eating right!  What GIVES?!  Well, Lo and behold!  I was not consistant in anything, and I was not doing anything to get out of my current situation because that would mean I would need to change a lot of things that I was comfortable with in my life.  Deep down I knew I would have to let go of some really unhealthy habbits and relationships and that scared me to death! 

It was not until I got a serious wake-up call from my husband and some family members who basically said they were sick of hearing me whine about it (bless their hearts) and not take any action.   After the “how dare they” and “they’ll never understand!” thoughts past,  I decided to put my ”big girl pants” on and sit down and clearly define what I wanted for my life, and also what kind of person I wanted to be.  When I started really looking at the lives of the people who were  living their dreams, I realized that they all had a quite a few things in common.  They all had to start somewhere, they all failed in something, they all worked non-stop to reach their goals, they were all surrounded by successful, supportive people, and they all never gave up on themselves. 

Now, I know that it appears as though people who “have it all” are fearless, but let me tell you something, those people are NO different than you!  The only difference is that they have mastered the art of hiding their fear, and faking it ’till they make it!  Everyone has doubts when they try anything new.  You don’t grow unless you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone on a daily basis.  Nobody wakes up good at something!  It takes dedication, sacrifice and practice.  Living in discomfort for a while is better than living with regret!  

It does not matter what your dream or goal is, if you keep working eventually you will find what you are looking for.  My journey has brought me to so many different places.  In the process of chasing down one dream I have been totally surprised by finding something I love even more!  If you stay disciplined and balanced life gives you rewards in the most surprising ways.

Surround yourself with positivity and never lose sight of your dreams and who you are.  You are here for a reason and it is unfair to rob the world of your talents!

Much Love,

Lori Harder