My 21 Day Fix Journey - DAY 0

I have been needing something to kick me in the butt and get me motivated. My weight has skyrocketed to more than my highest pregnancy weight. I have had many changes over the past two years, exams, promotions, moving, etc. All "good" excuses for not staying on a plan. But, is it really an excuse?

Everyone hears of all of these diets, exercises, etc. But what really works?

After 38 years on this planet and 20 years spent on and off "dieting", the one thing I have learned is that hard work and support are the two things you need to stay motivated.

Find a group, a person, a blog...anything where you can be you and be able to post about your feelings, ask for help, post your accomplishments, your downfalls, etc and feel safe doing so.

Pick any type of getting healthy forum you prefer but just pick one and stick with it. This is all about lifestyle change. I have done Weight Watchers (three times now), different types of apps, ordered DVDs, had a personal trainer etc. This time, I have joined a Beachbody team and am participating in a 21 day challenge as well as order the 21 day fix which includes a daily meal replacement called Shakeology.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvgtirGELaY

It tastes good and it does keep you satisfied. I normally do not find that in a shake. Anyone who knows me, especially my husband, knows I am skeptical of everything. He was surprised that I got on board with this program and is fully supportive.

This is not for everyone. It requires a big commitment. You need to really want to change your life. It is not a magic pill. Drinking this shake will not make you lose weight. You need to want it! Exercise, eat right! If you don't, you will fail.

I am a full time working mom of 4 boys. It takes us 45 minutes to get to school in the morning and I am usually not home until 8 or 9 pm. This is a great online support system that I needed. So, when I think of all the money I have spent on meetings, weight loss shakes, pills, programs etc. the price for this honestly is not so bad.

Seeing these pictures below puts many things in to perspective. I know I haven't been happy. I know my doctor says I need to lose weight but nothing was enough to push me over the edge. What finally did? My friend asking if I wanted to join a challenge group with her. Sure, why not?

I didn't expect what I got in the group! Motivational stories, quotes, nutritional tips, exercise tips and most of all support. I found my safe place. And motivation to get my butt in gear.

Just watched Julie & Julia

...anyone ever seen it? I would highly recommend. To me, it was a movie that inspires. "I bet I could do that....."

...my 34th birthday just passed and of course another year old, another year wiser, makes you think.....ALOT....

...When I graduated from high school in 1994...16 years ago...my whole goal was to be a Broadcast Journalist. When I failed to get into the program, I think I cried harder than when I failed my driver's license test. At the time, this was my dream. My neighbor joked that he would see me on TV and I would be the next Connie Chung.

...Ha! And what I am doing now? Customer Service for a Financial Services Company...Boring....But, you know what? It also puts food on the table and a roof over our heads. "OUR"...as in my family..that is something that was not in my Broadcast Journalist dreams when I was 18 either...who knew I would have four children, let alone BOYS...

...so I am trying not to pick on the little things in life and be grateful for what I have. Though sometimes, it is so hard when you are absolutely stuck in a job going no where. I used to think I had a job where I could get promoted but I think I have reached that crossroads where there is no more. Oh well, nothing I can do about it at the moment. I really have to just grin and bear it for at least two more years. No use in missing out on free money. (After 5 years, I am fully vested in my profit sharing and company match! WOOHOO!)

...but what do I want to do? My husband asked me that question a couple of weeks ago. I don't really know right now. I am so unsure of what kind of job would make me completely whole. Sometimes I think it would be to be some sort of party planner, fundraiser organizer, something like that. Those are the only times besides writing for a weekly paper where I have been happy with what I was doing. And weekly papers pay diddly squat so I know I will not be going back to that. It is the whole reason I left in the first place...(well that and the crappiest editor ever)

...but after watching this movie, it really made me think how blogs are like therapy for people. They get their feelings out there and project them for the whole world to see. But what is my therapy? What do I need? Even I cannot answer that question right now. If I could actually commit to writing this blog on a daily basis maybe I could answer that question myself.

...so my motivation? Inspiration? Where should life be taking me now that I am 34? What goals do I set for myself? Things I need to think about...