The Family Magazines of Michiana

As we ring in the New Year, many of us have established goals for health and fitness.  Some of us have gone through this same exercise in futility, year after year, starting out with full-out intensity and waning down to nothing by about March.  It seems that fitness goals are sometimes challenging to sustain.

And I can say that the same thing has been true for me.

A few months ago, I was working with my coach on my 12-month goals.  I wanted to establish them before the New Year.  There was really no good reason to wait.  I committed to reaching the status of ROCK STAR health within 12 months. 

As I began to think about what has stopped me in my fitness goals before, I realized that my motivation for becoming fit and thinner was weak.  It occurred to me that any reason for improving health, outside of my own health and well-being (such as the way I look or the way others see me), comes from a disempowering place.  I discovered that I felt much more powerful and inspired by the idea of living longer, having more energy and preventing disease.

As I began to consider the workout options, I thoughtfully recalled all the methods I’ve tried in the past.  I’ve belonged to gyms and done the cardio/weight regiment. I’ve participated in a few boot camps (fitting for my intense nature).  I’ve had every kind of home exercise gadget and machine you can imagine, including the familiar treadmill doubling as a clothing storage device.  I’ve done DVD programs and practiced Yoga.

I know that it wasn’t the methods that were flawed–it was my mindset.  I simply didn’t dig deeply enough for the desire to accomplish my fitness goals.  I wanted fitness for the wrong reasons.  My motivation was driven by ego, which doesn’t connect deeply to spirit. 

I am committed that this time I will sustain my desire for fitness beyond the first few months.  My steadfast intention is to create a lifestyle that includes a fitness practice that is sustainable.  My spirit is actively engaged!

I’m finding my way, just like you are. 

I’ve hired a Pilates trainer who is teaching me proper technique and inspiring me to stretch beyond what I think I can do.  Pilates is perfect for me, as I seek a method for connecting mind, body and spirit.  Having a trainer helps keep me accountable to my goals and gives me the support I need to continue on the path of health and fitness.

I am leaning into my truest desire to live my life full out each and every day.  I am making daily, incremental progress and forgiving myself for times when I am less committed.  I begin anew each day.

I love the powerful energy that comes from developing mindfulness about health and fitness that serves me. I know that I have a great deal of worthy work yet to complete, and a healthy body is critical in order to move through a life of service to others.