one day.

it takes four weeks for you to notice a change. it takes eight weeks for your friends to notice. it takes twelve weeks for the rest of the world to notice a change. it takes one day to decide you are enough.

You've probably seen the first three sentences on this graphic on Pinterest. After seeing it one too many times, I decided to add the last sentence. Back in September, I approached this topic of weight and body image with a bit of humor {you should always eat the cupcake, remember?}. Today, I approach it with a bit more reality. January is always a time when people recommit to taking care of themselves after a gluttonous few weeks at the holidays. Graphics fly around Pinterest with motivational quotes. Your friends share articles on Facebook. Countless ads for gyms fill your commercial breaks. It's...a lot.

Here's the thing: I think we forget that the commitment to our health {be it physical or mental} is a big decision, in and of itself. Yes, it may take weeks of working out and/or eating better to see a change. However, choosing that you are worth the effort is a decision which deserves recognition. Because the changes don't happen overnight, we must remember the daily victories.

This may seem like a simple addition, but truly, deciding I was enough made all the difference. Even though I work out 5-6 times a week, I have come to accept that I will not be the thinnest or fittest person at the gym. I like wine and cheese too much for that. The decision that I am enough is one I make on a daily basis. I know in my heart the journey for change starts with me.

What helps keep you on track at the gym, in the kitchen, or in life? Do you have a favorite quote which inspires you? In case someone hasn't told you this today, you. are. enough. xoxo {av}

11 comments:

  1. Exactly right, AV! Well said.

    And I have the same problem: I work out quite a bit, but wine + cheese (and bread!) will always keep me from being model thin. And that's ok :)

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  2. Very good point!! You shouldn't be doing it for your friends or the world anyways

    http://www.confessionsoftheglitterati.com/

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  3. I think my biggest problem is I work out enough, well with running, to use that has a justification to eat just about everything. I need to start a food diary, but I know the number of Ben & Jerry entries will scare me.

    http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

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  4. I'm "curvy," so even when I wear dress size 2 or 4, I'm still in size 8 pants, and doubt I'll ever drop lower than that. Once I accepted this, it completely changed my goal-setting. Keeping track in the kitchen is really tricky for me— I'm gluten AND dairy intolerant, and probably should avoid grains most days. So my "keeping track" is more about eating things that won't make me sick, rather than will help me maintain good weight. Still, eating mostly fruits and meats is a good thing. :)

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  5. I'm a bigger boned person and I just accept it for what it is! When I'm working out, I ask myself what makes me feel strong. If a workout makes me feel strong, I stick with it. If certain foods make me feel strong, I stick with those. But I love chocolate. and wine. and bread. So I just know that! As long as I'm still feeling strong and proud of myself, I'm motivated to go the extra mile!

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  6. I don't enjoy working out at a fitness centre, so I make sure I'm active during the day. So I walk to the supermarket and I drive my bike to work. One of my resolutions is actually to walk more steps a day. Wish me luck!
    xoxo
    Suzanne from written by suzanne

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  7. This is great to remember! It's hard to stay motivated day in and day out - I try to take it just one day at a time.

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  8. I'm a die-hard pure barre and I'm still by far not the fittest or thinnest or best pure barre student in the studio but I'm the fittest and thinnest (in a healthy way!!) that I have ever been and see myself growing stronger with each day. that for me is PERFECT and the motivation I need to keep hitting the barre each day.

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  9. Thank you for this post. I needed it today.

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