Fit by 40, Week 15 – Committed

I feel that I have really learned the importance of commitment as the Fit by 40 challenge comes to a close. (Can you believe that there is only one week left?!) At the beginning of the challenge I had some weight loss goals and was focused on becoming healthier. I also knew that I had a few habits which could be improved upon. I anticipated making some minor adjustments and exercising to hit my goal by the end of the challenge. Now I know that this healthier lifestyle takes commitment and goes beyond the sixteen week challenge. I need to continue exercising, getting enough rest, meditating, and all of the other healthy habits I have developed along the way to maintain my overall health and wellness.

What Went Well, Week 15:

1. Eating Sweets: I am excited that this continues to show up as something that went well. Yes, I had the occasional treats and will continue to do so,  because eating in moderation is healthy. I made cookies when we had a church group over this week and I was able to limit my sweets intake. I am more mindful of sweets now and realize that sometimes I don’t really even want that third cookie!

2. Exercise: Now that I understand how much better I feel with regular exercise, I find myself wanting to exercise every day. We were able to exercise as a family several times this week, including walking several miles on a nature trail nearby.

I also weeded our flower bed. As a general rule, being out in nature hasn’t really ever been my thing. Recently I have been working on that, so when I saw weeds as tall as my knees I knew I had to do something. I spent about 45 minutes pulling all kinds of weeds. It even started sprinkling about 5 minutes in to my weed pulling session. In the past I would have given up and gone into the house. This time, I persevered and kept going. By the end of the 45 minutes I was feeling muscles I hadn’t felt in a long time and I was tired. I realized that gardening can be exercise! Who knew? Well, probably a lot of people, but it was news to me! The next day, my legs muscles were pretty sore (in a good way). I am excited to explore other exercise options that aren’t traditionally thought of as exercise!

3. Meditation: I got right back into my morning meditation routine as soon as we returned from our Week 14 vacation. I even meditated each night! My husband Nick shared a free 21 day meditation with me featuring Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra that I am really enjoying. I do the daily meditation each morning and again at night. It has been a powerful way to start and end the day.

Area That Needs Work, Week 15:

1. Balance: Balance is an important part of overall health and wellness. This week I have been feeling a little off balance. There has been some unexpected stress in my life recently. I am also in the process of getting all of my kids ready for back to school. These school related things have been slightly more difficult to juggle than I anticipated, especially when combined with all of our other summer commitments. I hope to get some things finalized this week so I can return to a more balanced state.

My commitment throughout this challenge has allowed me to meet some of my Fit by 40 goals and make significant progress on others. I plan to continue with this new lifestyle beyond the challenge. That commitment is how I will remain healthy for decades to come.

How will you remain committed to your healthier lifestyle when the Fit by 40 challenge is over?