Happy Motivation Monday, Readers. Today I wanted to pop in for a little update on how the past week has gone. Earlier last week, I made a declaration to myself, via social media, and expressed desire and initiative to start a living a healthier lifestyle. The outpouring support has been overwhelming and I am blessed to have such a fantastic support system. I have decided to challenge my little book worm self into committing to only listening to audiobooks while walking, hiking, or exercising. Audiobooks are my weakness so this is a big step for me. I talked myself into The Fiery Cross, the 5th book in the Outlander series thinking that the 22 hour long book would be a great challenge, resulting in tons of ambition, as I am a plot seeker and desperately wants to know the summary of this novel. Turns out the book is actually 55 and a half hours long and I have my work cut out for me. This motivation Monday is all about pushing yourself in ways that make you an over all better person. I believe that this almost 56 hours challenge will definitely be something positive for this new lifestyle journey I am on. Who wants to join me for their own version of this challenge. I know so many people to only watch their favorite shows and listen to their favorite books while on the treadmill or exercising. The best part about these self challenges, is that they only have to work for you. You’re allowed to make them anyway you’d like!
Anyways, this past week was full of exciting surprises as I pushed myself and passed with exceeding expectations. Every morning I walked the neighborhood. Later in the day and evening, Jeff would join me for another loop or two. Two of these loops ended in running. Lets not get carried away, I probably ran 200 yards; but that is a victory in my eyes! Most nights we watched movies and incorporated exercise into our time frame. Every thirty minutes we would pause whatever we were watching and do a mini loop resulting in over a mile walked during our movie time. I know a mile isn’t that long, but not too shabby for movie time. Several miles on top of 96% healthy eating was also a victory in my book.
Most nights I ate grilled chicken with a large bowl of summer veggies. I enjoyed it so much that I wasn’t even sick of the SAME meal after five nights of repetition. If you’re new to my channel you should know that I am lucky enough to live with a chef and haven’t had to prove myself in the kitchen what so ever. I took it upon myself to start making an effort and it’s been pleasantly surprising. I find that cooking with Jeff has turned into a little mini date night that gets to take place in our kitchen daily. He loves that I’ve shown interest in his craft and it’s been a blast! Plus he has fancy knives and cool gadgets, which makes this a little bit more fun.
Its time to tell you about my rest day and the choices that went along for the ride. I exercised every day but Sunday. Yesterday Jeff and I headed to Virginia to help celebrate his nieces 6th birthday. I’m going to be honest; I had a piece of cake. It was delicious and I enjoyed every bite. This health journey is 100% NOT going to be about starving myself to quickly reach a goal weight. I am going to enjoy this process, celebrate my victories, and just over all make better choices that will result in a substantial healthy life style. Im coming to understand that it might have to include a piece of cake on special occasions, or a glass of wine on a date night. I am not here to take away every single thing that I love, but find a way to incorporate portion and self control that works for me.
I sit here at my desk of this beautiful Monday morning with a yummy protein shake in hand. Mondays are a great day because they are the result of a Sunday full of reflection, self care, and family time. Without taking a step back on Sundays and really working on myself, this motivation Monday wouldn’t be able to exist. What motivates you? How do you practice self care? I want to know. Please feel free to leave comments or to simply DM me over at @SarahS_Reads on instagram. I am up for the job of accountability parter if you need one. Let’s connect!
