MO-TI-VATE (verb) -- to stimulate towards action

Ahhhh -- what motivates you?  I asked myself this question during my early morning workout today.  So many things really.  Just depends where I am in my journey when I come upon just the right anecdote to propel me and keep me focused, while continuing to move forward.

The past twelve weeks have been quite a challenge for me.  Averaging 1,700 calories per day, I have logged every morsel that passes my lips; I have increased my exercise to two times per day, every single day; I have weighed and measured and measured and weighed every which way but upside down.  Probably tried that too actually.  In any case, I have not lost an ounce nor an inch.  I have tried so hard. At my annual physical I discussed my concern with my doctor, thinking maybe I had a problematic thyroid.  Tests run, and thankfully, it's not a medical issue. So, what to do?  How have I kept myself motivated during this, the longest plateau ever?  Here are a few things that have helped me remain motivated over the past twelve weeks.

Funny, I have a new friend and she's long distance.  I won't name names because I've made so many new, long distance friends.  Let's just say, she's a member of the Old Sames book club.  She has been a wonderful motivator for me.  She's been working hard to keep her girlish figure as long as she can remember.  She's dealing with a plateau herself and at times becomes very discouraged.  When I need someone to let me vent, I know I can shoot her an email and she will reply with just the motivational boost I need to stay focused.  When she says --- Val, you help keep me inspired --- that gives me all the boost I need!

The Biggest Loser has become my saving grace!  I thoroughly enjoy the show and it truly inspires me.  Even though I have to watch it with Sham-Wow in hand each and every week, I love it!  Often times if I'm having trouble getting through one of my workouts (which is nothing compared to Bob & Jillian), I count my lucky stars Bob and Jillian aren't there, in my face, and I continue on!

Believe it or not, sometimes I motivate myself.  Generally this will happen with a new workout or a new recipe.  I thoroughly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.  It may be attempting a "raw" food or a vegetarian meal, but more often it's just a new dish.  Sometimes it's just setting a goal and reaching it. 

I love success stories.  There's really no better motivator, don't you think?  For me success stories are just that.  They do not have to be weight loss success, they can be success in any regard.  Success is such a big word, it can be in your relationships, your job, winning a health battle, or even receiving a smile from someone.  I have a special someone in my life who is frequently out and about with her daughter.  They play a game.  They seek out people who appear to have trouble sharing a smile.  If they can get that individual to smile, then they have achieved success!  Isn't that cool?  They have made some wonderful friendships this way.  Success simply means you've achieved something you've worked hard for.  It means you believed you could do it!  And THAT is what has helped me stay motivated over the past twelve weeks.  Believing as long as I continue what I'm doing, I will achieve my goal.  The Little Engine That Could said "I THINK I can", I say "I KNOW I can, I KNOW I can, I KNOW I can!"

P. S.  I am happy to report that what really motivated me this morning was being able to fit into my jeans that I couldn't fit into at the beginning of November -- WOO-HOOO!