(Left Photo – April 2015; Right Photo – November 2015)

I have many motivations on this fitness journey, and I’d be lying if I said that the way I look isn’t one of them. But I can honestly say that I don’t care what anyone thinks about the way I look aside from my husband, and he still tells me I’m beautiful when I’m at my absolute worst.  Yes, I’m a lucky girl ;). 

What I mean by this is that when I see pictures of myself unhealthy and out of shape, I feel extremely disappointed in myself.  Not because of the way I look, but because of why I look that way.  People are all different shapes and sizes, even at the same fitness levels, because God made us all beautifully different.  But when I see myself unhealthy and I know that it’s a result of my poor choices, I am ashamed.  I am responsible for myself, nobody can make healthy or unhealthy choices for me.  Just as I am responsible for making healthy choices for my kids, because God placed them in my care and made me their momma, I need to hold myself accountable for the choices that I make for myself as well.  I want to see others healthy and well because they are God’s creation, they have purpose, and I want to see them reach their greatest potential and be the best version of themselves possible. So I have to apply the same mindset to myself.  I can’t escape the responsibility of that.  If I truly believe that God is the creator of life, and that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made, then I have to believe it for myself as well.  

I don’t want to wake up tomorrow and regret the decisions that I made today. I don’t want to know that I neglected the body that God gave me, that I abused it instead of taking care of it with a grateful heart.  I know what it’s like to have a disability, to not be able to walk straight.  My life was severely affected by arthritis throughout my childhood and into my early 20’s.  I was diagnosed at 2 years old, my choices and my parents’ choices played no part in that.  But I’ve been given another chance, and I don’t want to be responsible for wasting it.  I don’t ever want to find myself in a situation where I am unable to do something as a result of my own choices.  I don’t want to wake up one day years down the road in poor health because I didn’t take care of myself now.  And I don’t want to look at one more picture and feel disappointment in myself because of my own neglect.  When you don’t use your abilities, you can lose them.  That’s not ever going to be my story.  I made the decision to take my health back, and I’m not ever going to give it up again.  I’ve battled with guilt over taking the time to do things for myself, including working out, but I’ve realized that taking care of me is not selfish, it’s necessary.  In the words of my momma, taking care of me is taking care of my kids’ mother.  If you can relate to the guilty feelings, just let that sink in for a minute.  I can’t change my past, but I CAN choose for a better future.  Next month, I will be stronger than I am this month, because I will work for it today.  Every choice we make is a step towards a future outcome.  Which direction do you want to go, and what steps are you willing to take to get there?  Don’t let your future be decided without your input.

This is the one reason (and a huge one) why I became a fitness coach.  I love what taking back my health has done for me, and I want to help others find help for a healthier future.  It’s never too late, but you can’t get today back after it’s gone.  You can’t prevent a heart attack after you’ve already had it.  You can’t run around with your kids in 10 years when they’re no longer around or don’t want to anymore.  Today is your day to make the choice to improve your future.  If you don’t know where to start or just need some accountability and support, reach out.  Not having the time to go to the gym is a problem that has been solved by the virtual fitness coaching industry.  It’s changed my life, and I want to share it with you.  All you gotta do is reach out.  Love and prayers! XOXO

~Kristin