July has been quite an interesting month for me. After two deaths in the family I kind of let my fitness goals and weight get out of control. I slacked off, ate what I wanted, and inevitably gained nearly 10 lbs. I used these two situations as an excuse and in July realized it was not worth it. July 1st started my goals to get back on track. It had been long enough. My first change was that I cut out pop completely. I went cold turkey. I'm proud to say I have made it the whole month! Anyone that knows me will realize this is a big deal. I was drinking 3-4 Diet Mt. Dews a day.
Along with cutting out pop, I think for the first time in a long time I have put my heart into my workouts. I have been so determined to succeed. Along with putting my heart into my workouts, it has been quite an emotional month for many reasons. Every time I have given up or gotten frustrated it has been a punch in the stomach. I had to question and ask myself what the heck I was doing and if I really wanted this. Obviously, the answer is yes, but nothing pisses me off more than being defeated by my mind.
Over the past year or so I have been fortunate enough to work with an awesome trainer, Dakota, at my gym. I can honestly say it wasn't until this month that I realized how lucky and how blessed I truly am to have him as a part of my life. I have worked with other trainers that I thought were good and cared, but I was wrong. Dakota has pushed me physically and mentally for the past year, but this month I have felt the impact. Every time I have been frustrated, felt like quitting, or even breaking down in tears, he has been there with an encouraging word to push me along and get me back on my feet. Sometimes this came in the way of picking on me, but I guess there is no other way to show you care :) I feel like most people would have called it quits with me, but he hasn't even on my roughest days.
I know at the end of the month I haven't met all of my goals, but I have made progress. This time I will not give up, this is something worth fighting for. I have slowly been working to change my attitude to believe in myself. I also know that Dakota will not let me quit or give up. I don't think I will ever be able to say thank you enough.
God really has blessed me in so many ways and I am finally realizing that. He gives and He takes away for a reason. He has placed all of the people in my life that I need to succeed and I know that He will continue to give and take, but it will always be a blessing. Although, I have questioned Him and challenged Him, I know He will never leave me or forsake me. Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and give you hope for the future. I believe this with all my heart. We will have struggles, people will hurt us, this world will hurt us, and we will make mistakes, but He has a plan. Finally, every time I have been rowing, running, or being pushed to my limit I have held onto Philippians 4:13, I CAN do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.
When things get tough, I am making the choice to fight. Through perseverance comes character, and with character hope.
