InstaLovin [Fitness edition]

I have always had a love for fitness, but I would often go through phases; strong cardio one month, heavy strength training another. But when I finally found a good balance, I put everything I had into it. Back in 2011, I was on a roll with the right food, the right routine, etc. I was all in and got my body to a place it'd never been before that time - strong, firm, all in all healthy. It was a great challenge for me, and I was so proud of myself for sticking with it. That was until..... well, life. After one missed trip to the gym, I found myself missing another... and another... and another. Then when I started to feel sluggish, I ate sluggish! I wasn't the biggest person on earth, nor would I have even considered myself "fat", but I wasn't nearly as strong or as fit as I once was. And it was upsetting. I decided to just maintain what I had going on, and that was that. 

Then came baby #2!

With all the changes going on the second time around - and time moving forward, aka getting older - I was determined to get back into the shape I was back then. I started a routine of getting my butt in the gym as often as I could throughout my pregnancy. This photo was taken during one of my last sessions. I was almost 30 weeks. Once I hit the 32 week mark, I was done! My body was talking and I had to slow down. Booooooo. 

I started working out 3 weeks after giving birth [really Megan?] but started having some complications, so my doctor of course told me "stop!". Being told to "stop working out" is as unmotivating as a cold morning on a rainy day. But after weeks and weeks went by, I was slowly getting back into a groove with the OK from my doc. Woo hoo!!! Of course it wasn't overnight, but I began eating cleaner than I ever thought possible. Usually one or two fries from my child's lunch, or the leftover half-eaten chicken nugget was harmless - but not this time! It was time to get serious. If I was going to do this right, then it was all or nothing!! 

Fast forward five months... and here I am now.To hold me accountable, and keep myself motivated I began documenting some of my progress and posting them on Instagram. 

But I'm not doing this alone. Everyone needs inspiration and encouragement! So today I wanted to share some of my favorites I turn to throughout my news feed. It can be a photo of progress, food, or motivational wisdom. Whether it's a local trainer here in my own town, or someone random [I follow a lot of those], they inspire me each and every day. Note: these are just a small handful to avoid a mass overload... there are many people who have inspired me to stay in love with fitness and health. I wish I could acknowledge every single one of you.

Another thing I can take away from the last photo is that a hat is a great way to hide that painful "last rep face" as I call it - I literally just made that up and I think I love it. But you know what I'm talking about. Yea a hat would come in handy.

I'm so excited to see how far I can push my body. A giant thanks to my motivators out there!!!! Here's to PROGRESS and funny faces.

The Calm Within The Storm

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." - Reinhold Niebuhr

Just a little reminder on those days we seem to be surrounded by nonsense. No I'm not talking about the government. Although I'd agree it's chaos, politics will not find its place here in my bloggity world. I'm just simply talking about life in general. Sometimes when it hands you lemons, they're sour... really sour. The common thing to do, as we are told, is to just make lemonade - which in my mind means "go with what you got, and deal with it. " Easier said than done; especially with something so sour you can't imagine formulating that into something attainable.

That's why I'm always drawn to this particular quote. It makes all the sense in the world. We certainly cannot change everything, so we pray for the ability to find peace in that. When we do, it's uplifting. There's no point in dwelling on something we aren't able to change ourselves.

The things we can change, however requires courage. If we know we have the ability to make a difference, then we pray for the courage and strength to see it through. 

But the most difficult challenge to most of us, is seeing the difference in what we can change and what we cannot. We often push ourselves, believing a false reality that "if we only do this, then that will come!" We must pray for the knowledge and wisdom to know the difference of the two; only putting our efforts towards what we are actually able to change. Otherwise, it's a lost battle. 

So today, remember that the opportunity for peace and serenity is there. That He is there, to help guide us through whatever challenges we face. 

Motivational Monday

Today's post was inspired by none other than the most positive, side-line cheering team player, Kevin Ware, and our dear Louisville (loo-a-vull) Cardinals basketball team.

His traumatic injury brought tears to not only himself, but to the fans, his coach and his teammates. It was certainly the end to his season...

...but was it the end of his spirit for his team?

No. 

On the sidelines, he remained encouraging and supportive, showing his team that his heart and spirit were much alive - as he now played the role of their 6th man. 

With that, and the heart of the other teammates, they fought through, and found themselves heading to the championship game.  

The moral of the story, folks:

Good luck tonight, Cards!! Let's WIN a championship!!!!!!