Hello everyone!

A few weeks ago, I shared with you about taking time to do something for myself and how the Nutracelle Coaching Package has been such a benefit for me and my family as well.

This week has been a hard one

I had 3 days where I was unable to move and barely got myself out of bed.  I had to put my workouts on hold.  I’ve missed that time that I set aside for myself everyday.  I find, for myself, that exercising first thing in the morning helps me in so many ways.  For one, I’m a much more cheerful person.  My husband commented on that a few days ago – it went something like, “I can tell you haven’t gone running today.”  Yikes. 

Secondly, I have so much more energy. Due to some health issues, when I’m not exercising I find myself napping – a lot.  I have been known to sleep 14-16 hours in a 24 hour period.  This too has changed.  It’s been great to see life happen around me and feel like I have the energy to participate in life.   

To be honest, since starting the coaching package with Blair, there were days that I get frustrated – as we all do during weight loss. 

We work hard and become disappointed when the numbers on the scale don’t seem to reflect our hard work.  The scale can be such a liar and has made me lose my focus at times.  When I don’t see the results I want to see, I become frustrated and wonder why I put in all this hard work.  I was following my menu and exercise schedule very closely, but yet the scale didn’t move like I wanted

On Oct 5, I took some update pictures – I hate pictures like this. 

Are you supposed to smile or look like you’re angry at the world?  I think they always tend to be the most unflattering.  Back on topic, exactly one month from my start date I took a progress picture.  The scale may not have moved much, but I was SO impressed.  I looked at my pictures when Blair sent me my side by side photos and felt a sense of achievement.  I could see the change that I had worked so hard for (and continue to work for).  I may not have lost on the scale what I was hoping in a month, but I know now that I have made progress.  I can see the change and be proud of how far I have come. 

I want to encourage you all with a few things that I have taken away from this experience.

• Don’t be too hard on yourself.  We are all human.  We are all imperfect and a work in progress – if you mess up today, start again tomorrow.  A new day calls for a new start.
• Be kind to yourself and forgive yourself. 
• Take pictures of yourself – if only just to see how far you’ve come.  It’s a great way to encourage yourself and we all need encouragement.  If I hadn’t had my before and after picture form that one month period, I would’ve felt crushed because of how hard I felt I work.  However, I was able to smile and be proud of what I accomplished. 
• Finally, take time to do something just for you.  You will thank yourself.  And this, by no means, is you being selfish. 

Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it simply means...me too.