What a great idea! I know I have been down on myself lately because I haven't been doing very well with scheduling my workouts/haven't been getting my butt out the door to run... so I need a pep talk today!

For me, I am amazed at what my body can do. I can run ten miles and then go for a walk with a friend, I can still function even though I dont' get enough sleep and my body can still go, even when my brain is saying no. When I push myself really hard and then go out for a run the next day, I can still push myself even though my legs are burning. Although I weigh more than I'd like, I know I am still healthy. And I am so fortunate for this, because there are so many that aren't.

I am also extremely blessed to have blog readers/friends who keep me motivated and some who even tell me that they have started running because of my journey. I can't even begin to describe what a wonderful feeling it is to know that I helped someone start their own journey to a goal.

So, yeah... even though I beat myself up sometimes about not getting a run in or not getting to the gym, I'd say I am pretty blessed.

When I start getting down on myself, I just remind myself that I have come a LONG LONG way. I have changed twenty years of bad eating habits. I have changed 20 years of bad/no exercise habits. I am 80% done and I have 20% to go. Yes, that last 15 lbs is taking me a LOT longer than I wanted, but it will happen.

Other: I am in a single digit size. The last time I can say that, I was a 10th grader.

Great challenge idea! This is definitely something I struggle with, as well, so I will work on not saying anything negative about myself today.

It is so easy to be a negative nancy about body image. I have been really down on myself because I haven't lost a single pound and I have counted calories and going to the gym at least 4 days a week, but then I took my measurements again and am down 1 inch on my waist and hips. WHOOOOHOOOOO! I still have a long way to go, but I will get there. My doc gave me some more info yesterday about BMI (like I haven't heard it a thousand times) and I am eagerly ready for change.

I love this challenge. I believe life is all about perception, and how we perceive ourselves makes such a different in our lives. Yesterday I celebrated one month of being a vegetarian. This is a big deal for me because I used to drive past McDonalds and get two hamburgers, medium fry, kids diet coke and a chocolate milkshake. I was the Chicken Sandwich Queen and my husband and I were eating out and eating greasy food two or three times a week. Fast Food Junkies to the core! Becoming a vegetarian has helped me kick the fast food habit -- I can't remember the last time I ate fast food. It's allowed me to honor God's creations, not eat them. I know it's not for everyone, but it's so for me -- and a month of being vegetarian FLEW by! I don't have cravings for fast food anymore, and we eat out one or two times a week -- and half the time I order a grilled cheese off the kids' menu.

I'm proud of myself because I am determined. When I order a meal, I don't feel obligated to eat the whole thing (I used to eat the whole thing, plus sometimes get dessert). I do recognize that I could easily fall back into the routine, but MFP -- this group -- and my MFP friends has really helped and keeps me encouraged. I STILL have Halloween candy sitting right infront of me at school, and I haven't touched it for about a week. (At home, that's another story, Peanut M&Ms... yum!)

For those of you who feel like you have a long way to go, know that you CAN do this and it takes one choice, one step, one day at a time. I am constantly having to keep myself in check and I have accepted this as a lifestyle change, not just a diet. I will never forget that someone posted "I know for me this is a way of life -- I will probably count calories for the rest of my life." Accepting that has been HUGE for me, because I have failed at many, many, MANY diet tries -- but knowing this isn't a diet but a lifestyle makes all the difference.

I'm also proud of myself because I'm human and when I slip-up and go over my calories, I start again and don't give up on myself. I have a long way to go, but I'm starting to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

:bigsmile:
o yea!! and my pants seem a little more loose and im down to the last notch in my belt. i might needs to go clothes shopping soon! *FIST PUMP*

I love this topic! I was kicking myself in butt for falling off the wagon and gaining back some weight but I decided to stop focusing on that and getting myself up and back on track! That is huge victory for me!

In the past I would have given up and went back to my old habbits. This is the longest I've ever stuck to weight loss program and it's paying off. Yes I've gotten off course a bit, but I refuse to go back to not caring.

My cloths are fitting bigger, I went from a size 30 jean to a 26! I like the "me" that I am now and everyone has commented on how my attitude has changed as well. Now when my husband gives me a compliment I don't question him or ask him if he needs to get his eyes checked. I still see a "big" girl when I look in the mirror and that something I'm still struggling with, but I am starting to notice that this "big" girl is starting to shrink.

I look forward to meeting new buddies here that have the same positive goals, I agree with me it's not just the physical part, I need to give myself the occational little pep talk to get me going. Feel free to add me as a friend
Mona

I am one pound away from a healthy BMI. Barring illnesses, I have made an effort to get to the gym 2 or 3 times during the week because I know it isn't only good for the weight loss but also makes me a happier person.

This is probably the toughest challenge thus far but I'm always up for a good challenge. I'm generally a positive person and like to see the best in situations and people unless it pertains to myself. I'm proud of myself for juggling being a single mom and making every attempt at a healthy lifestyle. This also gives me the opportunity to cook for my kids more and set a good example for them. I'm also proud that I didn't eat myself into a coma after my brother (also my best friend) moved out of state to live with my parents. I know that each day is a new opportunity to give this new life my all. Some days will be better than others but I need to abandon the all-or-nothing mentality and just give it my best.

hang in there dont give up !!!