The Journey to Health Has No Destination

Wellness is a lifelong journey.  This fact is one many individuals already understand, and one that has taken me years to fully appreciate.  There is no quick fix – at least, not one that will last. Crash diets, fad programs, pills, and other extreme measures are not only band-aid solutions, but also a disruption to our overall health.  An individual will either slowly revert to past eating habits, or the risk of the fad will outweigh the benefits.  A trainer recently said to me that unless it is something you are able to maintain for the rest of your life, it won’t have a lasting effect.

Our bodies are made to move. As we age, our muscles shrink and our metabolisms slow down – a fact I am quickly discovering in my approach to middle-age.   And I HATE working out!!  I much prefer sitting on the couch, watching tv, scrapbooking, painting, writing, surfing the internet, doing my nails, sleeping, or even staring at the walls, however, those activities are contributing to my overall UNwellness.  I may never understand those people who exclaim, “I love working out!” and who spend hours at the gym.  But, our bodies DO require activity to keep our muscles and joints from degenerating, to keep our blood circulating, and to keep our systems from storing fat.

Set goals as waypoints on your journey.   What is a “waypoint”? It’s an intermediate point in a line of travel at which a course may be changed.  In order to reach our goals, we must change our ways of thinking and doing.  Each goal reached should be an opportunity to assess our progress and adjust our course. Do not focus on the goal alone, or you will miss the lessons you learn along the way.  Compare each goal to a ‘rest stop’ on a road trip; would you focus merely on reaching each stop, without enjoying the overall experience?  If you attempt to reach your goal in the shortest amount of time, you will miss the overall experiences of the journey, the habits you form along the way.  Slow down and maintain a steady course, and you will still arrive at your ‘waypoint’, having learned much more along the way.

Motivation schmotivation.  We’ve all seen the posts on Facebook and Instagram, graphics with positive messages meant to light the spark of determination within the reader.  Not only have I shared some, I’ve made some!!  What happens when motivation abandons you?  When you adopt a ‘quick-fix’ mentality, and follow restrictive diets, weight fluctuates and frustration sets in.  Believe it or not, you can build up your self-disciple over time.  By starting small and setting realistic goals on your journey, you can build healthy habits upon which you can rely every day.   According to a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology conducted by Phillippa Lally, a health psychology researcher at University College London, on average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact.  Additionally, it took anywhere from 18 to 254 days for people to form a new habit, depending on the behavior, the person, and the circumstances.

Be accountable.  Accountability really does go a long way. Having a support system, a workout buddy or a fitness coach or trainer keeps you from feeling totally alone.  I have found Facebook support groups full of wonderful and encouraging people through the Beachbody program.  Being able to share my successes and my shortcomings and reading about theirs, too, has been invaluable, and I know that there is always someone who will hold me accountable, when needed.   Groups such as these can provide much needed information and inspiration.

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Progress, not perfection”.  Did you know that this is a quote paraphrased from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous?  “We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.”  After learning that, I relate to it even more, as I feel I struggle with my own addiction – to food.   We are human, and, therefore, imperfect.  Accept your flaws, your shortcomings, your mistakes, your stumbles, and get up and move forward on your journey.  Perfection is unattainable, choose to be authentic.

The journey to health has no destination – it is a never-ending commitment to our well being.   It has taken me years to recognize this truth.  I know I will falter, but I will no longer use it an excuse to quit.  I know it won’t always be easy, or fun, but I understand that I need to keep moving forward, learning new habits, facing new experiences and trying to be a better me.

 

If you would like any information about the Beachbody fitness programs, please feel free to email me or visit my coach website  and have a peek at the info there.   I do not claim to be an expert, by any means, but would love to share my experience with anyone interested.   The workouts are amazing and the Shakeology helps me with my nutrition and cravings.