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| Wednesday, March 25, 2009 |
| What Motivates You? |
We all have reasons why we want to lose weight or get more fit. I’ve noticed in my professional practice (and in myself) that motivators tend to vary with age.
It usually starts with being all about looks… looking good in a bathing suit or an outfit, or for a particular occasion. Many people crank up their diet and fitness routines before the summer or a special event.
In the next phase, it’s all about looking and feeling good for spouse or family and being able to keep up with growing kids. This is when the transition starts. It’s no longer ALL about looks; health starts to play an important role.
In the third phase health takes center stage. If you can look good too, well, that’s a bonus. Years ago (when I was somewhere between stage 1 & 2) I worked on the Women’s Health Initiative*, the women who participated (age 50+) were motivated to stay healthy to take care of family and see grand children grow up. I learned a lot from these women. They came in all shapes and sizes, and health and fitness was not always apparent from the outside. These women had learned to accept themselves for what they were. Long ago they had given up trying to become a size 2 or conform to what someone else thought they should look like. There was a freedom that they had found in the acceptance of their appearance.
Before our group nutrition sessions, these women would gather and chat. Often I would sit with them and listen. I felt like someone had let me into a secret club. They talked about family, husbands, losing loved ones, health and the follies of their youth. They were glad to be done with the vanity of their earlier years, they found this new phase of focusing on what REALLY mattered, liberating. As they talked I realized that they had been just like me once, and they were letting me in on the secrets.
It doesn’t matter what your hair looks like or whether you have expensive clothes. It doesn’t matter if you are a size 6, 8, 10 or 12…and it doesn’t matter what someone else ‘thinks’ you should look like. What really matters in the end is being healthy and preserving that health the best you can.
These women inspired me then, and still do today. I try to keep in mind those lessons learned as I pass through my own ‘phases’ in life. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Finding the inspiration, motivation and courage to be the best you that you can be!
So what motivates you?
- Renee
*National Institutes of Health grant studying the effects of a low fat, high fruit & vegetable diet and hormone supplements in post menopausal women.
Related Articles
Sensei Talks: What’s My Motivation?
Sensei Talks: Staying Motivated
Labels: healthy living, Motivation, Renee
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posted by My Sensei @ Wednesday, March 25, 2009   |
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