What keeps you motivated?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
What keeps you motivated?
15
Thu, 02-16-2006 - 8:14pm

When we all come from different lives, with different interests, and varied levels of support in our lives, I was wondering what keeps you ladies all motivated to make healthy choices in your lives? Is it your husband, your wardrobe, an upcoming event or occasion? If you have nothing that really is a constant motivator, what WOULD motivate you?

: )

Mia

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
Sat, 02-18-2006 - 9:54am

Wow, how inspiring it is to read everyones posts! Not to mention that while heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, I never think about it. I read the trials, struggles and real life heartaches with heart disease, and that certainly made me stop and think about it. (Thank you so much for sharing this).

In my past, Ive struggled with an eating disorder; Im always so afraid now of slipping back into such an ugly illness when Ive been doing so well for so long. Sadly, because of the disorder, my motivations have all been so scewed...for starters, I live in Los Angeles, and to add insult to injury, I work in Television Production, so to be "fat" is practically considered against the law. Its so unrealistic what Im around each day....I need to keep this in mind.

I remember a time when I was truely healthy. I was lean because I excersized and the food I put in my mouth was clean burning fuel; all healthy choices, not because I was on a diet, but because it felt good! I want to find that place aagin. I WILL be there again.

What motivates me the most though is the example Im setting for my children. Number one, hands down, this is my number one motivation; to set healthy standards in my life so as to be an excellent role model for my children. Being active with my boys is everything to me; we ride dirt bikes, we swim, we go hiking and camping. I need to be fit, I need to be healthy and I need to have a good self concept to model for my kiddos.

Thanks for all the honesty and sharing here. Thank you for making me think with your responses. I truely appreciate it.

: )

Mia

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-31-2006
Sat, 02-18-2006 - 10:14am

I'm with you, Mia. Setting a good example for my children is my #1 motivator. My mother has been overweight most of her life and set a terrible example for me, constantly fad dieting and never exercising. She and my sister are still struggling and I pray that someday they win the battle, because I worry for them. My oldest daughter is built like my family and has a ferocious appetite. I keep her involved in sports and encourage good eating habits, but the best thing for her is to see me exercising, making good decisions and enjoying it. She gets a kick out of seeing me doing pilates on the balance ball and wishes they made them in her size so she could join me.

Another motivater is my own health. I'm a slight hypochondriac. I mean, I'm logical so I don't get too neurotic about it, but I worry about all the possible health problems people get that are random and beyond their control. So I'm happy to control what I can. I used to lay in bed at night, listening to my own heart, worried because my resting heart rate was 87 beats/min. Now I lay in bed and hear it beating at 55 beats/min and there's no worrying. It gives me a feeling of control, you know?

Fit feels great! When your motivation is weightloss, it's easy to get discouraged. Having the motivation of being as fit as possible, setting new goals and trying new things to keep it fresh, has really been the key for me.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Sun, 02-19-2006 - 3:13pm

This is a fabulous thread!!


It

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
Mon, 02-20-2006 - 10:14am

This REALLY is a great thread and I'm so impressed that all the motivations are what I'd say are the right reasons.

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Mon, 02-20-2006 - 4:24pm

You know - when I was typing my response I totally forgot about the health reasons...lol.


A couple of years ago my dad was diagnosed w/ diabetes.

                            

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