I heard from someone today who had "fallen-off the fitness wagon" recently, but was getting back on track with things.

For those of us that have "been there" , getting back on track after illness, injury or otherwise isn't always easy - but it IS entirely possible.

Life happens - whether or not we are taking part in a 12 or 18 week programme, life does not stop; we will continue to face challenges physically, mentally, emotionally, financially etc ... and we still have to get up and show up in the world; at home and at work.

What motivated you when you started on this journey may not motivate or inspire you to the same extent today - you may have let other things get in the way.

But let's be clear - this isn't about a medal, a title or even prize money ...
it's about SAVING YOUR LIFE & THE LIVES OF OTHERS AROUND YOU


The only way to "Be the Change" is to keep moving forward

The only way to keep moving forward is to PLAN & PRIORITISE WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT

... and we have to come to realise "that which is most important, isn't always that which seems most urgent !"

• Don't give up on yourself

Don't give up on those you love

Don't give up on changing the world !

Love this Paul!! Thank you!! =)

You always have the best posts at just the right time! I have learned so much but the one major thing that stands out is that this isn't for 18 weeks, this is my life. I am worth it and I am just the way I am supposed to be and in the place I am supposed to be .

Thanks you! xoxox

Thank you! For me this isn't about the big prize it really is about my life and being active for my young children. This is a great post! Melody

I love your idea that what motivated us to start the challenge, may not be what is motivation for us now! How true -- that's growth! It's interesting how things change as we ourselves change! Thanks...

Paul, I agree that we are pursuing a lifestyle...it doesn't end in 12, 18 or 24 weeks. Our lifestyle changes and moves through life with us...it's about constantly challenging ourselves, seeking the new motivation to keep us moving forward...it's about a journey and not a destination. The biggest reward is what we achieve in ourselves: true happiness, harmony, good health and of course all of our friends saying "wish I had a body like that!" 8-)

Paul, this is definitely so pertinent to my life right now. In April, I was completely brought down by gastrointestinal problems. I'd been ignoring it as best I could for over a month, but finally had to go to my MD in bent over pain. My eating had to change completely and I was so weak I could barely climb my stairs, yet alone go to the gym for workouts. I was so frustrated that I could have easily just given up on everything, but I did that last year.

I found BFL in June and started working out and eating clean right away. In September I let a back injury completely sidetrack me from my workouts and pretty soon I was sitting here at January with my eating out of control and no workouts of any real regularity.

So, when I was faced with another health issue I had to do some really tough digging. I worked my assignments HARD and then came here and confessed how frustrated I was to my accountability group. They were awesome! They helped we work through to find the balance to realize that this is about the rest of my life, not an 18 week challenge. Yes, I want the physical changes, but what I'm learning about myself and how to love and accept myself is beyond that.

I'm back to my workouts and I've gotten a new eating plan figured out, but more importantly I've learned that I am not a quitter in the face of adversity. I can do this for the rest of my life and I'll face what life presents with the tools I'm gaining through this transformation process. The peace that brings me is so much more important than a number on the scale or a size on my clothing.

I never imagined that this was something I'd gain during this challenge, but it is by far the best thing I've gained. I needed it so much but had no idea. God in his infinite wisdom provided me with the opportunity to learn it.

Good post, this is about life and sometimes it is messy. I have learned to leave the mess up in the past whether it is one meal or a whole day and move past it and keep moving forward. I don't have to give up and throw in the towel. I just figure out what triggered it in the first place, whether it was a lack of planning, waiting to long to eat or not dealing with an emotional upset.
Whatever the outcome I learn something from it and move on. Realize I am human and I am going to make mistakes, just cannot beat myself up over it, it is a learning opportunity.
Mona

Paul,
you get it, thank you for sharing. My life is up to me and I choose how to set my priorities. There is not enough time to do everything, so I have learned to do first things first, like tell my family I love them, hug them and kiss them and hug them again, pray to my Heavenly Father, eat healthy, move my body, feed my spirit, do something that I love.....

I get less "stuff" done now, but I am happier, because I have chosen God and the people dearest in my life over to do lists, tasks and projects.

Juliane

Amen Paul,

Life is not just a journey! Life is OUR JOURNEY! We were given the opportunity to live the life that we desire, when we choose to grab it, to hold it clear in our minds. Often if I fall, it is the emotional embarrassment and mental anguish that holds me back more than the physical work. Here's to living the journey and loving the ride.

Jeff