Ladies, and Gentlemen. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce a guest blogger.

Natalie.

World, Natalie.

Natalie, World.

Natalie writes her own weight loss blog called Bye Bye Fat Mom! I asked her to write a little bit about her travels down this road we are on.

Natalie, the floor is yours.

I’m a mommy. I love it! But, I tend to spend too much time focusing on my kids and not enough time focusing on me. Sure, it’s good to focus on them, but what about their mom? Don’t they need her healthy too? I’m coming to the realization that I’ve had my priorities a little messed up. So it’s time to refocus and get things on track.

Where can I look for motivation? I just have to look at myself. I haven’t always been a chubby mommy. I was healthy before. In 2002 I ran the Las Vegas Half Marathon. And now? A ten minute run leaves me breathless. It’s time to get back to running. I had a goal to run a marathon, and I need to add that goal back to my life list. I know this works for me. Running takes off the pounds, it ups the energy and it increases self-esteem. The only hard part is making it a habit. Once it’s a habit I actually enjoy it.

So here’s what I’ve done to get motivated to make it a habit. I’m paying myself! Yep, that’s right. You’re probably thinking, it’s your money either way, so how does that work? Well, I have trouble spending money on me. I can always see a debt that can be paid down further or something my kids like and the money goes there. But this money will be for ME! I can spend it on whatever I want. But there’s a catch…

Sure, I get 50 cents for everyday I exercise. BUT I lose $1 for every day I DON’T exercise. Yeah, it’s a whole one step forward two steps back thing. If I ever want to be able to spend the money I’ve really got to work for it. And once the total equals $50 the money is mine and it starts all over. By the time I hit marathon level I’ll have a svelte new body and lots of fun stuff!

So, what are you doing to get yourself motivated to reach your fitness goals? Come visit me at Bye Bye Fat Mom! to see how I’m doing.

Thank you Natalie.

Namaste.