I have a month and a half until the Muderrella (a 5-7 mile run/obstacle course and there is mud in the mix), still trying to figure out how I got this gig! I cant lie, the What Size Was Eve Team is pretty amazing! So with this fast approaching, I have been really trying to work out more frequently; I’m doing the plank challenge and getting myself back into the swing of things.
Today I left my place in the morning with my gym bag in hand because I know that coming home after work to change and then going to the gym is too tempting…I won’t want to leave home. I am sure none of you know what I am talking about. ESPECIALLY with the crazy April weather/snow! So 4:30 hit and I was closing shop at work. I ended up leaving around 4:45 and made a mad dash to the gym, OK, that dash may be exaggerated, I just drove there. As I was taking my gym clothes out of my bag I realized I had my sleeveless shirt (which I typically put under my t-shirt as a habit) BUT I didn’t have my t-shirt. So I dug into my bag like Mary Poppins was supposed to come out of it holding my v-neck ..UMMM Negative! It didn’t happen. This is what went through my mind at that moment:
- How could I have forgotten my t-shirt?
- Seriously?
- Now I have to go back home! But if I go back home I’m not coming back. That will be 20-30 minutes wasted and Mannheim Rd. is full of traffic. I’ll never make it.
- Maybe I can wear the black cardigan I wore to work today. Oh my goodness, I would look like a serious dork. I can’t do that! I need to leave this gym with some integrity.
- Well then I’m going home.
- BUT, I have my bag and I HAVE to work out. I’m already here and how silly would it be to leave?
At that moment it was like a lightening bolt hit me in the head and I thought “I can just wear this sleeveless shirt!” The fact that I hadn’t even made that an option until I was arguing with myself about going home, is crazy! I mean, people wear sleeveless shirts to the gym everyday! People always wear sleeveless shirts and women wear strapless dresses and tops all the time. BUT, not this person. I cant even tell you the last time I wore anything sleeveless. Sleeves are like blankets to my arms…their comfy and you shouldn’t take them away.
After staring at the shirt I finally took the plunge. I was going to work out in a sleeveless shirt! I walked by the mirror and when I looked at myself I decided I would walk around and make it look like I purposely wore that! My mind was made up and I WASN’T going home! So I walked out and I strutted my sleeveless self to the area where the cardio machines were and I worked out like it was nobody’s business! Victory was mine! And it wasn’t as sweaty because my sleeves were gone!
Weight loss is about victories that are both big and small. Today this whole sleeveless deal was something that seemed small but really is a big victory. A couple months ago I totally would have left. There was no way I would have stayed there BUT today this was about more than just the sleeves, it was about providing a solution to a weak excuse. Excuses are often the biggest obstacle in obtaining goals we set for ourselves. I’m too tired, I don’t feel well (AGAIN), I forgot my t-shirt with sleeves (doesn’t that sound ridiculous?) Excuses are dream killers….and I dream of being healthy and living victoriously.
Today the excuse didn’t win…I DID! Next time you think about why your not doing what you want to do just go sleeveless; I learned it’s better to go sleeveless than not go at all!
Be encouraged today…We can do this…The best is yet to come!
Madelynn
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32
Way to go cuz! Thanks for your words of inspiration.
Thank you Evelyn! Thanks for stopping by as well. Hope you and the family are well. 🙂
Very inspiring, working on smashing my many excuses here also. Way to push on! God bless you.
Thank you!!!!! I’m so encouraged by your comments!
Love this! Very cute. I was thinking about you and this blog today, so I am glad there was a recent post. I’m making a decision to change my health habits, so I am definitely going to be looking to you and this blog for support girl! Love ya!
Amen!!!! Oh I can’t tell you how much this blesses me. I will make blogging becomes a priority! Thank you! Praying for your journey. Please let me know how I can serve you!
Wow…I can totally relate to this post since I’ve been someone who has struggled with the ridiculous self-consciousness & anxiety that the thought of going sleeveless can trigger. It’s so sad that we allow & engage in so many defeating mental conversations when we clearly have the authority/ability NOT to participate. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
I saw you the other day & noticed the difference but I didn’t know about WSWE. During the past several months I’ve made getting healthier a priority for myself & I can tell you that you’ve inspired me today. I pray God’s continued anointing & blessings on you.
Anna thank you so much for your words! You are on the right track and I pray God strengthen you to continue! THANK YOU!
You go girl!!!! Keep up the good work!
Thank you!!!! You are so strong….I want to be like you when I grow up!
I’m totally right there with you Madelynn. I bring my gym bag to work with me as well. I don’t want to go home and change, because I know I might not make it to the gym. Right there with you!!! And the sleeveless shirt…Same here. My my…as I was reading this, it almost felt as if I wrote it. Thanks for your transparency.
Thank you Sandra!!! Im so surprised at how so many of us are feeling the same things and thinking them! No more holding back for me! Thanks for the encouragement!
It’s like it’s me writing, I mean all of it! But the sleeveless would have probably taken my butt home! As silly as it is I would have been in the same place with the same problem! Glad victory was yours that’s amazing! Mind over matter, right?!
Thank you Dania! Isn’t it crazy what no sleeves can do to us? I’m telling you those things are blankies for our arms!