I know, “what a surprise!” Right? Wrong!

I make way too many mistakes. However, I am going to own up to this one right now.

Okay, we have all seen the pictures. the fat shaming, the “no excuses”, the “what is your excuse”, the thin shaming etc..

I have been guilty of all of them. I am jealous of thin people and it makes me believe that I am not as good as they are. I also feel like it is easier for some people to be more fit and thin than others.

For the other, I have made my excuses.

1. I have 20 kids
2. They have so many issues (my kids)
3. Some days, I feel like I can barely keep my head above water
4. I am older
5. After the day I have had, I deserve a special treat.
6. No one understands the pressure of a large family
7. Not to mention the secondary trauma I have endured
8. After teaching kindergarten all day, then coming home to my other full time job. I deserve a break/rest/netflix binge.
9. It has never been easy for me
10. There will be time to get healthy later
11. well, you can imagine the rest….

So, the thought occurred to me (on more than one occasion) that women who are healthy and fit work their tails off to be so. They eat healthy most of the time. They exercise. they work on their spiritual side. They realize they are worth the time and effort needed to be healthy.

So last week, I started again. I ran 3 times this week. I made my excuses then I made up my mind. I am worth it. I feel better. It really doesn’t take that long.

If I want a healthy body, I have to work for it. Just because someone is thin it doesn’t equate to happy or healthy.

I need to be the best me I can be and exercise is going to get me there.

So, I am sorry to all of you for judging or criticizing (in my mind) the hard work and effort you have expended to be healthy.

I am going to work on my body at the same time I work on my brain.

So Monday morning, I will be tying my running shoes and putting in my headphones as I continue to show up and do the work.

PS I was completely mortified by this picture I took last night.This is my husband John in the purple,then  Marissa(Former Miss Utah) and Kyle Van Noy(New England Patriots Super Bowl Champion and former BYU Cougar) and me.

I had no idea I had gotten so big. I thought I looked okay last night. So folks, this is what I am working with.

All I see is a super wide girl and I was pretty embarrassed to take a picture with this cute group. So, I am continuing to be done with soda and I am going to stop enjoying the treats that come with so many excuses. 🙂

What is your story?