I have a friend at bootcamp who seems to get down on herself too much — I saw her slowing down today and I said ‘Come on, you can do it — if I can, you can’. She said no way — and it got me thinking, does she really think that I have something she doesn’t have? Well maybe I do- maybe it’s a stronger commitment or desire to do it, but physically I don’t. It really is a mental thing — how bad do you want it? How much is it worth to you?

I look at pictures of myself today and I look so different than the Stephy of 2 years ago. Different in a great way. I look happier, less bloated. My face was so puffy years ago and the truth is – I FEEL Happier, Better physically and mentally. I am a completely different person who surrounds myself with healthier people. And with all of the changes in me — my family has changed. My kids are aware and conscience of living a healthier lifestyle. They love that their Mom has muscles. Hannah says — Mom show me your after muscles — (when I flex). And Nate loves to ask me to show his friends and teachers my muscles.

Here’s a pic of me September 2009 – I love the Picasa photo program because it has a people id feature. I can view all the photos of me that are in the directory and I can see the the changes. Who is that person to the left? That was one full year into my bootcamp — so I was well on my way –but look at the difference in my face now.

Why I am talking about this? Because it reaffirms that continually recommitting to my goals for a healthy and fit life works.  1 year I saw changes, 2nd year – I see even more defined improvements — and we all know that exercise has long term benefits that extend beyond the things you can see.   Don’t give up because if you stick with it — there is no way you will regret it.