My 2016 word is...

This year I want to be Brave. It may seem like a strange word to focus on, but in reality it's exactly what I need to do. I go along with people all the time above what I prefer because I don't want to rock the boat. I want people to like me so I just say yes, even if I don't want to do something.

This year I want to get better at saying no or I don't want that or I am not comfortable with that. This to me takes bravery as I have to tell people whom I would normally go along with that I don't want to. I will lose friends because of this, but I have to be brave enough to remember the ones worth keeping, the ones who matter will continue to be my friend.

• I need to be Brave in saying no to eating out when I know my goal is to lose weight.
• I need to be Brave in saying no to myself when I want to skip a workout.
• I need to be Brave in saying no to buying that "treat" on the way home from work.
• I need to be Brave in trying something that can help me in my career rather than saying no.
• I need to be Brave in saving money for things rather than buying whatever strikes me fancy.

So many things to be Brave about this year, but I can do it. This is my mantra for the year and it is doable.

Do you have a word you're focusing on or a goal you want to hit in 2016? Tell me about it!

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Motivational Monday

Never trade what you want the most for what you want right now.

British Parliament and Big Ben from the London Eye

I know Motivational Monday isn't a new concept, lots of people use it. But, I have decided that I like the idea of sharing quotes that I feel are inspirational. I'm not good at putting quotes over photos, so I'll just share photos I think are appropriate to the quote.

I could not start this new theme day without using the above quote; it's the whole theme of my blog! I read this years ago and it struck a chord with me. I tend to take the here and now rather than the long term view. If I'm sad, I grab a snack. If I'm frustrated, I'll order an unhealthy dinner. If I'm tired, I'll skip the gym and eat sugar for more energy. If I see sweets, I eat them.

Since I was a little kid, I've been overweight. What have I always wanted? To be at an average weight. I didn't need to be sickly thin, just within my healthy weight range. It was my birthday wish for years. It was my "if you had three wishes what would they be?" wish (it was always number one). As a kid, I didn't really know what to do to change my life. I did Weight Watchers when I was 11/12 with my mom, aunt, and cousin, but it didn't stick. I gained what I lost back. I was always the heaviest kid in my class. 

I need to focus more on the long-term goal, the rest of my life. I need to remember this when my emotions take hold. 

Why a photo of British Parliament and Big Ben? Because London is my favorite city. It is the goal. It is my favorite vacation spot. The first time I went, I felt like I was home. I would move there if I could. My hubby and I went back in 2010 as a celebration of graduating grad school and we saved for two years to afford a two week trip to Europe. Every time we got gift money, tax returns, etc. we put it aside. Then we researched the daylights out of our destinations (Italy, France, England) to find the best deals to make the most of our money. We kept that goal in mind for two years as we put all of our extra money away to take that trip. That trip is the epitomy of never trade what you want the most for what you want right now. 

So, what does this mean to you? Can you use this motivational quote to help you on your journey? 

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