The Real “After” + Finding that Summer Motivation
On this blog I’ve always been totally honest with you guys. With my weight loss, with my struggles with yo-yo dieting and my ever continuing after towards this journey to health so many of us are on and striving towards. And because I’ve always been honest I wanted to share some of what I’ve been going through lately in terms of staying motivated.
I’ve been struggling, friends. I have so much coursework to finish up and trying to hammer out the rest of my thesis that I have gotten a bit side tracked with my running, fitness and health goals. I had to slow down with my running before Christmas due to some health issues and have found it so hard to get back into the groove. I’ve gained a bit of weight due to my love of baking, sitting around studying all day and finding excuses when it’s time for my daily run.
I’m human and I get side-tracked too.
I’m writing this because I want you to know that the “After” of weight loss does not just end the day that you take your before and after photos. It’s sooooooo much more than that. It’s not always easy. You will get side-tracked. You will sometimes lose sight of some of your goals. But there is always time to push yourself back in the right direction with love and channel that inner motivation we all have inside of us.
I’m sharing this with you because, even though it’s not easy to put online, on social media everybody is a work-out star, healthy eater all the time and pretty much damn-well perfect. It’s so easy to compare ourselves to these images or to somebody’s before and after photos – but the after photo is just the beginning and living a healthy lifestyle that lasts does have its ups and downs.
And sometimes when we get sidetracked we need to find the motivation to pull ourselves back up again and that is exactly what I am doing. I’ve already gotten back to my morning yoga and daily runs and to be honest, even though it’s hard to sometimes get that foot back in the door, it feels amazing to be back into my routine because I’m happier when I’m active, eating well and finding the time for myself to rest.
So here I am, a couple years after my weight loss journey started and coming back to that inner diva that ran 15k last year, lost almost 70 pounds, started a food blog (my very first post!) and a Master’s in order to chase her dreams!
Here’s to taking the time to breathe, finding that summer motivation and kicking ass in the final semester of school.
Here’s to reaching our goals, staying healthy and finding time for that glass of red wine and laughter with loved ones.
Here’s to taking care of ourselves, finding the time to run, green smoothie it up and being at peace with ourselves.
Lots of love and have a beautiful end of week everyone! 🙂
XOXO,
Ceara <3
Oh that damn social media fantasy world. Even though I’m a 51 year old woman who should no better, I too get sucked into the Facebook and IG fallacy that everyone is living the perfect life. But they’re not, they’re just like us, only they don’t share their flaws. Be proud of all that you’ve accomplished Ceara. You’re a beautiful woman who seems to have done more in your young life than many do in an entire lifetime.
Speaking from experience, life is all about the peaks and the dips, embrace them all.
Thank you so much, Linda!! You are so right – it’s all about the peaks and dips! I love the way you put it! And about social media, you are so right and couldn’t agree more!
Thanks for the love and support!
This is such an inspiring post! You have a lot on your plate and I admire you for doing your best to fit in fitness. I’m trying to get back into an exercise routine after having my third baby, and it is SO hard to find the time. I find that when I make exercise a priority, I feel so much better and it is so worth the time! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to leave such a lovely comment, Kristine! I totally hear ya – it is sometimes SO hard to find the time but I feel SO much better when I make working out a priority in my life 🙂 Wishing you all the best!!
What an amazing journey so far. I love reading posts like this. Yeah we get so focused on the final goal that we forget that after comes the maintenance and all the stuff the preceeded the weight gain or the whole intention of the goal in the first place. Its like the journey has to begin again in someways. Hmmm great post though, I really enjoyed reading through it. xo
I need to read this post, Ceara! I have to print it and stick it on my fridge to read it everyday! I feel motivated to follow a healthier diet! I like the title of your post. It is so true! Success is a journey not a destination!
Girl, you are a powerhouse of inspiration! Even on those days when I want to lay in bed and sleep the day away, I force myself to get up and move. Whether it’s a walk with my pup or a hard workout at the gym. Having an encouraging partner also really helps me to stay on track. My best friend lives in Florida and she’s having trouble keeping weight off with her busy schedule and health problems. I always try to lift her spirits. Weight loss and health is a journey. There aren’t any quick fixes. Patience and strength play a huge part in the journey! Keep it up. I love the race that you did in the woods. That looks so fun!
Hi Ceara, I totally feel your pain. I find your candid honesty so refreshing. Weight loss is tough! And it so easy to look at the perfect pics of yourself (I was down to 108 pounds at one point) and I feel like I should still be there but now realize, that’s not really a realistic weight for myself. Not at my age/height. And you nailed it, it’s not like you loose the weight and your done, it’s just the beginning. Thanks for sharing a piece of your journey with us =)
Thank you so much, Laura!! I try my best to show the REAL side of weight loss here because it’s something that is rarely shown in real life or in the media! It’s such a journey so many of us are on 🙂 Thanks again for the support my friend! Have a beautiful weekend!
You are so inspiring Ceara! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Nobody should ever compare themselves to anybody on social media. There is absolutely nobody that is perfect. I think you are both beautiful inside and out. Keep rocking on and pushing towards your goals! ❤️❤️
Thanks so much, Brandi!! <3 And I couldn't agree more, comparing to people on social media is such a slippery slope! <3 Thanks for all the love girl!! XO
Ceara, what a lovely and honest post! I’m happy that you are getting back into your routine. It really does feel great getting things done, having a fitness routine, getting some exercise. I’m struggling especially with writing my Master’s thesis because _everything_ else is so much more fun (even cleaning the apartment), but today feels like a good day. I think I’ll have the motivation to write a page or two. Yeay. Cheers to hard work and taking breaks every once in a while 🙂
Thanks so much, Bianca! <3 Best of luck in writing your thesis - I fill your pain, LOL! Cheers my friend!!
Ceara, you are beautiful through and through and are an inspiration to many, including me! Look at all that you are accomplishing to lead a full and healthy life. Sure, there will always be bumps, and struggle, but the important thing is, you are aware of it and you know how to get back on your track of self care. Thank you for sharing your journey, your smile and always your delicious recipes! xo
<3 You are the best, Traci! Thanks so much for the kind words and support! It means SO much!! Have a wonderful weekend my friend :)
I love this post, Ceara! It’s so honest and true. Thank you so much for sharing! I love that you had the courage to write this, when most people wouldn’t. I really admire your honesty and motivation to continue onto your journey of success, even though you’ve had some set backs! I totally agree with finding that motivation to get back on track. I’m trying to do the same to get back into working out, but I seem to have all the excuses not too! But I just have to take it one day at a time. I hope you have a wonderful Thursday and weekend, friend!
<3 Thanks so much for the love and support my friend! It's all about taking it one day at a time!! Have a wonderful weekend :)