by Mary Goodwin

Created on: March 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

I want to exercise and I have a gym membership, but getting in the mood to exercise it a totally different story. I am trying to lose weight but its a long process. I have tried diet after diet. Sometimes my mindset isn't where it should be when it comes to exercise. I am down and depressed and I hate what I look like in the mirror. I JUST DON'T WANT TO GO TO THE GYM AND I DON'T WANT TO EXERCISE!

So here is what I do to get my motivation back. I put in my favorite CD which is upbeat on all the songs. Right now my favorite is George Thorogood. I can dance anyway I like. I work all my body and work up quite a sweat. I also have a belly dancing tape that I am trying like hell to learn. Its not easy but i laugh my butt off. If it were only that easy right? Sometimes laughing is the best exercise. My 9 year old daughter dances with me sometimes and we have the greatest time. I have learned that my greatest defense against getting off track is my "keeping it fun" attitude. This summer I have decided I want to swim with my kids.I always thought everyone was looking at the big fat woman. This year I am gonna have fun with my kids, in a pool with other people around. Every time we went, I always said no. I felt bad because I was missing out on a great time. Now, I have got a new mindset that fat or not I am not gonna miss another moment wondering what people think of me. My kids want me in the pool with them because they love me and thats what matters the most. As of today I have lost 40lbs when before i would lose 10lbs and gain 15 back.
I feel that by changing the way I think is having a lot to do with it. I use to get so depressed and feel so defeated I would dive into the ice cream or pizza or my favorite cheesecake. Not this year, I am gonna swim.

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