Can I get an Amen?

But man, oh man, doing something different? 

Out of my comfort zone?

Unknown? 

It can be scary and hard. 

Like unchartered territory. 

The unbeaten path for myself.

Yes. 

But isn’t it something that we are molded most when we are put through the fire? When we are pushed beyond our normal capacities- whether by choice or not. We are molded, chiseled, and sculpted in our perseverance, character and desire. It’s during the hard stuff when it happens. 

I have felt this so often. And deep down, I know I can push myself when it’s by my own choice. I just know it! Goodness, I’ve done it before Laura. Pl-en-ty of times. But many times, it’s taking that first step. It’s the first action step because I can realize and establish my goal, heck I can even prepare for it! But the action step? The DOING? Hard. That means I need to push. And COMMIT. 

(But we all know that the action step is where the magic happens).

Today is a day I have been looking forward to for a while. Today starts my first challenge group where a group of individuals have decided to COMMIT and push beyond normal boundaries, specifically in regards to their fitness. Some want to shed weight from having babies, some want to return to a physical state they feel comfortable, some want to redefine their exercise routines and nutrition habits, etc. And individually we are all moving outside our comfort zones to different personal goals but collectively we are doing it together. 

Man, life is easier with people isn’t it? 

SUPPORTIVE people. 

So today we are doing this thing together and if there’s anything that can help us push beyond normal boundaries, it’s supportive people. ::Amen!:: BUT we have to be willing to take the first step. To take the leap of faith. The risk of failing but also the risk of SUCCEEDING. 

When we push beyond our normal boundaries and create “new normals”, it’s like we are trying to adjust our “internal thermostat” and reset it to something new. So in order to change, we change behaviors and habits, right? But naturally, we don’t like change. We naturally resist it. So when your house thermostat has always been at 70 degrees and you move it from 70 degrees to 65 degrees, the air conditioner kicks on. But now the air conditioner needs to work harder to make 65 degrees the new normal. Every time the the temp increases, the AC has to kick on. Every single time. It’s creating a new normal.

When we push beyond our normal boundaries, our AC has to kick on HARDER and MORE OFTEN than normal. And it’s uncomfortable. But when you have a supportive group of people surrounding you with encouragement and “we are doing this (literally) together“- boy it makes the journey much more enjoyable and easier, doesn’t it? 

So I’m excited for today- A group of individuals, plus myself, are CHANGING. We are resetting ourselves and we will not be the same by the end of this month. We are changing. We are changing our norms and pushing boundaries to reach out personal goals- and we are doing it together. 

And when it comes to pushing beyond boundaries, I want to do it together.

Think to yourself- what is that one think that you want to do and push beyond your “normal” in order to achieve? What is it? No matter what it is, YOU CAN DO IT. There will be stumbles and there will be risks and a lot of uncomfortableness. But you will change. You will grow. You will learn more about yourself and your abilities to do anything- which cannot be learned by reading or just thinking about it.  It comes through action. 

Whatever that one thing is that you want to do, today just take one action step towards it. Even if it’s a baby step. But one action step today. I believe you can do it. Take one step to change your internal thermostat.

Have an excellent Monday!