« | Main | »

Toddler Step #6: Don’t Give Up!

By Cindy | November 26, 2007

Asher Bean TossHow my son handles new experiences is enlightening. His reactions to new challenges are through frustration and “I can’t do it. Do it for me, mommy” outbursts. He tries two times and drops the item that he is holding or starts to whine. I’ll coax him back into action and say, “That’s okay, buddy. It’s a new thing. You’re going to have to keep working at it until you figure it out. I know you can do it.” My words don’t provide him comfort. He wants me to do it for him. As I ponder this new behavior from my son, I realize that I’m not that different from him when it comes to facing new challenges and experiences. I either “get it” or I “move on” from a difficult task. For many of us, our fitness journey is quite a new challenge. It requires thought, practice and perseverance. How do you overcome your desire to quit? We must heed our words to our toddlers: “That’s okay, buddy. You can do it!” Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you feel like giving up:

  • Check out the Before Pictures. Where are you now?
  • What did you do this week, day, or yesterday to lead a healthier life?
  • What small goal can you accomplish to reward yourself for a healthy moment?
  • Say to yourself, “I am worthy,” or “I love being healthy,” ten times. Mean it and continue on with your day.
  • Would I tell my son or daughter that they can give up because….?”
  • Look at yourself in the mirror and find a part of your body you are proud of (yes, you have something to be proud of)!

Finally, take a moment to review the BabySteps for Mom’s Fitness Journey. The BabySteps are a big picture, mental, and physical guide of your commitment to a lifelong Fitness Journey. You are able to make the changes. They will be small at first, but they will grow and become a part of you. Don’t give up because of the Holidays. Don’t give up because you feel down. Don’t give up because you have no time. Don’t give up. There are no excuses to not take care of yourself. You deserve to be kind to YOU.

Now, Go Workout MOM!!!

This concludes the Toddler Step Series. The series is designed to reflect on our decisions and actions to achieve a lifetime Fitness Journey. Our toddlers face the same challenges we face in their life journey. We, as mothers, guide them with life experiences. Our same words can be applied to ourselves, but we don’t stop to think about the connection of their life development with our own struggles in health and fitness. We are very much like our toddlers!

Don't forget to subscribe to my RSS feed and join in the Journey. Thanks for visiting!

Topics: Fitness Knowledge, Health Knowledge |

Discussion

What do you think? Leave a comment. Alternatively, write a post on your own weblog; this blog accepts trackbacks.

Leave a Reply