Today, I’m just letting my thoughts pour out. There may be a story and it may flow or it may not. But it’s real.

I like positivity. I like discovering the silver lining of each and every situation. So let me tell you…you’re making progress. Quit beating yourself up because you’re not at your desired weight/fitness level yet. Slow progress is progress. Learning is progress. Learning what not to do is progress. Weight loss and getting in shape is a journey. Journeys take time, patience and perseverance. They don’t happen overnight or in a month.

When it comes to losing weight or getting in shape, we need to remember where we started, and not only what our physical shape was, but our mental shape, as well. If you’re on a track to lose weight, to gain muscle, to increase endurance, or whatever it may be, chances are you’ve had or you will have a set back at some point or another. Life is like that. We miss a workout, we get thrown off from our routine, we overindulge on ice cream. Life happens. But what are you learning in the process?

I love using fitness as a metaphor for life. It can be frustrating, rewarding, there are highs and lows, good days and bad days. It can come in seasons. Seasons of strict adherence and seasons of lenience. I used to be incredibly strict with my workouts and diet. And it felt good. It felt good to be strong, to be able to run miles on end, to eat very clean. I may get back to that point someday. It was very self-rewarding and I felt great. But I feel pretty dang great right now, too. I’m giving myself much more lenience with my exercise and diet. I’ve barely stepped foot in a gym for the last 3 months or so. I’m doing short, intense at-home workouts that last 15-20 minutes and right now this is what works for me. I meal prep for 4 out of 7 days, but that doesn’t mean I eat whatever in the world I want on the other days. I’m still very mindful of balancing my calories and listen to my body when I feel hungry, full or just bored. By doing this, I am able to maintain my weight. I still drink tons of water, which I cannot emphasize enough, is a key to the equation. This is what I have learned works for me.

Why do I ramble about fitness and weight and diet and positivity? Because I think it’s important to find what work for YOU, in THIS season. It may look different than what works for others. Adopt a lifestyle of adaptability (still a thing I’m getting used to). Set standards for yourself to keep your precious body healthy, but be open to staying flexible with those standards. And maintain a positive mindset. Progress comes with the victories and the losses.