No Excuses

So this whole blogging thing has really been put on the back burner lately. It's not because I don't want to blog or I don't miss it, it is simply because I am so busy all. the. time. Between working two part time jobs that equal full time hours, taking a course, and trying to spend time with Brandon and my family... my life is pretty hectic. Some days I am exhausted and just want to crawl in to bed and forget about all of my responsibilities but then I remind myself "this is the real world". It's funny how when I was a full time student, I was always wishing and waiting to be done so that I could start a job and get rid of the stress. That mentality is comical now because I realize that life in general is busy, stressful, and hectic no matter what you're doing. Yes being a full time student is crazy and hard to handle but so is being a part of the work force. It's all about finding balance.

Lately, I have been really good about making myself work out and consciously choosing healthier options. For such a long time now I have been sporadic about my healthy habits and I finally realized that if I want to be healthy, fit, and the "best me" possible I just simply have to make time. I have come to terms with the fact that I will probably never be someone who wakes up earlier and works out, so this simply means that I have to make time at night. Even after a full day of working both my jobs and class I have to make myself. Sometimes I have to convince myself to put on my workout clothes and running shoes and just do it. I know I will feel better after I do it. I know that spending that half an hour to an hour is worth it in the long run. I want to feel good about myself and keep pushing myself to do better. I have many lofty goals in mind. 

Being healthy is extremely important to me. It pertains to my chosen profession, it's important for my mental and physical health, and it makes me a happier and nicer person. Not every day will be fun or easy or enjoyable but it's worth it. I guess I am writing this post to simply remind myself that it's worth it, it will be hard and I will want to give up, but just keep going. If you put your mind to it you will achieve great things. You will be able to run farther, lift more, workout longer, be toned, feel good about yourself, treat people better, and overall be a well-round individual. So many times before, I have started up a new routine or tried to lose weight and I have always sabotaged myself. Some times because I wasn't seeing the results I wanted but other times because I was "too busy" or lazy or I just stopped caring. This whole "healthy living" thing is a lifelong commitment. It's time to take it seriously and start making time to be the best me possible. You can too, I promise! Small, simple steps. 

When I first started, I could barely run 1/4 of a mile without stopping. My lungs would be burning, my heart racing, my body sweating, and I thought I was going to collapse. But I kept going and pushed past it and over the course of a few months, I can run 3 miles without stopping. That is a pretty huge accomplishment. I love the "runner's high" I experience and I appreciate how good I feel after I complete a run or a strength training workout. I will not give up. My goal is to eventually run a half marathon and I have considered doing the Manitoba Half Marathon next June but I haven't committed yet. I just know that anything is possible for me, as long as I stay committed, focused, and dedicated to being awesome.

For extra encouragement, follow my fitness board on pinterest

 

Life is crazy and hectic.

Life is quite hectic lately. I finished off my summer job at the end of August. I celebrated my 21st birthday on August 30th. On September long weekend both my sisters were here and I spent all weekend hanging out and catching up with my family. Then September 4th I started school at Brandon University. I am only taking one course for 3 hours per week and it will definitely be a challenge. I miss the University of Winnipeg which may seem silly but it was my life for 3 years. Everything was familiar there, I had friends,  I knew where classes were, etc. I will definitely be keeping busy now since I am working two jobs. One is part time at the Research Station (where I worked in the summer) and a new job at BU working with the athletic department doing game day preparations. Between both jobs I will probably be working close to  full time. Also my dad still wants my help with harvest over the next month or so.

Life is quite hectic and a lot different than the past few years. I do miss Winnipeg but I am enjoying the perks of living at home. I miss living with Brandon a lot of the time since we got used to living together for over a year. I know that this year is just a transition period and I am enjoying my freedom from constant school work and studying.

I do hope to blog more and be more consistent with it this fall but we'll see how it goes. Without having wifi at home and very little free time, it will be a challenge. However, Brandon did buy me a beautiful, fancy camera for my birthday,  so I hope to put it to good use!!

I will leave you with a few pictures of life lately. I hope you all have a great week!