strong

"The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong." Swami Vivekananda

Have you ever thought about the word 'strong'?

It can indicate great physical strength or ability withstand pressure. Strong can even indicate intensity (e.g., a strong smell).

I want to be strong. I want physical strength. I want the strength to resist overeating.

Not only do I want to be strong, I am also inspired by strong, fit people. Particularly strong and fit women, with a bit of brain power thrown in if possible.

These are the kinda women I'm talking about...

This is by no means a definitive list, but these are well-known women that I believe to be strong, fit and inspirational in their own way.

But how can I be stronger?

Recently I read some of my earlier posts and I found them interesting, almost inspiring. But as the months went by, the posts become negative and full of excuses. Now I'm nearly back at my starting weight. Clearly, I am not very strong at moment.

Rather than perpetuate this dialogue of constant disappointment and lack of discipline. I'm am turning this blog (and myself) around. I am not just going to track my progress here, I am going to motivate myself here.

Sharing my set backs and failures has been somewhat cathartic, but I can't keep on making excuses. I can't keep on indulging in this self-pity and acceptance of mediocrity.

So... get ready for an onslaught of motivation, positivity and progress. And if you want more of these new vibes, check out @withaflugelhorn on Instagram.

- Dani

happy, healthy, fit

Hello!

12wbt Round 4 has well and truly kicked-off and yes, I have been deviating from the plan. Unlike last round though, this is not freaking me out (and I no longer feel like a failure). I know that I'm still exercising (goddamn intermediate toning sessions are hard) and that my nutrition is ok (but it could be better).

Not 12wbt, but not bad either

The next few months are all about warmer weather, get-togethers and frivolity. So to reach my goals during this hectic time, I am focusing on two things: discipline and positivity.

These would have to be two of my weakest areas - I'm not disciplined (at all) and I'm not a very positive person either. Focusing on my weight and fitness has made me very 'me-centric' and I was often in a state of disappointment.

But this time I'm not going to be disappointed because
1. I will have a plan and I will be organised
2. I will follow through, I will stick to the plan, I will be disciplined (and when the unpredictable occurs, I will make suitable adjustments)
3. I am focusing on the positive elements of my life, elements that don't stimulate stress, elements that are within my immediate control (e.g., I will focus on my improving fitness, I will not stress about how unfit I feel)

And this inspired my new mantra.

Happy. Healthy. Fit.

All of these things are within my control and none of these need to be stressful. I want to be happier, healthier, fitter person. A person that I can be proud of. (And it really shouldn't be that hard.)

At the moment these are just words, but I am putting them into practise. I have already planned my meals and exercise schedule for next week. The shopping list is ready too. I have also adopted a colour system to monitor how well I stick to the plan.

It is no longer about 'I can' or 'I will' do this, but 'I am'... I am doing this! (And you can do it too!)

- Dani