Living with Purpose (And Getting Healthier): Learn from Those who Live It

Spending any time in the kitchen is not usually a good time for me.  But in my commitment to getting healthier, I spent an hour this morning cutting up fruits and veggies.  (I count this as “cooking.”  Steve says it really isn’t because no water was boiled and the oven wasn’t on.)

I can read, and have read, a lot of books and blogs on getting fit and staying healthy.  I love buying cookbooks – just don’t know what to do with them.  I love listening to CDs, watching the programs, and learning from the best.

The people that have helped me the most?  Those individuals who teach and inspire from a place of authenticity.  Those who truly care about my heart, bones, muscles, weight, etc.  Those who are more concerned with my health needs than they are their own photos, bios, or success.

So in honor of my cooking time this morning, I’m sharing my favorite go-to team that inspires me to live a healthy life, with purpose.

Race Sept 2008 ComoJody Lessard is my #1 inspiration.  I worked out with her at the YMCA a couple years ago, and she completely reshaped my physical appearance—and my thinking about exercising.  One of her best gifts to me: she encouraged me (very, very strongly!) to run a 5K race.  I was certain it would kill me.  She convinced me it wouldn’t.  And then she gave me the gift of time, her presence, and her inspiration: she ran it with me.  We’re working out together again now—changing each other’s lives as we breathe, sweat, and reshape.  (Actually, she doesn’t really sweat much when we work out.  I do enough for both of us.)

Oh, yea…in case you’re wondering…that’s Fred the octogenarian leading our trio.  I’m the one in the red shirt, Jody’s in black.  I just wanted to make sure you weren’t confused about which one was me.  Ha!)

My Tip:  Find someone who can inspire you to stay committed to your “get healthy” program.  Someone who will love you unconditionally and kick your butt at the same time.

chere2[1]Chere Bork is my friend and inspiration when it comes to eating well. As a wellness consultant, nutritionist, and media spokesperson, she knows how to make healthy eating easy.  (Even for me.)  She encourages me every time we’re together, and her blog is one of my favorites.  Chere just completed her first triathlon at age 55.  This lady is amazing.  She has a very full life and lives it to the max.  Add her website and blog to your Favorites list.  You won’t be disappointed.

My Tip:  Find three blogs or ezines that will teach and inspire you to make the right food choices.  Chere is at the top of my list.  Another favorite: Tosca Reno’s Clean Eating site.

I don’t know Julie Hadden personally, but I watched her life change a few seasons ago on The Biggest Loser.  (Yes, I watch the show.  Whether they play the game or make unwise choices when they leave the show doesn’t interest me.  What is amazing is that these people have the opportunity to learn from the best.  And then they lose the weight.)

Anyway, Julie’s book, Fat Chance: Losing the Weight, Gaining my Worth, is one of the most authentic and humerous books I’ve ever read.  It’s like having a conversation with your best friend.  There’s nothing pretentious or condescending about it.  It’s not “Here are the 3 things you need to do.”  It’s about Julie finding her heart and realizing she was “worth the dreams I felt compelled to chase.”  It was about discovering how to walk with God and accept His love.  She did it as she shed the pounds.

My Tip:  Read Julie’s book.  Then read it again.

Living with purpose.  It’s about stumbling and picking yourself back up.  It’s about starting the day by cutting up veggies and ending the day with Haagen Dazs ice cream.  It’s about losing 7 pounds and gaining back two.  It’s about learning from our mistakes and making better choices next time.

Put together your team of people that will inspire and motivate you.

Learn from those who live it.

Would you like a little inspiration from me every day?

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