I Almost Quit...........but God sent encouragers and motivators

Well to say I have had some challenges in recent weeks is an understatement!  Nothing earth shattering (that would give me legitimate excuses), more along the lines of "life became busy, threw me a few curveballs, I got stressed and lost sight of the journey".

Have I felt obligated to blog - no.  HOWEVER not blogging has contributed to me losing focus of the journey.  God has been poking and prodding me to restart blogging as it will realign me and cause me to focus!  

I could write pages on the "reasons" for loss of focus but there are a couple of key things:-

• I let my emotions over what my daughter was going through distract me;
• Stress of the "bullying" incident rendered me completely powerless and fatigued;
• Work, family life very busy so I forgot to make time;
• Stopped believing I could succeed;
• Became impatient for results;

I have been pondering in my mind for some days now as to why I shouldn't quit and give up!  But here is some of the reasons why I am back to blogging, refocusing and recommencing my journey to health and fitness:-

• I WILL NOT let the bullying that caused pain for my daughter (which has improved) also railroad my goals - that gives too much power;
• My family deserves a happy, fit and healthy wife and mother;
• It felt good when I was on track;
• The absolutely amazing support I have received from so so many amazing friends old and new;
• God has continued to prompt me to get back up, he has not left me!
• I want to succeed I have always given up before!!
• I went to a very sad funeral last week which gave me a reality check - embrace life and what God has given me, especially my children!

SO - what now.....

Well, I am refocusing, reprioritising, not letting things overpower me, trusting my amazing God!  

I have recommenced my running/walking, refocusing the clean eating, weaning off the coke zero.

I cannot express how amazing some of the encouragement I have received has been.  

A new friend through the blog "ally" has truly been sent to me by God, she has sent me words of encouragement, several times at just the right moment, no judgment or pushing just encouragement!  

There have been others - too numerous to go through individually but a couple more - Hayley - a short message of "just checking" and encouragement that "all steps, big or small are in the right direction"...she has walked it and is an inspiration.  

A particular one from a very humble and quiet lady, who I have known for a number of years but not had heaps and heaps of conversations, however her ongoing and consistent encouragement over the journey and then the break has been so amazing, I consider her a very lovely friend who is so special, with her permission, below is the message she sent (of which she says was Gods words)

"How's it going Suzanne?  I'm still cheering you on back here.  I hope you are managing some steps forward on your 'new you' journey in amongst the craziness of life.  And if they are as not as many as you'd like, don't feel like a failure.  Any steps are better than none.  Keep picking yourself back up.  I am picturing one of a person who is running a big race, but they keep stumbling and falling.  All the spectators are watching on and can feel the pain of this poor athlete who seems to fall over every second step.  It is painful to watch but must be ever so painful for the athlete, and their pride.  Some people would just think that they need to forfeit the race and get off the track, but others will be cheering them on.  The thing that brings this person to the finish line is perseverance and determination.  The amazing thing is though, that when this person finishes, the cheers from the crowd are enormous.  Standing ovation type of stuff.  Louder and much more significant than when the first person crossed the finish line. I think that is because the person who struggled to get there shows a strength of character, rather than the natural ability of the winner, and there is something way more special seeing the determination and pain, rather than the ease of the contestant in the race.  So don't compare yourself to the person that finishes first or even before you.  You will receive a much more glorious although maybe embarrassing (for you at least) finish, but you will receive the biggest cheers because of the hurdles you overcame to get there."

Then some other encouragement from a young person I like to call "warrior ninja"

This message got me out of bed for a run!

"Focus on the big picture!  Think about every little thing you do, every moment of suffering, you are that much closer to your goal"

After yet again not running "Just smash it tomorrow, stay committed mrs!"....."...remember, don't dwell on your failures!!!"

My wonderful husband has also been fully supportive!  

So I haven't quit, I am back, I want to succeed, IF GOD IS FOR ME who can be against me!!

This lapse has not been without a purpose I am sure, it has helped me to understand, a journey is not plain sailing, God is my strength in times of trouble, trials and tribulations, there are many on the sidelines cheering me towards success.  I realise how much I want this!