"Embrace the pain of self discipline or suffer the pain of regret." -- unknown

Hello! This is my first post on a blog I have been thinking A LONG time about. I have been a little nervous (ok, I have huge butterflies here!) about throwing myself out in front of the world like this - pictures and all. I feel a little exposed, "naked"... worried about being judged, even though I hate to admit that. But, I hope that some of what I have learned may help or even inspire someone else who is where I was at just a few short years ago. Maybe you can relate to my story a little bit? Or, possibly pick up a few tips or recipes to incorporate into your life? Anyway, I can't think of a better way to kick this off than by sharing something I treasure. And, please feel free to comment on my posts. I would really love to hear from you!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words... but only two words come to my mind when I look at this: self discipline. Something I had unknowingly been searching long and hard for and continue to work every single day to maintain. I believe self discipline is the ultimate challenge (although I did not realize it for the better part of my journey), and discovering that has led me to the best days of my life... healthy, happy & self confident days. I carry a tattered and worn out copy of this image in my gym bag, along with my before pictures, and look at them often. It is deeply motivating for me, pushing me on the days when I need a kick in the ass and making me stronger on my great days.

Is there something that motivates you? I would love to hear what it is...