3 (More) Motivational Quotes to Get You Through the Week

Hi everyone!  Quick post today to share a few more quotes I've come across recently that I really like.  (If you missed my last motivational quote post, check it out here.)  But first, the winner of the Aurorae Candle giveaway is up!  Congratulations, Serena on your win!  You should receive an email with more details and next steps.  Woo hoo!  Thank you all for entering and visiting the blog!  If you liked that giveaway, there will be more soon.  Aurorae has kindly offered to sponsor ANOTHER giveaway for U.S. readers, this time with a set of resistance bands!  And I have a few more in the works, so stay tuned for those in the coming weeks.  Okay, now onto the motivation...

I couldn't agree more.  There have been so many times in my life where I was completely uncertain of how a particular decision was going to play out, but ultimately, everything has worked out pretty well.  If I hadn't taken those few extra summer courses in college, I wouldn't have graduated on time, moved to RI, found my passion for fitness, and wouldn't be pursuing this as my career.  (Silly example, but it's so true, and something that runs across my mind from time to time.)  If you really think about it, sometimes life just works out.  All the little moments where you were unsure where a particular road was going to lead, has led you to where you are today.  Everything has added up to the bigger picture.  And THAT'S a beautiful thing.  

I'm a believer in doing things with purpose and passion, really "going for it" and not looking back.  I've had many "lets go for it" moments, but one of the biggest was when I decided to venture out into making fitness and healthy lifestyle education my career.  I remember hitting the submit button on my group fitness instructor materials and not looking back.  I went for it wholeheartedly because it is something I am so passionate about, and I don't have any regrets or reservations about doing so.  (In fact, I will be pursuing additional certifications in the very near future!)  I hope there is an area in your own life that you can look at with such conviction and purpose that you are happy, unreserved, and fulfilled.

Another good one that I really believe.  If you're not happy with your life, then your story isn't over.  Even if you ARE happy, your story still has telling to do.  Keep going, keep pursuing your passions, and don't give up.  Don't stop short of your story being heard.  That's my plan.

Readers: chat with me!  I'd love to hear what your favorite motivating quotes are!  What inspires you to keep going day in and day out?  What's something in your life that, when you look back on it now, you realize has led you to where you are? 

Do You Know the Facts on Happiness & Health?

This will be a quick post, but I wanted to share an awesome infographic from my friends over at Runtastic.  We're all striving to live happier and healthier lives, and physical activity is a huge component for both.  I know you've heard it before, but exercise and moving your body are keys to living longer and reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death.  Making sure to move your body and work your muscles daily also help in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.  I know we all have those days where the last thing we want to do is exercise, but even going for a walk around the block will help on days where you're dragging or not feeling your best.  Check out the infographic below for the facts on the benefits of exercise, and make sure you get your activity in today and everyday!

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Infographic c/o Runtastic | www.runtastic.com

To learn more about the information provided in this infographic, as well as more about Runtastic, check them out here.  Hope this helps you stay motivated to move even when you're feeling a bit under the weather. 

Readers: chat with me!  What exercises are you doing today?  Do you have a favorite physical activity to engage in when you're feeling a bit down?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

3 Motivational Quotes to Inspire You During Difficult Times

I've noticed a lot of people are feeling stressed this time of year, and for whatever reason it's hitting them hard.  So if you're in that situation, or just need a boost to get yourself going, here are some quotes to help inspire you to keep pushing through.

In my experience, this quote couldn't be more true.  Focusing on the small steps to keep moving forward day in and day out seems to help in tough situations.  It's also a great reminder that this world gives us what we need at just the right times.  If you're going through something challenging right now, it's probably there to teach you something about yourself, make you a stronger person, and show you what you can really handle.

Again, couldn't be more true.  There are always those times when we wallow and make ourselves feel pretty crappy.  I think that's only natural from time to time.  I also think that if you turn that energy around into something positive and constructive, you'll feel so much better for it.  I've encountered many a stressful situation, particularly at work, where I've wanted to cry and shut out the world (haven't we all?).  There were a few times when I let those emotions get the better of me, too.  But almost every time I realized that those tears or bouts of anger aren't going to actually solve the issue(s), and the time & energy I spent feeling sorry for myself could have been spent taking action toward making the situation better.  It took a while, but now I try my best to do the latter in stressful situations.

This one's probably my favorite of the three.  There's something about crawling into bed for the night and letting your worries go so you can focus on your one job in that moment: falling asleep.  There's also the great feeling of getting out of bed in the morning and having a fresh start to a new day.  Being able to have a clean slate, start anew, and/or try again can be a nice reinvigorating push to get you through what the day brings. 

I hope these quotes help inspire you to keep putting one foot in front of the other today.  Sometimes Mondays can be tough, and I want you to know I'm rooting for you.

Readers: chat with me!  Are you going through anything challenging right now?  What are your favorite motivational quotes or things that inspire you?  I'd love to hear what gets you through the stressful moments... :)