Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 43 – Out of the Blue

[Mahler]

Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 43 – Out of the Blue

Good morning guys.
Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Saint Nicholas Day. It’s good to have traditions, and even better to start your own. For my wife and I, the Feast of Saint Nicholas has always been the start of our Christmas season. On the eve of the day, we light up our home and tree for the holidays. There is usually a special dinner, we light the tree and we exchange a single gift. I hope you and your families all have special things that you do with one another each holiday season. (By the way, I got “The Nightmare Before Christmas” sleep pants. LOL)

With the holidays coming and the many parties and gatherings, special goodies and a thousand and one other things, it’s easy to get sidetracked and let our fitness efforts suffer. We are in need of motivation more than ever and it’s often not going to come from within. We are so weak, in so many ways.

Yesterday, I was reminded how motivation can come from unexpected sources and what a blessing it can be. My wife and I decided to take the day and do the shopping for our extended families. I wanted to be comfortable, so I put on a pair of jeans with no belt and let my shirt hang out over my jeans. About half way through the day, I told my wife that I was glad I went for comfort and that I might dress this way more often. She then says, “ I like your shirts tucked in. You have such a slim waist that you should show it off.” Believe me, that is plenty of motivation for me to curb the calories during the holidays and keep up my routine. You guys know that sometimes it seems like no one notices all the hard work you put yourself through to stay fit. And, you married guys probably know that the wives sometimes get frustrated with our “obsession.” So, keep your ears open. You will be surprised at the words of motivation that come your way. We are our own worst critics and those encouraging words from left field can be a real boost over the holidays.

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Feel free to share your unexpected motivations on this thread. I am sure that others will be interested. I know I will. Have a great week.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

[FlyinM]

I get some of the same comments at home as well, Mahler.
The company I work for is completing a major renovation of an office building adjacent to the building where I work. The new building is going to have a 'world class' fitness center (It took them 2 days to haul all the machines and stuff in). It seems that I have been tagged as the 'fitness expert' as quite a few guys have approached me and asked if I was going to spend my lunches there.....they are looking for advice and instructional tips from me.

That have no idea what they are getting themselves in to......

[emartin10]

I hear you there FlyinM. I have the same kind of story. I have quite a few friends who have approached me about creating a workout plan and diet for them. Not that I know what I'm doing designing either, but I usually try to just get them going in the right direction, and answer questions when I can.

It's flattering to be tagged as the fitness guy. I just had a birthday over the weekend, and all my gifts were somehow or another fitness related. At least all my friends know what I'm in to.

[Lost Dog]

We do have a little tradition that we (meaning it was my wife who thought of it and actually got it going) do with the kids for Christmas. We talk to them about a variety of charities or causes that might be important to them and us. We all choose how we will donate some time, money, food, etc. We can all choose the same things or a variety, you never know.

Last year, the kids chose to give groceries and grocery store gift cards to their school's Principal, who knows which families at our school are going through some hard times.

I also let the kids each pick out a couple of toys to put in the "Toys for Tots" bin when we were at the store last.

We gave them the money, but it warmed my heart when they asked how they could earn some money to do there share. Plus, my son offered part of his sack of coins/treasure that he loves to keep around.

It's nice to know that you're raising good kids now, rather than have to wait to see. I hate waiting...