In a world where everyone seems to be running races and training for marathons… I enjoy my leisurely walks.
In a world where everyone seems to be Crossfitting and Paleo-ing… I have yet to figure out what WOD means, and I’ll never give up my dairy and grains thank.you.very.much.
In a world where everyone harps about eating 100% clean… I rather enjoy being dirty every now and again.
In a world that suggests I try to live off 1200-1500 calories a day… I say to hell with that; pass the cookies.
In a world that tells me to act my age… I’d much rather nurture my inner child.
In a world that tries to convince me to be unhappy with myself… dare I say I kind of like who I am?
In a world that tries to tell me who to be… I’d rather just be marvelously me.
. – . – . – .
There’s a never-ending amount of pressure out there to act, think, and look a certain way. Oh, you must exercise every day; you must believe that sugar is bad; you must be fit and toned – if not, you [apparently] fail at life. We spend so much time trying to become some idealized version of who we think we’re supposed to be, that we eventually lose sight of why it is that we do what we do and believe what we believe in the first place…
Example. I’m not a runner. I’m just not. Don’t try and tell me that anyone can be a runner, because I’ll have to disagree. After repeated attempts at trying to see what all the fuss was about, I’ve just accepted the fact that the only way I’ll run is if rabid bears or ice cream trucks are involved. It hurts, I don’t get the high, it’s just not for me. Nevertheless, I [repeatedly] tried to force myself to like it anyways. Why? Because everyone else was doing it. Duh.
Don’t get me wrong. Inspiration is great, but not when we lose sight of who we are and try to force ourselves to become someone that we’re not; and definitely not when that so-called inspiration leads to comparison and guilt. There are runners and Crossfitters. There are clean eaters and people who really like math. Good for them – all of those things are fabulous if they’re done with passion, but that’s just not where mine lies… at least not right now.
One of the beautiful things about life is that it’s fluid, it’s constantly changing. The way we are at any given moment isn’t necessarily the way we’re going to be in a future one. Values change. Priorities change. Tastes change. It’s what keeps life interesting. I’ve gone the hardcore fitness route, I’ve done the whole 100% clean-eating thing, but I’ve realized that the way I am right now is exactly the way I need to be. Will that always be the case? No, probably not – life may very well make a runner out of me yet – but until that day comes (if it ever does), I’ll embrace where I am and eagerly look forward to what comes next.
. – . – . – .
Oh Amanda, this is just beautiful and I could not agree more. I love that you put posts like this out there because it just shows how happy people can be when they aren’t trying to live up to expectations that they ‘think’ are put upon them when in fact they’re not. No one has to be anything they are not and we should all just live our lives doing what we love and not forcing ourselves into being a certain something just because they assume that is the way to live to be happy. They’re soul will just get miserable even if yeah they might be getting toned and fit, losing weight or whatever, but that really is not the answer to happiness in life.
I tried the whole running thing for a bit…yeah I am definitely 100% NOT a runner and no one will tell me otherwise. I tried everyday to run and run, increase my distance, get faster and did I ever feel that high and happiness from it? No. I actually dreaded waking up everyday to make myself do it. But I did because I thought running was the best exercise in terms of burning calories. What a life eh? NAAAT.
Oh and these diets. God I think I’d kill myself if I had a life with no real treats and constantly having to watch what I ate. Yeah they might say that they do have treats but they’re all healthified, low calorie, low fat, no carb, no sugar, NO YUM. I’ll have my plate of cookies now please 🙂
Sounds to me like you have a wonderful grasp on how to just live life and enjoy!! I don’t understand while so many people feel they have to live to the “extremes”, especially when it comes to diet and exercise. Yes, it is possible to stay fit and healthy just by being active and eating what you love in moderation. What a refreshing post!!
amen to that!!! 1200 calories a day?! i’d die.
I love this! When we’re part of such an inspiring community like this one, it can be easy to put too much pressure on ourselves to be like other bloggers. But why? We all have different bodies, lifestyles, needs, etc, so it’s pointless to try to be like anyone other than ourselves! But I’ll admit I’ve had trouble with comparing myself to other bloggers who workout super intensely every day, when I can barely last on the elliptical for 15 minutes lately. So thank you for this post. 🙂
I love this POST! You are SPOT on!
You know I have been enjoying my walks too, have been for a long time now. It is hard not to put pressure on yourself or to compare in the blog world, hell I say sometimes healthy living blogs are NOT so healthy to read. I struggled a lot when I first gave up intense exercise, it was mainly due to blogs too. I had to stop reading some and it helped.
Love this and you are marvelous <3
yeah. what the hell does WOD stand for? 😉
WOW! If you could see me now, you would see someone who’s just been blown away by your post! Love everything about it especially how content you are with being YOU! Like you said, life changes & priorities changes and we just have to find a version of ourselves who best fits these changes. It’s crazy to think that a “one size fits all” lifestyle can actually exist- the only “right” lifestyle, in my ever so humble opinion, is one that brings happiness NOW…not a never-ending quest to find that happiness (e.g. “if I give up grains I’ll finally get to the figure I always dreamt of”)!
And just for the record, I am starting to embrace walking more and more as workout lately…and do I dare admit that I’m enjoying it a lot more than running!
Oh darling, this post is just AMAZING!! Hope you don’t mind that I just saved this whole post when I need a little eye opener from time to time =) I wish we lived closer so we could take lots of walks together & eat lots of cereal!!
I think you are so right with what you are saying, still, I believe it is just not the easiest thing for many people out there to eat fast food or stop running. I know you came a long way to be where you are today, and I think it is amazing and so inspirational. I am not there yet and yes, I enjoy cookies, but give me 10, and I walk right into a binge. So…..I am trying, but I am pressuring myself every day to work hard, to exercise a lot and to eat as healthy as possible. It’s not the blogger world that pressures me or the world in general (anymore), it’s ME. This is a good thing though cause if it’s me, I know I can decide TODAY to change this.
Amen!!!
I’m so glad you can relax and be yourself, that truly is healthy! After all, stress is a killer, and trying to be all these things you don’t want to be would be stressful, right? Your leafy walking path looks peaceful and relaxing– keep on enjoying it! I am not a runner, either, but a figure skater, I don’t have a lot of company there in the blogging world!
A long time subscriber here that’s never commented…and now I’m coming out from the shadows! I wanted to say I love this post…it made me tear! I <3 it and I love that you feel that way about yourself. Awesome 🙂
Woot! Well thank you for de-lurking, Sarah 😀
LOVE THIS POST.
*shakes head in disbelief because I didn’t think anyone could express my (as well as your) thoughts and feelings so brilliantly.
I suppose it’s time we stop trying to label ourselves with an identity, say ‘I’m a runner’, or ‘I’m a vegetarian’… just because we read blogs and articles that suggest it’s ‘good’ to be this and that. It doesn’t matter if we simply just eat a diet that does not shout ‘vegan’ or ‘paleo’, it doesn’t mean that we’re unhealthy. We are unique individuals, and whatever our decisions are in life, we should choose to honor and respect them, as well as love ourselves for who we truly are.
And this is why I love your blog–it’s such a great reminder that not everyone is a runner, a clean eater or whatever. The paleo thing I couldn’t do because I really can’t stand meat or eggs and I’d rather not live without whole grains and only being able to eat sweet potatoes as a ‘treat’. It just seems restrictive to me and that’s the last thing I need right now! I also prefer walking to running and I embrace my love for stuffed animals on a daily basis. I think we all need to just be ourselves and not worry about what other people are doing or eating or whatever!
Amen Sista!! Life is all about being a little dirty and enjoying it! (hehe…) You are totally an inspiration to me. I still have fears when it comes to delicious things like cookies, but I am trying my darndest to focus on the delicious, not the terrifying. Seriously, you do what you want and you own it! You look amazing and you don’t have to run 10 miles a day to be gorgeous. Keep. It. Up! I’m following in your footsteps, I promise!! Oh, and I actually do like math *sheepish grin*
I agree, not everyone can be a runner. That’s why we have cyclists and swimmers and crossfitters and writers and artists and all SORTS of people. I happen to love running – it’s not a “workout” for me, it’s one of my life’s greatest passions – but I would definitely go insane without my after-work walks. And I could rant FOREVER about the paleo diet and about all that “clean eating” crap we see all the time – BULLS****! low carb diets kill your body (I have the peer-reviewed research against it), and clean eating is just…dumb. lol. I have no other word for it. and 1200-1500 calories a day…LOLOL I eat more than twice that and whaddayaknow, I’m still small and lean. And yes that would be up to 3000 calories a day of carbs and “dirty food”. If the furnace is hot enough (and most everyone’s is), anything will burn!
If the furnace is hot enough… LOVE IT! And definitely love you, girlie <3
Have I mentioned that I love youuuu?? I love this post, and it’s sososooo true. I do run, but I don’t run because I love it..I run because it challenges me and because it allows me to eat 50 cookies to the average persons 2. I eat SO many sweets it’s probably not even “normal.” Those walks sounds perfect and I have been enjoying a lot more walks lately over runs! I can’t wait until it’s warmer outside to walk more. Oh and if anyone tells me it’s time to grow up, I will probably make a face that they didn’t know was possible.
Love! <3
I absolutely adore this post, darlin. Thank you for posting it…you find ways to give me hope each and every day, and I’m so happy to have discovered your blog.
Really kind of wish I had a glass of wine in my hand – you are most definitely deserving of a toast right now. It’s awesome that you’ve figured out what works for you and you’re going with it – it’s the way to do it! While I don’t mind running, I’ve learned to accept the fact that I don’t mind it as long as I don’t have to do it for a really long time. AKA: it is highly doubtful there’s a marathon in my future. And in regards to Paleo: as soon as I saw I couldn’t have cheese or yogurt, I knew that was out too. The people that do it and love it, awesome. I’ll stick with my grilled cheese.
P.S. I kind of like who you are too! And by “kind of like”, clearly I mean adore. So much brilliant-ness <3
Love this. And ditto to everything you said. I grew up really fit (competitive gymnastics), but nowadays, I often feel like a failure because I’m not some super running goddess like so many of my friends or people in the healthy living blog world. I just don’t like it. I admire those who run, but I’m becoming more accepting of my more leisurely walks. Who knows? Maybe one day that will all change, but if it doesn’t? That’s ok, too. While I believe we owe it to our health to eat well and be active, I’m not going to give up that cookie (those cookies, plural!) or the occasional cheeseburger. Taking care of ourselves has multiple faces: it’s about being true to ourselves and not about fitting 100% into some mold of “typical health,” whatever that is.
Definitely! Trying to be healthy is supposed to make us feel better, not stress us out and make us feel even worse. It’s so, so important to do what works for us as individuals and put on the blinders to what everyone else is doing.
Love this post! So much wonderful inspiration. <3
Amazing post! Even though I am a runner I totally agree it’s not for everyone. I love that you do what’s best for you and rise above the “norm” to stay true to YOU. I agree, it’s marvelous!
amen amen! I love running, walking, creating all types of recipe. BUT…. don’t lose focus on the now. What makes you happy, full, and JOYOUS!
To me, thats a glass of wine and my ass on the couch.
hugs.
Love this post and glad you are being so true to yourself. I feel like the blogging world get’s so warped but that is another story.
AMEN HOMEGIRL!!!!!!! I freaking adore this and YOU– I’m telling ya, you’re more of an inspiration to me than you’ll ever know. Can I come up there and give you a Texas size hug? I mean, your views on food, balance, and life in general are just fantastic. Why can’t the blog world be more like you?!? Seriously!!! 😀
PS…when I tackle the Mickey D’s kids meal, you’ll be THE FIRST to know 😉
Big hell yes (and please) to that hug! And I can.not.WAIT to hear all about your trip to the golden arches. I know you got this, the only question is… what toy are you after? 😉
Simply marvelous Amanda!!!
Great post 🙂
I can’t express how much I love this post! <3
I could not agree more with every single one of these points (except the running one because I truly love running). I will not give up my occasional trips to In N Out burger or huge ice cream sundaes on the couch. Sorry it’s not “clean”. It makes me happy. Aaaand I have no desire to Paleo anytime ever. I love my carbs too much. I also don’t think I will ever like Zumba or spin. Zumba is awkward for me and spin is miserable. We are all unique and that is what makes the world amazing. Thank you for this post because this is really what I’ve been trying to embrace lately as I am taking so many risks to truly follow my heart and by myself, while dealing with the “I should be doing this” mentality. Nope, I should be doing exactly what is right for me and only me.
You are beautiful and wonderful and MARVELOUS so you BETTER be damn happy with yourself 😀
Girl, you’ve been doing SO awesome with embracing who you are and taking risks lately! It’s been such a pleasure to follow and be inspired by you 🙂
Oh my gosh… I LOVE THIS! I lived in the other camp for far too long. I love how you are so inspiring! Why do you have to be so far away??? 🙁 WHY???
You ARE marvelous! I am just so so so happy you realize it. 🙂
a freaking men. you always hit the nail on the head with these types of post. I will never be a nut butter fan, or eat clean or give up candy or gasp whipped cream. i would rather roll in a barrel of pins than do that. I know yet again not to sound creepy but I wish you could make it here in January or March, sad face.
January or March, eh? Maaaaaybe I’d be able to look into it. Will text stalk you about this later <3
yes yes yes. THANK YOU. This is exactly what I needed today. I think the blog world (and the real world in general) pressure us into acting/being/living a certain way. That makes it incredibly difficult to remember who YOU are. It’s been hard for me, but I’m finally starting to realize that it’s just way better to be who you are and embrace it. 🙂 Thank you again!
beautiful post!! I’ve also accepted that running is just something thats not for me. Just because other people love it doesn’t mean we have to as well. And your cookies + cereal mess is briiilliant. I never thought to add those chocolate ginger snaps to anything before. Must try 🙂
Marvelous post. (if you’ll pardon the pun).
I’m with you on SO many points here: paleo diet? Yeah, that would just NEVER work for me. Ever. If that’s someone else’s thing, then fine, but me? I’m not doing without bread or dairy. (Pizza & ice cream are on my ED Bucket List thank you very much lol)
It’s taken me a long time, but I think I’m finally accepting and made my peace with the fact that I’m not, and never will be a runner. It’s like the biggest fad out there in the healthy blogosphere, but it’s not gonna happen for me and the crooked tendons in my knees. Not unless I want to blow them out before I’m 30. Which…nah, I don’t really wanna do that. Plus, I’m with you: I don’t like it all that much. So sue me, ED. 🙂
I’m also sick of this righteous indignation I keep seeing everywhere at things like fast food. It’s stupid. It just is. I think people should just admit that the stuff tastes damn good and not hide behind words like ‘bad’ and ‘guilty’ to hide their own insecurities about “junk food”. Take it from someone who used to be guilty of trashing fast food: 9xs out of 10, the people who do this want that food SO.BADLY. They want to eat it more than you can possibly imagine. Their badmouthing it is their way of making themselves believe they don’t want it, and should never have it again. There’s always the exception to the rule, but it’s been my observation that this is usually the reality behind all the badmouthing.
I love that recovery is making me realize and accept myself for who I am. I’m a girl who loves food. Really, I do. I LOVE it. And guess what? That’s FINE.
And btw, can I just say that you are absolutely GORGEOUS? Seriously. You are 🙂
Jess(ica)
Awwwr gush. Thanks Jess 🙂 And you should have seen how badly I attacked any and all junk food in the worst days of my disorder, and you’re absolutely right – I did it because I wanted it so badly and I hated that others were able to enjoy it and I wasn’t. I still wouldn’t recommend solely living off it for extended periods of time, but I really don’t see anything wrong with enjoying it every now and again.
Ummm. Way to foreshadow my post tomorrow (in a way). This is rocking awesome. Helllllllz yessssss!!! AND I LOVE YOU FOR BEING OHSOMARVELOUSLY YOUUUU!!! Never forget it. <3
Love this! Great inspiration and you are totally marvelous! 🙂
Thanks for sharing yet another piece of great and truly healthy mindset, Amanda! I’m the same about clean eating – and I’d never even give paleo a try – because what is it worth? If my life was about to end tomorrow would I like to know that I’ve spent the whole time trying to like green smoothies, working out way harder than my body can take and denying myself fun times? Heck no! Here’s to hoping I live this year’s Christmas with that mindset instead of constantly worrying about runs that aren’t going to happen and the amount of fat used in cooking. Just thinking about the last years makes me angry with myself.
Use that frustration to make this year a better one 😀
I will drink to that! In a world that tells me only special occasions call for a toast. I say savor the moment.