Lunch today was delicious and extra special because Ryan caught part of it!
Two weeks ago, when I was at my friend Minda’s bachelorette party, Ryan went scalloping with friends. He brought back a bunch of scallops and though we ate some when they were fresh, we froze the rest to use another night.
Last night I cooked up a big batch of the scallops with corn, bacon, red pepper and onion and reheated the leftovers for lunch today.
Served with a sweet potato on the side.
So good! I am thoroughly convinced I could eat seafood for lunch and dinner every day and never get sick of it. It’s the best!
You Never Know Who You’re Motivating
This morning, during my favorite Wednesday boot camp class at my gym, the instructor had us run around the gym for two minutes in between each four-minute circuit. During this two-minute run, I’d run at my normal pace for the first minute, kick it up a notch once we hit the one-minute mark and sprint for the last 30 seconds.
I did this for the first round and felt the presence of someone right behind me. On the second round, I felt their presence again and saw a woman running behind me out of the corner of my eye. When I kicked it up a notch, she did, too. She started to motivate me to maintain my pace throughout the workout, even when I started to get tired.
After the fourth round of this, during a quick water break, the woman toweled off next to me and said, “You’re my running motivation.” I laughed and told her she was my running motivation. Knowing that a woman was running right behind me and counting on me to pick up my pace made me want to run faster. We agreed that we were encouraging each other to push a little harder. Oh the beauty of group exercise!
This random interaction made me realize something: You never know who you’re motivating. By just being you and doing things you do naturally, you may be motivating someone in some way.
Some people (outside of my close friends and family) who probably have absolutely no idea that they motivate me on a daily basis include:
- The 75+ year old couple in our neighborhood who go on a two hour walk together every morning. Whenever Ryan and I take Sadie on her morning walk, we always cross paths with the sweetest older couple. They set their alarm for 5:30 a.m. and walk together every morning from 6 to 8 a.m. Their morning walk makes me want to prioritize my health and my marriage as I grow older.
- Emily, a sweet young woman with a big heart who always has a genuine smile on her face. Whenever I see Emily, she greets me with the biggest smile on her face… even at 5 a.m.! Emily is actively involved with charity: water and is upbeat, driven, caring and giving. I met Emily through her mother who used to work at my gym and their whole family is incredibly kind. Emily motivates me to smile at strangers, practice kindness and exercise patience. Working at the gym has also taught me time and time again that everyone has a story and could use a little grace and Emily has a heart that is overflowing with kindness.
- The woman at my gym training for her first 5K. Two weeks ago, when I first kicked off the beginner’s running group at my gym, I met a woman who is training for her first 5K. She’s nervous, excited and incredibly determined. I remember feeling the same way before I ran my first 5K and every time I walk away from a conversation with her, I feel more motivated to reach my fitness goals and make improvements in my life. And yes, she prompted me to start looking into fall half marathons…
- A classmate from college who started her own successful business. I have so many business ideas running through my mind related to this blog and totally unrelated to this blog, so watching a friend from college start her own business and successfully grow it is inspiring. I tend to live on the conservative side when it comes to taking business or financial risks and admire her tenacity and courage to just go for it!
Question of the Afternoon
- Who is someone in your life who provides you with unexpected motivation?
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I love this post! You’re very inspiring and motivating to me by the way 😉 and reading this post just motivates me even more! I am motivated by my mother because she still find the time to run 7 miles 5 days a week, walk 3 miles every single day and catch a yoga class 2-3 times a week. The way she makes fitness a priority yet still spends time with our family is very motivating to me.
Thank you for such a genuine, uplifting post. My mom is such a motivator for me. She has been through so much and has managed to make her life better than it was before. She could have thrown out so many excuses, but that is what life is about- letting our trials make us better. Thanks for the post!
I agree, You just never know who you are motivating 🙂 great post!! There are many people around me who motivate me daily my husband, sister, friends, people at the gym, trainer and the list goes on. 🙂
First wanted to say it was so nice meeting you at the Convention! Wish we could have chatted more! Second, I LOVE this post! It’s so true. You never know who is around you and what their story is. One smile or one friendly conversation can totally change someone’s whole day.
Have a great Wednesday, love!
I have creeped this blog on a daily basis ever since I discovered it about two months ago but I finally decided to leave a comment just to let you know that you inspire me, Julie!!
After reading your running story, I knew I wanted to one day run a half myself. I feel like we have similar attitudes towards running. I just started earlier this year and it’s always always been hard for me. But it does give you a satisfaction like none other so I’ve been working steadily and slowly getting better. I must’ve read your post So You Want to Run a Half Marathon about a 100 times (I even have it bookmarked!) before I decided to take the plunge. I am now registered for my first half next spring!!! 😀
I’m a little scared because right now, I’m only up to 3 miles at once. But I have time and I know if you can do it, so can I. I seriously don’t think I would’ve had the courage to sign up if it weren’t for you! I can’t thank you enough!
Ah I love this post so much! There are so many people who motivate me, or just mean so much to me, and I’m sure they have no idea. I never really thought that I might be this to someone else, but it’s an encouraging thought!
Great post! My great aunt and uncle motivate me. Their story is similar to the couple that you mentioned who walk together each morning. My aunt and uncle walk every morning and every evening. They are always active together. In their 70’s, they still take trips to Disney and ride all the roller coasters. They are amazing!!! I tell them I want to be just like them when I “grow up.” 🙂
Love this! I am totally with you…I have a 72 year old friend in my neighborhood (we have a regular neighborhood attached to a 55+ neighborhood). I have walked with her quite a few times in the last few years and I love her dedication. She goes to FL for the winter and had a knee surgery while she was away this year. The dr told her she’d be down for the count for several months and she told him “no way”…
Needless to say she’s out there walking away again this summer. 🙂
I love this post, and everything you say is so true! Honestly, you and some of my other favorite healthy living bloggers not only inspired me to start my own blog, which I now love, but also inspire me to try to find a healthy balance in my life. Another person who motivates me and probably has no clue is a close friend of my who is a super-athlete despite knee problems and circulation problems that limit the sports she can and should do. She never lets her body’s limitations keep her from being active or uses them as excuses – a great role model to have around!
I LOVED this post! 🙂 A lot of you wonderful bloggers inspire me because I love how you incorporate fitness into your marriages. My husband and I fell into the “dinner and a movie” date rut, but we have started biking together and taking walks and cooking dinners. Those are our best moments together.
I am also inspired by the 70+ year old woman at my gym who is there at least six days a week from early morning until 1:00. She can lift heavier, do more reps, and hold a plank longer than I can, and it drives me harder! It gives me something to look forward to.
Man, you’re such a sweetheart! When people get too close to me when I’m running, I just get annoyed. I need to work on seeing the world like you do instead! 🙂
Glad I’m not the only one who thought this when I read it!
This post brought a smile to my face! My old french teacher who has an Iron Man tattoo and is an avid runner motivates me to push myself, and both of my college room mates were very active and motivated me to get moving too because I saw them run or swim of head to a barre class throughout my weeks at school. Also, the blogs I read keep me motivated to stay healthy, active, and enjoy life 🙂
What a nice post. I was motivating (HA, see what I did!) – but it’s true. Thanks.
SO true!!! There are definitely people who motivate me to prioritize, push harder, and do my best. I also try to make sure that if anyone’s watching me (say, if I’m stationed at the front of a group class), that I don’t let them down!
Great post!
what a great post! so true! we are watched more than we know
That’s such an awesome story! Definitely a reminder to be aware of your surroundings and your demeanor.
Great post! My inspiration would have to be the young boy that my husband takes care at school. He is 12 years old and suffers from Muscular Dystrophy but has a big heart and a great sense of humor. When I am running a 10k, his spirit often motivates me to push myself harder because he will never have the opportunity to run. We have to run for the ones that can’t run for themselves
That’s sweet Lauren…I like the comment “we have to run for the ones that can’t run for themselves” such a great metaphor to remember in life.
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
Amazing read! It is easy to forget that your actions can reflect on others.
Love this post! I have recently started running with a man who has only half of a heart. He had a heart attack at age 45 and now only half of the heart functions. He uses exercise to keep the rest of it strong. He runs slowly and uses a heart rate monitor to make sure he doesn’t overdo it but is out there every week. Now, anytime I am having a bad run and start feeling whiny, I just think of this guy…What and inspiration!
My workout motivation comes from you and other blogs similar to yours. It’s so nice to see people dealing with real life (including food cravings!) and still be able to get back on track to eat right and work out – the guilt doesn’t shut you down!
My life motivation comes from my husband – he has risen above a childhood that wasn’t ideal by any means where he came from very little to being the most humble and kindest person I know as well as being a successful businessman.
Several people in my life motivate me to do better and be better. I’d like you to know that you are on that list. I’ve struggled with my weight all of my life (I’m 45). 2 years ago I stopped dieting, started eating right (food is fuel), and started working with a trainer. I had a cancer scare this year and had a hard time recovering from surgery. I decided that I wasn’t going to let the discomfort and emotional roller coaster send me on the downhill slide to unhealthy living. I googled various terms for healthy lifestyles and eating and found your blog. Your enthusiasm and pure honesty when you say things like “I didn’t want to work out, but I got up and did it”; or “it was hard and I hated it until I got going”; really keep me motivated. Your recipe ideas are a God send. Thank you!
On that note, I tried your overnight oats recipe. I was skeptical, but can I just say YUM!!
Keep on keepin on!
Love that! I agree about the recipes – they’re fantastic! Try her roasted cauliflower with ginger powder, curry powder and celery salt. It’s delicious! Like candy! I’ve made it a bunch of times! By the way, I’m 46, I lost weight and got fitter about five years ago. Julie motivates me too!!
Yum! I will have to try this. My boyfriend just happened to buy a ton of cauliflower over the weekend before he went home. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was going to do with it. Can’t wait!
GREAT POST!
we all have a choice….Inspire positively or negatively….smile or frown……Let the car merge 1st or cut someone off. It all matters. Law of karma…law of attraction. Today i will choose the greet people with a smile and eye contact…..Ask “How are you?” and truly listen to the response. Give an extra squeeze at the end of a hug. Make sure that my loved ones know they’re loved.
THANK YOU, you’ve inspired many today!!!! What a gift!!!
Shannon
This is such a great post! And inspirational 🙂 people in my kickboxing class motivate me every single day. If I need a push on the last set of burpees or push-ups I look up to find someone kicking butt! My mom, dad, and brother are all fitness and health focused like I am so we all inspire eachother
Like many others, I have to say since I stumbled upon your blog a couple months ago, you are a big motivation to me. My health and fitness are important to me and since I began reading your blog I didn’t really realize just how much. It’s so nice to read about someone who is able to incorporate health and fitness every day and STILL eat PB. For that alone you are a HUGE motivator. LOL
I tend to be motivated by people who are just really happy. People that don’t let stuff get them down. I lived so long letting things get me down and once I stopped it was huge, but even today I see people who just don’t let anything get in the way and always look on the bright side. Huge motivator for me.
Thanks for such a great blog!
Hi! I found this post through Holly at Eat Great BE Great!
This is an awesome post!!!
It is true, you never know who you’re motivating!
Have a great day! 🙂
looks like you motivated someone to make this post.
http://goldstandardwomen.com/you-never-know-who-youre-motivating/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=you-never-know-who-youre-motivating
I love this post! Sometimes we don’t even realize the people who motivate us on a daily basis. My brother is a huge motivator for me. He has his first baby due next week, is working 60 hours a week, and is still in school so that he can achieve his dreams and provide for his family. He never stops smiling and his hard work and love for others is truly inspiring!
your brother sounds amazing! congrats to him on his baby!!
Wow. Great post. I have to admit that you, along with some other wonderful fitness bloggers, inspired me to create my own little slice of the blog world – Fitness à la Anna. It’s a great way to try and share my recent conversion to a healthy lifestyle, which you show every day through your blog!!
Thanks for being such an inspiring lady 🙂