Call me a sucker, but I love fun hashtags! Couple it with an alliteration and I'm all in! #throwbackthursday, #waybackwednesday, #foodiefriday...

Nothing pulls at my heartstrings more than "Transformation Tuesday" posts. It's the embodiment (pun intended) of people reforming themselves for the better. But because we're in an Instagram world, these photos are mere screenshots and they oftentimes do not capture the months even years of hard work and dedication it takes to improve on that level. Ultimately, the outcome is not just one transformation on some Tuesday - it's many many Tuesdays of climbing an uphill battle and it's continued future Tuesdays of remaining discipline.

It's difficult, but I'm sure every person who's ever experienced that change for the better will tell you that it is well worth it. If you're ready for your future Transformation Tuesday post- here are my suggestions to get you started.

Start with Why
You need to have a reason and it has to be deeper than "I want to look good for summer". Searching to look good for an event or for someone else might work, but from what I've seen, it's only temporary. Some examples of reasons that support longevity are "I want to be able to keep up with my grandkids", "I want to get off blood pressure medicine", "I want to be able to walk up the stairs". Make it meaningful or you'll find yourself reversing your transformation quicker than you got there.

Forgive Yourself
You've made bad choices, created bad habits, or maybe you experienced a disruption in your life and you've suddenly found yourself in a body that doesn't feel like the best you. You have to forgive yourself in order to move on. Obviously, this is easier said than done, but it's a crucial step in learning to love yourself. If you don't love yourself, you won't make yourself a priority, if you don't make yourself a priority, you will be stuck in the same cycle.

Find Help
Real help, not search on youtube help. Your support system is important because there will be times you want to quit. Find a trainer or a group class that you enjoy! Find a therapist to figure out why you can't forgive yourself. Find a nutritionist to give you a better understanding of food. Find a workout partner to help hold you accountable. You're not alone!

Goal(s)
Make a weekly goal to walk 20 minutes a day for 5 consecutive days or longer goal like preparing for a marathon. Big or small, your individual goals are important to help keep track of progress.

Compare and Despair
Try not to compare yourself to anyone. You are on your own journey. Your body is different. Your circumstances are different. Be proud of your progress and try not to worry about others.

It's important to note, transformations come in all shapes and sizes. It's about being happy and healthy. It's so much more than just a picture of a newly thin person in their old oversized jeans. We all know what happened with Jared from Subway...

So cheers to all future Transformation Tuesdays and the individualized progress you make!

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