Really appreciate posts like these that help me take a step back from my office desk at work!

This week, I really listened to my body and ate when I was hungry, and focused on lots and lots of veggies. It’s amazing that I slept better and had better workouts when I give my body the kind of fuel it really needs!

I went for a walk yesterday even though I was tired and pregnant and not feeling it. Thanks for this post.

Yesterday I chose a rest day and did not run. I was stressing about how I was going to fit everything in. Finally, after hours of indecision, I decided that when I got home from work, ( I work a half day) I would do all my paperwork that was looming over my head, pay some bills that were also looming and enjoy dinner with my family. I always feel great on days I run so I struggle with rest days or “allowing” myself a day without exercise on occasion in order to complete some other important things. Sometimes I worry that my daily run borders on obsession so I think doing this sometimes is good for me. I survived yesterday without running any miles.

I find when I am overly stressed or anxious (like during the holidays) I tend to fall back into the mindset of healthy=perfection. But I try to have one positive thought every day to combat that. I also made a promise to myself to make it to yoga twice per week, and I find that helps so much!

I went nordic skate skiing yesterday. Since the days have been getting shorter and work has been busier finding time to exercise has been sooo hard. But I made it happen yesterday. It was short and sweat, but reminded me how important it is.

I love this. The drive for perfection makes anything seem totally unrealistic and so hard to continue. Yesterday I added cucumber slices to my water and happily drank 4 bottles 🙂 It’s funny how little changes can make healthy habits easier to establish!

Gosh, I needed this today. I was seriously thinking about ditching my lunch and going to get fast food (bad for my wallet and waistline). Instead, my decision is to stick to the original plan and eat my sandwich and side of cut up veggies I already have here at work.

Thank you for this today. Very inspiring.

I set aside my responsibilities for a few hours and flopped down on my bed with a good book. Big mental health boost!

yesterday, i skipped the Timbits (because hello, they’re available all year) but had half a small Caramel Toffee butterscotchy candy (kinda like a toffee tootsie roll.

and today at the Employee recognition xmas party at work, i skipped all the packaged mini croissants/cinnamon buns/fruity loaves and the deli meat (yuck), and only had a couple pieces of fruit and a few pieces of pineapple dipped under the chocolate fountain. priorities, ladies 🙂

I think this message is super important, especially around the holidays! The healthy choices are a bit harder to make and often seem insignificant amidst the less healthy ones. Today I took a 30 minute break from my desk to get outside and go for a walk! Listened to Christmas music and reflected on the holiday!

This is great! I’m currently 34 weeks pregnant and not comfortable with the amount of weight I’ve gained. My nurse-midwife suggested cutting out my normal binging on sweets during the week with treats on the weekend, and adding in a walk during my work week. I recently cut out all walks that i normally did with my husband due to fatigue. Being the holidays, cutting out sweets during the week is not easy at my work! So yesterday – I had a small butterscotch candy after lunch and went on a walk with my husband after work. I was happy I did – it was brisk outside and I got to see the christmas lights in the neighborhood. Even though it took extra energy, I really want to push myself past the fatigue and do it more before baby comes. It’s only been two days but I’m already so proud of myself for resisting the sweets at work! (THERE’S DONUTS TODAY!!)

Yesterday, I made it a priority to work on my 2015 goals and business plan for my website, A Lovely Side Project. I have been putting it on the back burner for weeks so it felt amazing to stop resisting and work on it! The website is currently focused on food and fashion, but in 2015 I want to add a huge chunkof inspirational posts from myself and other women who are pursuing their passion and walking in the direction of their dreams. I want to offer a jolt of energy to anyone has a dormat passion but is having trouble pursuing it. I can’t wait to have the website at the place where I want it and taking solid strides yesterday helped reinforce the importance of working toward your goals.

Love this post!!! Thank you.

Laurne @ alovleysideproject.com

I made the decision not to stress about Christmas. It’s been a crazy few weeks for us – my son was diagnosed with autism, and other life things happened. Christmas has got a bit left behind. As gifts and cards start rolling in, which I am not ready to return, my healthy decision is to accept graciously and not feel guilty – I’ll get to Christmas when I can. No guilt and no panic = no lost sleep +lots more time with my family + lots of time to keep for my fitness routine (even if it is light) !