Good Morning Girls!  This INSANITY workout is harder than I thought it could ever be.  I have decided not to continue with it.  The following is a list of some of the reasons why I have determined it is not for me:

1. my butt hurts every single day and I cannot take it anymore

2. I actually feel weaker than stronger

3. my eating is out of control again so what's the point in working out so hard?

4. my lungs feel like they are going to explode....what am I thinking trying such an intense program?  After all I was re diagnosed and hospitalized with asthma just 6 years ago.....I am probably creating scar tissue with every workout!

5.  my left knee and both ankles hurt....I don't want to have chronic knee problems.....I am taking ibuprofen every day!!!

6.  I should be unloading the dishwasher or something during the workout time

7. I am exhausted...this cannot be good for me

8.  It's just too hard....there is no way I can finish today....let alone do it again tomorrow

9.  It hurts.....it hurts.....it really simply hurts.....

10.  I should switch to another program..........something without so much jumping and stuff......

There.  Is that a long enough list for you?  Well, that list runs through my mind daily.....JUST DURING THE WARM-UP!  My mind and body are constantly screaming at me telling me how tired, sore, and weak it is!  My mind tells me every single day to turn off the tv and walk away.  It tells me that nothing will ever change.  It tells me that I am not progressing.  It tells me to quit.  it tells me everyone will understand.  It tells me it is okay to walk away........

So in the midst of sweating like I have never sweat before I have to argue with myself!  I have to tell my body and my mind to shut up.  I have to respond to each complaint.  I have to answer each excuse with a reason why I am not going to quit.  Sometimes I respond with the Word.  Sometimes I respond with a scream.  Sometimes I respond by running a little faster....jumping a little higher....and showing my mind and my body who is boss!

Over the last few weeks it has gotten easier.  My body hurts and my mind throws out an argument or two....but barely in a whisper.  It knows the drill.  I am not quitting.  I am seeing this one through to the end.  Sometimes it will persist a bit...just to see if maybe I will waiver.......but it realizes real quick I am not giving in.

See Girls, your mind and your flesh will try to drag you down every day....in every area of your life that causes it discomfort.  It will tell you you will never get out of debt....so you might as well buy those clothes.  It will tell you you will never lose weight.....so you may as well eat the pan of brownies.  It will tell you your husband will never love you the way you want him to....so you may as well live your own life and worry about yourself.  It will tell you you are not good enough, strong enough, worth enough, or capable enough...for any positive changes in your life.

You need to be prepared to fight back.  To respond to each lie.  To show your mind who is boss!  If you are persistent in this, the voices will get quieter......as they realize you are a fighter.....NOT A QUITTER!

ROMANS 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Love, thanks, and a fighting spirit to you all,
Jen