Hey everyone! My name is Danica, and I’m the author behind the healthy living blog, It’s Progression. I’m so thankful to be here today on this blog that I love, and I hope Ashley is enjoying this time with her family and friends as they celebrate this joyful time of year!
It’s no secret that I’m crazy about living a healthy, well-balanced life. It’s not something I’ve always been passionate about, however. About 2 years ago, I made it my New Year’s Resolution (the first of my life) to exercise at least 3 times a week and start incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my diet. It’s been a long journey (one that I don’t think will ever be ‘over’) in which I’ve made momentous progress, but there were definitely many bumps in the road along the way.
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You don’t need to be “a runner” to be healthy, most definitely not, but so much of what I’ve learned in the past couple of years I’ve either learned through running. It proposes so many ups and downs, physically, mentally, and literally, and requires a significant amount dedication and hard work.
One of the main things I’ve learned through this journey is this:
It’s not supposed to be easy.
It’s easy to not give your all. It’s easy to give up. It’s easy to quit.
But life is supposed to be hard.
Always doing things the easiest way or just plain giving up on them, doesn’t get us where we want to be in life. That’s not how we accomplish our goals. That’s not how we grow as people. That’s not how we become happier.
Overcoming “the hard” is how we learn, how we grow, how we better ourselves.
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Slowly making better eating choices into a habit? Hard.
Keeping relationships strong? Hard.
Increasing your weights for that last set of curls? Hard.
Running 13.1 miles? Hard.
Dedicating 15 minutes every morning to read the Bible and pray? Hard.
Worth it?? Every moment.
Think of the last time you pushed through something you wanted to quit. Now think about how amazing you felt after you didn’t give up! We’re all stronger than we give ourselves credit for.
Over the past 2 years, I’ve faced and overcome a lot of obstacles in this “journey” of healthy, balanced living–from disrespectful comments I receive from people to wanting to skip out on a planned and needed workout. But when I literally say to myself, “It’s supposed to be hard,” I’m somehow motivated, every time, to keep on keeping on.
You know that phrase about the grass always being greener on the other side? Well, there’s no way to know unless you make the trip over the bridge.
All of those cliches in life may be cheesy, but they’re so absolutely true. Don’t let a set back or two win, because YOU get to choose! So chase after your dreams and don’t quit. You’re too valuable to just give up on what will make you happy.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
I needed to read that this morning! Thank you so much. I’m going to check out your blog now!
So glad it was meaningful, Ali!
This is a great post Danica! Definitely a reminder that I needed to hear!
Thanks, Erica
True story!! If running were easy than everyone would run marathons and that is so very clearly NOT the case!
Yes!! And that’s true for so many things–it makes me take a 2nd look at everything I’ve ruled out because it was hard–really that just means it’s worthwhile.
I love that you included the 15 minutes each morning reading the Bible. Sometimes, I slack off on this VERY important area of my life and eventually begin to feel the overwhelmingness and loneliness that comes from neglecting my spirituality.
I agree 100%, Jenn! It requires me to commit to it, and when I slack in this area the rest of my life is definitely (negatively) affected. It’s amazing what just 10-15 minutes a day can do, too!
Love this post. Its all worth it in the end
Thanks Sara
Just checked out your blog – adorable! I love the look, I’ll have to subscribe! And great post, every time I’m getting frustrated during a hard workout, I remind myself that it’s SUPPOSED to be hard!
Thanks Katie! I had to check out your blog too–love it! My husband and I visited Chicago this past summer and really liked it there. The city was crazy (busy) but there were a lot of fun things to do, plus the water was just beautiful.
Love this!! It’s so true–if it was easy everyone would do it! Plus accomplishing something difficult is much more rewarding than accomplishing something easy, isn’t it?
absolutely!!
Congrats on your fitness achievements and being a guest blogger, awesome! I feel the same way about running….don’t have to be a runner, but that’s where I learn, think, and reflect the most. Have a great new year
Thanks Steph, Happy New Year to you too!
Loved this! And I agree with every word.
yay! Thanks Brooke
Amen and true that to everything Danica! Great, positive and motivating post.
Your message hit home with me because just as I’m having some bumps at work, you got me remembering that I can’t just GIVE UP….:) And you are seriously so cute and gorgeous!
Aw thank you so much Ellie!
Happy New Year!
And yes, just don’t give up!
So much energy! This is a great post!
Thanks Alicia!
LOVE these words. I’m considering having a personal mantra for every month of 2013 and “it’s supposed to be hard” just might be it for January! You are awesome, thanks Danica!!
I love that idea of having a mantra each month! Good for you, girl.