This isn’t the place you would normally turn for exercise tips and advice, but I have a 2 day beach body plan for happiness to share..and it’s a goody!
I embarked on this journey with upcoming beach plans and I decided to spend 2 weeks doing all things healthy in preparation. I was so successful that I was able to condense the entire 2 week plan into just 2 days. That’s right folks…2 days.
At the end of day 2 I realized something. I wasn’t happy. I was grumpy to my kids and my husband and I just wasn’t in a good spot. After only 2 days of this. I can’t imagine what it would be like if that was my everyday. How very hard. I applaud those that are able to do so.
For me, I realize it is just as much about mental health as it is about physical health and it is just as big of a deal. I read something the other day, author unknown, that made me laugh. It said…”How to have a beach body… 1-Have a body 2- Go to the beach”
I’m going people…just as I am.
A couple of years ago I posted this article Getting Older in a Swimming Suit. Since that day I have done exactly what I said I would. I eat well (most of the time), I exercise, and I am strong. I have completed an Ironman 70.3, 2 half marathons, many team relays, completed T25 all the way through, I tried crossfit once, a full marathon, and literally climbed mountains. I can run up Guardsman’s Pass without walking (well I could probably walk faster than I ran but you get it). Have I changed physically….probably…does it show in my jeans….no…no it doesn’t but here is the real kicker…. The most recent half marathon that I ran I also ran over 11 years ago. In the best physical shape of my life. I was a mental wreck however trying to get back on my own two feet. What happened, I beat my time this year from when I ran 11 years ago. I’m faster. Can you believe that? It’s because I am healthier, mentally and physically. I have a strong support system and I am happy and content just where I am. I have a super strong beach body with plenty of nourishment to make sure I can live for a good week without food (or more probably). I enjoyed the run more too. I actually had fun. Last time, I felt miserable the whole time.
It only took me 2 days to realize that the body I have is exactly the body I want to take with me. I want to feel joy and be happy everyday, all day. Not just when I am in a swimming suit at the beach or posting photos of myself online. I don’t actually want to be super fit and in shape if it also comes with stress and anxiety that takes away from my joy.
So if you need a little support in loving yourself just as you are, or in allowing yourself to stop the stringent diet and exercise plan you are doing…I’m here. I can be that for you. My 2 day beach body plan for happiness is just what you need. Eat well, exercise, enjoy the little things and in the end…it will all be okay. Many conversations with friends and family who feel just this way, and their encouragement for me to write this down is what brought me to this point.
As Audrey Hepburn said, “The happiest girls are the prettiest.”
Did I fail at a 2 week challenge? No..I just did so well I completed it into 2 days. I can do hard things like that.
I have a body…I’ll go to the beach!
