Monday, February 9, 2009

Motivational Mondays (Feb. 9)

I'll make it easy today.

A phrase often repeated by parents is "I'll do anything for my children." And while this is admirable, I didn't really know how to put in action when I became a parent. Sure, you have to feed them and clothe them and take care of them when they are small, but does that constitute "doing anything" for them? What does?

I eventually answered my own question. I don't know how to answer that for others, but for me "doing anything" meant losing weight and staying healthy. For the girls' sake.

I wanted to give them a parent to be proud of. I wanted to provide some sort of good example for them, to show them that you really can meet your goals when you set your mind on them. I wanted to show them that anything is possible.

How did I do that? I did everything for them. I dropped more than 120 pounds and got fit for them. Well, for me too but they were a huge factor in my weight loss. I didn't want to be the fat dad at my oldest daughter's kindergarten class... and I'm not. I wanted to be the active parent volunteer (and by active both going weekly and moving around with ease) in her class. And I am, on most weeks. Most of all, though, I want to be around for them. I didn't want to get some horrible obesity-related disease early in life simply because I didn't take care of my body. How unfair that would be for the girls, to do that to myself.

Anyway, here are the girls in action. This is old... from October 2006 to September 2007. The girls are considerably older now... well, at least it seems like it. I really really need to do this again, from Oct. 2007 to Sept. 2008. If and when that happens, I'll make it another Motivational Monday post.

For now, though, here are my girls growing up.



7 comments:

Deborah L. Sykes said...

You are a wonderful, caring, thoughtful parent, and you truly are a gift to your family! Keep up the great work!

ChristineM said...

I bet those girls are as proud of you as you are of them! :)

Lissaloo said...

What a great example you are for them, good job :)
What beautiful little princesses! :)

thrasherswife said...

they are the best motivation, aren't they! so cute, thanks for sharing your little ones.

Gracey said...

This post was trully moving. Thanks for the touching videos as well. You should be proud of yourself, and your family!

Willoughby said...

I loved this post! You're so right about being a good example for your kids. Your girls are adorable!

Tattoos and Teething Rings said...

I agree, one of the best things you can do for your kids is take care of yourself and show them how to respect their bodies. And what sweet, beautiful girls!