Alis Volat Propriis

alis volat propriis: she flies with her own wings.

I love this phrase. I really believe women should be strong, empowered, and in control of their own lives. This quote has a balance of strength and grace, and I think it applies to my journey of bettering my health in a lot of reasons. Working out, dieting, and improving health isn't something that others can do for you. It's an individual journey. You can have all the support in the world, all the workout partners you can find, and you can be a member of as many online motivational groups as you want, but in the end, it's up to you. You decide what foods go into your mouth, which beverages you choose to drink, and whether or not to go to the gym. I wouldn't trade my roommates for anything; they are amazing workout partners. It's like a competition to see who can go the farthest/hardest/longest. And I love that. But there are some days when I just want to do a solo workout and push myself without having to worry about if they're ready to go, or if they want to go to a different part of the gym. And as far as eating goes, I don't like to have motivational partners or whatever when it comes to putting food in my mouth for a bunch of reasons. Everyone isn't going to want to eat salads and oatmeal all the time. I don't even like eating salads and oatmeal all the time. Sometimes, the pressure from other people to make healthy or unhealthy choices when it comes to eat is overwhelming.. everyone around you is eating a salad, and you're eating a big old cheeseburger with fries and dessert, or you're wanting more healthy choices and they're pigging out on the buffet. Also, if you make other people responsible for the food you eat, it takes the accountibility off  your shoulders and allows you to make excuses for why you're not seeing results.

But, regardless of what I think, there are people out there who need support and help to lose weight, and I totally respect that. Losing weight is hard, and if people are just taking the beginning baby steps to losing weight, I give major props to them. It's better to try to compelete the journey with someone else, rather than just not start it at all. :)