Hey everyone,
So this post isn't going to be much like the usual things I post but it's something important that I really want to bring attention to.
This blog is centred around fitness and health, but just as physical health is important, so is mental health, and it's often an issue that doesn't get looked at as much as it seriously needs to be.
Bondi Lifeguards Maxi and Jesse are embarking on a mission called "The Ride: East Coast", where they'll be riding jet skis from Sydney to Cairns to raise awareness and money for the mental health charity Headspace. It's something that I think is so amazing and if you're wondering why I care so much about this cause in particular, it's because it's something that's very close to me and that I have been very effected by, and not something that I ever like to speak about at all, but Maxi and Jesse are helping to bring this issue into the open and to encourage people to accept that these problems exist, and to make these issues easier to talk about with everybody, instead of just hiding them and letting them get worse. I and I'm sure many of you have experienced some dark times in life and to know that there are people out there to help, that will help and want to help is just so important for individuals facing mental health issues that make an individual feel so lonely, such as depression. I think that these two are inspirational and using their public profiles to help make a change and raise awareness for such an important issue is really amazing.
What they need from you is support. They need to reach their goal of $100,000 by June 22nd to cover costs needed to make the journey possible. Even just a small donation can go along way - every dollar counts. There are even prizes up for grabs if you donate certain amounts such as a signed photo, lifeguard shirt, even a day at the beach hanging out with Maxi and Jesse, or dinner and drinks with them! Just remember that every dollar counts, and your direct action will play a big role in making such an amazing thing happen! To make a pledge head on over to here, which explains everything in more detail as well.
For more information on "The Ride: East Coast", see the links below:
Donation Page:
http://www.pozible.com/project/23546
Lifeguard Maxi Twitter & Instagram Pages:
https://twitter.com/lifeguardmaxi
http://instagram.com/lifeguardmaxi
Lifeguard Jesse Twitter & Instagram Pages:
https://twitter.com/jessepolock
http://instagram.com/jessepolock
To me it seems like the hardest part of everyone's fitness journey is getting started. People struggle to find motivation or time to put their plans into action and they're filled with self-doubt which ultimately holds them back from what they really want to achieve. Far to often people are more focussed on what they have to give up rather than what they have to gain. What people need to realise is what there is to gain is SO MUCH MORE than what they may have to sacrifice.
The first step is saying "I can." "I can't" is the most hurtful phrase to yourself and your well being and you need to eliminate it from your vocabulary, because you really do have the ability to do anything. Just one year ago I wouldn't try run if I was being chased by a hungry tiger. It was like "oh, I wasn't born a good runner so I can't do it so I won't try." Now I'm entered in a half marathon and I'm running multiple times a week, distances that I'd never dreamed of doing before! If you want to run, run! Say that you "can" and you will! This isn't just about running, this is about everything - weight loss, muscle gain, fitness, any sport! Obviously not everyone's going to get to the Olympics, but you can achieve so much even if you're not the best in the world. That seems to be another thing stopping people, "If I can be really good, what's the point?" THERE'S ALWAYS A POINT! It's about achieving things for yourself! It's not about being the best version out of everyone, it's about being the best version of you.
In terms of motivating yourself, you need to stop thinking of living a healthy lifestyle as a chore and as what it really is - a lifestyle! Too often I think people think of exercise and healthy foods as these things that are just waiting to be done and have to be done and are not "enjoyable" but that's so far from the truth! They are enjoyable if you do them the right way! Eating healthy doesn't have to be plain lettuce - find some great recipes, instagram is full of inspiring foodies who post so many amazing food ideas. Find a way to exercise that you really enjoy and incorporate it into your daily routine! I guarantee that it'll become something you'll love to do and rather than making excuses for not having time, you'll be making excuses for why you have plenty of time to workout because it'll become something you love to do!
Always remember as well to look at how far you've come, not how far you have to go! This is SO important!!! People focus way too much on the negatives and fail to give themselves recognition for what amazing things they have achieved! One thing always to remember - Slow progress is better than no progress! We live in a world where everything is so instant now, but some things will never have a magic quick fix and that's just something you'll have to remember and deal with if you want to achieve your dreams!
Remember, that you have to want this for yourself. The want for this change needs to come from within you, not from anyone else, and that's what's going to motivate you the most. Make sure you always love yourself and your body, and always motivate you with positive energy! Surround yourself with other people who are living the kind of lifestyle you aspire to be living and surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you through all your decisions!
For me, I just woke up one morning and wanted change. I wanted to achieve things I'd never done before and I wanted to make a commitment to myself that I would follow through with this dream and make it a reality. Find that place within yourself and the rest should just follow easily!
Good luck!
Danni
x
