becoming at Home

I wanted to write this post for all the women out there who, like me, don’t really enjoy working out and struggle with self-control when it comes to food.

Yes, you heard that right. I don’t like working out. I don’t like “feeling the burn” during the 10th rep of a sumo squat. I don’t like the soreness that hits the next day after a challenging workout. And don’t even get me started on the little waddle I end up doing because my quads and calves are screaming after all the calf raises and sled push-pulls the instructor told me to do.

Plus, I’m not a fan of sweating. Why? Because I stink when I sweat. And I don’t think the people around me appreciate my scent either.

Now, when it comes to eating… I love my ice cream, my dark chocolate, and my chips. Oh, and I LOVE rice. I have a hard time cutting those things out of my diet.

And guess what? That’s okay.

One thing I’ve learned during my health journey is that it’s perfectly okay for me to not like working out and to love my ice cream and rice a little too much. It really is okay. I can still make healthy choices.

I don’t pull from my motivation tank because, honestly, it’s almost always empty. But I pull a lot from my discipline tank. So, what fills up my discipline tank?

I work out and eat healthier for my husband and my son. Not for me. Not so I can look skinny, sexy, or fit. Nope.

I do it for my husband and son. I want to become stronger and healthier for my family. I want to live a long, healthy life with my husband, and I want to be around for my son for as long as God allows. I want to keep up with him. I want to be able to pick him up whenever he asks, no matter how old he gets, without worrying about my back giving out. I want to wrestle with him on the floor and not wonder if I’ll be able to stand back up afterward. I want to experience life to the fullest with my family without unnecessary physical limitations.

I truly believe one of the greatest gifts I can give my family is a wife and mom who is mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. I want to be in the best condition possible so I can love and serve them—and the Lord—the best that I can.

And if I’m being completely honest… I also do it for the extra serving of rice. Period. I’m Filipino. I grew up eating rice with almost every meal. I can’t give it up, so I work my butt off for it.

Were you expecting something deeper? Haha… nope. Those are my reasons. They’ve become the convictions I’ve settled into, and honestly, they’re the only reasons that have helped me stay consistent.

Every other motivation I’ve tried—to feel more confident, to look better, to fit into my old clothes, or to hit a certain number on the scale—never lasted. Those goals weren’t meaningful enough to keep me going when motivation disappeared.

Maybe that’s the lesson. Maybe consistency doesn’t come from finding the perfect workout plan or the perfect diet. Maybe it comes from finding a reason that’s bigger than your excuses.

For me, it’s my family… and a bowl of rice.

Find your reason. Not the one that sounds impressive. Not the one social media tells you to have. Find the one that makes you lace up your shoes on the days you don’t want to. Find the one that helps you choose discipline when motivation is nowhere to be found.

Because once you find your reason, showing up gets a little easier.