4ALL the Right Reasons

Posted: December 13, 2010 at 8:09 pm

Evening, friends! I hope this Monday found you well. And warm. I can hardly believe the chill we have faced here in GA. I guess the furnace I have strapped to my stomach, aka my pregnant belly, helps out. Soon enough that furnace will be gone. And soon enough I will have the chance to venture back to my fitter side.

I will commit the year 2011 to reaching that place I feel best at physically. Not only physically, however, but also emotionally and mentally as well. I clearly remember my first venture into fitness. It all started with the required college physical education course. I took an aerobics and body conditioning class, expecting to just get through the class and go on my merry way. After the semester ended, I realized I missed those regular workouts and from that point on fitness has wedged its way into my life.

Although I have faced my share of ups and downs and unhealthy obsessions with body image and scales, I now know the benefit exercise can bring when done for all the right reasons. After giving birth to little M I gained new perspective on fitness. I worked out in ways I enjoyed because it helped me feel strong. It gave me something to work towards for myself and provided some quality “me time”. I embraced the challenges and, most importantly, had fun along the way. That attitude brought me into the best shape of my life. It brought me from here to there…not that the “before” is bad either though…

I don’t even consider when I competed in my fitness competition my best shape. I was in the best shape in that photo above right, just before I started my competition prep…about 9 months after Makenzie was born. I call that my best shape because not only was I physically in a place I felt strong, but I also felt strong mentally and emotionally. I truly loved myself. My physical care of myself simply reflected that. THAT is what mattered.

That is where I hope to take myself in 2011 once again. Hold that thought. Not hope. WILL! I have done it once and I will do it again. I will take care of my body with regular activity. I will strive towards new fitness goals that ignite passion and determination within me because it helps me to live life more fully. I will achieve my definition of best shape again and share the motivation with others along the way. I will have the power to do all these things because I know what a life with fitness does for me. I will accomplish my goals because I have done it once and nothing will hold me back from doing so again. I will because I can. I will because I care. For myself. For my family. For my friends. For each of you out there cheering me on.

Life is not all about diet and workouts. Many different things factor in to our wellness. I firmly believe that. I think that is what makes me a great fit for the Team 4All group. I have ran the gamut from obsessive-compulsive over-exerciser to not having workouts as an option during the late stages of pregnancy. During the course of those changes I have learned the true value of fitness. The value of treating ourselves with respect and believing we have the worth to care for our health and fitness. I would be honored to help represent a company that believes in the power of a woman and wants to help showcase her strength as well as her beauty. Fitness should be 4All. For all individuals. And for all the right reasons. Wellness. Wholeness. Happiness.

This is my official Team 4All entry. Thank you for your support. No matter what, I know 2011 will be an exciting journey continuing towards health and fitness on all levels. I can’t wait for it to begin and to share it with you.

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74 Comments to “4ALL the Right Reasons”
  1. this is beautiful. you deserve to feel great about yourself so that you may live your life to its full potential.

    you are an inspiring, beautiful person– don’t ever lose sight of that.
    with love,
    becca

  2. Erika says:

    this is such an awesome post. really puts things in persepective. best of luck with your entry, i can’t think of a more inspiring person to win it!

  3. Em says:

    I’m inspired! 2011 will be a great year for both of us getting back our pre-baby bodies in a very healthy way!! 🙂 I’ll be cheering you on the whole way!!!!!!

    • Tina says:

      And I’ll be cheering you on too! I’m on pins and needles waiting for a message from you. You’ve been in my prayers that’s for certain. I need to call you sometime soon to hear more of how you’re doing. 🙂

  4. Lauren says:

    I love the optimistic attitude and “I will” statements in this. Being positive always gives me motivation and power to achieve my goals.

  5. Great post!! I’m always inspired by you and am looking forward to rooting you on – woo!

  6. I definitely believe in the power of saying “I will” versus “I hope”. I know you will achieve your goals in 2011. You are very inspiring!

  7. julie says:

    your positive attitude is so amazing 🙂 hope you have a fabulous night girl!

  8. Heather says:

    i love your reasons…the fact that you care about your family and your well-being in this is HUGE!

  9. best of luck to you! can’t wait to see what 2011 brings for you and your family!

  10. laura says:

    You are so beautiful,
    I strive to be at my healthiest in 2011, and am working towards that goal as well.
    wellness,wholeness, happiness<3

  11. “Fitness should be 4All. For all individuals. And for all the right reasons. Wellness. Wholeness. Happiness.” I like this … a lot. Tell me more about this “4All” thing, please!

    • Tina says:

      It’s a company that sells women’s fitness apparel. They seem to have a lot of cute stuff and I really like what the company seems to stand for.

  12. So true! Such a great post! Good luck with everything 🙂

  13. lindsay says:

    yes, 2011 will be great for you. A new birth and a rebirth of self! I couldn’t agree more with your perspective! Lets do it!
    Cheers,
    LC

  14. Heather says:

    2011 is going to be an amazing year – good luck to you in life and with Team 4ALL!!

  15. Astrid says:

    Your best self should involve a life where you get to live outside of strict schedules and meals. If you aren’t able to go out with friends and family and indulge in a meal from time to time, ditch that diet! At least that’s what I believe. I am myself coming to terms to life without extreme exercise. Being gentle on my body is feeling good, but I imagine myself expandng. Silly, I know.
    So I will join you in your outlook for 2011. Enjoying treating myself well and see where it takes me.

  16. Tina I love your blog — and I look forward to when B is here because I can’t wait to see what you do to get in the best shape of your life 🙂

    I think you have a great attitude and it really inspires me to get my head out of my ass and do something!

    • Tina says:

      I hope things are okay with you. I always think you do a great job at caring for yourself – like you have been by giving yourself a break when needed. 🙂

  17. You will do this in 2011! I can”t wait to read about your journey.

  18. Can’t wait to take that journey with you!! 😀

  19. I love this post. You are such an inspiring and strong woman! 🙂

  20. This is a great post! Good luck!

  21. Awesome. I love that you have lived and learned – truly learned. I think part of being fit involves being mentally and emotionally fit as well. I think you’re less likely to be obsessive-compulsive with exercise and/or diet. Or that’s what I think at least. I think when I’ve been at points when i worked out too much (over-training) it was when I was less happy with myself overall.

    • Tina says:

      I 100% believe this too. That’s why the plan is simply to care for myself. And I know that brings good things for me.

  22. Caroline says:

    This is so inspirational! I love that you addressed physical and mental health – they really do go hand in hand. Good luck!

  23. We will all be cheering you on 🙂 I know you can do it!

  24. Krist says:

    Wow look at you! Good luck!

  25. Sarah says:

    Tina: you are so inspiring! I greatly enjoy reading your blog for inspiration and for sharing your true experiences. I agree with the other comments that I’m excited to read about your journey 🙂

    PS I think you look gorgeous right now!!

    • Tina says:

      I mostly feel gorgeous right now too. Well, when I can get past the tired and in pain! I’m happy where I am, but also excited for what is ahead.

  26. Love your open and honest blogging style, and your down-to-earth approach to health! I think you look the best in the last picture, of all of the pics in this post 🙂

  27. I’m still striving for that ‘healthiest ever’ time in my life. Just had my son and I know we plan on having more kids but I’m probably healthier now than I’ve ever been but certainly not where I want to be.

  28. ashleigh says:

    Great post! You would make a great blogger for this program because you have come such a long way and people can really relate to you. Good luck!

  29. Oh I just love this. You have such a great attitude!

  30. Kat says:

    Lady, to say that 360 degree health is essential is one thing. But you are really living it. The shadow proves the sunlight and your hard work and thoughtfulness is so encouraging to all of us!

  31. What a great and inspiring post. It is wonderful to aspire not just to look great physically, but to feel great mentally and emotionally as well – that is also my goal for 2011, and my wish for everyone! Sometimes people (including me) get too caught up in the numbers (lose this much weight, save this much money, earn this much, etc) that it eclipses what really matters: “Wellness. Wholeness. Happiness.” Very well said 🙂 I wish you all the best!

  32. Marg says:

    I’m so excited for you in the next year! You are truly inspiring and I feel you really connect and bring together the blogging community! You would make a great rep for any company you believe in.

  33. Tina, I really hope you’re chosen! Your love for family, friends and readers is so apparent, and your inspiring words and stories have had a tremendous impact on me and many others! I can’t think of a better woman to represent this company. 🙂

    I’m so excited for you to get back to a place where you feel fulfilled both emotionally AND physically!

  34. Melie says:

    I can’t wait to see how you do it! I am sure you will do it, but I am really interested to see the process too! You gave me so many new fitness ideas, while you were pregnant and not really focused on working out, so I can’t even imagine what it will be like if you actually focus on it! 🙂

  35. Angela says:

    This is such a great post Tina! I admire your motivation and I can’t wait to see what comes up on FFF in 2011. You can do it! 🙂

    • Tina says:

      I’m so anxious for it too. I just have a feeling it is going to be a fabulous year, to start off many more wonderful ones after that. This year itself has been such a tremendous blessing!

  36. How inspiring!!!!!! so many think that the thinner you are, the happier….but you really have to be in a good place mentally and spiritually before you really feel good about yourself! =D good luck!

  37. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tina Reale, Tina Reale. Tina Reale said: 4ALL the Right Reasons: Evening, friends! I hope this Monday found you well. And warm. I can hardly believe the … http://bit.ly/e2OqIx […]

  38. Katie H says:

    I love your philosophy on health and wellness. Way to be 🙂

  39. Good for you for recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and embracing your health when you are at your best emotionally, mentally, and physically. You’re a great inspiration and honestly, M is blessed to have you as a mother 🙂

  40. You’ve totally got this! I’m setting new goals for 2011 too. It’s gonna be fun watching you achieve yours.

  41. […] post, I want to say thank you for your comments and support of my Team 4All entry post last night. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I would appreciate it. I got all excited writing it – more so for the amazing things 2011 will bring than the possible […]

  42. Jess says:

    So inspired by you, Tina!! I loved reading this – sort of felt like a “note to self” for 2011. How very cool. Wishing you luck in the Team4All challenge!!

  43. Maren says:

    I always love seeing the pictures of you from your fitness competition. They’re so inspiring, not because of your fitness or size, but because it’s part of what has made you so healthy.

    • Tina says:

      Funnily enough, that picture is from my first set of “progress shots” before I started prepping for the competition. I didn’t have to do anything restrictive to get in that shape. I simply took time to care for myself and my body naturally went there.

  44. Monique says:

    You’re have such an inspiring attitude. Thank you for blogging. I look forward to the posts!

  45. Julie says:

    Yes, you are a fitness role model! I think a proper role model in this realm is the one who does NOT have a life solely of diets and workouts — it is not realistic and impossible to emulate. We can relate to you and thus would be able to be inspired by you.

  46. 2011 will be a great year for all of us! Thank you for all you do to keep us inspired!

  47. Your attitude and accomplishments are always inspiring! You would be such a great representative for this program!

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