Motivation Marbles & Magnets

Pinterest is full of tips and tricks on how to lose weight, become more healthy, and stay motivated! 

My favorite "Pin-tip" hands-down is the "Motivation Marbles" jars inspired by "Princess Dianne" from http://hotmessprincess.com/:

This idea is similar to the "good behavior" jars found in elementary schools across the nation.  When children do something good (like walking quietly down the hallway) they put a marble in a jar. When the jar is full they win a prize (like a pajama day).

The "Motivation Marbles" jar up the ante with adults though, because when I fill my jar with marbles, I'm going to have a fabulous body! Forget the pajamas and bring me a bikini ;-)

These are the jars I made with supplies from Michaels for about $15.

 (However after visiting The Dollar Store yesterday, 

I realized I could have gotten the jars and marbles for only $4! 

C'est la vie ;-)

My second favorite pins, in terms of health, are all of the motivational stories, pictures, and quotes.

One in particular that always stands out in my mind is of a young woman named Kelly Olexa.  She posted before and after pictures of herself in the same lime green dress, and her catch phase "undressedskeleton" aptly applies!  http://kellyolexa.tumblr.com/post/5251884539/undressedskeleton-before-and-afters-that-is

I decided to take some of these great visual reminders off the computer and put them onto paper.  I printed off 7 of my favorite motivational pics and quotes, laminated them, added magnetic tape to the backs, and displayed them on my refrigerator.  I also put three magnets of my 7-year-old daughter beside them.  Kylee is my biggest inspiration because I want her to live a healthy lifestyle, and I know that I am responsible for modeling that healthy behavior for her.

So, every time time I walk toward the fridge, I'm reminded of not only what I'm trying to accomplish, but also who is watching me closer than any Pinterest board. 

"Motivational Magnets"

Kylee's favorite quote was, "Don't Reward Yourself with Food. You're Not a Dog." She couldn't stop laughing about it and now repeats the saying on a regular basis. She even stuck out her tongue to imitate a panting dog for this picture, lol!

My favorite quote was, "A year from now you'll wish you had started today," by Karen Lamb. I used a sharpie to mark the date on that magnet "4/11/12" so in a year I can see if I've made the healthy life changes that I set out to make on that day. **FYI, I've moved 38 marbles since that day! 2/17/13**

See my "Motivation" board to find even more healthy inspiration:
http://pinterest.com/pollytopia/motivation/