The year has almost come to an end, and I’ll readily admit 2012 wasn’t stellar for me. I had hoped to be able to compete at some point, but had to give up that goal as I have been battling not one, but multiple injuries this year. It started off with shoulder pain, then went into several knee injuries coupled by a pinched nerve in my neck that has been bothering me for the past couple of months. While I’d like to be able to write that I am perfect with my diet, this has definitely not proven to be the case this year. Working in the food and wine industry is an additional temptation for me, being surrounded daily with friends, colleagues and events who indulge in delicacies not occasionally but daily. I admit that I was tempted and gave in on several occasions, mostly because I was depressed that my training wasn’t going as smoothly as I’d like it. I also suffered from fatigue, from working out like crazy and not ever taking a break. Well, while I’m in no shape or form unfit, I am carrying some extra poundage that I’d like to get rid of, and have been trying to get motivated to get off, for the past few months. Finally, this week I lost all interest in snacking, drinking (alcohol) and being “bad”. Guess I hit my “bottom”. I have a new date in mind for a show in 2013, which is April 13th – in NYC – and will be my first NPC show. I’ve been blessed to have met and gotten in touch with some amazing fitness professionals who are associated with this organization and will help me with both training, diet and posing. I turn 40 next month, and I want the next year to be the best ever both physically, mentally, professional and personally for me – the new decade is going to be brilliant!!
As the saying goes; the mind is a powerful tool. Whatever you tell yourself, that is how your life will be shaped. Wake up in the morning and tell yourself the day will suck, most likely it will. If you, on the other hand, tell yourself “I’m going to take three new steps to improve today from yesterday”, you will begin to take ACTION to better your life and change a situation. Baby steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day – your body is the same way. It is a lifetime commitment to stay healthy, fit and continue your journey of improving your physique. While goals, like dates and shows and “12 week challenges” serve a good purpose and will get you started, it won’t keep you motivated until you “get it”. Find a lifestyle you can live with, where you don’t “hold your breath until it’s over and then I can do whatever”. Whatever you choose, there will be a sacrifice one way or another; be ok with it and its consequences, and be at peace with your decision.
Hope you will stay with me as I am not giving up on staying Sunny and Fit – I will post some new pictures soon!
sunnyandfit.com 
Happy Thanksgiving Sunny!
As always, thank you for your inspirational post! You are really something! You have no idea how much I appreciate your words. I am sorry to hear about your injuries Sunny. I understand the frustration as I have been out of both work and the gym since April. For the last 21 years I realize how much the work outs help me but my job makes the pain level go off the charts. I will not be returning to that job and it breaks my heart but it is for the better. Right now I cannot work and honestly, I have no idea what type of job I will be able to do. My husband said not to worry about that, just concentrate on getting healthy. I am so grateful for my husband!!
I have struggled with middle back pain (one herniated, one bulging disk and degenerative disk disease) for 21 years now. I’ve always stayed active; gotta keep moving no matter what! For the last year, I have had terrible pain in my neck and headaches, couldn’t even move my neck for a while. I have two bulging disks, spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease and bone spurs in my neck. I am doing all I can to avoid surgery! I have been sidelined many times throughout my life, so I know I will be back!! I must admit, spinal stenosis in my neck has me very concerned.
Next month will be eight months (but who’s counting…??) doing nothing but trying to keep the pain manageable. Days/nights are long, full of constant pain, Dr.’s visits (ugh!) I have never been good at doing nothing! I was an athlete in both high school and college; fitness is a huge part of my life. I miss the gym and the work outs SO much. I have also put on some *%$#@!” weight. I was working with a pro bodybuilder and was hoping to do my first bodybuilding show by now. I am 47 and have no idea what my future holds but I told the pro bodybuilder: “I will be back, and I will be back stronger than before!” Just like you, I know you will also be back, Sunny!
Your posts help me so much Sunny! I know you are very busy so I appreciate them all the more.
Thank you Sunny! Have a Happy Thanksgiving! ~ Sally 🙂
Hi Sally! It’s great to hear from you, although boy – all your neck problems do sound painful! I think I will shut up about my troubles now, yours seem much worse! But it’s true what you say, you WILL be back, and I’m glad to hear you are keeping (or at least trying to keep) a positive attitude about it! I am glad I can post some encouraging words, and I’ll be sure to blog more this weekend… Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving also and keep in touch!! Sunny 🙂
Gosh Sunny, I apologize for making you feel that way…..please don’t feel like that…..pain is pain….I know you’ve had (still have) your share of it. I didn’t mean to go on and on like I did….I know you understand though. It is challenging having all this time on my hands and not being able to do anything….but, “This too shall pass!” Just going to take much longer than I want……..
I forgot to tell you that I recently had an MRI of my left shoulder and clavicle, will be getting the results next month. I think they should give me an MRI from my head to my toe! My middle back pain is a result from an auto accident in 1991 (I’ve never been the best driver in the world but the accident wasn’t my fault), then over the years jobs I probably shouldn’t have been doing and (within the last year) my neck, left shoulder and clavicle. I just want to get back in the gym so bad!! Do some extra reps for me!
Anyway, this will be another “book” so I better stop right now! 🙂
Always great to hear from you! Thanks so much for your posts Sunny; they help so much. You are such a success in so many ways Sunny! Keep up the great work!
Happy Thanksgiving! ~ Sally
Don’t apologize, Sally! Glad to hear from you and what you are going through, we all have our issues – the most important thing is that we’re doing what we can and aiming to live as healthy as possible! All good! 🙂