No More ~Mental~ Monkeys Jumping on the Bed!

​Being a mom is tough, mentally and physically.  Never in my life before having my son did I question myself as much as I do now.  Sometimes to get rid of the mental monkeys, I need to remind myself of the Jodi Picoult quote: “The very fact that you worry about being a good mom means that you already are one.”

​So what was up with the mental monkeys talk (besides that song being one of my grandmother's favorites and today, as I'm writing this, is her birthday)?  When I was training for a marathon years ago someone used this term to describe that little voice that creeps into your head and tell you you can't.  The voice that says you're not strong enough.  We need to learn to tell that voice to STFU when it comes to motherhood and when it comes to fitness!
 
Negative self-talk is a motivation killer! By simply changing the words we use we take back some power from the those monkeys, the negative thoughts that tend to creep in our heads.
 
Here are a few quick changes you can make. Trust me, they make a big difference!
 
Instead of saying "I can't eat ____" when presented with food that doesn't support your goals, say "I don't eat ____" or "I've cut ____ out of my diet right now."  Fact is, you do have a choice, choose you!
 
Instead of saying "I have to workout today," say "I get to workout today." There are so many people who want to but can't. Be grateful that your body will allow it and show your body love by doing it!
 
Instead of saying "I didn't have time to get my workout in today" say "I wasn't able to fit it into my schedule today, but I'm going to reexamine my priorities and make sure I don't run into that problem again." Time does get in the way sometimes, and you can use that as an excuse... but that doesn't mean you should.
 
Try these other word swaps too:

Bye, bye mental monkeys! 
 
This mama is taking back the power! Who is with me?