[apassionato di vino]

I've been thinking about days I'm on and day's I'm not. I've realized recently that I tend to stay on task, get out of the house, feel better about myself, etc. when I am wearing shoes vs. tennis shoes. I think this is because when I'm wearing shoes, I am also wearing nicer clothes, makeup, and jewelry. When I'm wearing tennis shoes, I'm usually wearing sweats or old jeans, a t-shirt or sweatshirt, no makeup on and no jewelry. On days I'm wearing tennis shoes, I'm less likely to leave the house, and less likely to feel motivated to get off of the couch, and more likely to cabinet/refrigerator surf.

It is my goal this week to get dressed in a "shoe outfit" first thing in the morning, every morning, regardless of whether I have plans or not.

What are some of the things you've found help motivate you to stay on track?

[nationalparker]

Apassionato - I completely agree with you, when I dress up I feel so much better - I tend to start with my makeup - then the outfit. If I take the time to do my makeup, then I style my hair better instead of letting it auto dry, then I do a nice outfit.

Another idea I just picked up this past week was when I exercise in the morning, I feel GREAT. I only did it three days but that feeling has me scheduling it in for the month, now! I felt vibrant and made good choices becuase I'd already got in my activity.

And I have to add a funny - when we were in Italy a few months ago, we got the funniest looks from everyone as we wore mainly hiking/trekking comfy shoes because we were walking 10-15 miles/day ... but on the circumvesuviana I kept smiling at people because they were ALL looking at my clunky shoes. I mentioned it to my husband and he had noticed the same thing!! I packed fancy flats for dinner out, but I didn't want to haul several pair of shoes around... and BOY did we stick out!

My Dad was military and I lived in Naples while growing up - out by Pinetamare.

I'm looking forward to other 3fc's ideas on feeling better.

[apassionato di vino]

nationalparker - That is funny about the shoes. I totally see it. You know how Italians are with their fashion. It took some time, but I've even stopped wearing my jammies to take my kids to the school bus stop. I was tired of my neighbors staring and crossing the street to avoid me. Neopolitans are a fashion breed unto themselves. We are in the Pozzouli area, very close to Pinetamare. My kids attend Naples American High School and Naples Elementary School. You probably did, too.

[nationalparker]

I am laughing about your neighbors - you're right - the fashion is on such a different level. Just to walk around - here it's very casual ... there everyone had on nice clothes - tights, heels, etc. I came back to the States this winter and bought different tights in funky patterns which haven't really reached the level of popularity they are there, and Hubby and I were joking about how long it'd take to get here... in the midwest! But I wore them and loved it Of course, not with the supershort dresses or long tops

If you'd like, pop in on the May chat - we have a great group of women from all over - though our Canadian friend is on holiday for a few weeks - and it's VERY supportive. Even just checking in to say what you're doing and have follow up questions to ask if you got x workout in, etc. Love to have you join in!