When you are pushing your body to extremes, trying to hit a goal, or preparing for a marathon, or losing weight..it's easy to lose sight of why you started working out, eating right, and taking care of your body in the first place. However, when you begin to feel ill, it all changes.

This week I had some intense pain in my stomach. It would last about 3 seconds and then subside, then happen again, and again...you get it. I would be fine one moment and cramping the next. Source still unknown. However don't worry, I feel better and got some medicine from the doctor. It wasn't appendicitis. Whew!

The short lived aches made me realize how often I take my health for granted. Being in pain for a mere five days simply wore me out. The going to the hospital experience (which was unnecessary since not appendicitis) served as an amazing reminder to myself why I began to work out, eat right, and be healthy. It's all for your health!! Sure, it's nice to have a rockin' bod, but it's much nicer to be pain free and not suffering from a preventable illness.

It really put perspective on why you make the decision to treat your body right. Don't you hate how humans are so easily not thankful for something until it's taken away? I need to be soo thankful for my health each and every day. I should be rejoicing every moment that I can rejoice.

So there you have it, if you ever get discouraged or tired of trying to be "so good" by working out and eating right...remember, it's first and foremost for your health! Don't be discouraged when you don't see outer changes on your body, if you're eating right and exercising, that's the most important! It's so you can have a happy life free from illness and pain.

So if you're healthy and you know it, do a jig! Appreciate your body and take care of it.

For there are too many beautiful and exciting things in life to miss out on!