A Dream Without Work Is Just A Dream

I have read often and in many places that it takes 21 days to create good habits or break bad habits. Either way I am into my 18th day still going strong... I have walked for a little over 14 hours and that equates to almost 50 miles. It hasn't been easy and there have been days that I thought it was too slippery, too cold, too hard (just excuses for me). Each time those thoughts came into my head, I asked myself what I wanted more? Did I want more excuses that held me back from change or did I want results that showed true change.

The answer always came back that I wanted results that showed true change, I pushed through day after day of cold, bad weather and aches and pains... my reward was losing 15 pounds ... as well I proved to myself that I am not a quitter, when I make a commitment and hold myself accountable, I succeed. I want to thank each of you who have either inspired me by your hard work and for all the encouragement along the way. Ultimately it comes down to my getting up and showing up but it makes it that much easier when I have people that are encouraging me continually.
It helps me that I have had success in the past but it didn't make it simple to get myself back on the path... life happens and it is so easy to take our eye of the goal with all the trials and challenges that are put in front of us to deal with. I want to be bigger than any trial or challenge and that means I have to be present in each moment. There were days as there will always be days that life becomes incredibly overwhelming but I don't want those days to define my long term commitments to myself.

I also think that for me, getting in shape physically and becoming healthy is only a small part of the changes I need to make. I don't talk about or discuss my faith with many people, not because I am ashamed, as I am not ashamed. I am grateful for my beliefs and knowledge. However; saying that I also think each person has their own personal beliefs and I want to respect that in others as I would want them to respect that in me.
Last week I attended my church service, it had been a long time... the gifted speakers challenged each of us to make a change to get fit physically, emotionally and spiritually. A couple of weeks before I attended church, I had asked myself some hard questions ... was I happy where I was? would I be happy in the future if I kept on the path I was on?... I knew the answer was no and that meant I had to make the necessary changes in myself if I ever hoped to have a different outcome. Then I attended my church service, there were the talks about what I had already made the commitment to a couple of weeks before, which showed me that I was on the right path, it felt good.

Life and challenges are going to get in the way, I am going to have to make the decision each and everyday I wake up to keep the commitment I have made to myself. Of course it will not be easy, of course I will fail from time to time but I am not allowing the minor failures to take away from my successes. I used to sit and dream of the life I wanted, now I get up and work for that dream daily. Dreaming is good but if you don't put the work in, it is just a dream...
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100 comments :

  1. Great Post! yes ,we have to work for it that a Dream become true :)

    Lovely Greets from Vienna <3

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  2. That's an interesting point of view, I will try myself to hang on for 21 days in order to break my bad habits. Good luck on the weight loss and keep up the good work! I am very lazy myself so I know how hard it is to keep on track.


    Fashionably,
    Patricia
    New GIVEAWAY on http://www.wingsforliberty.com/

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  3. Do not stop dreaming Launna and have faith, the work will come!
    Good luck!
    Kisses, Paola.

    expressyourself

    My Facebook

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  4. Congratulations! You are sticking to your goals and look at that changes you have made. I have heard the 21 day thing too and it does make sense. 18 days is so awesome and I am sure you are feeling much better about yourself. I am inspired by the 15 pounds and I hope to go for a walk today. I keep saying it is too cold out to start walking today (it is 3 degrees out right now). Maybe I will just go for a short 10 minute walk because it is better than nothing. I definitely want to start walking more. I love to walk and think. Thanks for being such an inspirations and good luck continuing to work on your dreams. :)
    ~Jess

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  5. So very true. Nothing wrong with idle dreams, but it is important to realize that action makes the difference between dreams and goals. Dreams seldom come true until they become goals.

    I remember once saying to C, "I wish I could play guitar". BIGGGGG mistake. While my wish was sincere, my desire to put it to deed was decidedly lacking. I may wish to KNOW how to play, but I have no desire to learn it. Like being in shape, if you do not make that effort, then you won't get there. I admire your action.

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  6. I am such a big procastinator & in my case many a times I am held back bcoz things r nt working the way they shud in my life.. bt each day is a different day & we can only hope to get better.. I wish I loose some weight as well & in my case its diff coz of a medical problem... keep going Launna.. Happy Weekend !!!!

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  7. I think that it's not important how much time you need to get or break an habit, but your will to accept it as routine! If you start hinking that after 21 days you can relax, well it'll easy to come back to your habits of the past... For me, you should only think to the present! ;)
    xxx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

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  8. I really enjoyed this post and it made me think a lot. I really need to get back on track!

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  9. Absolutely right Launna, it's just a dream if you won't put a work on it. I'm so happy that all your hardwork has paidoff. You can simply reach your dreams if you put your heart on it. :) thank you for this post Launna, you're an inspiration. Keep going!

    Best regards,
    Rica
    www.switbbydoll.com

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  10. Great post Launa. You are absolutely right about working hard at your goals. You are a great example of some one who has dreams and who knows how to work at them. Take care of yourself and keep inspiring every one.

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  11. Great inspiring post Launna. I totally agree with you. Dreams stay dreams until we ourselves make those dreams come true!
    Beautetude

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  12. So true, Luanna, we need to work on our goals and ourselves. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  13. Well, I think new good habits can be started in 21 days, but for me, it takes far longer than that for them to become new knee-jerk reactions. Persistence is the key.

    Good luck, except luck has nothing to do with it. I KNOW you can do this!

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  14. You have already walked on your dreams. You have almost done it. Our dreams are indeed just a matter of how we do it, not just dreaming it as you said. Nice and inspiring post.

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  15. Hello Launna,

    I've never make or break anything for 21 days and maybe I should try that too. 14 hours and 50 miles sound like good progress! Losing 15 pounds too. Take baby steps and soon you will find walking part and parcel of life and it would be a lot easier to keep up with it.

    It is great to dream every now and then but even better to make that dream a reality. Hope you continue to feel inspired to make the change and get the results that you want.


    RYC:
    Hey Launna. You are one of those whose comments I would always look forward to reading coz they are so sweet and well-thought out. I would never have guess that you wrote them on your commutes to and fro work and home. I wished I could do more with my commute time. I would get dizzy typing too much in moving transport except for on the MRT (subway). I could only read and scroll apps like Facebook and Instagram, like like like and type short comments. I would also take this time to reply to WhatsApp and sms from friends. But for blogs and emails, I love to sit down proper at the laptop and type from there. The past few days, my modem is down and I could only use my phone. Hence, all blog stuff was left aside. And yes, sometimes we do need the nights off.

    I think it is ok to own many shades of nail polish simply because they are nail polish. Haha... Am I making any sense here? I would have guess that your comment is definitely way thoughtful than those who gave you short cursory ones coz of your good-natured personality.

    Jo
    Jo's Jumbled Jardinière

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  16. 3 weeks to make good habits and break bad ones huh? I didn't know that :-) But now that I think of it it kinda makes sense. Whenever I'm trying to detox from overindulging in chocolate it takes me a while to get used to it but then it starts to feel easy.

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  17. Amazing, i love your beautiful blog!!!

    WWW.ANGELICHIC.COM

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  18. Challenge is always hard but its doable. We just enjoy the process overtime because it leads to the result we desire. And within that process you learn things and change things that might have been the problem before but you never really tackled it. So good on you and it takes time :)

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  19. These are lovely quotes. Perfect to start new year with :)

    http://everythingthatclicks.blogspot.com

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  20. I absolutely agree with you dear. I'm trying my challenge this year
    =)
    kss
    new post: http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com.es/

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  21. I've held fast to my outdoor excuses but I have at least worked out in the house. I did it Monday thru Friday this past week which was excellent for me. Well Friday I actually got to get a walk in outside. It was so wonderful, it seems like we have been under a cloud since the beginning of the year. When the sun came out I didn't realize how much I needed it or that walk outside. Cheers!

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  22. Nice post, we always have to challenge ourselves for an evolution! Have a great week Launna.

    http://ladyparisienne.fr

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  23. The easiest way to break a habit is by creating a new one! Its true we should stop making excuses and just work for it. Have a great start of the week Launna. xo

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  24. Hi sweet Launna,
    I think that the challenge is always hard but if you want, you can. I know you're a wonderful person, and that you can overcome any challenge that you propose.
    Maggie D.
    Fashion Blog Maggie Dallospedale fashion diary

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  25. keep working hard, Launna, it will pay off!! :)

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  26. One thing I learned in Weight Watchers was, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten." I try to think of that when I'm tempted to go down the same bad path--but food tastes SO good, it's hard!

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  27. Hi my lovely Launna. You're doing fine and to follow what your goal is and that's super power:). You must have been proud what you have been doing. So positive of how you've got your 21 days as the good side. I've never heard about the good and bad 21 days:). Thanks for the great educated Launna. Congrats on the success on your walking and that lost quite of weight there. Wow that's awesome you Launna. Me and the boys are doing better but the coughing still going around us and it's bothering me when I heard the boys coughing so do i. Thank you for keeps us on your prayer Launna. I wish you and Valentina are doing well and have a great new week ahead to you two. :) Hugs.

    Tanya

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  28. Oh..I loved that about putting in the work..which isn't easy, but as they say..take one day at a time. All the best!

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  29. Well done, Launna. Go on like that. You're stronger than you think. Have a lovely week!

    Jasmine ♥♥♥

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  30. I love this Launna - "a dream without work is just a dream". So true! I love that you are taking each day and pushing yourself - something I'm working on as well. Hope you have a wonderful week!

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  31. Wow ! You explained it so aptly. Yes Indeed Dreams without a determination to do hard work and slog doesn't deserve us to bring a change in our lives. 18th days, so that's just 3 days short. I am sure you can do anything and everything once the will is developed. I am also on the path to be fit and healthy by exercising daily. Hope I achieve the same. All the best dear

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  32. Congrats on the 20 days of going strong!! I just added the two days that have passed since you posted this :)
    Hope things are going really well for you Launna! Dedication is key and you are an inspiration x

    www.bohemianmuses.blogspot.com

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  33. Love this! Reminds me of the saying, "Dreams don't work unless you do"!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  34. Hi Launna, you're right, dreams don't work unless we do. I've never heard of the 21 days rule, but it's such a good idea that I'm planning to start on a good habit and quit bad ones with it. :) It must be your 20th day today, and it's one more day to reach the 21st. With your consistent perseverance and will power, I'm sure you can do it. :)

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  35. congratulations. you go girl xoxo

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  36. Many years ago, I ran across the concept of paying attention to repetitive moments. When a specific thought continues to crop up in your line of vision, that is usually a hint, a nudge, a little whisper from God/Universe/Spirit for you to take heed, do some investigating, and give thought to embracing something new. I smiled to read that your personal goals aligned to the degree that when you went to church, you received a moment of repetitive encouragement! Very cool! I also love how good you are being to yourself with your current goals and spiritual journey. Yes, life will throw distractions and delays in your path, and if you're realistic and continue to be kind and loving towards yourself, you'll know that it's all part of the process and you'll pick back up and stay on track. When you get distracted, you'll forgive yourself and jump right back in when you're ready. All of those behaviors are imminently healthy and good for you. Keep smiling, chickadee! <3

    - Dawn

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  37. Good for you! Anyone can have a dream, but it takes conscientious hard work to make a dream come true. I guess you could say you're "living the dream"...

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  38. Fifteen pounds is fantastic! I am so proud of you for holding yourself accountable! Must add I love your thoughts on religion and I feel the same way about politics. Those beliefs are personal and I don't want anyone else shoving their beliefs down my throat! So thank you!!!

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  39. Sounds like you're still going strong, and a big high five to you, and a big hurrah for it!! Still going strong over here too... even making strides, woot!! I love progress. :)

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  40. Faith without action is dead. :)
    Keep dreaming and keep acting on it, Launna!

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  41. Getting up and showing up is a big part of the battle. Great post.
    R

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  42. Well said, Launna! I know you have the determination to keep at it and make those dreams happen. :)

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  43. Good night Launna:). I just wanted to stopping by real quick and say hello to you :). I wish you a wonderful day and that week ahead sweet Launna. Xox

    Thanks for your lovely words and prayer:)
    Tanya

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  44. Topic of the post itself is simply inspiring~ We need to have determination~

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  45. Hello my dear Launna!! It's been so so long!! It's been a crazy week so far from me, and as I am typing this, I am literally falling asleep, so typing errors would be inherent. :( And upon reading your post, it made me reflect about my own life, and about the habits that I should pick up (but haven't due to my laziness.) Being busy is an excuse. I mean, if you can go for a walk every single day, and that too in freezing temperatures, then I do not think anyone should have an excuse to not do their things. And like I always say Launna, sometimes, things happen for a reason. You may not know the reason right now, but sooner or later, you would undertsand why they are happening. Please always, just always be positive anf never give yo@@@ We are looking up to you :D

    http://anshul90.com

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  46. Wow, congrats on your fitness goal and the hard work you are putting into it! I am on a quest to get fit myself, and I am doing it first through good nutrition. Fruits and veggies are becoming my best friends. I am also going to start working out little by little. You are a great inspiration!

    xx,
    Tania
    http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/

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  47. Hi dear Launna! I am very proud of you. You are such a strong person! I know that if you want something, you can always reach it. Sometimes it takes time. But one day.. you will get at that point! Keep up the good work.

    xoxo
    www.its-dash.com

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  48. I love that last quote 'Dreaming is good but if you don't put the work in, it is just a dream...' and good for you to get our there when it's so cold in the middle of winter to walk for hours. Definitely sounds like the hard work is paying off and I've always read different numbers about how many days it takes to break a habit so definitely keep me posted how long it takes. :)

    xoDale

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  49. I wish you a nice day lovely and send you many positive energy for the upcoming challenges :)

    See you Launna xx

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  50. Amiga continue não pare que tudo esta dando certo e vai ser um sucesso
    as suas espequitativa,
    Novo vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/user/NekitaReis/channel
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br

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  51. You can be really proud of yourself Launna, I know from experience how hard is to exercise when it's cold and snowy and slippery outside... Amazing job!

    Bella Pummarola

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  52. Congrats on sticking to your goal. Your determination paid off with your weight loss. Very well deserved!!

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  53. Hello my dear Launna!!! Thank you so so much for feeling that way when you see my comments. I feel exactly the same way! I get so touched when I read your comments!! We are miles apart..but I am so so glad and happy for the internet that I got to meet a person like you!! A beautiful person inside out, might I add. And thank you for sending over your love..I completely agree with you that it's easy said that done, and I will take your advice on slowing down a little. I have become far too tired. Of everything.

    http://anshul90.com

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  54. so proud of you sweety!!!
    wish you a wonderful rest of the week!

    <3

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  55. Launna you should be SUPER proud of yourself. It's not always easy to stick with goals. You are a very inspiring person. I've always felt that way. I look forward to following all of your future journeys :)

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  56. hi sweet Launna, your post are always cute
    i'm back online with a a new blog and new outfit
    i wait you
    http://tr3ndygirl.com
    kiss

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  57. Dream is the base of success!

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  58. I agree with you dear Launna, failure is normal aspect of life but the trick is not to give up on your dreams.
    www.effortlesslady.com

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  59. Yay for good habits! I've been working on two: drinking way more water than usual (ridiculous amounts to stay healthy with this pregnancy) and eating more veges. HUGE challenge when the kids and hubby raid the fridge before I even realize what they're doing. Regardless, success comes through perseverance. 18 days and counting. Keep at it!

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  60. I'm very happy, Launna, that you're doing such a great work on you :)))
    I'm trying to do a little exercise as well (Pilates for my aching back :), sometimes it's hard, I'd prefer to sleep, but it's necessary...
    A big hug from Italy!

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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  61. So true. We have to keep pushing hard at our dreams to help make them a reality.

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  62. Have a nice day Launna. Stay positive and motivated always. xo

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  63. Amiga passando para ti deseja um dia maravilhoso
    Novo vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/user/NekitaReis/channel
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br

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  64. PRAY, TRYING AND RESIGNATION

    form indonesian blogger http;//johansanjaya.blogspot.com

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  65. so truueeeee a dream will remain a dream forever unless you do something about it =) thanks for the visit.. New post on my blog: ANotSoSecretLife keep in touch =)

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  66. A dream without work it's just a dream but we work a lot so we will get good things. We are better now that a time ago. Have a great day dear!

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  67. great post!!

    http://amandachic.com/
    http://amandachic.com/

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  68. Launna <3

    It really can be hard to stay on track all the time and you know, we are only human so we will fall off our wagons but we just gotta jump right back on. :)

    You have just reminded me how much I too need to start living the life I always wanted, positively of course. hehe And to never give up.

    I do wish the absolute best for you this year. This is your year to shine through and I am so proud of you with your walking !!!! SO PROUD ! :)

    Hope the coming weekend is a very lovely one <3
    xx

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  69. Great paragraph - thanks

    " Life and challenges are going to get in the way, I am going to have to make the decision each and everyday I wake up to keep the commitment I have made to myself. Of course it will not be easy, of course I will fail from time to time but I am not allowing the minor failures to take away from my successes. I used to sit and dream of the life I wanted, now I get up and work for that dream daily. Dreaming is good but if you don't put the work in, it is just a dream..."

    All the best Jan

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  70. you know I am beginning to believe that it takes 21 days to break a habit lol... I love sugar and i've tried and tried to not consume hot chocolate and sugary drinks but it's very difficult at times... and yeah I've fallen off the wagon many times but I do think that perhaps overall I am consuming less? anyway, it's the journey not the destination right? take care!!

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  71. your posts are always so positive and inspiring!♥

    www.Lorietta.cz

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  72. That's great, Launna! i'm so happy that you keep pushing yourself. It's hard--there are good days and bad days, days we don't want to do anything. We have to remind ourselves of your post title--a dream without work is just a dream!
    It's something I've come to realize, as well. I can dream, but there's no point if I'm not willing to work hard and put in all the effort.
    Congrats on losing the weight! You are so determined and positive! xx

    And thank you as always for your sweet comments..you are a truly kind blogger. During these tiring days it's nice to remember words like those that people have faith in me! <3

    God Bless!

    MJ // www.littlepandacrafts.blogspot.com

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  73. Desire to change must be greater than desire to stay same, I totally agree with you my dear Launna and it feels so good to read bout such motivating and positive things specially when you have a baby inside ;)
    And I really happy that you are still going strong and achieving what you want!! :)

    Love
    Charu

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  74. Lovely post
    have a nice day

    New post in
    Www.miharujulie.com

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  75. Hello,
    I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blog award. If you accept it, please check the details on my blog.

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  76. Have a relaxing weekend Launna. xo <3

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  77. Hi Launna! How have you been! I was a little out of social media for a few days because of a viral fever and its so good to return back to your lovely comments! Have a lovely day!
    Xx,
    Nilu Yuleena
    BIG hair LOUD mouth

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  78. I love the quotes you use. Awesome. Launna...wishing you an amazing day and sending a ton of hugs.

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  79. Your post always inspires me and encourages me to try more and to be a better me.Am glad to hear that you are sticking to your exercise routine and that you can already see results.

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  80. I feel like this beautiful post comes perfectly in time for me. What you wrote here made me realize I should also cross that line between dreaming and actually going for it. I admire you for having the strenght to do this, and I truly thank you for sharing this with us, you're inspiring me to do the same with my personal goals and dreams. THANK YOU
    xx

    http://www.stylebydeb.com

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  81. O aroma daquele perfume é muito gostoso! *.*

    Aqui no Brasil o calor está demais. Nem ventilador resolve o clima abafado daqui!

    Fico feliz em ler que você está motivada. É isso aí! Continue focada nos seus objetivos e corra sempre atrás do que você quer!

    Ótima sexta, Launna!

    Beijo! ^^

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  82. Love this Launna! I am a firm believer in this 21 day change habit thing as if you can get through to day 21, anything is possible! I have also made changes to my eating habits, and am working out again to add muscle back to my body as I was so frail for so long. It's hard and somedays I just don't feel like eating much, but I force myself to knowing I will not gain muscle if I don't eat properly. Thanks so much for your lovely words last night by the way! I love hearing from you! I am feeling much better also and the weather hasn't been too bad. In the 30's a lot, which is fine by me as I can still get outside and not freeze and get fresh air comfortably. I actually have a weekend kid free, which is going to give me total peace of mind. LOL! Have a great weekend dear!
    xoxo, Pip

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  83. I wish you a relax and blessed weekend my dearest Launna. My cold was gone but now is flu going on with me. I was throwing up a few times after I had finished my yesterday post. Thanks for always prays for us. I'm pretty much been eating healthy as always but since I got the boys seems we always sick. I'm tired of being sick I guess the boys must feel the same way:). I'm glad to hear your exercising is going great and keep doing that Launna. Do it for me too. My husband is doing the same as you're doing now. I'm helping him with providing healthy and light meals :) for his daily eating:). Good night and thank you so much for stopping by and always kind and sweet words dear Launna. Hugs.
    Tanya.

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  84. I'd like to recommend to you to read "Wishcraft" of Barbara Sher. You'll like it!
    Margo Raffaelli

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  85. I don't know if I can make habits, sometimes 21 days seems so long. I use a lot of scarves in winter, almost none in summer. Did you get any scarf? xoxo

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  86. I wonder if that's true...? That is takes 21 days to make or break a habit??? Hmmm... - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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I love and appreciate all genuine comments, to save a little time, I won't be commenting on the comments on my blog (unless you don't have a blog), I will just visit your blog and comment there, if you have left a meaningful comment for me... I would much rather spend the time reading and commenting on a few extra blogs ❤