staying motivated

Do you have that problem?  I do.  I have so many ways I want to live now, that sometimes it is difficult to continue to go against the grain.  I go to the grocery store and want to buy paper towels, even though we haven't used paper towels in a couple of years.  I walk by all the convenience foods, and I think that it wouldn't be so bad if I just bought pre-made bread and yogurt and waffles...Do I really need to explain one more time that my daughter does not like meat, and why I am OK with that?  Sometimes I just want to throw in the towel and take the easy way out.  

Then I start going through the reasons why I eat and preserve fresh food from the garden and farmers' market.  Why I buy a CSA share.  Why we got rid of all the paper in the house (except books of course) a couple years ago.  Why we eat a mainly vegetarian diet.  Why we don't always buy the latest and greatest, and instead try to make toys for the kids.  It is healthier, better for the environment, and cheaper than the norm.

It definitely is not easier. Remembering to soak the beans overnight so that I can have beans the next day.  Remembering to start the bread by 9am or we will not be having it for lunch.  Remembering to get to the farmers' market for eggs, otherwise we will have to make do with the two that are left in our fridge for the next week.  Remembering to get the diapers in the wash first thing in the morning, otherwise they won't be dry when I need them this afternoon.  Hanging my laundry instead of putting it in the drier.  It ends up being an extremely full day.  Rewarding, but full.

So what keeps you motivated to continue on your journey?  Do you have bumps in the road and days where you want to throw in the towel?