Since last June, I have consistently worked out with a group of Divas from work. We started the commitment with a few of us being breast cancer survivors and the additional two Divas supported our journey to fight to be fit. I am the last survivor standing, along with my Diva sisters that support me. However, we all support each other and have grown to learn more about each other and meet our personal fitness goals. This morning, our trainer was out of town, but she sent us a workout for us to do. We got the hour of time in and got our sweat on in full force. These ladies have been here to support me and watch me change over the last twelve months. I am lucky to have them not judge me for not looking spunky every morning at 6:30. They are there to push me to do better and we love to laugh and question some of these "made up" exercises. Everything is in good fun.
The last fourteen months, I learned to be more aware of how much of being a survivor is living and embracing the moment and to laugh through the sweaty times.
I love your guts!
My three month check up last month went well, or so I thought. Dense tissue and pockets of cysts leads me to more appointments. Thursday I see my surgeon to get an opinion of what she recommends based on MRI results. I am optimistic even though I'm scared on the inside. I do not want to have another surgery. One should not have to endure this much, but with HIS guiding hand, I know I will be fine. Plus, I have some of the best family and friends supporting me.
Work is keeping me on my toes and my mind occupied. I am blessed to have work and be challenged every day.
Summer break is almost over and kids have had one memorable summer: Disneyworld, first time on an airplane, Brett got braces and lots of swimming. Once school begins, Madison will have her birthday and soccer season will gear up for her, too.
I am still working out six sessions a week and eating healthy. I work hard to make good food choices and laugh often. Take a look at this sign and chat among your friends about why this would be in a parking lot. Really? Seventeen miles per hour? Who drives that slow? And why seventeen? Was the number five all gone and they had extra sevens? Oh, I could go on for hours.
I love your guts!
I know it has been over a month since I posted. I have been busy trying to do it all. Everything. Soaking in life's moments. Pushing through challenges and getting through to the other side.
Where do I begin? I signed up to be an Ava Anderson consultant. Yes, like I need one more thing on my calendar. However, I am VERY passionate about sharing Ava's message to drive awareness of the toxins in our daily personal care products. Ava's statement resonates with me and drives me to talk to as many people as possible. "We do not share this message about harmful and toxic chemicals to sell products, we created the products to share the message." Ava Anderson
The kids have been at summer day camp at one of the neighborhood child care centers. Brett realizes that he's learning while on summer vacation and says he needs a real vacation. Well, they are a couple of days away from finding out that they are going on a trip of a lifetime...Disney. I can hardly contain myself as the day draws near for us to take off. Not only do I need a break from work, but I want to spend every moment enjoying their experience.
Work is still 100mph. I am learning new things about content marketing and think being uncomfortable is OK. Sure, I would like to be comfortable and know everything, but that is when I lose interest. Glad I have the opportunity to learn and grow, professionally.
I am feeling strong. Still working out seven sessions a week. Rest days are Wednesday and Sunday. I am not sure if personal training sessions are great or just plain crazy, but they seem to be working for me. I am pushed to my limit and beyond. I am not a quitter and have to remind myself that I am luckier than most because I am mobile and flexible. I am told that I am competitive and I say, "No. I just like to win." My response is always met with a chuckle. Perspective. If yours is not so positive, then you have the power to change.
Item #808: Do something different today. Order water today, instead of your regular drink. Eat more green items (not Jolly Ranchers) in your meals today. When you change one thing for the better, you may feel good. Try it, you might just like it more than you think.
I love your guts!
We all have strength within us and the ability to make the impossible, possible. The power to choose determines whether or not if we will dig deep enough inside to see if we can achieve a goal. This morning during my work out, I had an epiphany. I can do more than I thought and the only thing holding me back was the fear of failing. Well, I am not graded or judged on how many times I can do a sit up, push up or squat. In the grand scheme of things, these are just body movements that keep me healthy and continue to fuel my strength. When I want something bad enough, I move mountains to make it happen because there is a deep desire inside of me. I know I am strong because I push to go further and smile big when I get one step closer to my goal. When I get to my goal, it is time to set another. This is a cycle in my life that I am happy to repeat. There is no bad result that comes from setting these goals.
I am reminded of a conversation I had with my Grandmother many years ago. She said that it does not matter what others say about you. They cannot judge you. You are the one that has to be happy with your choices because you are the only one staring back at you in the mirror. When you are no longer smiling in the mirror, then you have to make a change and only you can decide what your next step. I miss her terribly.
Item #770: Decide to make one small change. This change will make a difference and you will feel better and encouraged to make another. Soon, you will see that many things are different because all of those small changes made a difference.
I love your guts!
