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!
Why do kids have so much energy? I am a believer that they store it in their feet. What? Yes. I declare that kids have all their energy in those tiny feet that tickle them to make them want to run every day and every where they go. I want that kind of energy and know I will find it soon. I get close to this when I work out. Following a workout, if I ache or if I am sore, I am reminded that my body is changing and my energy level will be a little higher. One day I will have high energy, just like my kids.
Bottom line, I am looking at all life in a different perspective more now. Perhaps after reading this, you will too!
Item #404: Be contagious. Reflect happiness and positive vibes.
I love your guts!
I am Catholic. The Bible has been read to me my entire life at church. This week is one of the holiest of weeks in the Catholic religion. We prepare for the death and resurrection of Christ, I reflect back on myself to identify my weakness and how I can make changes to become a better human being.
I made a list. (Who is shocked?)
- Live as an example for my children and others around me.
- Have a mantra to live by. Be good. Do good. Smile.
- Be respectful of all living things.
- Stop and smell the flowers. All too often, we are on a mission to get things done to move onto the next thing. Appreciate the chaos and revel in the mysteries of nature.
- Choose those around you wisely. They should reflect your spirit.
- We are all destined to expire. Some have expired too soon and it makes us ache. Embrace the ache and take the good from the experience with that person.
- Remember that some rooms at work have timers to shut off lights. Know when you are in one of those rooms and wave your arms in the air to let there be light.
- Stand in the rain and feel it on your skin. Let your kids or pets do it with you, it's just water.
- Smell the pizza. Do not eat the pizza. (Change out the word pizza for another food item that is not fuel for your body.)
- Drink more water and less caffeine.
- Hug your family and friends when you are departing.
- Give a dollar to someone in need. You never know what kind of day they had until that moment.
- Smile.
Item #002: Love yourself first before you can love others...and don't be a big baby!
I love your guts!
