Journal Prompt :: Day 32

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What qualities do you admire most about your best friend?

I woke up like this (hahaha)!

It's a good day to celebrate!!

If you live close to me, you are probably rolling your eyes and making faces. It is rainy and dreary. The sun has not made an appearance for several days and it is pretty chilly outside. And for goodness sake, we couldn't even see the Blood Moon on Sunday! There doesn't seem to be anything to celebrate.

Well, I think you're wrong. I'm choosing to see the miracles today. (This is not an every day occurrence. I struggle at times with finding joy, but I'm feeling very determined.) Here is my list of reasons THIS DAY is amazing and incredible!

• I woke up breathing this morning, just as I have for the last 12,418 days. I know this number because today is my birthday, the day God chose to breathe life into me.
• I'm pretty sure this means I get to eat cake, as well!
• I want for nothing. Seriously, there is nothing I really need right now.
• I got to pray today. No one has taken that right away from me.
• I had an awesome run this morning. Lacing up my Sauconys and jumping through puddles with my friend was so much fun!
• There was a barbell in my hands today. If you don't lift, I know that last sentence sounds like Mandarin to you (if you speak Mandarin, I apologize profusely!) If you lift, enough said.
• Tim Horton's Pumpkin Spice Muffin. Need I say more?
• My husband wrote a long and extremely beautiful post on my Facebook wall. I don't know how he loves me like he does, but I am SO grateful!
• C, E, and L. My children are strong, intelligent individuals with generous hearts. I could not ask for more!
• After 34 years, I have found the most giving, loving and hysterical friends on the planet. These girls make everything better, even if it took forever to find them.
• My coach. I can't even talk about her without crying. She has changed my life. Love her forever!
• And finally, this is the healthiest I've ever been. EVER. Duh, that's a reason to celebrate all the time!

What are you going to celebrate today? Find at least one thing, or pick something from my list to celebrate. Today IS a good day to be alive. There's always good, sometimes we just have to look a little harder to find it!

C E L E B R A T E  T O D A Y!!!

Journal Prompt :: Day 31

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What does your ideal birthday look like? (Today is my birthday! Celebrate for me!!!)

Journal Prompt :: Day 30

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


If you had one night with no consequences, what would you do?

Journal Prompt :: Day 29

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What is your favorite movie and why?

We're coming into the homestretch!

That title may be a tiny exaggeration, but we are more than halfway through these 8 weeks. I hope you are still going strong. You KNOW you have it inside you... you just need to believe it!

Sunday 9/27	Monday 9/28	Tuesday 9/29	Wednesday 9/30	Thursday 10/1	Friday 10/2	Saturday 10/3
Rest	25 min walk	Rest	25 min walk	Rest	2.5 mile walk	50-60 min walk

On your rest days, make sure to stretch your legs and drink plenty of water. If you have questions on stretches, let me know. I'd be glad to help!

Journal Prompt :: Day 28

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What kind of pets did you have growing up? What kind do you wish you had?

Journal Prompt :: Day 27

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What one thing have you always wanted to learn or try?

Journal Prompt :: Day 26

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


Where is your favorite place to travel?

Journal Prompt :: Day 25

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


If you could call anyone (living or deceased) for 5 minutes right now, who would you call?

"This year was pretty good!"

My husband sent me a text today. "Plan for dinner for your birthday?" I smiled and a tear fell down my cheek. He doesn't always remember dates. No, this is not a husband-bashing fest. My hubby is an amazing spouse and dad, he works so hard at his job, and does everything he can for our family. He loves God first so he can love us better. He just isn't particularly good with dates, and that's alright. So that fact that I was receiving this message a week in advance made me smile.

I told him I didn't have any major plans and that we might not be able to celebrate on the actual day (Dear Grandma residing in heaven, I know that it doesn't count if you don't celebrate on the DAY itself, but I promise I'm okay with it... and we'll still have cake. And I'll make someone sing to me. Love and miss you!) Then I told him to tell me the next year won't be too bad. And in his calming way he said, "You know, this year was pretty good!" And you know what? He is right.

The last year has actually been amazing. Since my last birthday, we renewed our vows. I completed my first 5k. I ran outside in the snow for the first time. I didn't overeat at Thanksgiving. (Say WHAT?!?) I started tap dancing. I found an intense passion for lifting. I completed two mud runs and didn't die. I fit back into my wedding dress 11 years and three children later. I won my first medal. Ever. I agreed to teach dance classes. I was a coach for an incredible half marathon training team. I completed a ropes course. I wore a bathing suit on the beach for the first time in years. If you ask me, that sounds like a pretty kick@$$ year, right?! So why am I so worried about the next year?



Sometimes it takes another person to give you perspective things. It is so easy to forget our blessings, to get so caught up in the chaos, the busyness, the ugly parts of our lives that we overlook the happiness, the crazy, silly giggles, the hard-won battles that demonstrated resiliency. I almost think we are programmed NOT to celebrate ourselves because it can appear conceited. But I disagree. It's healthy and necessary to be healthy and happy!

So this year, I vow to be more present... to my children, my husband, my friends. I want to listen twice as much as I speak. I want to pray over my family before bed each night (an old habit I recently let slip from my routine). I promise to find more things to be grateful for and less reasons to complain. I will reframe my thinking and turn my bad days into good ones as often as possible.

What opportunity is waiting for you in the next year? Before the end of 2015? Before your next birthday? Or the next season?

Journal Prompt :: Day 24

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What was the first thing you did this morning after you woke up? (If you don't like what you did, what would you like to do tomorrow morning?)

Journal Prompt :: Day 23

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


If you could be anything you wanted, what is your dream job?

Journal Prompt :: Day 22

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


Which is least important to you -- money, power, or fame -- and why?

Journal Prompt :: Day 21

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What do you want to tell your 10 year old self?

Week four

This week marks the half-way point on this journey. I am so proud of you for giving it a try and doing what you probably didn't think was possible in the beginning.

While you are walking this week, I want you to spend that time dreaming big. What do you really want from life? What makes you supremely happy? Who do you want to spend your time with?

Sunday 9/20	Monday 9/21	Tuesday 9/22	Wednesday 9/23	Thursday 9/24	Friday 9/25	Satuday 9/26
Rest	20 min walk	Rest	20 min walk	Rest	2.25 mile walk	45-60 min walk

I hope you know how strong you are... I certainly do!!!

Journal Prompt :: Day 20

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What season is your favorite and why?

Journal Prompt :: Day 19

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What is your favorite color and why?

Journal Prompt :: Day 18

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What is your favorite childhood memory?

True strength

This post is serious and very heart-felt. Thank you for reading...

I lifted heavy this morning. I emptied my tank and gave it all I had. I pushed through aches and pains, the voices in my head that told me to quit much earlier, the bumps and bruises from a challenging weekend, and even the tears. By the last rep, I knew I was done. But that doesn't really matter today. What matters more is that I showed up. You see, mental illness is part of my life. Every day. Sometimes, it's quiet and I almost forget it is even there. Other days, the struggle is so hard that I don't even get out of bed. Fortunately, those days are very uncommon anymore. But it is still a piece of me.

When people see me out and about, they assume that everything is great because my body is in good physical shape. I rarely go anywhere without my happy face -- that's just part of who I am. Only those who have been friends with me for a while or those who have worked their way into my inner circle really know the battles I fight all the time. And I know there are many others who struggle as well. So, this post is really for them.

In the end, it doesn't really matter what the number is on the scale. It doesn't matter if you have huge biceps or scrawny legs. Taking care of your mental health must be your top priority. If that means you have to take time off, eliminate some of your daily activities, seek professional help, take medication or even just find a friend you can confide in, please know that there is nothing weak about admitting your need for help. You are only as sick as your secrets. Don't be afraid to bring them to the light.

Journal Prompt :: Day 17

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What does your ideal day look like?

Journal Prompt :: Day 16

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What one thing can you give away today?

Journal Prompt :: Day 15

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What mood were you in today?

Third times a charm

Here we go. This is a new week. Let's rock it!!!

Sunday 9/13	Monday 9/14	Tuesday 9/15	Wednesday 9/16	Thursday 9/17	Friday 9/18	Saturday 9/19
Rest	20 min walk	Rest	20 min walk	Rest	2 mile walk	40-60 min walk

Journal Prompt :: Day 14

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What did I do that was difficult today?

Journal Prompt :: Day 13

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What do I feel certain about today?

Journal Prompt :: Day 12

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What do I wish I could stop doing today?

Laundry and perfection

I'm not writing about fitness today. Nothing in this post will talk about ways to lose weight or build muscle. Today, I am just going to be me.

Once I got the kids off to school today, I looked around the living room and tears filled my eyes. Laundry. Everywhere. The laundry that was invading my couches was clean, but some of it was folded, some in piles, mismatched socks hanging off the cushions, etc. My gaze moved to the laundry room (our downstairs bathroom) and I saw three more hampers of dirty clothes. I know there are much bigger problems in the world other than my laundry issues, but I felt so stuck. I'm still amazed at how many dirty clothes our family can make... one workout fan, one nurse, and three dancers (comprised of a teen and two pre-teens.)

I took a deep breath and sat down. Why am I allowing this laundry to overwhelm me at 8am?! Because I feel like nothing I am currently doing is enough. I am juggling so many different things, but none of them at the level of success I demand from myself. But guess who knows this about me? One, maybe two people. I hold myself to this impossible standard, one that no one could possibly reach let alone sustain. And just as those words are typed on my screen, I want to delete them. If people know that I am not perfect, without blemish or struggle, they won't like me. Ha! It sounds even more ridiculous when it leaves my head. As all of these thoughts raced around this morning, I sat down on the floor in the middle of the living room. We have dirty laundry because I do workout regularly. We have dirty laundry because my husband works hard every day to support us. We have dirty laundry because our kids are healthy, they run around, they pirouette and tap and love life. And it's okay for me to struggle. That's part of living and learning and figuring out what is really important. I think other people need to know it's okay, too.

When you feel like you aren't good enough, strong enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or just enough, know that you aren't alone. And those thoughts... they aren't the truth. The beauty of life is that we don't always have to have it all together, and showing what may feel like a weakness to us can empower someone else in healthy, beautiful ways.

You will never be perfect. And that's perfect!

Journal Prompt :: Day 11

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What did I avoid today?

Journal Prompt :: Day 10

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What feels good today?

Journal Prompt :: Day 9

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


Who blessed my life today?

Journal Prompt :: Day 8

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What made me laugh today?

The first mile is a liar

If you spend some time around runners, you'll eventually hear them say, "The first mile is a liar." For the longest time, I couldn't figure out what that the heck they were talking about. Translation: You will want to quit during the first mile. Nine times out of ten. Your body will hate you and revolt. But after the first mile, it gets better.

Last week was the first week of a new adventure. We started slow and we will build gradually. This week, you get to add on to that first mile, the one where you aren't sure you can keep going. But I believe in you, and you should try it, too!

Sunday 9/6	Monday 9/7	Tuesday 9/8	Wednesday 9/9	Thursday 9/10	Friday 9/11	Saturday 9/12
Rest	15 min walk	Rest	15 min walk	Rest	1.75 mile walk	35-60 min walk

Make this week incredible! 

Journal Prompt :: Day 7

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What am I wishing for today?

Rest, sweet rest

Rest. Most people love that word. They take advantage of it as much as possible. They might even fantasize about it during the week. To me, it's almost a curse word. I don't like to rest from life or working out. I've gotten into a routine. I like to be busy. It eliminates the time for me to be bored. But last night was a different story.

My rest days during the week are typically Sundays and Wednesdays. I work at my church Sunday mornings, so I'm up early and out the door before anyone else is awake. I play piano, direct my choirs, sing, worship and pray. By the time I get home around noon, I don't feel like I have rested, but I skip the gym and relax with my family. That counts as rest. On Wednesdays, I alternate between BodyFlow (a mix of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates) and Zumba. I forego running and take it easy. Yes, that also counts as my rest.

This week has been a little flip-flopped since my kids started school. So, yesterday was going to be more of a resting day than usual... just a quick gym workout in the morning, but I would force myself not to lift in the evening. I sat down last night, antsy and anxious. "I should be doing something. Maybe I could just lift for a little bit. Or walk around the block. I wonder who else is at the gym?"  And like a swift wind, the thoughts left my mind and I sunk into my bed. I deserve rest. This is how my body repairs and how my mind refreshes. I completed nothing last night. I watched some TV and allowed myself to simply be still.

When I woke up this morning, I felt amazing. I went to the gym and felt strong. I tackled project after project today, crossed everything off of my to-do list and made it a pretty freaking incredible Friday. If I had neglected that rest yesterday, I don't think I would have felt this good.

Take time to rest. Respect the process. Allow your body time to repair and recover. Then get back at it.

Journal Prompt :: Day 6

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What is scaring me today?

Journal Prompt :: Day 5

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What leaves me in awe today?

Journal Prompt :: Day 4

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What one thing do I wish I could change about my body?

31:25

White flag. No more. I'm just done. Thanks.

We all have those days. You know the ones. Sometimes you are aware of it the moment you open your eyes (or maybe before). Sometimes if takes an hour or two and then everything just.... BLAH! I am certain that I am not the only one who feels this way, and unfortunately, today was just one of those days.

Once things started going wrong (and by wrong I mean really flipping bad), I caved to the easiest reaction. Fear. For so long, I have allowed fear to be a deterrent, backing away from opportunity after opportunity because of fear. The fear of failure. The fear of success. The fear of abandonment. Disappointment. Freedom. You name it, I am afraid of it.

I'm learning that fear does not always need to rule my life. And I have found some incredible ways to use it as a motivator. However, today, I allowed it (yes, it was a choice) to overcome me. I got to the point where I couldn't take a deep breath. I was almost convinced that there was no hope left, and while this sounds exaggerated, some minds are more powerful than others. And then I saw it. The mirror.

Elle est forte. 31:25

My right shoulder is permanently marked with that phrase and those numbers. The translation? She is strong. The origin? The bible. Proverbs 31:25. "She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future." WITHOUT. No fear. Laughing. I am stronger than those fears, whether they bring up old memories or they are hidden in the unknown of what is to come. I do not need to cry. I can laugh.

The next time you are on the cusp of choosing fear, sit with your choice for a few more seconds. What are you really afraid of? YOU are strong. You can laugh and not be afraid. I believe in you. You should try it, too!

Journal Prompt :: Day 3

Spend five minutes writing. Set your timer and go!


What do I wish I could hear today?