Have you ever had an off day? Extremely frustrating! Right? That was today.
Woke up tired.
Work was a success.
But my skin has been flaring all day. ☹️
If anyone has ever dealt with eczema then you know how frustrating it can be. I do have a few tips to offer, shortly.
The things we have to do to keep the flare-ups at bay.
Not really sure what to say about the day. I felt "off" today. Lost in thought and ready to exercise. Not a bad combination; just weird.
I've been working on getting caught up with my 365 Bible app. Highly recommend The Bible Project! This app is fantastic. The two guys who created it make the Bible very easy-to-understand. Anyway, I'm a few days behind because the app unexpectedly changed the Bible version I was listening too. I've been pouting because I can't find my original version. What I have is good enough I guess at the moment; I just need to get caught back up. Why LISTEN? I've read The New Testament at least six times in my life. I've attempted to read The Old Testament at nausea but never finished. So how to ensure you get through the parts you just can't get yourself to finish reading? LISTEN! It has worked. A few of the stories I just couldn't finish reading are finally completed.
Later in the day it was time to teach my water aquatics class. The basis of what I teach is Barre, Pilates, and Aerobics. However, for this particular class someone asked about Zumba. Zumba?!? Ugh... I am not a fan of dancing. I can DO IT... I didn't say I'm a fan. LOL. (Let's put it this way; I'm not A.J.! He's fantastic and fun and that man's hips can MOVE.) I spent time researching because class is never for me, it's ALWAYS about my students.
Water Aerobics: if you did it right then your ABS SHOULD HURT. The first 20 minutes was Zumba, 10 min stretch, and we ended with Jenn-Style Pilates. (whoo-hoo) Note for next time: stand on deck when teaching Zumba because it's just easier. I question if everyone was able to "tighten those abs and move those hips" as well as I wanted. But hey, if you're moving, having fun, and can feel something then that's a win! When we hit the Pilates I went even harder on the core. (Earlier was abs, arms, and legs.) Now full-body was required. ** I don't know how my students felt but when I got out of that water MY ENTIRE MIDSECTION HURT. LOL! Good job teacher. (FYI: You'll never hurt in a bad way or for a long period. It's the "hurt so good" you know you worked muscles you forgot you had.)
*** Exciting news: I should be getting Barre certified next Sunday- so there will be YouTube videos to watch soon on here as well. You can exercise in your own home, at your own comfort level, and still feel the effects of positive movement and exercise.
When I got home I wanted to do some health research but I just crashed. Not exactly sure what happened. No motivation. (And if you asked what happened to a sauna in the evening... the sauna was over 170 degrees. Too hot for me. I prefer it around 164 degrees.)
So sleep and calm win the day. But I did take a few minutes to look at the stars. The moon was bright orange but covered by clouds. There was only a straight line on the bottom right that you could see of it. (Never seen it look like that.) Of what stars could be seen they were bright. It was just a cool, calm, nice night.
Daily Quote: Two quotes that I think are fitting for today:
"Peace arrives when you stop fighting the moment." — Maxime Lagacé
"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure." — Oprah Winfrey
Make sure to take time, deep breathe (no less than a minute and preferably outside), and enjoy the exact moment that you are in. We are only guaranteed that time. In our current day-and-age, how many of us race around meeting someone else's schedule and demands that we forgot to take care of ourselves first? Make time for you too! Because the happier you are, the happier your loved ones are around you too. Emotions are contagious. Be the best you possible.
Interesting day to say the least!
* Everything at the pool was great. People were friendly and exercising (yay!). Saw a few people on an "off" day from their regular schedules and that's ok. It's always about the workout and positive attitudes.
* My break consisted of a 45 minute sauna session later in the day. The room was about 168 degrees. (Trying to get my body to build up to 1 hour.) Wheewww... that is HOT! I left 20 minutes in to grab more water and then resumed my session.
** Actually, if you want to laugh even more, we had vegetables and a pickle at the front desk for a "snack." Yup, took that back to the sauna for dinner. 😂 Hey, when you need to multitask and reach goals, we do what works!!! I was beyond happy. And that 2 minute break helped me survive the last of sweating in the sauna.
*** One of my favorite peeps came in and she was laughing and asked "are you eating a pickle?" Yup, No Regrets! Gotta make sure to keep the electrolytes up and that's one of the fastest ways. We had a wonderful health conversation too. Ahh... that brightened my day.
**** After sauna while on deck, my skin felt like it was bursting light beams from the inside-out of my skin. Energy had increased. The feeling was intoxicating. I felt so young and healthy. Saunas definitely serve a purpose!!! Just increase slowly and healthy FOR YOUR BODY.
* I got home to take care of the pets. Grabbed a water. Pet my sweet dog. (The rabbit has been hiding in the basement and I don't know why. 😟 Moody?!) Anway, I sat on the floor and pet my dog, played with her, and turned on Netflix. This show called My Brilliant Career came on. I binged the whole show that night. Yup, I completely forgot to write. And if you like good writing and quality acting, I highly recommend watching this! Ahh... this was GREAT. (I also may enjoy it because I'm a writer at heart.) On a positive note, all the necessary sleep was had by the next day.
Lesson of the day: Sometimes take time for yourself. It's worth it! For me: heat, relaxing, pets, and sleep is self-care too and I loved every minute of it.
Daily Quote: An empty tank will get you nowhere, so make sure to refill that tank to keep going at your preferred pace in life.
"To accept ourselves as we are means to value our imperfections as much as our perfections." -Sandra Bierig
What a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the weather was nice and cool, and it was an all-round gorgeous Tuesday.
Funny: Addie got her hair done yesterday. Today, it was my turn. 😄 Guess we're all looking shiny and pretty in this household.
To-Do List:
I had to run a few other errands afterwards. Pitstop to parent's house again.Then had an amazing phone call with a mentor. Trying to make miracles happen beginning next week... so we'll see what happens with Physiology and Anatomy. And taking care of business for the end of the evening.
Addie and I finally did our walk. A different place we don't always get to go to, but this place is gorgeous. She HATES the sand hill. Not going to lie, that hill is a bit brutal but it will make anyone a good runner and get you in shape. The trees, the fresh air, the dirt trails, kind people, and we completed the walk just before the rain started. One hour and perfect timing. By the time we got to the car, she was ready to go home.
The rest of the evening has been productive. Plowing through the to-do list and making things happen. That's all we can ask for, right? Do our best, stay organized, love ourselves, provide self-care, and be prepared for the next day.
Here are a few photos of our outdoor excursion after working on business:
My recommendation: any time you can be outside, breathe in the clean air, and enjoy nature, nothing trumps health like that. Don't forget to stay hydrated, eat healthy, and don't push yourself past your personal limits.
Daily Quote: The trees, birds chirping, walking in the sand/dirt, and deep breaths are all ways to connect to mother Earth, be grounded, and anchor your energy into the present moment. It is equally important to leave technology behind, allow the mind to be at peace, and enjoy the quiet to tune into yourself and allow for less chaos and positive mental clarity.
The best part about Monday is there are never any Monday Blues. 😂
Moral of the story: when your body says to rest, REST. Upon waking my voice was healed, the body felt great, the doggie was happy, and life was good.
Daily Quote: Rest is not an act of selfishness, but rather the purest form of self-love. - Tricia Hersey
The BEST parts of today:
🕂 Church: I FINALLY made it to church. It has been forever since I've been there, and it felt really nice to get back on track and see everyone again. Numerous times I've been told the power of a church group and how much it can offer has positive benefits in your life.
🏃 Exercise: Night-time walk again. It's so beautiful outside. Along with a sauna experience for 45 minutes; it took everything I had because the last 5 minutes were brutal. I'm happy with the results. Down another 6 lbs AND my resting heart rate is dropping into a normal range again... Yay!
💸 Wallet: Cannot say THANK YOU enough to PANERA BREAD STAFF on Gull Rd. They are so nice- as well as the customers. Sure enough, I left it when the coffee was too hot next to all the coffee pots yesterday. A nice customer turned it in. NOTHING was stolen all day long. What a blessing and miracle to pick it up today. Thank you God and everyone else for helping.
💔 Relationships: It's important to NOT beat yourself up. I finally figured out why the pain hurt so much this round. I liked him. I REALLY LIKED HIM! I thought I found the most genuine connection yet-to-date. The cool part: we went to high school together. I knew of him! Our interests, how well we got along, the way he made me feel just being near him. I truly thought he was a good man. Now, I realize I'm mad at myself because everything I didn't want to happen, it did! Unintentionally, seeing the good in someone, believing IN them, allowing myself to truly be me while with them, to actually be happy... to find out their words and actions were all a lie. Applause: what an amazing actor! I fell hook, line, and sinker. I actually believed him and his words! I know there was trauma from his past relationship(s) and he said he shouldn't put the prior faults of others on me (true), but I never thought he'd just shy away and walk. He never faced me. He never talked. He was just "gone." Fool me once, shame on you, but I let him back again, so fool me twice... shame on me. I'm devastated because I allowed myself to get hurt. His true colors finally came out; sadly, I learned too late. And I know it was fast but the connection felt so real. (Usually my instincts aren't wrong. That's what makes this even more confusing and difficult.) Who needs romantic relationships anyway?! Waste of time and space! Time to move forward and focus on what's really important.
💀 To make it even worse, the identity theft was even worse than what I thought from last year. Voice modulations, opening up bank accounts, deleting important personal information right from underneath my nose on email and phone, putting my information on the dark web... and I found out last night that they got me banned from the only dating app I'd chosen to use. Get this, I'm banned for life! Seriously??? Do I even want to know what they did! I guess it's best to move forward anyway. Most dating apps are filled with fake people with bad intentions. Welcome to modern dating.
🎜 Piano: I started playing piano again. Even if it's only 15 minutes a day, repetition daily is a big deal for improvements. Plus, I love the sound; it's one of my favorite instruments.
✏ 📔 My biggest focus right now is discipline! Take what is most important to you and make it happen. Prioritize, focus, and ensure the most important parts are developed to get to where you choose and need to be.
🍀 As of late, I have had the WORST luck ever. It is really hard to try and turn things around. "BABY STEPS!" I have been told these words so many times at nauseam. In this case, I need to listen. One step each moment, each hour, each day, to get back to positivity and quality results.
TIPS FOR TODAY:
The main topic of the day is Beauty Day! It's the day where you pamper yourself. Take 1-2 hours and make yourself feel glamorous. Self care is just as important as controlling stress, eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Mind, Body, Spirit: do it right! So, how do you do a proper Beauty Day? This is what is involved:
* grab a good book and make an Epsom salt bath (20 minutes)
* then take a shower, shave, lavish the soap all over your body, and feel refreshed when getting out
* facial: 15 min of a steam bath on your face. Then wash with a smooth, easy cleanser.
* basic bathroom activities: brush your teeth, brush your hair, if female- do your makeup and put on jewelry, wear a nice outfit, and put your favorite scent (perfume/cologne) on.
* cut your nails and take care of your cuticles
* quality lotion on your body and good facial cream for great skin
* If you want to take the time, do your hair, and make it look cute. (This is about pampering yourself so you shine; personal confidence is key!)
* include a foot massage
* maybe a body massage
* then relax. Does relaxing include a good movie, a good book, a nice long deep sleep? Choose your favorite activity.
* If beauty Day has time, ensure to clean and organize your personal space. A clean space leads to discipline and focus for the most important upcoming tasks at hand. Also, an organized space makes everything else easier in life.
* If you need to write your schedule for the week, include it
* Don't forget to add your exercise routine
* Meditate/Zen/Pray for your mental clarity
* Spend a little time outside and get grounded in nature. Maybe garden. If you have a pet and want to include your favorite-furry-animal into this space, it's a great way to add them at this special time.
* Make sure to eat healthy and clean. It will make your body feel good.
* Stay hydrated with healthy fluids as well
*If there is anything else you want/need to add to your personal list, add it to the list! This is just a start to ensure you do a spa/health day (aka: Beauty Day) for yourself.
For years, I have completed this basic type of list every Sunday. Not only does it help you feel and look youthful, it will add a personal glow. On top of that, you'll feel amazing. Try it, I dare you. 😊
Have a great day and blessings.
Daily Quote: Write it on your heart! Today is a great day and nothing can stop you from reaching your goals, your dreams, your destiny. Don't ever give up on yourself. Each moment is always your time to shine.
Have you ever had those days where it just doesn't work out as planned?
I haven't been able to sleep at night- so waking up when I want has been nonexistent. (Some day I'll wake up for morning exercises again!) 😆 Anyway, detox will begin Monday; I'll share the bottle looks and recipes when I begin.
In the meantime, you can never go wrong with a beautiful salad. (Yes, salad is extremely difficult to digest for anyone with stomach issues.) A cold, nice, salad is refreshing and hits the spot sometimes.
Don't forget to try and accomplish some sort of exercise. If you can add in sauna time, that will be beneficial as well. (I'll explain with the detox information.)
Anyway, swim completed. Walk completed. Yoga stretches done. 35 minute sauna. Check.
Apologies for a later post than expected. Yesterday turned out to be very interesting. Banana breakfast. Cucumber snack. Lunch was soup. Apple snack with nuts. Salad was for dinner.
I turn around to pay a bill and realize my wallet is missing at 11pm. I had this nagging feeling since 7pm to go buy something. So I finally get up to pay a bill. WHERE'S THE WALLET? Come to find out I'm pretty sure it's at Panera Bread.
Identity theft has been an issue for me for 20 years. Went to check a dating app and someone got me banned for life. ??? Ok, this is shaping up to be a horrible night. Looking into it; we'll see if Administrators help or not. It also makes me wonder what else was hacked...
Then there was the realization that dating stinks. (I'll discuss later.) Heartbreak isn't for the faint of heart.
If only I could stop stressing. 🥺 Off to bed it is.
Have a great night and blessings for tomorrow.
Welcome back to the blog!
It's been far too long since I last wrote. Let's change that (hopefully starting today). However, there has been much that has been learned in the process, especially health related.
My new experiment has involved a new type of detox. It involves juicing three fruits and three vegetables. A small amount for nutrients goes into a 20oz bottle filled with water. So at least six juicing bottles. Then I've been adding two extra bottles of bone broth for the protein. The goal: for three days straight drink your food.
This will be the third time round this year I have completed this detox. I'm telling you, I've never felt better, and I'm not hungry. At all! Your body will love and thank you. The benefits? Healing your body from the inside out. If there are any types of internal complications you are trying to heal, this can help.
Next, make sure to do a small exercise. Make it light! Whether walking outside, going for an easy swim, mild lifting weights, something easy for the body is perfect.
It's also important to get enough sleep. 7-10 hours of sleep is best.
Well, you can guess what I'm starting tomorrow. :) I will document my experiences with recipes so you can follow along and try at your leisure.
There are a few more health experiences I have to share within this next month. And exercise videos will be coming soon. Yay! I should be Barre certified by the end of the month- if all goes well.
If you have any exercise or general health questions you'd like answered, please ask. I'll do my best to help- just like I do in my classes. I do need to clarify, I am not yet certified as a Personal Trainer or nutritionist. So the information I have to share is based on years of personal research, experience, doctor's conversations, speaking with others, etc. It is personal experience to share in a public/ safe space to learn and grow together. (If you have any health concerns and questions, always consult your doctor.)
Well, let's get to it! Buckle in because we are finishing this year strong.
Do you have a specific health goal you are trying to accomplish? If you'd like to share I'm happy to cheer you on. Let's do it together.
Daily Quote: A great attitude leads to positive actions. Continued positive actions leads to an amazing year.
It takes minimum 60 days before something becomes a habit.
I cannot tell you how many times I've started and stopped my health routine within the past seven years. It definitely is a journey! The first three years, I still had an injured back from the car accident. So even when I exercised hard for a month, I ended up being down for another two months due to massive pain. One step forward, two steps back.
Weight loss drugs and surgery: I've tried almost every weight loss drug. Saxenda was the one that massively helped! And then it didn't one day; it just stopped. It was a helpful tool. But I will admit I was sick all the time- from all the drugs. My personal opinion, I wouldn't recommend them in the long run. Also, for personal reasons I am not a fan of weight loss surgery. I've been an athlete my whole life. Life happened, my body had health issues, the car accident injured my lower back, and years of fighting for my personal health until a doctor took me seriously, here we are today. I can walk again. In fact, I'd like to train for a half marathon in Spring 2026 officially. So my goal is to do it the healthy way, again.
There was a story I read this morning. It made perfect sense. Not only is this mom an inspiration but how she started is very similar to my motivational start. Woman, 29, Loses 240 Pounds by Sticking to 1 Simple Daily Habit She just opened up the door and made the decision to start running, and the life changes have been incredible for her.
My reasoning: I'm tired of talking about it! I've always been a doer; so let's get it done!
It's that simple. So I just started.
For years I've heard the saying "life is a journey" and "everything happens for a reason." I cannot tell you how aggravating those sayings are. Maybe there is some truth. Time will tell. In the meantime, what I can tell you is life is short. We need to embrace the time we have while we have it. Because in the blink of an eye we can lose it all. Nothing is promised and nothing is guaranteed. (Also, nothing is fair.) We need to give our all every chance we can with what we deem important in our life.
A few weeks ago I started using two apps: Fabulous and Gratitude.
These have been helpful getting me started.
In the meantime I'm still playing tennis, working with a personal trainer, working at the fitness center daily. (Can you tell fitness is kind of my life?) But it hasn't been enough. Something is missing. So I tried two more apps:
These are both fantastic. It requires roughly ten minutes a day of exercise. That's it. Your body will feel the results with minimal effort and impact. (The bigger issue here is minimal impact.) Honestly, working out is becoming FUN again. The secret: if you enjoy what you are doing then you will want to do it again. It reminded me the other day when I went home to my roots what I'm missing: ENJOYMENT. I've been pushing through the motions for so long that I've forgotten how to enjoy the small things, especially regarding exercise.
Find the enjoyment in your life! Are you ready to make today a new beginning? If so, let's go!
Wow! It's been 13 years I've been attempting to write on this blog on a regular basis.
Have you ever gotten to the point you are so frustrated it's time to finally make a difference? Yea, that's where I'm at. I've never been a person to just talk. Usually I do what I talk about; I've always taken action. As of late I dream. But dreaming is not action. I'm so tired of talking. Let's finally get it done.
- Fitness in the morning
- writing everyday
- prayer and meditation in the evening
These are the new daily goals. I'll leave this post for starters and report back tomorrow. It is my understanding that writing everyday is the beginning of starting a new process. Let's make these actions a new habit.
Another incredible day!
* Started the day with Dog Bathing for the first time; it was more fun than I would have imagined. Loved working with the new team, and the pets are lovely to help bath, dry, and prep. (What's funny, I wanted to get my grooming license over 10 yrs ago but for certain reasons- not due to lack of trying- I was unable to do so in the SW MI area, even though there was a massive grooming shortage.)
* Next stop basic needs. Surprisingly had time to stop home and feed the pets, get changed, and off to work. Note: roads are still solid black ice, and temperatures are icy cold.
* Off to the full-time job. Arrived on scene to find out the building had been hit by a snowplow truck and everything has been dealt with accordingly. Needless to say everything has been interesting and will hopefully be finalized and resolved in a timely manner- like maybe by tomorrow! We shall see what miracles await.
- Then there were some very interesting conversations throughout the day: positive, helpful, inspiring. When people work together we motivate one another!
* Which makes me think about: why is it so important to remain focused and positive at all times? (I keep receiving this message over and over for the past two weeks.) To stay positive is to think clearly, to receive higher messages of inspiration, and to make choices and changes with the best of intentions for the higher purpose of ourselves. Note: always best to listen more than we speak too; that is another way we continue giving back to others.
* Left work to take care of low pressure tires during these very cold days/nights. Enjoyed speaking to a friend. Then got home and briefly spent time with the animals while taking care of basic house chores. Then left to enjoy time with the boyfriend which then turned into washing dishes and picking up his bedroom/living room briefly.
* Now, here I am sitting back finally reflecting on the day. Taking a moment to breathe. To prep for study time. (test next Friday) And go to bed for a few hours, to do it all over again. (Another long day tomorrow.)
I think we forget how blessed we are in this world as Individuals. We always look to someone else to say how lucky they are or we see how special they are. Sometimes we need to stop and realize how special WE are. Look in the mirror and take note of our own unique abilities. Everyone is going through something; everyone has it tough right now. But each of us contributes with something special.
Today, I studying and learned that the people who have harder struggles tend to have greater rewards. They appreciate what they have earned in the long run vs. what someone has been given (example: studying and failing a test multiple times before finally passing with flying colors; you learn to appreciate, value, and give back to those with difficulties.) The greater reward with the most advanced skills struggle. Don't get me wrong, the struggles are NOT fun in the moment. (Personally, I'd like to know when the struggles subside.) But apparently, there is a larger rainbow at the end of the path if we keep pushing and pursuing our goals that we are told we will never achieve.
Find happiness. Trust inner wisdom. Never give up!
The polar freeze has swept through SW MI. As wonderful as it is to have a normal winter and January again, the roads are extremely icy and the temperatures are downright frigid. In fact, local schools have been closed for three days straight. Yay for kids and snow days; the excitement for a random day off! Boo for such cold temps, bad driving on black ice, and getting through the daily grind.
Other states have the cold temps too. Some snow.. some rain. May we all stay safe and warm.
Today has been a challenging day. Trying to obtain goals and succeeding at nothing can be beyond challenging. It puts things in perspective. So I'm reminding myself to stay positive. I survived driving to GR and back in these crazy conditions. I spoke to like-minded people. Found new-found inspiration. And will try again. (Trying to improve career success and the ability to help others.)
For now, good night; I will type more details later and include pictures at a different time when I gain access to a better working computer.
Stay positive and until next time.
Happiness is when you are accomplished! :)
It was wonderful spending some of the time during the weekend getting organized. Time spent involved: catching up on sleep, watching a fun movie, researching health facts, creating schedules and food logs, grocery shopping and following that created list, spring decorations placed outside along with mowing lawn, cooking, cleaning the fish tank, working, paying bills, and staying true to personal values and self goals.
Sometimes, there's still a lot on the plate. It's important to stay focused and positive. We can only do what we can do. And we must be able to speak to the decisions we make. (Ex: I'm not done with important work projects, but I've completed everything in my personal life and gotten organized- for once.)
Follow self love! And remember to take a moment to enjoy the beautiful day.
I had every intention of stopping this blog because what's the point of continuing? I don't have time to write, nor the interest to write on this platform, and no one reads it either- which is both good and bad. But I think that might be an obsolete idea.
Taking a break from everything these past few months to focus on working through personal emotions and lots of health issues, and trying to find happiness again, I might have something worthwhile to share this round.
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| Jenn Writing This Blog Piece :) |
LESSON #1: LOVE YOURSELF
As one of my friend's likes to say "stop trying to be Super Woman; you can't do it ALL." She might be right! That attitude of trying to do everything AND completing everything leads to an attitude of perfectionism with lots of goals, running out of time each day and only completing a few items, which then leads to feeling defeated and creates a circle of self-sabotage, and then it's a struggle to finalize anything. What I've learned? Stop trying to follow what society expects and just be yourself. While all this was happening, another person I value stated "you're hard on yourself and constantly putting yourself down; no one wants to be around a negative attitude who insults themselves at every turn."
The lesson begins with "Dating Yourself!" Sounds like a weird and crazy idea, right? I've heard this for months and thought it was stupid. (Don't remember where I heard it, but I did, and I've thought about the concept a lot this past year.) I think I finally understand. Shut the world out and learn to love yourself! If you can love yourself, then everyone and everything around you will fall in line. We have to be with ourselves 100% a day. If we don't like how we feel, speak, look, etc. then who else will like us? Because beauty comes from within. We attract what we put out into the world.
I didn't used to have a weight problem, but I do now, for the past decade. Between hypothyroidism, no gull bladder, gastroparesis, and a few other items, my weight holds most of the issues in my stomach; Yuck! I have tried everything under the sun: I've followed various diet plans, exercised myself to the extreme, have thought about surgery (even though that's not the right solution for me), if you name it I've tried it. But there's ONE THING I HAVE NOT tried, and that's following my heart, my body, and what I know. We need to love ourselves. We need to trust ourselves. We know best! In my case, I have years of research and knowledge in my brain that I have yet to put to "GOOD" use because I'm always listening to everyone else. That stops as of this weekend. I'm not everyone else! My body (if I follow what everyone else tries) does the exact opposite (I can prove that later if need be). I need to know what my personal interests are and not take on what someone else likes just because it's their hobby. I need to be ok with sitting in silence on my own each and every night. And I need to know that I'm almost 40 and my life has not turned out how everyone said and expected it should over the years. "I Am Me" and that's ok! How does this relate to you? You need to find yourself: whether single or in a relationship, with kids or without kids, with multiple jobs or no job, find yourself and start here.
Questions to ask yourself:
#1: What is a dream (or goal) of yours?
#2: How are you going to make that happen?
#3: When do you plan to achieve that dream?
(I'm going with a basic guideline so anyone can participate.)
My goals: To finally learn to love myself exactly as I am. I would like to look in the mirror and love who I see and respect who I am, and I want to be at peace with who I am mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually to love myself from the inside out. Daily hobbies will include reading, writing, running outdoors, playing piano, and becoming a good cook (for my health). Before the end of the year I would like to run a half marathon and bike the Ice Man with a coworker. I would like to have a solid group of friends/ who are true/ who we can rely on one other and have fun experiences 1x a month. (I'm in transition.) I want to know I'm financially secure with ONE job. And since I've held out this long to never be married or have kids, I hope to find my person/ my soulmate/ the perfect match for me when the time comes (hopefully by the end of this year). No relationship is ever perfect as there are ups-and-downs, but I'm looking for my person. How am I supposed to find that when I'm not settled with myself? I also want to become a published writer in the next 3 years, and I would like to start traveling the world as a writer. I want more out of life than sitting behind a computer, in an office, and following directions! Don't get me wrong because I finally found a full-time job I love, and it's demanding enough that I can no longer have all these part-time jobs on the side- because that doesn't work for financial success either! So how do we make life better? And don't forget that along the way, whatever we touch, we should always try to make it a little better and a little nicer (ex: make a house look nice, recycle, give back to the environment, help thy neighbor, give to a cause you believe in, etc.) Be the best you can be!
So, I encourage you to "Date Yourself!" What will you do this week to be kind to yourself, to allow for grace, to give yourself me-time, to exercise, maybe read/write/meditate. What interests you? It might be difficult to incorporate in the beginning, but watch what happens as you change. Watch how people will begin to respond to YOU as you start to love yourself.
The cat threw up on my bed this morning! Really??? What in the world is that about? I woke up to puke right next to my pillows.
Then there is a HUGE CRASH around 6:40am. I thought it was shattering glass. (Doesn't matter how you look at it, this isn't good.) Nope, turn the lights on and half my closet rack came crashing to the ground. All my work clothes on the floor. What am I supposed to wear? What a mess! Why is it on the floor? Ugh! Not pleased.
And then my heater in my office is burned out. I let someone borrow it and they burned out the high setting accidentally. It's a cheap little heater, but COME ON! I was kind and let someone borrow it but they weren't gentle or care like I do and now I'm stuck with a broken unit. :( No good deed goes unpunished- it feels like sometimes.
Well, at least it's a Monday and I'm grateful for structure. Back to a routine. (I was super lazy this weekend... no clue why!) And this is week 2 of training. My body hurts (so good!) and endurance is increasing (I hope) so this is a minor setback to a great week.
Also got all my holiday shopping completed in one day. All I have to do is wrap and mail within the next two days. Feels great to give back. At the same time... OUCH! Times are tight. I wish I could give more but I just can't. And I didn't even purchase anything special. I mainly purchased something for a Secret Santa gift and then a few extras for people who have helped throughout the year and made a huge difference in my life.
Staying positive! Enjoying the smells, the feels, the joys, and the sights of the season.
Back to exercising... and then back to work.
Don't forget: only do what YOU can do; it's enough! Making sure to focus on ourselves is most important. We can only truly help others once we are in a good place with who we are.
Have a great night.
There's nothing like spending the day with your mom! We made chocolate chip cookies, and I loved spending time with her.
- I woke up and got a really good workout accomplished.
- Then I headed over to my parent's house where we chatted, we fixed a favorite holiday decoration (singing snowmen), we had to fix a hole in my favorite purple winter sweater (I WISH I knew how to knit, crochet, and sew), we made the "simple" chocolate chip cookies, and then she gave me my early Christmas present.
Our early Christmas presents are AWESOME! I'll show pictures later. But we've been planning an activity for weeks... and I can't wait to do it with my mom.
Their dog Buck, a great dane, is still a puppy but he is sooooo annoying. So much energy, slobber, eating everything he shouldn't eat. He was annoying me.
And because of my workouts: logging 9 miles this past week, my body hurts. My back hurts a little. The changing weather. A slight headache. Ugh! Just pain. So it was nice to take a beat and just relax.
As much as I didn't want to do the major cookie baking (my idea this year-- which I thought she would enjoy too) she didn't want to learn exercises. :) We're even! So, planning next weekend activities.
Always make time for family! Family is super important. Spend time with the ones you love and appreciate. Time is precious, and those moments won't always be available.
- Snow on the ground is beautiful.
- Slept in until 10:30am
- Time to get going!
I woke up to create my Christmas list. Because I participated in a Secret Santa, that is what is getting me out of the house to go holiday shop. Had a lovely chat with my dear friend Brad. Haven't truly spoken to him in awhile so it was nice to catch up. And off to shower, look cute for the day, socialize and shop, come home to put up the tree, and go back to my running training schedule.
Should be fun.
Remember: don't get angry around this time of year. Get sleep, let the stress roll off your back, and start fresh. Life is too short to be angry (especially at dumb stuff). With that being said, I suppose I better take my own advice and behave for someone I'm currently annoyed with and do something nice for December 17th.
- 12 hours sleep was much needed from Thursday night to Friday morning. Definitely feeling refreshed.
- Also starting to calm down from being vexed by a neighborly situation.
The work day turned out great! I accomplished all my goals: presentation done, posts scheduled, big project completed, Christmas ornaments mailed.
It started snowing around noon. I have no problem with the snow. For whatever reason, I'm LOVING IT. It was just cold. Really cold. And I'd rather curl up into a ball and stay warm.
My friend calls and says "gym? Pool? Now!" Ok, yes ma'am. Off we went and I gotta tell you, I'm so glad she made me go. It definitely helps to have an accountability partner. We went to the gym, spoke to new people (as always), splish-splashed in the pool, and came home. It was a decent workout. And then I got to snuggle into the blankets and be warm.
Thank you for exercise, friends, and great days.
Nothing like falling asleep on the couch the night before. Then I get up and I go to bed around 1am. The next thing I know, I wake up around 3:20am and I cannot go back to sleep. Seriously? All I wanted was a little more sleep.
So I got up and took the trash out. Dog ran away at 5am (so much for a walk). I did stretches on the desk in the cool crisp air. Walked 3 miles this morning for my workout. Prepped for work. Worked as hard and accurately as I could. And here we are.
I'm EXHAUSTED this Thursday evening!
And I'm pissed. What is it about guys and one track minds? Friendship apparently isn't even a thing anymore. All they want is sex. If it's not sex, then it's nothing. I miss having friendships and REAL RELATIONSHIPS. I think those days are gone. It's important to continuously remind yourself: it's better to be alone than be miserable with someone else.
On four hours of sleep, emotions high (mainly because I'm mad at myself for thinking things are positive when they're not), not doing another workout, and not doing a little more work tonight, I'm done. Bedtime. Peace out.
It felt great to race out of work and go straight to the gym. I got home, called my friend, and off we went. Sprints and ab workouts. Laughs, stories, giggles, fun experiences, I love spending time with my friend. She was back to her original, happy self. It was a wonderful time. And we spent about 1.5 hours at the gym. (Good workout)
Then we went last minute shopping at Lowes. Go figure, we BOTH had to pick something up! :)
We did more girl talk when we got home. From cats, to magical stories, to life, health, houses, work, fur babies. If you name it, we probably talked about it.
Haven't had this much fun on a Wednesday evening... with a friend... in a long time.
Thank you for a fun time.
