I've been pretty hum drum lately. I have tried to keep any misery I was feeling at home and keep my spirit light and positive for the rest of the world. It wasn't hard, because what I want to share with the world is all of what makes me feel fantastic!!
Let me just say that I have some amazing things happening in my life. My daughter continues to blossom and amaze me in new ways everyday, I am still taking the best possible care of myself with working out daily, clean eating and Shakeology. My business is starting to have an impact on the lives of others and it feels terrific to watch peoples lives change because they simply watch what I do. I just don't know how it gets any better than that.
So, this misery I was referring to.. here it is....
Adam and I have made the decision to move. It's not a move in the same area or even anywhere in my beloved state of Michigan (yes, I said it beloved.) We are moving to Toledo, OH. I know I know, I'm acting like we're moving to the moon. I just have so many mixed feelings. I love living in Michigan, I have spent darn near my entire life here. We had been looking at moving south in the last few months, but we had been talking south as in warm climate. If I can't be in a warm climate, I'd like to be where I've spent most of my life.. it's familiar, it's comfortable.
I am seriously concerned about the effect it will have on Lily. I know that no matter what, she will move on but even thinking about the pain she will likely have breaks my heart into pieces. She has her school, her friends, her activities and her family. We will be moving closer to some relatives, but the the people who have cared for and loved her since she was born are no less our family. She is going to miss the people that have been around, that have given her the sparkle in her eye. It's just so hard.
Toledo seems to be presenting us some nice opportunity and things are falling into place so quickly, that I have to believe that God wants me on this path and all things will work out as they should. I'm not saying it's going to be easy or that I'm happy about it but I'm not going to let it make me miserable. I'm going to move forward knowing that it will be sad when we leave but the good times are not over and if I only hold onto my faith in what will be, life will be all I need it to be.
I will remember that in life there are no guarantees, only choices. I've chosen to create a new lifestyle for myself and that has been my priority and that stays with me wherever I go. I choose to embrace this move the best that I can. I will focus on my personal development because I feel better when I do. I will work on my goals/vision I have set for the year because I've lost sight of where I want this year to go and how I can get it there.
So, jumping around my topics here as usual. But this is what's up, this has been my struggle and now you know. You know, now I even feel a little better. Signs are all around me and I've been ignoring them until now when I discovered all the signs were for this move, so I had my ah ha moment... it's time to move on!!
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Sunday, February 15, 2015
It's Time To Get EXTREME!!!
I've had a lot of personal things going on the last few weeks, most of which doesn't need any chronicling. I have a plan for quite a few posts coming up, here is what is going to happen:
Starting tomorrow I am taking on the 21 day fix extreme!!! You all know how much I love the 21 day fix, it was a life changer for me... this is the same program INTENSIFIED!! The exercises are still 30 minutes and still go on for 21 days but they are more challenging and there are weights for everything (YES!!!!!)
Then there are 2 separate meal plans to choose from with this program. There is the extreme eating plan and the countdown to competition plan. I am challenging myself harder than I ever have. I am doing the countdown to competition plan!!! I fully plan on rocking the heck out of this program. I am part of several challenge groups with an amazing support team!!! I can't wait for this. I am doing this for ME and setting an amazing example for my Lily!! We have a lot of changes coming up and it's important I take better care of myself than ever before.
I will be doing a daily update during the program for both accountability and so you can all see how amazing it's going to be! Oooooh, I can't wait. Let's do this!!
I have an amazing friend who was telling me just the other day that without even trying, I inspire her regularly. This is highly motivating. This is a reason I coach and a reason I do the programs, to get other people doing something for themselves. I'm seriously so excited!!!
It's totally time to get EXTREME!!!
Starting tomorrow I am taking on the 21 day fix extreme!!! You all know how much I love the 21 day fix, it was a life changer for me... this is the same program INTENSIFIED!! The exercises are still 30 minutes and still go on for 21 days but they are more challenging and there are weights for everything (YES!!!!!)
Then there are 2 separate meal plans to choose from with this program. There is the extreme eating plan and the countdown to competition plan. I am challenging myself harder than I ever have. I am doing the countdown to competition plan!!! I fully plan on rocking the heck out of this program. I am part of several challenge groups with an amazing support team!!! I can't wait for this. I am doing this for ME and setting an amazing example for my Lily!! We have a lot of changes coming up and it's important I take better care of myself than ever before.
I will be doing a daily update during the program for both accountability and so you can all see how amazing it's going to be! Oooooh, I can't wait. Let's do this!!
I have an amazing friend who was telling me just the other day that without even trying, I inspire her regularly. This is highly motivating. This is a reason I coach and a reason I do the programs, to get other people doing something for themselves. I'm seriously so excited!!!
It's totally time to get EXTREME!!!
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Paying it forward
With all the struggles I have faced in the past few weeks, I was recently listening to a friend talk about the ability to pay it forward. This got me to thinking.... I don't have a lot to give or to share with anyone. What I do have is this:
I have a story to tell about my health and fitness journey that may inspire others. I'm not sure there is a greater gift than helping somebody learn how to take care of themselves in a way they never have or that they have neglected.
I started my journey in August. I had a friend who was posting pictures and sharing her story about how she was changing her habits and it intrigued me. I reached out to ask questions about what she was doing and how I could do it too. I ended up getting a challenge pack with my first bag of Shakeology and my very first workout. I joined an challenge group in August for accountability. I spent the first 1-2 weeks being very active in the challenge group and starting my workouts. I was struggling with the Shakeology. I couldn't figure out how to fit the shakeology into my meals. I was TERRIBLE about nutrition. I had maybe 1 real meal a day (usually dinner) and snacked on junk at Speedway all day. I barely had time to go to the bathroom because I couldn't get away from the register.
I had ordered a flavor of Shakeology I wasn't convinced I would like, I was more concerned about my husband liking it in case he tried it. It just wasn't working out. Then my hip problems started acting up (I've had them my whole life,) and it made working out just not possible. I was a mess. I was the heaviest I had ever been and I was a pleasant person but I just had a pretty negative outlook.
In October, my coach reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try again. I had by this time found a flavor of Shakeology I enjoyed and it became a priority so I was making sure to include it in what I ate every day. She suggested a new workout program and I got on board. This time I tried the 21 day fix. This program was my game changer. Not only did it provide workouts that I found enjoyable so I had no problem pushing play every day, but it taught me so much about nutrition. I learned how to properly space out my meals/snacks and major portion control. I stayed active with my challenge group because it was fun now that I was doing what I needed to be doing at home.
Since then, I have added more workout programs to my collection and I make changes to my habits all of the time. I participate in challenge groups still and I host my own. I share pictures of my workouts, post tips that i've learned, share ideas and hold myself accountable to the world. It's totally outside of my comfort zone to talk to anybody about health and fitness because I know I'm no expert, I just know what I've learned and what has happened with me.
While I may not be an expert, I am still able to pay it forward by doing this sharing I'm talking about. If just 1 person out there sees what I am doing and says to themself that they can do it to and then does it, there is no better way I could pay it forward. Then of course there is the opportunity for helping someone else to become an active coach. Coach does not equal know it all or even expert. Coach equals cheerleader, confidant, support system and guide.
Since becoming a coach and chasing new dreams (and old ones,) I feel more alive than ever. I stopped wishing for what I wanted and made the decision to start doing something but not stop this time. I am not the most fit or healthiest person, but I move forward every day to my goals and one day I'll look in the mirror and I'll cry tears of joy over the reflection after having worked to get where I want to be.
When I start talking about health and fitness, people will ask me questions and they get scared and use the excuse about how expensive it is to be healthy. It's about perspective I think. You're going to be paying for your health one way or another, it's just overwhelming to see costs in front of you now. Pay for nutritious meals and maybe even a workout now or pay hosptials/doctors/insurance/caretakers for it later. That's the truth. Another way I can pay it forward is by sharing the coaching opportunity. I've spent the last decade working 45-60 hours a week, missing out on family functions/gatherings, time out with friends, precious time with my husband and daughter. Now, I can go where I want to by working how and when I choose. Coaching gives me the chance to earn an income I decide, a chance to inspire others, fitness and nutrition programs that work for me, more support than I could EVER have imagined and lifelong friends from challengers and other coaches.
I'm taking the time to tell you now, and I'll tell you again real soon that if you are looking for something different in your life, maybe you have your fitness and nutrition under control so what about helping others learn to do the same?!?! Share your story, inspire others... pay it forward in life changes.
I have a story to tell about my health and fitness journey that may inspire others. I'm not sure there is a greater gift than helping somebody learn how to take care of themselves in a way they never have or that they have neglected.
I started my journey in August. I had a friend who was posting pictures and sharing her story about how she was changing her habits and it intrigued me. I reached out to ask questions about what she was doing and how I could do it too. I ended up getting a challenge pack with my first bag of Shakeology and my very first workout. I joined an challenge group in August for accountability. I spent the first 1-2 weeks being very active in the challenge group and starting my workouts. I was struggling with the Shakeology. I couldn't figure out how to fit the shakeology into my meals. I was TERRIBLE about nutrition. I had maybe 1 real meal a day (usually dinner) and snacked on junk at Speedway all day. I barely had time to go to the bathroom because I couldn't get away from the register.
I had ordered a flavor of Shakeology I wasn't convinced I would like, I was more concerned about my husband liking it in case he tried it. It just wasn't working out. Then my hip problems started acting up (I've had them my whole life,) and it made working out just not possible. I was a mess. I was the heaviest I had ever been and I was a pleasant person but I just had a pretty negative outlook.
In October, my coach reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try again. I had by this time found a flavor of Shakeology I enjoyed and it became a priority so I was making sure to include it in what I ate every day. She suggested a new workout program and I got on board. This time I tried the 21 day fix. This program was my game changer. Not only did it provide workouts that I found enjoyable so I had no problem pushing play every day, but it taught me so much about nutrition. I learned how to properly space out my meals/snacks and major portion control. I stayed active with my challenge group because it was fun now that I was doing what I needed to be doing at home.
Since then, I have added more workout programs to my collection and I make changes to my habits all of the time. I participate in challenge groups still and I host my own. I share pictures of my workouts, post tips that i've learned, share ideas and hold myself accountable to the world. It's totally outside of my comfort zone to talk to anybody about health and fitness because I know I'm no expert, I just know what I've learned and what has happened with me.
While I may not be an expert, I am still able to pay it forward by doing this sharing I'm talking about. If just 1 person out there sees what I am doing and says to themself that they can do it to and then does it, there is no better way I could pay it forward. Then of course there is the opportunity for helping someone else to become an active coach. Coach does not equal know it all or even expert. Coach equals cheerleader, confidant, support system and guide.
Since becoming a coach and chasing new dreams (and old ones,) I feel more alive than ever. I stopped wishing for what I wanted and made the decision to start doing something but not stop this time. I am not the most fit or healthiest person, but I move forward every day to my goals and one day I'll look in the mirror and I'll cry tears of joy over the reflection after having worked to get where I want to be.
When I start talking about health and fitness, people will ask me questions and they get scared and use the excuse about how expensive it is to be healthy. It's about perspective I think. You're going to be paying for your health one way or another, it's just overwhelming to see costs in front of you now. Pay for nutritious meals and maybe even a workout now or pay hosptials/doctors/insurance/caretakers for it later. That's the truth. Another way I can pay it forward is by sharing the coaching opportunity. I've spent the last decade working 45-60 hours a week, missing out on family functions/gatherings, time out with friends, precious time with my husband and daughter. Now, I can go where I want to by working how and when I choose. Coaching gives me the chance to earn an income I decide, a chance to inspire others, fitness and nutrition programs that work for me, more support than I could EVER have imagined and lifelong friends from challengers and other coaches.
I'm taking the time to tell you now, and I'll tell you again real soon that if you are looking for something different in your life, maybe you have your fitness and nutrition under control so what about helping others learn to do the same?!?! Share your story, inspire others... pay it forward in life changes.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Get ready... Get set
The last month has been so unreal.. the good, the bad and the ugly. I've experienced moments of great joy and great despair (a bit dramatic perhaps, meh that's alright.)
Let's focus on what has gone right. I have been doing a weekly workout with a friend whose mindset has completely changed and I'm so proud of her. I held my first solo challenge group built around exercise and not just clean eating. It started as a huge group and unfortunately we had some people quit along the way, but it's ok. I wouldn't want anybody to do anything they weren't ready for. There were some amazing women in this group who were committed, consistent and super motivating. I asked yesterday that they share some successes with the group and they could be scale or non-scale victories. Some amazing things are happening and I'm not sure how much they realize it.
I am getting ready for 2 new challenge groups to start tomorrow. I have a free butt and gut challenge for 30 days and then our 21 day fix group as well. I am excited. These groups will have some of the same ladies that are finishing up the ab challenge and both groups are going to be fun and fierce.
I personally am going to be starting the 21 day fix extreme. I have to finish up Insanity Max 30 this week as I do preseason for 21 dfx and start really dialing in on nutrition. I will have two different meal plans to choose from with this program and I need to look them over first, but I'm hoping to see for myself that I can pull of the most extreme version.
I am planning on doing some meal shopping with some of the people in the 21 day fix group as they get started on their journey. I by no means am an expert, but having done the program I will be a great tool. This is one of the things I LOVE about being a coach. I don't have to be perfect, I get to be me and share what I do know and help lead my challengers through their own journey. I learn and I grow every day. I will never have to be perfect or know everything about fitness or nutrition. I just get to enjoy my own personal journey and make as many mistakes as will happen along the way and share that journey to inspire others. No perfect but inspiration. Ah, life is good.
Other great things.... I have gotten to spend so much time playing with Lily. She is so imaginative and fun. We've played ponies, kitchen, monster high, games, adventure parks and so much more. I get more tired now than I ever did in the workforce lol. It's so nice to be there for her for everything. Getting her ready in the morning AND putting her to bed at night. I don't mean to brag because I know so many mothers and fathers who wish they could do this. It hasn't been without it's challenge though, and we now face the most difficult challenge we have encountered as a family. But with prayer, a positive attitude, support and perseverance we will get through this. At least we are all together and we are healthy and happy.
Also, my home has never been cleaner. This is a big thing, more deep cleaning and it just makes me feel better. I can't explain it, but this is a big win for me!
So, good things happening, struggles too but it's all about perspective. I am focusing on making the most of what I have and what I can. I am beyond excited about challenge groups starting tomorrow and starting a new workout program. 21 day fix extreme is the newest version of the 21 day fix which is what really changed everything for me. 4 different programs and it was the one that really stuck for me and I love it! I can't wait to see how the new one works....
EEEK. Now, let's get ready, get set, get EXTREME!!!
Let's focus on what has gone right. I have been doing a weekly workout with a friend whose mindset has completely changed and I'm so proud of her. I held my first solo challenge group built around exercise and not just clean eating. It started as a huge group and unfortunately we had some people quit along the way, but it's ok. I wouldn't want anybody to do anything they weren't ready for. There were some amazing women in this group who were committed, consistent and super motivating. I asked yesterday that they share some successes with the group and they could be scale or non-scale victories. Some amazing things are happening and I'm not sure how much they realize it.
I am getting ready for 2 new challenge groups to start tomorrow. I have a free butt and gut challenge for 30 days and then our 21 day fix group as well. I am excited. These groups will have some of the same ladies that are finishing up the ab challenge and both groups are going to be fun and fierce.
I personally am going to be starting the 21 day fix extreme. I have to finish up Insanity Max 30 this week as I do preseason for 21 dfx and start really dialing in on nutrition. I will have two different meal plans to choose from with this program and I need to look them over first, but I'm hoping to see for myself that I can pull of the most extreme version.
I am planning on doing some meal shopping with some of the people in the 21 day fix group as they get started on their journey. I by no means am an expert, but having done the program I will be a great tool. This is one of the things I LOVE about being a coach. I don't have to be perfect, I get to be me and share what I do know and help lead my challengers through their own journey. I learn and I grow every day. I will never have to be perfect or know everything about fitness or nutrition. I just get to enjoy my own personal journey and make as many mistakes as will happen along the way and share that journey to inspire others. No perfect but inspiration. Ah, life is good.
Other great things.... I have gotten to spend so much time playing with Lily. She is so imaginative and fun. We've played ponies, kitchen, monster high, games, adventure parks and so much more. I get more tired now than I ever did in the workforce lol. It's so nice to be there for her for everything. Getting her ready in the morning AND putting her to bed at night. I don't mean to brag because I know so many mothers and fathers who wish they could do this. It hasn't been without it's challenge though, and we now face the most difficult challenge we have encountered as a family. But with prayer, a positive attitude, support and perseverance we will get through this. At least we are all together and we are healthy and happy.
Also, my home has never been cleaner. This is a big thing, more deep cleaning and it just makes me feel better. I can't explain it, but this is a big win for me!
So, good things happening, struggles too but it's all about perspective. I am focusing on making the most of what I have and what I can. I am beyond excited about challenge groups starting tomorrow and starting a new workout program. 21 day fix extreme is the newest version of the 21 day fix which is what really changed everything for me. 4 different programs and it was the one that really stuck for me and I love it! I can't wait to see how the new one works....
EEEK. Now, let's get ready, get set, get EXTREME!!!
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Lemons
I told myself I was going to make sure I kept up with this blog better than I have ever tried with any other publishings before. I'm not quite hitting the specific goal I set for myself already, but the great news is that I am still doing much better than previous attempts. That's a win for Jenni. And an accountability moment (I really enjoy those.)
Do you ever feel like as soon as you take 1 step forward you get thrown about 3 or 4 steps back? Personally, this has happened to my family on a much more regular basis than I care for. This week was a particularly horrible set back. It's a struggle that we are still on and it may take a while to recover. I like to think of this particular set back as lemons. Yes, lemons.
Am I a fan of lemons, not really. But do I use them, and get help from them? Yes!!! They are sour, bitter and make me make weird faces. But, they add flavor to water and tea and help take care of my body. So you see, I need lemons. Just as sometimes to move forward we have to have setbacks otherwise how are you going to tell you're getting anywhere?!
I had spent a little bit of time this week reflecting on the situation currently presenting itself and I was a complete mess. I was thinking how unfair to me, to my daughter, to my husband. Then I found out a dear friend of mine lost his dad all of a sudden. While I am facing fears, the unknown and being scared somebody I care about lost something so much more that can never be replaced. I felt like a selfish jerk. My problems can be fixed and theirs can not. Both situations will heal with time but they are so so different. It really puts things into perspective. I still have everyone I love and we can find ways to work around our problems.
Then I stopped being angry with myself and started to think some more. I am not a selfish jerk for being a mess about my problems, because they are in fact mine. But being a mess does not help the situation. How often do people talk to you about God having a master plan? This happens a lot with me but I'm not always paying enough attention to listen. I'm listening now. I've calmed myself down and I'm moving forward. There are a lot of great things going on with me. I have my family, my friends, my home and everything I need in it. We are still going to be facing some challenges right now, but I have His master plan that I am a part of and I just need to keep doing what I need to, praying for the guidance I seek and have the faith that my giant step forward to make up for my 4 steps back is coming.
The greatest thing I have to get me through this is MYSELF!! I am happier, healthier, stronger (in more ways than 1) and more confident than I have been in a long while. I take care of my mind and my body after I spent so much time neglecting it and just going through the motions of every day life. I just feel fantastic and I'm in control of that!!!! What an amazing transformation! I am proud to say this every day and to share it with the world. It feels good to talk to the world about how great I feel about myself and I have no shame in that. I work hard on developing myself physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.
So, I'm going to end this with a message for life. Dear Life, I see and I feel the lemons you are throwing at me. Don't you know I work out? How about throwing a little protein instead?!?!
Happy day to everyone!!!
Do you ever feel like as soon as you take 1 step forward you get thrown about 3 or 4 steps back? Personally, this has happened to my family on a much more regular basis than I care for. This week was a particularly horrible set back. It's a struggle that we are still on and it may take a while to recover. I like to think of this particular set back as lemons. Yes, lemons.
Am I a fan of lemons, not really. But do I use them, and get help from them? Yes!!! They are sour, bitter and make me make weird faces. But, they add flavor to water and tea and help take care of my body. So you see, I need lemons. Just as sometimes to move forward we have to have setbacks otherwise how are you going to tell you're getting anywhere?!
I had spent a little bit of time this week reflecting on the situation currently presenting itself and I was a complete mess. I was thinking how unfair to me, to my daughter, to my husband. Then I found out a dear friend of mine lost his dad all of a sudden. While I am facing fears, the unknown and being scared somebody I care about lost something so much more that can never be replaced. I felt like a selfish jerk. My problems can be fixed and theirs can not. Both situations will heal with time but they are so so different. It really puts things into perspective. I still have everyone I love and we can find ways to work around our problems.
Then I stopped being angry with myself and started to think some more. I am not a selfish jerk for being a mess about my problems, because they are in fact mine. But being a mess does not help the situation. How often do people talk to you about God having a master plan? This happens a lot with me but I'm not always paying enough attention to listen. I'm listening now. I've calmed myself down and I'm moving forward. There are a lot of great things going on with me. I have my family, my friends, my home and everything I need in it. We are still going to be facing some challenges right now, but I have His master plan that I am a part of and I just need to keep doing what I need to, praying for the guidance I seek and have the faith that my giant step forward to make up for my 4 steps back is coming.
The greatest thing I have to get me through this is MYSELF!! I am happier, healthier, stronger (in more ways than 1) and more confident than I have been in a long while. I take care of my mind and my body after I spent so much time neglecting it and just going through the motions of every day life. I just feel fantastic and I'm in control of that!!!! What an amazing transformation! I am proud to say this every day and to share it with the world. It feels good to talk to the world about how great I feel about myself and I have no shame in that. I work hard on developing myself physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.
So, I'm going to end this with a message for life. Dear Life, I see and I feel the lemons you are throwing at me. Don't you know I work out? How about throwing a little protein instead?!?!
Happy day to everyone!!!
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