Expect Great Things, Attempt Great Things

Has someone ever told you that you couldn't? 

Have you ever told yourself "I can't?" 

Have you ever done something you never thought you could? 

I can give you one example for every year of my life of something that either someone told me I couldn't do or something I told myself I couldn't do. 

For several years, I've set goals in front of me that I've never done before. For the most part, I've met them all. Some are still in progress, but I'm ok with that. Aren't we all still in progress? 

This past holiday break, I began listening to Candace Cameron Bure's Reshaping It All. Yes, you read that right - Candance Cameron aka DJ Tanner. 

Like many influential verses, books, and movies, her book continued to pop up around me (twitter, internet, mom's boards, magazines). 

I take these "pop ups" to mean more than coincidence. (check out SQuire Rushnell's Godwinks series). 

So, with a giftcard from a special friend, I downloaded the audio version of Reshaping It All. 

On Friday, December 16th, I began listening to what would start changing my thinking and start reshaping my spirit all over again. 

Lord knows, I needed it after the prior 6 weeks. 

As I began listening, I began working out while listening. Her voice is just as motivating as her words. Everything she was saying was making sense. 

From chapter 1-19 something incredible happened to me. I began to look back over my life and see the exact points where I was spiritually sound and balanced and where I wasn't. When I wasn't, I seemed to always be in a struggle with my weight. 

She gave childhood scenarios and they seemed to almost mimic my own. 

As a I did jumping jacks, push ups, and ran, several "truths" began to unfold before me. 

1. If someone wasn't putting me down on a daily basis, I'd do that myself. 

2. Food was always used as a comfort when I didn't know what to do with emotions. 

3. Excuses for bad eating were ok because that is what I was taught. 

4. Saying no to desserts or food was "rude." 

5. Working out after a baby had no point. Nothing was happening anyway. 

I began to look at these "truths" in a new light. I listened earnestly to what Candace was saying and really began to see what I'd been doing to myself. 

So, I began training. I worked out at least once a day. I kept track of my food, snacks, and activity with a simple phone app. 

If you know me, you know I'm conscious in being in the moment & in being grateful, but I realized that I was not being conscious of what I was eating, how I was caring for my body or how my spirit was creating a plateau I'd never break. 

So for 2 weeks I trained, ate clean, became conscious of how to be disciplined in my spirit, mind, and body. I knew that in order to live out goals I've had for years, I would have to train all 3 parts of my being or I could never see those goals to the finish line. 

I had no idea what I was training for specifically, but I continued. I felt better already. 

Then, after 2 weeks, I got a text from a friend. "Hey, there's a marathon in Dallas in March. We should do it!" 

Uh. No. YOU should do it. I'll cheer. 

Something led me to this website and I began to read. 

Well, it looks fun. But there's no way. 1/2? 13 miles? I couldn't run 13 miles even at my peak fitness. I can't. 

As I continued to ponder on the thought above, I realized that I was telling myself "You can't." 

WHAT?!?!

I'm the person that will not let anyone - ANYONE- tell me I can't. My life story has a theme and this was it - I CAN. 

So, I texted her back. "YES! I will!" 

OMG. What did you just do? You will?! How?! What are you thinking? You can't even run 5 miles w/out stopping. Well, you can't back out now. You spoke it and so it will be. *knock*knock* You ARE crazy, huh? 

I immediately downloaded an app to help me and came up with a plan for training, eating and support. 

This isn't about losing weight or being skinny. This is about dedication, discipline, and faith. 

Why did I say yes? I decided that I have the power to do this - WE have the power to do this.

I'm doing this for YOU. 

I'm doing it for all of those who physically can't. 

I'm doing it for those who tell themselves they can't and settle. 

I'm doing it for my kids, my husband, my friends, myself and my God. 

I'm here to love. 

I'm here to serve. 

I'm here to inspire. 

I'm here to live out and tell my truth. 

Tisha (me) will do a 1/2 marathon in March. Tisha will FINISH a 1/2 marathon in March. 

Tisha can DO whatever she sets her mind to do-Always in all ways. The biggest step is the first step. 

"A man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." ~ Psalm 37:23

Rise in 2012

As you move into 2012 and set your sights on new goals and dreams, remember the following: 


Anything is possible with enough enthusiasm and positivity. ~The Single Woman


1. The greatest people in history failed time and again, but their determination is what pushed them to success. 


2. Believe in yourself, commit to working hard, don't allow for any excuses or blame. 


3. Decide to turn all negatives into positives. ALL negatives -->POSITIVES. 


4. Only you can save your own life. Don't take your eyes off of your goal. 

Stronger

In the past month, I've been reminded of lessons that I've learned in the past. Mostly from people from my past. A few of those encounters did a number on my mind and emotion. So much so that I have not been myself. 

I've felt much like I was on a balance beam swaying back and forth and grasping at the air around me to find some sort of balance. 

That's not who I am. 

I am strong. I'm so strong that people typically don't have that power over me. 

However, the recent turn of events were more extreme than I'd expected. I hadn't prepared for it. 

There was a time in my life when I had to pull out every ounce of strength to get through to the other side. I had focus, I had strength, I had discipline, and I had the motivation. 

Looking back, I realize I was way stronger than I ever saw myself. 

The past month was difficult because I was allowing myself to be in that place of unbalance. I knew what it was and I knew what caused it. I also knew perfectly well that in order to get past it, I would have to sit with it for a time. 

Slowly, I've brought myself back. Though, I'm still not satisfied that I've disciplined myself enough to forget the hurt I felt.

Another quick encounter where I caught another glimpse of the way I used to be treated has reminded me that I need to get past that hurt. 

Getting past it allows me to move forward. 

Getting past it allows me to pursue dreams. 

Getting past it allows me to be a better wife/mom. 

Getting past it allows me to be STRONGER than ever. 

But...

but...

BUT .........

I cannot forget what it taught me for those lessons are worth more money than I could ever make. 

Forgetting that is not something I can do, because forgetting those lessons will make me also forget.....

I am stronger  than your words. 

I am stronger  than the power trip you're on. 

I  am stronger  than the small person you'd like me to feel I am. 

I am stronger and I am able to move past what you give me. 

I am stronger than I even know. 

We can all be strong enough when we have to be. 

"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." 

ALERT! You ARE special, but not THAT special.

This week's lessons were full and never-ending. :) 


Someone sent this to me via email and I loved it so much I thought it needed to have it's own blog post. 


The people who NEED to read this and soak it in are often the ones who genuinely think it doesn't apply to them. 


I caught a few seconds of entertainment news this week and heard the reporter telling about Alec Baldwin being thrown off a plane because he wouldn't turn off his iPad when the stewardess asked him to. 


Do you have anyone in your life (home, work or otherwise) that should be wearing this t-shirt? 


How do you handle your encounters with them? 


I have a few people I see often that are wearing this shirt in my mind. :) Some days I can take it all with a grain of salt, other days I have to call someone to come with a cape and talk me off the ledge. Seriously.


The truth? They won't even start to change if you say nothing. You'll have to find the right words and rehearse them before you say them. 


I often think of a phrase before I even get to work and repeat it to myself all morning so that I will have the words when the moment comes. I promise this works! You just have to be disciplined enough to do it. 


This week I actually told someone in front of an audience, "Why didn't you plan ahead and ask me during one of the 8 hrs I was in my office working to help you set up?" 


Oops! I don't usually call people out like that but it seems to be an ongoing occurrence with certain people. 


I think we all  have a little "the world revolves around me" in us, don't you agree? 


It takes conscious thought and reminding every day to remember that you ARE special, but that you not special enough to not have to follow certain rules and procedures. 


Keep yourself humble this week. 


xoxo

Please Don't Say "Happy Birthday!"

Last year for my birthday I decided to do several blog giveaways! It was the best thing I've done in a long time.  I had so much fun giving! This year I'm asking YOU to give something instead. (keep reading)

Adoption is near and dear to my heart. On December 5, I was adopted at 3 days old and I reflect on the fact that even if I was unplanned in the eyes of my birth parents, I was not unplanned in the eyes of God. He had a purpose for my life before I even drew my first breath of life. 

I LOVE adoption stories and despite what others assume, I'm very open about talking about my feelings about my own situation. I also love to hear others' stories when I get the chance. 

As a teacher, I've taught many, many students over the course of the 11 years I've been in education. One student stands out, though. She was a sophomore in my computer class. The next year I didn't even realize she was gone. The year after, her senior year, she returned. I was chosen to be a sponsor for the senior trip to Six Flags. As I sat on a bench beside the Texas Giant, I noticed she sat beside me. All of a sudden she struck up a conversation. 

-You were adopted right?

Yes

-I remember when you were my teacher. The first week of school we had to do the About Me project. You told us about being adopted and about your brother dying and how life is never how you expect it to turn out.

Yes

-Well, I was curious. Do you ever feel anger toward your birth mother? 

(Without hesitation) No. I think she gave me one of the greatest gifts a person can give. In my eyes she's a hero. 

-Really? 

Yes. 

-Do you remember I was gone last year? 

Yes

-I went away to have a baby. I gave that baby up for adoption. I struggle daily with wondering if she'll grow up to hate me or be angry at me. 

In that moment, I realized that everything we go through in life, isn't just for us. It's for us to share with others and tell what we've learned. It's for us to mentor with and guide others who might go through that same situation playing a different role. It's for us to comfort and console. And that's exactly what I did. 

In a way I could say to her the exact things I'd say to my own birth mother if I had the chance and she could express her love and worry to me when she couldn't say those things yet to her baby girl. 

November is National Adoption Awareness Month (bet you didn't know that!) and after several coincidental (you know I don't believe in this) conversations about adoption with a new friend this year, I realized there weren't many charities centering around adoption. 

So, I know it's now December and you'll probably take time to actually go to my FB wall or twitter feed to say "Happy Birthday."  But this year I'm asking you not to. I'm asking you to choose one of the following charities and take that time to donate at least $1 in my name for my 35th birthday. 

1. Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

2. Gladney Center for Adoption
3. Hope Cottage

Big love and gratitude to each of you for making my life so abundant! 

35 Favorite Things

Since I'll be 35 in a few days, I thought I'd make a list of all of my favorite things and share them with you. Some are silly some are not. 


1. Sugar Cookie Tea (Celestial Seasonings)- a little cookie in every cup. (add some brown sugar)
2. Aquaphor - dry skin, chapped lips, on the eyes, cuts - buy the big tub. Worth every $. 
3. Rescue Remedy - Every mom should have a bottle in her purse. For days when you wish it was another type of bottle. 
4. Pinterest - If I want to pretend I'm creative and a good cook. 
5. Mary Kay anti-aging moisturizer- moisturizer is key, everyday. Seriously. 
6. Essie - any color. :) Love them all. Currently wearing Mint Candy Apple on the toes. 
7. Piloxing - like 90's Tae Bo except combined with pilates and empowering. 
8. Starbucks - I had a McDonald's coffee the other day. They say it's the same. They lie. 
9. M.A.C. nude lipstick. Let's face it - M.A.C. anything. 
10. Otterbox for iPhone. I drop my phone a lot. My iphone still looks new. :) 
11. Squeezable Applesauce (GoGo Squeez) - best invention for kids. Especially ones who only eat applesauce not at the table. 
12. Beco Butterfly 2 - best. baby. item. ever. Gift it to someone! You can carry your kid until they are 70 lbs! ;) 
13. Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark. I've tried to recreate it. It worked, but still not as good.
14. Netflix - on the wii, tv, ipad, iphone, ipod
15. Holiday movies - Christmas Vacation is my FAV!  Halloween is never too early! 
16. Hobby Lobby - always a sale, love their decor, I can always find something I love
17. Turkey bacon - healthier, less greasy, leaves you feeling better than the real stuff. 
18. Lemon oil or any oil by Aura Cacia - I love LEMONS! Burn it, put it in the bath, rub some on your wrist, add it to your homemade scrub
19. Keyring App - never carry those grocery store reward cards again! :) 
20. Saturday Night Live - Laughing reduces stress. Stress is the silent killer. Watch SNL. 
21. My crock pot - check out Stephanie O'Dea's "Year of Slow Cooking"
22. Black forest cherry caramel apples - trust me. you want one. (no pic. pretty sure I'll have to recreate this myself)
23. Victoria Secret - No secret here. Wear what makes you feel beautiful and girly! Splurge the extra $$ on it - you're worth it! 
24. AdvoCare Spark - wanna buy some? I sell it. :) One in the AM, one in the PM - this is how I survive work, kids, etc. 
25. Blankets - Since I was little I always loved them. My favorite was given to me by a student in 2007. The tag has worn down so no idea where it came from. It soft and warm on one side and slick and cool on the other. *snuggle*
26. TOMS - Yes, the shoes you buy and someone else gets a pair. It's true. And they are SO comfy. I want to wear them everyday! 
27. Pomegranates - red, juicy, sweet, messy. What's not to love?!
28. Sally's Beauty Supply Bobby Pins - THEY REALLY HOLD! :) 
29. Chocolate Covered Cherries from Sprouts - always a weekly treat to myself
30. Criminal Minds - CBS, Wed - I know it's not light hearted but I love mysteries and the characters! 
31. Cranberry Orange Scones - a weekly treat over donuts in our house! Kids LOVE 'em! (adults do too!) Easy "fake out" for people who think you slaved in the kitchen. ;) 
32. Elf on the Shelf - by far my favorite family holiday tradition. Elf mischief is FUN! :) If you have kids, you NEED ONE! 
33. Elderberry Spray - I start it in September! The spray is much more acceptable by the kids, too!  
34.  FRXtion Sugar Exfoliator and Lip Balm - not all balms are created equal. I've very picky about mine. This is a sugar scrub and lip balm in one! The case has a tiny mirror, too! Always almost sold out when I go in for it. 


35. This quote: "We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the ONLY path. ~Paulo Coelho 

Difficulties

The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be. – Horace Bushnell


To each person that I, personally, know is hurting at this very moment - you are an inspiration to me. 


At some point in the past few weeks, you've made me smile a genuine smile and I've been consciously grateful for you and the moments we shared. 

Your strength is evident. 

The struggle you are lying down in today is the strength that will get you through to tomorrow. 

Love each of you more than you know, 

T