I just discovered this show on A&E called Hoarders.
I admittedly sat for several hours one day watching episodes. It was like a train wreck. I couldn't look away. Though, ironically, the people on this show were so used to looking away at the problem, it was now ruining their lives.
Hoarders
I think that as a people all need to take time to stop and do inventory on ourselves and our lives. Whether it be food, finances, drugs, alcohol, work, socializing, gossiping, shopping, trash, or just "stuff"... many of us are hoarders whether we admit it or not.
I've come to the conclusion after talking to several friends this month that we need to do what these professionals help the hoarders do: take inventory, decide what we need to hang on to or keep doing, and make a 3 separate piles: keep, give away, TRASH.
If we don't take spiritual, mental and physical inventory, things can become overwhelming.
It seems that so many of the people featured on this show were buying stuff and keeping stuff in order to fill a void. Like so many addictions, it seems this was no different.
********************
For the past week, the girls and I have been cleaning. Not just the normal stuff, but cleaning out closets, drawers, buckets, bags. If it hasn't been touched, we touched it this week.
Partly, I was making up for the past year. I just didn't feel like messing with any of the stuff. Being pg made me tired, so I put it off. And off. And off. It wasn't horrible. Not like Hoarders, but it did take a lot of time.
There was one particular corner that I had been putting off. Documents, mail, papers, loads of pictures AKA reminders of the past. It had been in the same pile for a few years, tucked behind something larger so I could hide it. Every day, though, when I looked that direction, I was reminded of what was there. Of the past. Ugh. Dealing with the past, though, is always necessary in order to leave it behind.
So last week, I sat down for several hours and went through it all. The girls did this with me and we talked a lot about abundance, having too much, and what others might not have.
How liberating it was to TOSS out the old stuff, To GIVE AWAY the things we no longer needed, and to realize what was important enough to KEEP.
********************
I think we must also take time to do this with our refrigerators, pantries, minds, hearts, and souls.
People must be able to decide which of their thoughts they should keep, give away, and throw out. I'm no exception. Lately I've learned that I have to be very careful about things I've been told in the past and most recently. Some of the things were hurtful, heartbreaking and disappointing. Some of the things were truth, some were told with the greatest intentions, some were told in love.
For me, all of it gets jumbled together and starts collecting in a little corner of my mind. At least once a day I need to sort things out so that I can start fresh again the next day.
********************
Women, most importantly, need to do this as their daily jobs as mom, wife, and homemaker can really interfere with this process.
I'm hoping to teach my girls to do this at least twice a year even into their adulthood.
I'm hoping to teach them that others may have more STUFF, but it doesn't always bring happiness.
I'm hoping to teach them when things are overflowing, they have too much STUFF. It's time to purge.
I'm hoping to teach them that STUFF doesn't fill holes, heal wounds, or help their self worth.
I'm hoping to teach them now so that they are able to do it as habit later.
"Clear your mind must be, if you are to discover the real villains behind this plot." ~Frank Oz
Edited to Add: A very special friend reminded me of a great site that helps with organization/cleaning/motivation. You might want to check it out if you haven't yet.
FLY LADY
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Running Your Own Race
I enjoy running.
Had you known me as a child, you'd laugh out loud. I hated running. I have fond memories of hating P.E. I use to cry when I would have to go. I dreaded it and thought my Jillian Michaels-like PE teacher was the devil. :) Unfortunately, Maddie is just like me in that regard. Poor thing. Only difference is that she loves her coaches and for that I'm so thankful.
As an adult, I've learned to reap the benefits of my running time.
1. I'm setting a good example for my girls to not be afraid to workout, sweat, and feeling pain.
2. God speaks to me. You might want to debate this, but it's true.
3. It heals my heart, mind, and body.
If I can overcome my initial thought of NO! I don't wanna sweat or get out of bed or leave my warm, cozy bed, then I jump start my day, my attitude, and my healing.
We all have wounds. We've all walked through the door of pain. We've all diminished our roles in life, what we have, who we are. We've all compared ourselves to others.
Yet, it's in those thoughts and times that we lose ourselves.
As I went for a 60 minute jog yesterday, I ran in the same lane the entire time. I stopped for a brief moment for a stretch or for a drink and then kept going. Some parts of the 60 minutes were harder and hotter than others. Despite those "I-don't-wanna-keep-going" moments, I did, and afterwards felt so much better. Stronger. In tune. Open. Breathing in Life.
Had I been running with someone else, they might have had a different run experience. They might have not stopped at all, they might have been looking to me the whole time, they might have stopped and quit. They may have decided walking was better. Or jogging. Or sprinting.
My point: We are not all going to do things the same way. We may choose a different path. We may choose a different speed. But we cannot compare ourselves to anyone else. We each have a different race to run and a different goal to reach.
Running our own race is the only way to heal our hearts and live peacefully.
Had you known me as a child, you'd laugh out loud. I hated running. I have fond memories of hating P.E. I use to cry when I would have to go. I dreaded it and thought my Jillian Michaels-like PE teacher was the devil. :) Unfortunately, Maddie is just like me in that regard. Poor thing. Only difference is that she loves her coaches and for that I'm so thankful.
As an adult, I've learned to reap the benefits of my running time.
1. I'm setting a good example for my girls to not be afraid to workout, sweat, and feeling pain.
2. God speaks to me. You might want to debate this, but it's true.
3. It heals my heart, mind, and body.
If I can overcome my initial thought of NO! I don't wanna sweat or get out of bed or leave my warm, cozy bed, then I jump start my day, my attitude, and my healing.
We all have wounds. We've all walked through the door of pain. We've all diminished our roles in life, what we have, who we are. We've all compared ourselves to others.
Yet, it's in those thoughts and times that we lose ourselves.
As I went for a 60 minute jog yesterday, I ran in the same lane the entire time. I stopped for a brief moment for a stretch or for a drink and then kept going. Some parts of the 60 minutes were harder and hotter than others. Despite those "I-don't-wanna-keep-going" moments, I did, and afterwards felt so much better. Stronger. In tune. Open. Breathing in Life.
Had I been running with someone else, they might have had a different run experience. They might have not stopped at all, they might have been looking to me the whole time, they might have stopped and quit. They may have decided walking was better. Or jogging. Or sprinting.
My point: We are not all going to do things the same way. We may choose a different path. We may choose a different speed. But we cannot compare ourselves to anyone else. We each have a different race to run and a different goal to reach.
Running our own race is the only way to heal our hearts and live peacefully.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
In Love
He melts my heart.
His eyes capture me.
His smile makes me feel like I can conquer the world.
The touch of his hand is so gentle yet so strong.
His voice makes my world stop.
His love is never-ending without gain.
Waking with him, Falling asleep with him
Laughing with him
Loving him
In Love
Friday, June 4, 2010
Shout Outs
I'm sure if you have ever blogged or are a writer you understand that feeling that comes with a topic when it won't leave you. It eats at you until you get it down on paper or out in the "open." This blog has been that way for me this week.
Many people have been on my mind and heart lately and I wanted to not only tell them in person "thank you" or "i love you," but I thought they deserved a blog shout out, even if they maybe don't see this right away.
************************
MIL's get such a bad rap these days. (mother-in-law)
On a simple google search of the term "mother in law," 99% of the results were negative. I was pretty surprised. I mean I knew that many people speak negatively about that relationship in their lives, but doesn't anyone have anything nice to say about them?
A few weeks ago as I was working with a lady I rarely get to see or spend time with, we happened upon the topic of mothers-in-law. She shared many treasures of knowledge as she always does regarding parenting boys, girls, and on being both a daughter-in-law as well as a mother-in-law.
Here's what I took from that conversation:
* The MIL/DIL relationship is a fragile one - No matter how hard each of them try to be great.
* Many times MIL/DIL miscommunicate on things and those little things turn into big things.
* MIL/DIL have different styles, like different things, and do almost everything a bit different than the other.
* It's usually hard for your spouse (their son) to understand how delicate some of those miscommunications are for the both of you.
* Being the mom of a boy is an important role, so you should take time to teach your son now some of the things that were important to you as a DIL.
* It's important to find the humor in all situations.
* No matter how hard you try as a DIL/MIL, you're usually still going to feel they "don't like you" at some point or another.
* Despite all of the above, you both love and adore the man that has become your common denominator.
My shout out here goes to:
1. My MIL - she recently spent 2 weeks with us helping while I went back to work. We cannot express our thanks enough for that care, time and the goodies she brought. She's a jewel and I'm so luck to call her my MIL. THANK YOU!
2. My ex-MIL. Yep, you read that right. She is a wonderful grandmother to the girls. They've been able to spend the past 2 weekends with her and I would never not let them go, as I know they are all making great memories with each other.
*****************
It happens every summer, but I seem to always get homesick. Oddly enough, my parents don't live in my hometown anymore, but I will always consider that place home. Even if the place and people have forgotten me, I will always have a continual pulling to go visit and experience all the good things that I remember about it.
I have a handful of friends still there or from there that I consider true, real, longtime friends. You know, the ones who even over time you can sit with and talk and it's like there was never a great distance between the two of you or that 15 years have gone by.
Not all small towns are created equal, as I've found out. I may be biased, but I think my small town is the best.
Today I talked to one of those friends and discussed a possible visit in the next few months.
This kudos is to all of my hometown peeps. You know who you are - I love you and love that even after such a long time, we are still part of each other's lives.
*****************
I love hard working, real, forgiving people. I think it's because I grew up with many people of that type. It's probably also because my dad (not a college graduate) was so successful, had a great group of friends, a very honest to goodness work ethic, and taught us that being a hard worker and being down to earth went a long way in life.
This week I've come across a few of those types of people. They always warm my heart and I enjoy conversing with them because you always know what you see is what you get. There's no other motives. There's no "fair weathered-ness" with them. They aren't trying to use you to get ahead. They don't pretend to be perfect, they don't pretend to have perfect families, they aren't afraid for you to know the "real" parts of their life.
So my next shout-out is to those great people. Because let's face it - the simple and real parts of life are sooooo refreshing.
*****************
This last shout out goes to a few people. These people have given great advice, lived humbly, and were not accidents in my life, I'm sure.
1. My long time friend, S. Though I do not see her often, she still is teaching me so much about being professional. She's a mentor, for sure, and I know that I am where I am, in part, because of all I learned from her.
2. My friend, K. She doesn't know that our week long visit was a "God thing" but like always, I take so many treasures of knowledge after talking with her. She will even talk with me about healthy food options! :)
3. My DDC peeps. These ladies rock! They offer tons of advice, support, and humor! I'm so glad I "ran" into them! :)
And here's a shout out for YOU, if you made it through all of that reading! :)
Many people have been on my mind and heart lately and I wanted to not only tell them in person "thank you" or "i love you," but I thought they deserved a blog shout out, even if they maybe don't see this right away.
************************
MIL's get such a bad rap these days. (mother-in-law)
On a simple google search of the term "mother in law," 99% of the results were negative. I was pretty surprised. I mean I knew that many people speak negatively about that relationship in their lives, but doesn't anyone have anything nice to say about them?
A few weeks ago as I was working with a lady I rarely get to see or spend time with, we happened upon the topic of mothers-in-law. She shared many treasures of knowledge as she always does regarding parenting boys, girls, and on being both a daughter-in-law as well as a mother-in-law.
Here's what I took from that conversation:
* The MIL/DIL relationship is a fragile one - No matter how hard each of them try to be great.
* Many times MIL/DIL miscommunicate on things and those little things turn into big things.
* MIL/DIL have different styles, like different things, and do almost everything a bit different than the other.
* It's usually hard for your spouse (their son) to understand how delicate some of those miscommunications are for the both of you.
* Being the mom of a boy is an important role, so you should take time to teach your son now some of the things that were important to you as a DIL.
* It's important to find the humor in all situations.
* No matter how hard you try as a DIL/MIL, you're usually still going to feel they "don't like you" at some point or another.
* Despite all of the above, you both love and adore the man that has become your common denominator.
My shout out here goes to:
1. My MIL - she recently spent 2 weeks with us helping while I went back to work. We cannot express our thanks enough for that care, time and the goodies she brought. She's a jewel and I'm so luck to call her my MIL. THANK YOU!
2. My ex-MIL. Yep, you read that right. She is a wonderful grandmother to the girls. They've been able to spend the past 2 weekends with her and I would never not let them go, as I know they are all making great memories with each other.
*****************
It happens every summer, but I seem to always get homesick. Oddly enough, my parents don't live in my hometown anymore, but I will always consider that place home. Even if the place and people have forgotten me, I will always have a continual pulling to go visit and experience all the good things that I remember about it.
I have a handful of friends still there or from there that I consider true, real, longtime friends. You know, the ones who even over time you can sit with and talk and it's like there was never a great distance between the two of you or that 15 years have gone by.
Not all small towns are created equal, as I've found out. I may be biased, but I think my small town is the best.
Today I talked to one of those friends and discussed a possible visit in the next few months.
This kudos is to all of my hometown peeps. You know who you are - I love you and love that even after such a long time, we are still part of each other's lives.
*****************
I love hard working, real, forgiving people. I think it's because I grew up with many people of that type. It's probably also because my dad (not a college graduate) was so successful, had a great group of friends, a very honest to goodness work ethic, and taught us that being a hard worker and being down to earth went a long way in life.
This week I've come across a few of those types of people. They always warm my heart and I enjoy conversing with them because you always know what you see is what you get. There's no other motives. There's no "fair weathered-ness" with them. They aren't trying to use you to get ahead. They don't pretend to be perfect, they don't pretend to have perfect families, they aren't afraid for you to know the "real" parts of their life.
So my next shout-out is to those great people. Because let's face it - the simple and real parts of life are sooooo refreshing.
*****************
This last shout out goes to a few people. These people have given great advice, lived humbly, and were not accidents in my life, I'm sure.
1. My long time friend, S. Though I do not see her often, she still is teaching me so much about being professional. She's a mentor, for sure, and I know that I am where I am, in part, because of all I learned from her.
2. My friend, K. She doesn't know that our week long visit was a "God thing" but like always, I take so many treasures of knowledge after talking with her. She will even talk with me about healthy food options! :)
3. My DDC peeps. These ladies rock! They offer tons of advice, support, and humor! I'm so glad I "ran" into them! :)
And here's a shout out for YOU, if you made it through all of that reading! :)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Life's Not Always Rainbows
Something that I think we all need to remember is that life is not always going to be sunshine and rainbows. Although that's what we'd all like, challenges, struggles and difficult times hover over all of us at different stages. At times I find myself even thinking "when will the rainbow show itself?"
Truthfully, it's partly my job to put those rainbows in my life, in my kids' lives, in my husband's day. It's partly my job to find the sliver lining during all those thunderstorms.
The past school year has been difficult, yet joyously sweet.
My sweet Maddie struggled so much in the beginning with her health, stress and anxieties. So much on her precious heart and mind. Though it seemed like we'd never get through it all, we did.
Avery struggled off and on all year with various challenges. She didn't like coloring at preschool, though, popular belief says at this age that's just what they do. She struggled with change and understanding social interactions like why one girl wouldn't play with her or why she all of a sudden had a fascination with boys. (God help me. Already?)
Jason struggled at work and as a manager trying to learn how to adapt to different personalities, work ethics, and the long hours he had to put in all of a sudden. He struggled the most with not getting to be home with us as much as he'd anticipated. Such is life.
I struggled because for almost the whole school year, I was pregnant. While it was wonderful and we were so very happy, my body at 33 was much, much different than my body at 23 when I'd had Maddie. The days seemed longer, the work seemed harder, and juggling everyone's schedules was quite a challenge. Though, I know in the depths of my soul our life's purpose is to find joy during these times most of all.
I admit there were days that I wasn't finding any rainbows at all. Thank goodness for a great husband to whip me back into shape. :)
*******************
"When it rains, it pours."
While this is true I love remembering that without the rain, we cannot have the rainbows.
Without a struggle, we cannot celebrate in full a victory.
Without death, we would not have life.
Without tears, those smiles would not be as sweet.
Without sadness, we would not be able to experience pure joy.
Without a good attitude, life can seem dark, cloudy, and as though it's flooding around us.
"And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:12 & 13
Today I celebrate my family, those who've fought for us away from their own families, my girls' and their struggles and victories, my husband and his loving dedication as a leader to all of us, my new son, Jace, as he grows and changes before our eyes. . . .
Today, I'm making the rainbow and remembering to celebrate the RAIN AND the RAINBOWS ...
Note - in the making of this fun rainbow cake, it all broke apart right before the icing. :) I guess it's just cake fate after writing this blog. :)
Truthfully, it's partly my job to put those rainbows in my life, in my kids' lives, in my husband's day. It's partly my job to find the sliver lining during all those thunderstorms.
The past school year has been difficult, yet joyously sweet.
My sweet Maddie struggled so much in the beginning with her health, stress and anxieties. So much on her precious heart and mind. Though it seemed like we'd never get through it all, we did.
Avery struggled off and on all year with various challenges. She didn't like coloring at preschool, though, popular belief says at this age that's just what they do. She struggled with change and understanding social interactions like why one girl wouldn't play with her or why she all of a sudden had a fascination with boys. (God help me. Already?)
Jason struggled at work and as a manager trying to learn how to adapt to different personalities, work ethics, and the long hours he had to put in all of a sudden. He struggled the most with not getting to be home with us as much as he'd anticipated. Such is life.
I struggled because for almost the whole school year, I was pregnant. While it was wonderful and we were so very happy, my body at 33 was much, much different than my body at 23 when I'd had Maddie. The days seemed longer, the work seemed harder, and juggling everyone's schedules was quite a challenge. Though, I know in the depths of my soul our life's purpose is to find joy during these times most of all.
I admit there were days that I wasn't finding any rainbows at all. Thank goodness for a great husband to whip me back into shape. :)
*******************
"When it rains, it pours."
While this is true I love remembering that without the rain, we cannot have the rainbows.
Without a struggle, we cannot celebrate in full a victory.
Without death, we would not have life.
Without tears, those smiles would not be as sweet.
Without sadness, we would not be able to experience pure joy.
Without a good attitude, life can seem dark, cloudy, and as though it's flooding around us.
"And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:12 & 13
Today I celebrate my family, those who've fought for us away from their own families, my girls' and their struggles and victories, my husband and his loving dedication as a leader to all of us, my new son, Jace, as he grows and changes before our eyes. . . .
Today, I'm making the rainbow and remembering to celebrate the RAIN AND the RAINBOWS ...
Note - in the making of this fun rainbow cake, it all broke apart right before the icing. :) I guess it's just cake fate after writing this blog. :)
Friday, May 14, 2010
Get Over It.
Go figure. The week I come up with a great blog is the week I go back to work. I think it's because I've been more disciplined to take time to spend with God, working out and taking some time alone. This time, I know, is imperative to my growth. Imperative.
Last week, we were talking about our five year old and all the things she must learn. She's at a stage where she thinks everything revolves around her. I have to constantly remind her that it's not all about her. I make her repeat this to me often. Sometimes 5 times a day.
We are also working on how to teach her that it's ok to ask for certain things, want certain things, but to not expect those things at the drop of a hat. We remind her that she must have patience for some things and must work for other things.
When she gets the "thing" she wants, she quickly moves on to the next thing she wants. For example, she just HAD TO HAVE an ice skating party. Once that was over, the minute it was over, she started talking about what she wanted next year. *sigh* I had just hoped she would savor that moment and that day for a little longer than 5 minutes.
This didn't impact me at all until I was running one very early morning this week. I like to listen to a variety of podcasts and in this particular podcast the speaker spoke these words: " If you ask God for something and then you get it, but very quickly move on to the next thing you are praying to Him for; the thing you "need" right now, what are the chances he'll give you anything else?
It clicked.
We, as adults, have lately been acting a lot like Avery. We have fallen into a stage where we are praying for this and that and this. There are specific things that we've both prayed for that we have now and it seems that instead of savoring the exact thing we prayed for and GOT - we have moved on to the next thing we think we "deserve." I had been looking at her with a magnifying glass, but looking at myself with rose-colored glasses. How many times do we do this with the people around us? Our kids? Our "friends?"
When I began to view my prayers in the same way that I view my conversations with Avery, I laughed out loud.
Seriously. I need to stop being a "spoiled brat." Things aren't always going to go our way. Get over it. Move on. Instead of whining and asking for something more, we need to savor and sit right where we are at this moment -even if in that moment we are struggling or uncomfortable.
After all, if we aren't going to take care of and enjoy the relationships we prayed for, the house we prayed for, the child we prayed for, the job we asked for. . . why in the world would we be given anything more?
We have to get over this idea that we are "entitled" to whatever it is we pray for or think we "deserve" - it's not always about US.
Last week, we were talking about our five year old and all the things she must learn. She's at a stage where she thinks everything revolves around her. I have to constantly remind her that it's not all about her. I make her repeat this to me often. Sometimes 5 times a day.
We are also working on how to teach her that it's ok to ask for certain things, want certain things, but to not expect those things at the drop of a hat. We remind her that she must have patience for some things and must work for other things.
When she gets the "thing" she wants, she quickly moves on to the next thing she wants. For example, she just HAD TO HAVE an ice skating party. Once that was over, the minute it was over, she started talking about what she wanted next year. *sigh* I had just hoped she would savor that moment and that day for a little longer than 5 minutes.
This didn't impact me at all until I was running one very early morning this week. I like to listen to a variety of podcasts and in this particular podcast the speaker spoke these words: " If you ask God for something and then you get it, but very quickly move on to the next thing you are praying to Him for; the thing you "need" right now, what are the chances he'll give you anything else?
It clicked.
We, as adults, have lately been acting a lot like Avery. We have fallen into a stage where we are praying for this and that and this. There are specific things that we've both prayed for that we have now and it seems that instead of savoring the exact thing we prayed for and GOT - we have moved on to the next thing we think we "deserve." I had been looking at her with a magnifying glass, but looking at myself with rose-colored glasses. How many times do we do this with the people around us? Our kids? Our "friends?"
When I began to view my prayers in the same way that I view my conversations with Avery, I laughed out loud.
Seriously. I need to stop being a "spoiled brat." Things aren't always going to go our way. Get over it. Move on. Instead of whining and asking for something more, we need to savor and sit right where we are at this moment -even if in that moment we are struggling or uncomfortable.
After all, if we aren't going to take care of and enjoy the relationships we prayed for, the house we prayed for, the child we prayed for, the job we asked for. . . why in the world would we be given anything more?
We have to get over this idea that we are "entitled" to whatever it is we pray for or think we "deserve" - it's not always about US.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Weighing on my mind. . . .
*sigh*
Have you ever looked in the mirror or a photo of yourself and thought " Hey! That's not me! Where did I go?"
Pregnancy seems to have that affect on me. :)
It has been 5 weeks since Jace has been born and about 2 good weeks since I've started working out. No, I didn't get the 6 weeks clearance from my dr yet. Who knew that was so freaking important?! No exercise until 6 weeks, no sex until 6 weeks, and yesterday they ALMOST didn't give me my massage because I technically had not been "released" at 6 weeks yet.
I feel fine - great, actually. My body told me so. Do I really need her to tell me when I feel up to doing "STUFF?"
Anyway - back to my point. Weight. I've never weighed this much in my life. Depressing.
Weighing on my mind lately isn't so much what I weigh (I've never been a friend to the scale theory) but how I'm looking in pictures or most importantly how my jeans are fitting (or not fitting these days).
It seems as a woman I've been on a never ending journey to find my perfect fit body. Usually once I have it, I have another baby. ;)
Looking back, I recall many times in high school or college thinking I wasn't "thin" enough.
HA, I say to myself! Who knew I'd now KILL to have that body back.
So, here I am. Another journey to get back into shape. This time I'm hoping to be in the best shape ever since we will be having NO MORE babies.
I'm doing everything I can, but like many I want results now, not later. Inside I feel "thin" and fit, but then I see myself and, well, I have to take many steps to keep myself positive.
I am reminded each time that I'm at this point how hard the work is to get back, how disciplined I have to be with food and my choices, and this time as a breast feeding mom I know that all my choices are directly affecting baby as well as me.
So my fitness journey this time entails at least 30 minutes of interval workout (sometimes 30 minutes of jogging at night) and eating great foods.
Here are a few great tips I've used in the past and some new ones I've heard lately:
If you buy it at the store, you will eat it at home.
Shop on the outer wall of the store - fruits, veggies, fresh meats, etc.
If it has a barcode, leave it at the store!
Does the item have more than 10 ingredients? If so, you probably don't want to eat it.
Good stuff in, good results on the outside.
Portion control!
Change just one or two habits and then when you have that down add a few more. (ex: using extra virgin olive oil instead of frying everything)
Make it at home. All your favorite foods that are take-out you can make - just find healthier versions.
Take a bag of snacks with you: grape tomatoes, grapes, bananas, yogurt (not the sugary ones like TRIX), berries, carrots, celery with peanut butter, almonds, and lots of water!
What is your tip for getting healthy and fit?
Have you ever looked in the mirror or a photo of yourself and thought " Hey! That's not me! Where did I go?"
Pregnancy seems to have that affect on me. :)
It has been 5 weeks since Jace has been born and about 2 good weeks since I've started working out. No, I didn't get the 6 weeks clearance from my dr yet. Who knew that was so freaking important?! No exercise until 6 weeks, no sex until 6 weeks, and yesterday they ALMOST didn't give me my massage because I technically had not been "released" at 6 weeks yet.
I feel fine - great, actually. My body told me so. Do I really need her to tell me when I feel up to doing "STUFF?"
Anyway - back to my point. Weight. I've never weighed this much in my life. Depressing.
Weighing on my mind lately isn't so much what I weigh (I've never been a friend to the scale theory) but how I'm looking in pictures or most importantly how my jeans are fitting (or not fitting these days).
It seems as a woman I've been on a never ending journey to find my perfect fit body. Usually once I have it, I have another baby. ;)
Looking back, I recall many times in high school or college thinking I wasn't "thin" enough.
HA, I say to myself! Who knew I'd now KILL to have that body back.
So, here I am. Another journey to get back into shape. This time I'm hoping to be in the best shape ever since we will be having NO MORE babies.
I'm doing everything I can, but like many I want results now, not later. Inside I feel "thin" and fit, but then I see myself and, well, I have to take many steps to keep myself positive.
I am reminded each time that I'm at this point how hard the work is to get back, how disciplined I have to be with food and my choices, and this time as a breast feeding mom I know that all my choices are directly affecting baby as well as me.
So my fitness journey this time entails at least 30 minutes of interval workout (sometimes 30 minutes of jogging at night) and eating great foods.
Here are a few great tips I've used in the past and some new ones I've heard lately:
If you buy it at the store, you will eat it at home.
Shop on the outer wall of the store - fruits, veggies, fresh meats, etc.
If it has a barcode, leave it at the store!
Does the item have more than 10 ingredients? If so, you probably don't want to eat it.
Good stuff in, good results on the outside.
Portion control!
Change just one or two habits and then when you have that down add a few more. (ex: using extra virgin olive oil instead of frying everything)
Make it at home. All your favorite foods that are take-out you can make - just find healthier versions.
Take a bag of snacks with you: grape tomatoes, grapes, bananas, yogurt (not the sugary ones like TRIX), berries, carrots, celery with peanut butter, almonds, and lots of water!
What is your tip for getting healthy and fit?
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