What a difference a year makes!

I have always been a girl who LOVES SHOPPING.  The past few years, I told myself that I was not going shopping because I needed to save money.  What a lie -- I was not going shopping because I was FAT!!!!  It just was not fun!  Clothes shopping depressed me because it made me come to terms with exactly how out of shape, and out of control I had let my situation get.  My situation -- not caring about myself.

Like I have said before in this blog - I finally got tired of it, and got READY to make a change -- to make myself my #1!  After years of putting myself on the back burner, it was not that easy to make myself #1.  I had people pulling from every direction -- but I had to stay focused on ME!  Today, I am so glad I did!

Yesterday, a friend and I went shopping -- and I had so much FUN!  I tried on so many clothes, smiling and laughing the whole time!  I even had the little girls who worked at the shop bringing me clothes!  This girls use to not even talk to me.  I am not to my ideal size yet (notice that I did not say weight here), but I am on my way -- and actually loving my life is more important anyway!

What a difference a year makes!  I am so in love with ME, and that allows me to love everything else even more than I ever thought possible.  In the last year I have become a better person, and my relationships have become stronger.  It has been amazing to see how making myself my #1 priority, has allowed everything else to fall into place.  A lot of things have changed, and a lot of past relationships did not survive -- and it was not easy on me.  But today I am a better person for everything that has happened in the past year.  I am alive again!   

I AM STARTING TO LIVE THE LIFE I HAVE ALWAYS IMAGINED!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

INSPIRE:  1. to cause a strong feeling or reaction, usually positive; 2. to provide inspiration by being encouraging or admired

Inspire has its roots in the Latin word spirare, "to breathe." When you encourage or motivate some sort of action or provoke a feeling, you "breathe life into" something--you inspire. Inspired can also be used as an adjective. If something is described as inspired, it usually means that it is creative and has been created out of enlightened creativity.

My 2013 New Years Resolution:

This year I want to be inspired, and  I want to be an inspiration to the people around me! 

 

NEW RESULTS!!!!!

So, I have been changing my lifestyle, trying to loose weight, and finding myself again over the last year!  Lately I have stayed away from the scale because I find that I get discouraged -- so I just continue to eat REAL food, exercise, and have a positive attitude.  But for some reason today, that damn scale was haunting me, so I decided to stand on it!  And after I did, a BIG smile appeared on my face.  I HAVE LOST ANOTHER TEN POUNDS!!!!!! Since December 2011, I have lost about 50lbs!  In the last 3 months, I have lost about 30lbs!  I have gone from a size 16 (I think) to a size 10!  I still have a ways to go, to be where I want to be, but this is HUGE!!!!!  This has not been because of some fad diet, this is just the results of wanting something, and being tired of making excuses.

Starting last January, I decided it was time to change my life -- it was a slow start, but I started to get out there and be more active!  I sort of started watching what I was eating, but allowing myself some "cheat" days.  I lost a little weight, but I wanted more, and I knew I had to really make a change to get the results I really wanted.

In August I started eating PALEO. I started feeling better!  In September I did the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge.  I started feeling even better!  In October I started Camp Gladiator Bootcamp (again)!  I started feeling even better!  Now, I eat paleo, continue to take AdvoCare products, and work out 3-4 days a week!  I feel better than I have in my entire life!  I am also working again!  What a difference a year makes!  What a difference a change in attitude makes!  I will say that it is so worth it!

Honestly, it is not even about the weight loss anymore -- it is about being healthy and treating my body right!  I was tired of feeling crappy, so I did something about it! I stopped making excuses, and allowing my insecure thoughts get in the way!

Free yourself!

In the past year, freeing myself from negativity, has been a real challenge for me.  I have always thought of my self as a positive, out going, self confident person.  However, what I have learned is that freeing myself from negativity is still something that I struggle with every day.  That being said, I still believe that I am positive, out going, and confident -- I sometimes let other peoples negativity affect me though.

The sad thing about negativity is that most people do not even realize that it is a problem -- negative thinking has just become a HABIT for most people. I was having a conversation with a good friend a few months ago about HABITS.  And it was the first time I truly thought about what HABIT really means.  Habits are routine behaviors done on a regular basis. They are recurrent and often unconscious patterns of behavior and are acquired through frequent repetition. Many of these are unconscious as we don’t even realize we are doing them.  So, what does it take to change a habit of negative thinking, or a behavior that most people do not even realize is a negative action, or a problem.  And is it something that I should stay away from because it effects me negatively, when they do not even realize that their negativity is a problem?  And why does it effect my life, and how I feel?  Why I am not strong enough to let their negative thoughts and feeling not effect me?

Negativity is contagious!  A great example that has been used many times is: "Take a cheerful, positive, hardworking employee and put them in a negative work environment, and the work environment will win every time."  I know this to be true, from my own life experience!  Also, when you spend time with negative people, it will inevitably rub off on your thoughts and beliefs.  These negative people are also known as "ENERGY ZAPPERS".  We all know who these people are -- after hanging around them, you tend to feel exhausted because they have zapped any and all of your positive energy out of you.  This "zapping" is because they are users and takers -- they abuse your love, kindness and generosity.  But more than that, you find yourself being negative because of the "zapper's" actions -- talking about it, thinking about it, complaining about it.  So, when it is all said and done, you are just as bad as the "zapper".  It is a viscous cycle.

So how do I stop the vicious cycle -- well I know I can not change the person, people, or behavior -  so I have to change!  Here are the steps that I am working on (like I said before I struggle with this EVERYDAY):

1)  Discover who I am - Who do I want to be?  What are my dreams and aspirations?  Focus on myself and live the life I have always imagined for myself.  This means, not allowing anyone or any thing keep me from my goals.  I choose my life!

2)  Spend time with like-minded people - I am social person, and want to spend time with people who share the same interest as me.  I want to spend time with people who support my dreams and goals, and who I can support as well.  I want to be around positive minded people who are bettering themselves, and who can teach me new things.  I want to meet new people, and learn new things.  It is an exciting time in my life, and I want to share my experiences with people who love me, and who are also looking to better their lives.

3)  Recognize toxic personalities -  we all know the people who are angry at life, blame everything on someone/something else, attention seekers, gossips, fear stricken -- these are the people who are always feeling down and angry about everything. The people that always say "poor me". These people seem to believe that they are owed something, but they will never take the steps to work for anything.  When you start to recognize these behaviors, you will start to realize these are the "zappers" that will abuse and take everything that you are able to give.

4)  Learn to pick up on the energy and vibes of your surroundings - We have all been in a place that "we are not feeling".  Why is this?  Probably because of the negative energy swirling around.  Learn to pick up on these situations, and figure out how to deal with them.  In may cases, it is probably easiest to just leave.  But what if it is at work, and you are expected to work an 8 hour shift?  Do you give in to the negativity, or to you change it to a positive situation.  Many times this calls for "thinking outside the box".  If you recognize and pick up on the negative energy early -- you just may be the person to save the day!

5)  LISTEN - Many of the negative people will see a difference in you, and want to know your opinion about what they are going through.  I have a problem with being too honest and forthright -- some people like, but it usually gets me into trouble, more than it helps a situation.  I struggle with being empathetic at times.  I really want to say "grow up and get your shit together", when sometimes the best thing to do is just shut up and listen.  We do not always know what is best for people, sometimes the hardest thing for them to do is figure it out on their own, but it is probably the best way for them to learn.  I can not make the decision for people -- and being a control freak, this is sometimes the hardest lesson for me to learn.

6)  Watch what you say about YOU to the negative people in your life - this is a BIG one.  Be careful to protect yourself from negative people.  Remember these people are so unhappy with themselves, they will do anything to make themselves feel better -- this means taking shots at your dreams and goals.  This just causes you to doubt yourself, and brings fear in you.  It is unnecessary, and they do not deserve to know anything if they are just going to shoot it down. 

7)  Be HONEST  - Okay, this is also something that you should use empathy with, but do not lie!  Also, if you do not want to hear for the 100th time their "poor me" story, just say you are tired of hearing the same ole thing over and over again.  But say, when you are ready to do something about it, I would love to talk more.  And if they ask your opinion, be honest -- but remember their feelings.

8)  Affirm yourself - this is something I have been practicing daily for over 20 years.  Self Affirmation helps you ward off negativity.  I do it every morning, and it starts my day off right and positive.  Do it and Believe it!

9)   Prove them wrong - If the negative person/people tell you you can not do something, it is a reflection on their own fears and insecurities.  SO prove them wrong -- make your dreams a reality!  DO not let anyone ever tell you you can not do something that you want and know that you can do.  Not only do they give you more fire to go after what you want, maybe you will be able to help them see that ANYTHING is possible!

10)  DROP THEM - this is harsh, and possibly the last move, especially if you have a strong relationship.  Most negative people are searching for happiness, and if you can show them even an ounce of it -- IT IS WORTH IT!  It may take a while, but helping people is a blessing.  But for some people there is no hope, and they will continue to zap everything out of you -- they will continue to abuse the relationship you have with them - they will continue to take because that is what they expect from you.  When it gets to a point, you have to drop these people.  THEY DO NOT AND NEVER WILL DESERVE YOU!  "Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you."




I promise myself...
To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.
To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

-- Christian D. Larson








 

 

I am back!

So I started Camp Gladiator Bootcamp yesterday!  I did this same bootcamp for about 6 months 2 years ago, and I wish I would have never quit.  But no need to dwell on it -- it is now time to get back into the swing of it.  Ok, so I will say that yesterday evening was a tough work out.  But I am looking forward to seeing some major improvements over the next 4 weeks.  My goal is to do 5 workouts a week.  On top of Camp Gladiator, I am also starting Couch to 5K today too!  So, here is to really taking a BIG step to living a healthier life!  I am also doing another AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge starting on November 1st.  The exercise was something that was really missing from the first challenge -- and I still got some great results, but I am really looking forward to seeing the results on this go around.  So stay tuned and I will keep updating my progress here.

More importantly today I am asking for prayer for the Dickerson Family.  Today I found out that one of my oldest an dearest friend's 3 year old daughter is sick.  Please keep Dylan Dickerson and her family in your prayers.  Jody is one of the greatest friends I will ever have, and my heart breaks for her precious 3 year old daughter.  Please pray that God will give her comfort and healing during this time, so that she will not be in any more pain.  And pray that Jody and Jon will soon be able to love on her as soon as possible.  You can read more about the situation, stay updated on Dylan's progress, make donations,  and leave your prayers and thoughts for Dylan and her beautiful family here:  Dylan Dickerson

AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge Mixers

Want some more information on the 24 Day Challenge that we just finished? Well we are having a get together to discuss what we did, the products that we used, and the amazing results that we got.

We are going to Host a 24 Day Challenge starting on November 1st, we will have prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!

We are going to have 2  Mixers before the challenge starts, there will be one on October 7th and another one on October 28th -- both at 2pm.

There were 22 people that did the 24 day challenge with us in September, and the end results for the team were amazing:

We lost over 170lbs, 34% body fat, and a total of 75 inches!

Personal totals:
Robyn lost 14.5lbs, 2.59% body fat, and 13 inches!
Mattie lost 5lbs, 5.41% body fat, and 6 inches!

The weight loss was amazing; but the more amazing part of this challenge is that it gave us more energy, taught us how to eat right, and kick started a healthy lifestyle.

If this is something that you are interested in, we want to invite you to an information mixer at my house (message me for details).

We will also have food and SPARK!  

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A HEALTHY AND EXCITING LIFESTYLE CHANGE?

What next?

I have been asked what I am doing next, after the challenge.  I am sticking to the MNS pack, starting C25K, and growing my AdvoCare business.

AdvoCare MNS

Couch to 5K

AdvoCare

Health and Fitness:  I am really looking forward to moving forward with my fitness and lifestyle goals.  My other friend Robyn came up with a plan for us -- every two weeks we are going to weigh and take our measurements.  I will continue to post my results.   I will also be posting the C25K experience -- so stayed tuned!

Business:  I want to share the gift of AdvoCare with everyone.  It has been a long time since I have truly believed in a product!  I truly believe, and stand behind these products -- THEY HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE!!!!  We are having two mixers in October - the 7th and the 28th!  And we are going to host a 24 Day Challenge that starts November 1st -- with a grand prize and all!  I am so excited to help and see what the challenge will do for other people.  Let me know if you are interested in knowing more -- and be looking for an invite soon!