Final results of 21 Day Fix are in! I wrapped up this round on Sunday night, and jumped on the scale, just to see how awesome I did.
Truth?
I lost 3.7 pounds total. I am in the 180s for the first time in a LONG time.
Other truth?
I lost 4.5 inches, 2 of which were off my waist.
Some people might read this and think "that's it? THREE pounds?"
But to myself, I say this: not too shabby for going on vacation during the third and final week of the program. I'll settle for those results. I will be happy for these results. Wanna know why?
This reinforced that, with everything, there needs to be balance.
I'll admit--by the end of week 2 I was down almost 6 pounds. If I had gone hard, really kept my food in check, followed a doubles schedule, and just dialed it in 100%, I can guarantee I would have probably brought that total loss to at least 10 pounds.
But then vacation happened. And I was not going to restrict, and impose crazy workout schedules on myself when there was fun to be had with my daughter, and refuse to indulge for 7 straight days. Maybe it's my fault for planning this round to coincide with my vacation, but hey--I worked my booty off for 2 weeks, had a great week 3 on vacation, and STILL managed to lose weight (AND meet my monthly goal of a 3 pound loss!) in 21 Days.
I don't regret any of it.
The point here is that I am sharing these results with you to keep it real.
I am not perfect, but my goal here is to remain authentic and honest.
I am a real mom with a real life, and real results.
And, after all, my goal is to find the joy in progress.
If anything, this has motivated me to push harder next month, meet next month's goals, and KEEP GOING.
And to brag on the Boot Camp that wrapped up on Sunday--six of the challengers who reported their final stats lost a combined total of 40.5 pounds and 39 inches...in 21 days. That is AMAZING. The energy in that group was contagious, and it really reinforced to me that having people on your team. Who says you have to reach your goals alone? It makes it a thousand times better to go on your journey with others in your corner. If you are interested in joining my free group or a future Elite Boot Camp, please click here and I'll be in touch to get you started!
I hope you have an excellent weekend!
Friday, July 31, 2015
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Whip It Up Wednesday: Southwestern Stuffed Peppers
Welcome to another awesome edition of Whip It Up Wednesday, where I'll be sharing yummy, healthy, family-friendly meal ideas and recipes each week!
This week's entry is a little something I whipped up last Friday night for the fam after a long day at work and the whole weekend ahead of us. A big plus: I doubled the recipe, froze the extras, and then had them for lunches for the week! I love a meal that does double-duty.
Ingredients:
6 green peppers, washed, stems and seeds removed, cut in half lengthwise
1 lb. ground turkey, browned and seasoned with the 21 Day Fix Southwestern Seasoning (or taco seasoning blend of your choice)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa!)
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced peppers (I used a mix of green, red, and yellow)
1 cup salsa (or more depending on how much you need to get the stuffing to hold together a bit)
Shredded cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, black beans, brown rice, onion, peppers, and salsa.
Spoon the mixture into each pepper half and arrange on a baking sheet. Top with cheese.
I cooked mine approximately 30 minutes, but you could base you cook time off of how tender you want your peppers to be. I like them to still be a little crunchy :)
Enjoy!
This week's entry is a little something I whipped up last Friday night for the fam after a long day at work and the whole weekend ahead of us. A big plus: I doubled the recipe, froze the extras, and then had them for lunches for the week! I love a meal that does double-duty.
Ingredients:
6 green peppers, washed, stems and seeds removed, cut in half lengthwise
1 lb. ground turkey, browned and seasoned with the 21 Day Fix Southwestern Seasoning (or taco seasoning blend of your choice)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa!)
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced peppers (I used a mix of green, red, and yellow)
1 cup salsa (or more depending on how much you need to get the stuffing to hold together a bit)
Shredded cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, black beans, brown rice, onion, peppers, and salsa.
Spoon the mixture into each pepper half and arrange on a baking sheet. Top with cheese.
I cooked mine approximately 30 minutes, but you could base you cook time off of how tender you want your peppers to be. I like them to still be a little crunchy :)
Enjoy!
Psssst: Have you checked out my recipes page?
This is an easy way to find all of the recipes I share at This Misfit Mama.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Raised to Life
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
(Romans 6:4, NIV)
I am 29 years old.
I am writing this to tell you that I have not walked a path Jesus would be proud of for a long, LONG time.
Some time in my early 20s, I lost all semblance of who I was.
Where my priorities were.
What my values included (hint: there were none).
Selfishness, carelessness, and self-destruction were the name of my game.
It was a pretty dark, ugly place.
In 2011, we met our daughter for the very first time. This tiny, unexpected surprise that would rock our world.
When my daughter was first placed into my arms, this was the beginning of change. A priority shift. I was so broken and misguided before I met Denny and we got pregnant, and the placement of this little vulnerable person with teeny tiny eyes and teeny tiny hands and teeny tiny fingers and toes started a stirring in myself that was...scary. It was one, giant, epic gut check.
Who was I?
Was it someone I was proud of?
Was I someone this child could be proud of?
How could I have been so blessed to have been given this gift?
This amazing, life-changing gift--when I was so not deserving of it?
Introspection was never something I liked, because I often didn't like what I saw.
But it was around that time that I realized there was a force working in my life that was greater than I was...that was attempting to save me. Because honestly, I deserved none of it. Yet here it was.
My Creator has a plan for me, and it boggles my mind that this plan went into motion four years ago.
For three and a half years, there was a stirring in my soul. I could feel a pull, like a magnet. I didn't know what it was drawing me toward, but I could feel the creeping desperation for more. I needed to find it, and I didn't even know what it was.
His plan was a slow burn.
Showing me mercy and miracles, little by little.
Encouraging my faith, a bit at a time.
Listening to silent prayers I didn't even realize I was saying in my head.
Leading me to Him, step by step.
After the holidays, in January 2015, I looked at Denny and said:
"I want to go to church. We need to go to church."
Coming from a girl who hasn't regularly attended church since my 8th grade Catholic days...that was scary.
So, we went.
That first Sunday, I held back tears during worship. Not sad tears. Happy tears. Tears of relief. Tears of release. This was it. This was what I was looking for, searching for, being drawn toward.
Not church itself, but a connection with Jesus. A yearning for Jesus. A means to know Him better.
I dove into Scripture. I talked with God daily. I explored my relationship with Him. I loved my relationship with Him. I was positively buzzing. I would become so overwhelmed that I would find myself in tears that it was God all along. Always.
It was profound and unequivocally life-changing.
And last week, July 19, 2015, I gave everything to God and was baptized in Jesus' name.
My sin.
My hurt.
My shame.
My fear.
My pride.
My inadequacy.
He already knows all of it, and in spite of it forgives me and loves me. This absolutely blows my mind.
Last week I chose to give it all up to God and be raised to new life, accepting Jesus with my whole heart and my whole mind as my Savior. My Redeemer. My Light.
God saved me by bringing our daughter to me. This was his plan for me all along, to save me by showing me true, unconditional love on earth--saving me from physical and spiritual brokenness--the same love He has for me in Heaven.
In return, I am committing this saved life to Him.
And I am so blessed to have this chance.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Whip It Up Wednesday: Mint Chocolate Chip Shakeology
Welcome to Whip It Up Wednesday!
When the mood strikes on a Wednesday, I will be sharing recipes right here. It's my hope that it'll help with your meal planning, provide some inspiration, or allow you to try something new.
You can catch all of my past recipes and goodies here.
First up in the Whip It Up Wednesday series?
Pretty much my favorite thing ever:
When the mood strikes on a Wednesday, I will be sharing recipes right here. It's my hope that it'll help with your meal planning, provide some inspiration, or allow you to try something new.
You can catch all of my past recipes and goodies here.
First up in the Whip It Up Wednesday series?
Pretty much my favorite thing ever:
SUPER easy, and so yummy!
1 scoop Chocolate or Vegan Chocolate Shakeology
8 oz. water
1 drop peppermint essential oil (or you can use mint extract)
Ice (the amount is up to you--I add a little less than a handful of ice)
Add all ingredients to blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Tastes just like a Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookie, but without the guilt.
Enjoy!
Monday, July 13, 2015
5 Tips on Meal Planning for Busy Moms
Meal planning is one of those things that either people LOVE LOVE LOVE or struggle with.
I used to struggle with it...as in, I never did it.
Coming home from work with a fridge and freezer full of food, but nothing thawed, no clue where to begin, and ultimately throwing my hands up in the air and ordering take-out was a routine happening at our house. And then half of the stuff that I bought willy-nilly at the grocery store with no rhyme or reason would ultimately go bad and then there went some more money down the drain.
Once I decided to start eating better, meal planning became a LIFESAVER.
Some of the benefits?
It kept my food choices in check--it was easy to keep fresh, healthy foods on hand.
It helped with my budget--no spending extra money on take-out and no wasted money on food going bad before we could eat it. I was only buying food that I knew would get eaten.
It kept me organized--no more feeling totally clueless when I got home as to what was for dinner that night.
Here are some of my tips to help with meal planning for busy moms:
KISS - Keep It Simple, Sweetheart!
Meal planning doesn't have to be a huge elaborate ordeal. I spend about 45 minutes actually planning the meals, an hour shopping, and another hour or two prepping for the week. Yes, it takes some time, but keeping it simple makes it much less overwhelming and pays off all week.
My meals are usually no more than 4-5 ingredients (not including spices, seasonings, and condiments). To be honest, I don't really have much time for bigger, more elaborate meals--especially dinners--so this works for me. If you've got time, though, the sky is really the limit.
...Plus it doesn't hurt that my family doesn't mind simple dinners. Our dinners usually consist of some protein, a veggie, and a complex carb. We also go meatless for dinner about once a week.
Plan ahead--save some money.
I check my circular to see what sources of protein are on sale. I plan my dinners around those sources of protein.
Buying produce that is in season is both awesome and thrifty. Summer time makes me happy because my favorite veggies are ALWAYS on sale and so fresh, but I'm learning to love the winter-friendly veggies in the colder months, too.
Don't be afraid to eat the same thing a few times each week.
I switch up my dinner plans nightly, but I choose two breakfast recipes I enjoy, two lunch recipes I enjoy, and 2-3 snack ideas, and rotate them throughout the week. Again, we are all about keeping it simple!
Write it down.
Write down your plan. Hang it on the fridge. Refer to it each night and prep anything that needs to be thawed, packed, etc. for the next day. Time saver!
Build in some flexibility.
Dinner with friends, cheat meals, family dinners--life happens. Plan for at least one flexible meal each week--whatever fits in with your goals. For example, my flexible meal is usually on Sundays, because I am spending time with family and not necessarily in control of my food choices. It's my cheat meal. I look forward to it all week, savor it, have no guilt over it, and I'm back at it again on Monday morning.
As a present for all my awesomely awesome readers, here is a FREE printable meal planner you can print out, write out your meals--there's six spaces for each day for three meals and three snacks--and keep handy.
You can download the PDF here.
Any other tips to share?
Friday, July 10, 2015
Fitness Friday: Is 21 Day Fix a "Quick Fix?"
I am on Day 5 of 21.
21 days doesn't seem like a long time. But I will tell you when I completed a round of 21 Day Fix last November, I lost a little less than 10 pounds and about as many inches in three weeks.
I did my Day 0 weigh in on Sunday night, and jumped on the scale last night, just for fun. Surprisingly, I was down 3.5 pounds. That is with eating six times a day and working out 30 minutes a day.
That's a half a pound more than my goal loss for the entire month of July, and I did it in five days.
Statements like this are usually met with a lot of resistance.
A lot of disbelief.
A lot of skepticism.
I mean...how much can you REALLY get done in three weeks? It's gotta be some sort of quick fix, that as soon as you're done, you'll balloon right back up again...right?
There are plenty of "quick fixes" available to us should we choose to utilize them to lose weight: pills, detoxes, cleanses...you name it, you can probably find it.
I am firmly convinced that the 21 Day Fix is not one of those quick fixes.
The problem with those other products? They don't teach you anything. There is no sense of having earned your newfound strength.
And once you stop using your quick fix faithfully? Your results disappear.
The tried and true way to weight loss and healthy living: work. Good old-fashioned sweat and effort.
Eating healthy is work. Wrangling your willpower, prepping and planning ahead of time, choosing a big old salad instead of that burger...it's HARD, and people don't want to do it. That "3 Day Quick Fix" that you can plug into the end of your three weeks to really drop some weight? That is HARD, you guys. Americans want instant gratification, and losing weight and getting healthy in, in my opinion, one of those things that can't be had or accomplished without a challenge.
Working out every day? That is WORK. I work out around 7:30 PM every night after waking up at 5:30 AM, working for 10 hours, coming home, making dinner, and spending time with my daughter and husband. Pushing play on that darn DVD is HARD at the end of the day. I'd imagine that if I went to the gym, it would be no easier--probably harder.
People want an easy way out, but I can guarantee you that NOTHING will make you feel better than working for something--to honestly and truly earn it.
So, do I think 21 Day Fix counts as a "quick fix?" Absolutely not.
Will you see results?
Yes. If you put in the work.
What can you learn in 21 days?
Healthy, sustainable habits that you can put into action every single day--even after the 21 days of workouts is done.
What can you feel in 21 days, and even after?
A thousand things.
Healthier, fitter, proud of yourself, motivated.
The big question you need to ask yourself--how will you choose to get there?
I am hosting a 21 Day Fix Boot Camp starting July 20. The group that started this past Monday is rocking and rolling, so I figured I'd throw one more big fitness party while you can still get the program for $10 if you get Shakeology. If you'd like a little extra support and accountability, fill out the form below and I'll reach out to you ASAP.
21 days doesn't seem like a long time. But I will tell you when I completed a round of 21 Day Fix last November, I lost a little less than 10 pounds and about as many inches in three weeks.
I did my Day 0 weigh in on Sunday night, and jumped on the scale last night, just for fun. Surprisingly, I was down 3.5 pounds. That is with eating six times a day and working out 30 minutes a day.
That's a half a pound more than my goal loss for the entire month of July, and I did it in five days.
Statements like this are usually met with a lot of resistance.
A lot of disbelief.
A lot of skepticism.
I mean...how much can you REALLY get done in three weeks? It's gotta be some sort of quick fix, that as soon as you're done, you'll balloon right back up again...right?
There are plenty of "quick fixes" available to us should we choose to utilize them to lose weight: pills, detoxes, cleanses...you name it, you can probably find it.
I am firmly convinced that the 21 Day Fix is not one of those quick fixes.
The problem with those other products? They don't teach you anything. There is no sense of having earned your newfound strength.
And once you stop using your quick fix faithfully? Your results disappear.
The tried and true way to weight loss and healthy living: work. Good old-fashioned sweat and effort.
Eating healthy is work. Wrangling your willpower, prepping and planning ahead of time, choosing a big old salad instead of that burger...it's HARD, and people don't want to do it. That "3 Day Quick Fix" that you can plug into the end of your three weeks to really drop some weight? That is HARD, you guys. Americans want instant gratification, and losing weight and getting healthy in, in my opinion, one of those things that can't be had or accomplished without a challenge.
Working out every day? That is WORK. I work out around 7:30 PM every night after waking up at 5:30 AM, working for 10 hours, coming home, making dinner, and spending time with my daughter and husband. Pushing play on that darn DVD is HARD at the end of the day. I'd imagine that if I went to the gym, it would be no easier--probably harder.
People want an easy way out, but I can guarantee you that NOTHING will make you feel better than working for something--to honestly and truly earn it.
So, do I think 21 Day Fix counts as a "quick fix?" Absolutely not.
Will you see results?
Yes. If you put in the work.
What can you learn in 21 days?
Healthy, sustainable habits that you can put into action every single day--even after the 21 days of workouts is done.
What can you feel in 21 days, and even after?
A thousand things.
Healthier, fitter, proud of yourself, motivated.
The big question you need to ask yourself--how will you choose to get there?
I am hosting a 21 Day Fix Boot Camp starting July 20. The group that started this past Monday is rocking and rolling, so I figured I'd throw one more big fitness party while you can still get the program for $10 if you get Shakeology. If you'd like a little extra support and accountability, fill out the form below and I'll reach out to you ASAP.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Every. One. Matters. The MisFIT Mama Club & This Week's Intention
This year, Team Beachbody's motto is Every One Matters.
I've been spending some time ruminating on that, wondering how I can model that here in this community I dream of building.
And then I was reminded of The Starfish Story, which you might have seen me post on Facebook a couple weeks ago.
And really, if I could create change, why not start small? Why not take those baby steps?
I still do have every intention of running my Elite Boot Camps and introducing others to programs that could very well change their lives, but why not create something that is literally for every. body?
Every. One.
Literally.
And now, I am pleased to offer the new ongoing This MIsFIT Mama Club. This is a free, private, invite-only group for those of you working toward your own health goals, who want to be surrounded in love and support. Whether you are a runner, a yogi, a lifter, a Crossfitter, following a Beachbody program, just finished a Boot Camp with me, eat clean, paleo, or just don't even know where to start--this is a safe space where it is OKAY to be vulnerable, OKAY to admit you weren't perfect today, OKAY to say that you got through half of your workout before your child/husband/fiance/boyfriend/dog needed your attention NOW, and that tomorrow will be BETTER.
This will be a place to check in on a down day and ask "Someone tell me I can do this!" and you'll get support from like-minded ladies telling that yes, you really can.
My dream is to make this a community of women who are growing in self-confidence and learning to love their bodies through fitness, and supporting each other in the process.
This will be a place to check in on a down day and ask "Someone tell me I can do this!" and you'll get support from like-minded ladies telling that yes, you really can.
My dream is to make this a community of women who are growing in self-confidence and learning to love their bodies through fitness, and supporting each other in the process.
What will you find in The This MisFIT Mama Club?
- Support
- Encouragement
- Motivation
- Positivity
- Advice & Tips
- Recipes
- Weekly progress check-ins
- New product or program announcements
- All Free Fitness Challenges will take place in this group (up to you to participate!), and you'll have first-dibs on spots in my Elite Boot Camps
- The opportunity to try a free 30-day trial to Beachbody On Demand, an online streaming service that gives you access to over $1k in state-of-the-art at-home fitness programs, along with accompanying guides, schedules, and nutrition plans for each workout. Think Netflix for fitness.
To be absolutely honest, I'm looking forward to learning from and being inspired by YOU, too!
What's the difference between The This MisFIT Mama Club and Elite Boot Camps?
The This MisFIT Mama Club will be group open to anyone, at any time. All free challenges will take place in this group, as well as general health & wellness chit chat. This group is what you make of it. You are it's greatest resource as you will be supporting and encouraging other members in their goals.
Elite Boot Camps are for people who are ready to take it to the next level and commit to a program and at least 30 days of Shakeology. In return for their investment, I invest one-on-one time in a closed, private Facebook group with targeted discussion, make myself available via email and phone. These groups are generally smaller, and a much more intimate experience.
What's the difference between The This MisFIT Mama Club and Elite Boot Camps?
The This MisFIT Mama Club will be group open to anyone, at any time. All free challenges will take place in this group, as well as general health & wellness chit chat. This group is what you make of it. You are it's greatest resource as you will be supporting and encouraging other members in their goals.
Elite Boot Camps are for people who are ready to take it to the next level and commit to a program and at least 30 days of Shakeology. In return for their investment, I invest one-on-one time in a closed, private Facebook group with targeted discussion, make myself available via email and phone. These groups are generally smaller, and a much more intimate experience.
What do you need to do to join?
Simply fill out a request for a free account making me your Coach. Once you're done that step, I will send you an email within 24-48 hours with the link to the private group on Facebook. If I am already your Coach, email me so I can verify and send you the link to the group.
Simply fill out a request for a free account making me your Coach. Once you're done that step, I will send you an email within 24-48 hours with the link to the private group on Facebook. If I am already your Coach, email me so I can verify and send you the link to the group.
I think this will be a seriously amazing addition to the services I already offer. This is a great way to get your feet wet before jumping all in with Elite Boot Camps. The decision is up to you, and I sincerely hope you'll join in the adventure.
This week's intention?
Service.
I want to reach more people from a servant's heart and cause true, positive change. This week, my focus, meditation, and prayer will be on how to inspire change in others and leave my own agenda behind.
This week's intention?
Service.
I want to reach more people from a servant's heart and cause true, positive change. This week, my focus, meditation, and prayer will be on how to inspire change in others and leave my own agenda behind.
Friday, July 3, 2015
Fitness Friday: Progress--Not Perfection
My first Boot Camp group in a while is officially kicking off on Monday.
For the first time in a while, I will be doing the program along with them. All 21 days.
The last time I worked out 21 days straight was back in November--the last time I completed 21 Day Fix. I lost almost 10 pounds and about as many inches. I felt like I was on top of the world.
But then I did 60 days of Insanity Max: 30. And after 60 days of IMAX:30, I had all the best intentions of completing 21 Day Fix EXTREME.
I made it three days, and then I started floundering. In my fitness goals, my personal goals, my business goals--everything. I'd work out a day here, a day there. I stopped being consistent. I'd skip meals. I'd eat the wrong things at the wrong times (even if it felt right--WRONG). I had totally stopped making progress, and in some instances, I started setting myself BACK.
Months of going, going, going, I was burned out and s-t-u-c-k. And it was terrible.
After some careful thought and prayer, I finally have my groove back and I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.
My first step?: rediscovering my why.
What was I working towards, anyway? I had to remember my "why."
It wasn't because "everyone was watching" (although that's what I was telling myself).
It wasn't because I was trying to prove something to anyone else (even though that's how I felt and still do feel some days).
It was about doing it for ME.
I wanted to be healthier for my family. That is my entire reason right there. I flashed back to the 220-lb. version of me at Disney World, with tears in her eyes from the pain and discomfort she was feeling on what should have been an amazing day for her family, and gently reminded myself that that EXACT moment embodied my entire reason why.
Why I decided to push play on my first program.
Why I decided to pay it forward.
What ultimately led me here, to create a community for women that embodies healthy minds, bodies, and spirits.
I stopped caring about my progress to that better, healtheir version of me, and instead was focusing on doing it all, perfectly. For other people. And while I appreciate and am honored the fact that my journey may inspire similar motivation for others, I had to shift the focus back to me. Shift just for a second.
Progress. There is the sticking point.
Here are a few definitions of the word "progress" from dictionary.com:
1. a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage
2. advancement in general
3. growth or development; continuous improvement
4. the development of an individual or society in a direction considered more beneficial than and superior to the previous level.
5. forward or onward movement
Movement.
Forward.
Advancement.
Growth.
Development.
Onward.
This speaks to me in so many ways. Instead of trying to follow every schedule perfectly, instead of making sure my business plan is perfect, instead of worrying over whether or not my house is perfectly tidy...I should be focusing on forward momentum.
Making a conscious decision to get healtheir isn't easy--nor is the journey to get there an easy one. My progress is not the same as someone else's--but isn't that the key? That I continue to make progress?
My personal fitness goal for myself starting on Monday isn't to hammer out the following 21 days and walk away a robot again. This time, I plan to allow myself some grace. Some patience. Some flexibility. I want to set the example for my boot campers that they aren't REQUIRED to be some sort of fitness maniac to participate in my boot camps. They made the first step forward to commit...the rest is about continuing forward motion.
Forward movement is my goal.
Progress, not perfection.
For the first time in a while, I will be doing the program along with them. All 21 days.
The last time I worked out 21 days straight was back in November--the last time I completed 21 Day Fix. I lost almost 10 pounds and about as many inches. I felt like I was on top of the world.
But then I did 60 days of Insanity Max: 30. And after 60 days of IMAX:30, I had all the best intentions of completing 21 Day Fix EXTREME.
I made it three days, and then I started floundering. In my fitness goals, my personal goals, my business goals--everything. I'd work out a day here, a day there. I stopped being consistent. I'd skip meals. I'd eat the wrong things at the wrong times (even if it felt right--WRONG). I had totally stopped making progress, and in some instances, I started setting myself BACK.
Months of going, going, going, I was burned out and s-t-u-c-k. And it was terrible.
After some careful thought and prayer, I finally have my groove back and I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.
My first step?: rediscovering my why.
What was I working towards, anyway? I had to remember my "why."
It wasn't because "everyone was watching" (although that's what I was telling myself).
It wasn't because I was trying to prove something to anyone else (even though that's how I felt and still do feel some days).
It was about doing it for ME.
I wanted to be healthier for my family. That is my entire reason right there. I flashed back to the 220-lb. version of me at Disney World, with tears in her eyes from the pain and discomfort she was feeling on what should have been an amazing day for her family, and gently reminded myself that that EXACT moment embodied my entire reason why.
Why I decided to push play on my first program.
Why I decided to pay it forward.
What ultimately led me here, to create a community for women that embodies healthy minds, bodies, and spirits.
I stopped caring about my progress to that better, healtheir version of me, and instead was focusing on doing it all, perfectly. For other people. And while I appreciate and am honored the fact that my journey may inspire similar motivation for others, I had to shift the focus back to me. Shift just for a second.
Progress. There is the sticking point.
Here are a few definitions of the word "progress" from dictionary.com:
1. a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage
2. advancement in general
3. growth or development; continuous improvement
4. the development of an individual or society in a direction considered more beneficial than and superior to the previous level.
5. forward or onward movement
Movement.
Forward.
Advancement.
Growth.
Development.
Onward.
This speaks to me in so many ways. Instead of trying to follow every schedule perfectly, instead of making sure my business plan is perfect, instead of worrying over whether or not my house is perfectly tidy...I should be focusing on forward momentum.
Making a conscious decision to get healtheir isn't easy--nor is the journey to get there an easy one. My progress is not the same as someone else's--but isn't that the key? That I continue to make progress?
My personal fitness goal for myself starting on Monday isn't to hammer out the following 21 days and walk away a robot again. This time, I plan to allow myself some grace. Some patience. Some flexibility. I want to set the example for my boot campers that they aren't REQUIRED to be some sort of fitness maniac to participate in my boot camps. They made the first step forward to commit...the rest is about continuing forward motion.
Forward movement is my goal.
Progress, not perfection.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
July Goals: Growth
I don't think it's any secret that accountability is something that everyone struggles with at times.
I know I sure do.
Lofty goals, tasks, to-dos...all kinds of stuff to get you overwhelmed, mentally spent, and then (if you're me) you freeze. You drop everything. Because it's easier to not have to worry about anything instead of worrying about everything.
This is my greatest battle. Balancing what I want to do with what needs to get done to make it happen. If it gets to be too much, I shut down.
When I wrote this post on being comfortable getting uncomfortable, I mentioned that my brain dump of goals and ideas had my mind completely blown. To counteract the creeping sense of overwhelm I could feel coming on, I decided to start writing monthly goals out in order to keep the bigger picture to scale and avoid the inevitable "this is bigger than me" shut down.
I mean, God put this plan in my heart...I need to work my tail off to see it through.
In the interest of keeping myself accountable with all these big, crazy, scary ideas I have, I decided to share these goals monthly. At the end of the month, I can then take a look back, recap, track my progress, and decide if my goals need to be revised for the following month. The entire goal is to move forward. I am not setting a particular pace with everything, but forward motion is the entire premise.
With that said, this month's goal theme is growth. Since I decided to rebrand, try new things, and revive my health & fitness biz, it is time to grow some ideas and concepts, as well as grow personally.
Personal Goals:
Start AND finish 21 Day Fix.
This one should be easy peasy because, duh, it's only 21 days, and I've got a rocking group put together for the month made up of fierce ladies who are giving it their all. But now that I'm recommitted to building the healthiest me yet, this program will definitely push me. However, it should also be a great foundation and launching point to keep progressing each month.
Get to the beach.
Just once, no stress or pressure for anything more. To be honest, the beach is where I find the most peace and closeness with God...even when we're covered in sand, the tourists have sat their chairs a little too close for comfort, and the seagulls are lurking. I love having my feet in the sand, watching my little girl play in the waves, and just take the time to relax and enjoy the beauty and vastness of the ocean.
Continue my study of Proverbs every day.
I have been doing a chapter a day of Proverbs. Reading, reflecting, and praying. I am going to continue this through the rest of this month.
Lose three pounds.
Do you know what I like about summer? Food. Do you know what's really hard for me in the summer? Working out. Can you guess what has happened since the weather got warmer? I gained some weight back. Boo. Time to get back on the horse and get it done. I set a three pound loss goal each month for the rest of the year. If I meet that goal, I will have lost 18 pounds. That will get me back to my lowest weight since starting my journey, plus a few extra pounds lost. Breaking it down even more, that's only 3/4 of a pound a week.
Have a successful Month 1 of the This Misfit Mama Book Club.
Today we start our read of "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. I am really looking forward to getting to know the ladies who signed up, read some good books together, share our thoughts, learn applicable concepts, and grow! It's not too late to sign up; click the link above to sign up and join us!
Help three people build self-esteem and learn to love their bodies via Boot Camp.
Okay, maybe this crosses into the business category, but my underlying desire and mission here is to help women become the best version of themselves, body and mind. If I can be the positive catalyst for change and personal growth, then my job is complete.
Business/Blog Goals:
Build monthly calendars to keep me on track and help with planning and promotion:
Spend at least an hour a day, M-W-F, building this space.
I'm a wife, a mom, and balancing my full-time job and my small business. I want to learn how to build this community here in a way that continues to promote balance, but also see tangible growth. This will include research, writing, idea and brand development, and writing a business plan draft.
Start brainstorming ideas for a weekly newsletter.
I already know my newsletter will include posts from my page, but I also think it would be fun to include other newsletter-exclusive tidbits. What those tidbits are remains to be seen, but it's something to work on this month.
Register the domain already.
This Misfit Mama is sticking. I've already launched The Book Club and The This MisFIT Mama Club is coming very soon (announcement Monday!)...so I might as well own it already, right?
$100 a month in program sales.
I lost my hustle in April, May, and most of June. Time to start building a consistently steadier income. I feel like $100 is a good place to start.
200 likes on the This Misfit Mama Facebook page.
I'm thisclose to 100, but I want to begin building up my social media presence to reach more women who are in need of community and support.
Brainstorm what my "Dream Team" will look like.
One of my August goals is to begin building a team of strong women who want to inspire and encourage others to make significant life changes in their health. But first, I think it would make sense to brainstorm and dream about what my team would look like. Who are they? What qualities do they embrace? What are their goals? What will our team culture embody? This will be the entire foundation of Team MisFIT Mama. Coming August 2015!
Create a system to get those new Coaches started right.
Once I know what my team is going to look like, it's time to start developing systems to make sure they get started right and see success. My mentors have developed a strong system of support, so I'm looking forward to picking their brains so I am prepared to provide the same support once I find my wellness warriors. :)
And there you have it.
My July goals.
Not as scary when it's broken down. Completely manageable, less fear-inspiring, and just challenging enough to keep me uncomfortable. Written down, published, and shared. All that's left is up to me to see it through.
Cheers to an excellent month!
When I wrote this post on being comfortable getting uncomfortable, I mentioned that my brain dump of goals and ideas had my mind completely blown. To counteract the creeping sense of overwhelm I could feel coming on, I decided to start writing monthly goals out in order to keep the bigger picture to scale and avoid the inevitable "this is bigger than me" shut down.
I mean, God put this plan in my heart...I need to work my tail off to see it through.
In the interest of keeping myself accountable with all these big, crazy, scary ideas I have, I decided to share these goals monthly. At the end of the month, I can then take a look back, recap, track my progress, and decide if my goals need to be revised for the following month. The entire goal is to move forward. I am not setting a particular pace with everything, but forward motion is the entire premise.
With that said, this month's goal theme is growth. Since I decided to rebrand, try new things, and revive my health & fitness biz, it is time to grow some ideas and concepts, as well as grow personally.
Personal Goals:
Start AND finish 21 Day Fix.
This one should be easy peasy because, duh, it's only 21 days, and I've got a rocking group put together for the month made up of fierce ladies who are giving it their all. But now that I'm recommitted to building the healthiest me yet, this program will definitely push me. However, it should also be a great foundation and launching point to keep progressing each month.
Get to the beach.
Just once, no stress or pressure for anything more. To be honest, the beach is where I find the most peace and closeness with God...even when we're covered in sand, the tourists have sat their chairs a little too close for comfort, and the seagulls are lurking. I love having my feet in the sand, watching my little girl play in the waves, and just take the time to relax and enjoy the beauty and vastness of the ocean.
Continue my study of Proverbs every day.
I have been doing a chapter a day of Proverbs. Reading, reflecting, and praying. I am going to continue this through the rest of this month.
Lose three pounds.
Do you know what I like about summer? Food. Do you know what's really hard for me in the summer? Working out. Can you guess what has happened since the weather got warmer? I gained some weight back. Boo. Time to get back on the horse and get it done. I set a three pound loss goal each month for the rest of the year. If I meet that goal, I will have lost 18 pounds. That will get me back to my lowest weight since starting my journey, plus a few extra pounds lost. Breaking it down even more, that's only 3/4 of a pound a week.
Have a successful Month 1 of the This Misfit Mama Book Club.
Today we start our read of "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. I am really looking forward to getting to know the ladies who signed up, read some good books together, share our thoughts, learn applicable concepts, and grow! It's not too late to sign up; click the link above to sign up and join us!
Help three people build self-esteem and learn to love their bodies via Boot Camp.
Okay, maybe this crosses into the business category, but my underlying desire and mission here is to help women become the best version of themselves, body and mind. If I can be the positive catalyst for change and personal growth, then my job is complete.
Business/Blog Goals:
Build monthly calendars to keep me on track and help with planning and promotion:
- Free Challenge Groups.
- Boot Camps (this is technically already done, just need to add some finishing touches!)
- Blog editorial calendar through the end of September.
Spend at least an hour a day, M-W-F, building this space.
I'm a wife, a mom, and balancing my full-time job and my small business. I want to learn how to build this community here in a way that continues to promote balance, but also see tangible growth. This will include research, writing, idea and brand development, and writing a business plan draft.
Start brainstorming ideas for a weekly newsletter.
I already know my newsletter will include posts from my page, but I also think it would be fun to include other newsletter-exclusive tidbits. What those tidbits are remains to be seen, but it's something to work on this month.
Register the domain already.
This Misfit Mama is sticking. I've already launched The Book Club and The This MisFIT Mama Club is coming very soon (announcement Monday!)...so I might as well own it already, right?
$100 a month in program sales.
I lost my hustle in April, May, and most of June. Time to start building a consistently steadier income. I feel like $100 is a good place to start.
200 likes on the This Misfit Mama Facebook page.
I'm thisclose to 100, but I want to begin building up my social media presence to reach more women who are in need of community and support.
Brainstorm what my "Dream Team" will look like.
One of my August goals is to begin building a team of strong women who want to inspire and encourage others to make significant life changes in their health. But first, I think it would make sense to brainstorm and dream about what my team would look like. Who are they? What qualities do they embrace? What are their goals? What will our team culture embody? This will be the entire foundation of Team MisFIT Mama. Coming August 2015!
Create a system to get those new Coaches started right.
Once I know what my team is going to look like, it's time to start developing systems to make sure they get started right and see success. My mentors have developed a strong system of support, so I'm looking forward to picking their brains so I am prepared to provide the same support once I find my wellness warriors. :)
And there you have it.
My July goals.
Not as scary when it's broken down. Completely manageable, less fear-inspiring, and just challenging enough to keep me uncomfortable. Written down, published, and shared. All that's left is up to me to see it through.
Cheers to an excellent month!
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