Fitness Friday {Accountability}

Welcome to Fitness Friday! Every so often, I am going to take some time on Fridays to post here to keep myself accountable, track progress, and share some of my thoughts on how it's going as I work to reach my goals.

Today marks the end of Week 2 of Focus: T25. This is not the first time I've done this program as T25 was the first Beachbody program I ever bought back in February 2014 and finally worked up the courage to push play in March 2014. This is, admittedly, my soul mate workout--I love everything about it.. 25 minutes a day, get-in-and-get-out--everything about it just works for me.

If you aren't familiar with Focus: T25, it's a 10-week program consisting of 5 days on, one day off, and one active recovery/stretch day. The workouts are 25 minutes a day (plus 2-3 minutes of cool down) with the exception of the fifth day (in my case, Friday) on which you do two workouts. You do have the option of splitting them up between Friday and Saturday, but this go-around I have decided to do one in the early AM on Friday and the second in the evenings. Saturdays are for taking weight and measurements to track progress, and on Sunday you can complete a stretch workout.

This schedule works perfectly for me and my lifestyle, and with the holidays coming up it seemed like a no-brainer to tackle T25 again. The best part is that I am stronger and have MUCH more stamina than I did in March 2014, so it's been challenging and fun pushing myself just a little more.

I won't have my Week 2 stats until tomorrow morning, but here's how I did with Week 1:

Before photo:

Day 0
Next photo will be Day 35.

3.6 pounds down in my first six days.

And my measurements
October 18 (Day 0) :
Right Calf - 16.5
Left Calf - 16
Right Thigh - 25.5
Left Thigh - 25.5
Hips - 43.75
Waist - 36.75
Bust - 42.75
Right Arm - 13
Left Arm - 13

October 24 (Day 6):
Right Calf - 16
Left Calf - 16
Right Thigh - 25.25
Left Thigh - 25.5
Hips - 42.5
Waist - 35.75
Bust - 42.5
Right Arm - 12.75
Left Arm - 12.75

Total inches lost: 3.75.

Two weeks in and I am already starting to feel and see changes, which is only fueling the fire to keep pushing forward. Add in the fact that I am.working alongside my Holiday Hustle Boot Campers and I am feeling pretty darn confident that I'll be able to stay consistent through Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the weeks leading up the Christmas.

Eight more weeks to go!

Whip It Up Wednesday {Avocado Toast with Tomato & Fried Egg}

Happy Hump Day!

This week's Whip It Up Wednesday is a quick meal I made over the weekend that was filling, healthy, and tasty! I don't know about you, but I love love LOVE avocado...I could put it on everything and be quite happy with that.

This would be great to make at any time of the day! It's definitely a weekend staple at my house.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 slice whole grain bread
1 egg
2 slices tomato
1/4 avocado, mashed
1 tbsp. diced red onion
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Hot sauce (optional)

Toast your bread.
Fry your egg.
Mix together mashed avocado, garlic, and onion.
Layer on bread: avocado, tomato slices, egg.
Add salt and pepper as desired.
Optional: drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.

November {Month of Gratitude Challenge}

Gratitude

n.
the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

syn.
gratefulness, thankfulness, thanks, appreciation, indebtedness, recognition, acknowledgement, credit


Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)


November is next week. Can you believe it?!

You know what comes at the end of November.

Thanksgiving.

A day reserved for giving thanks for our blessings.

But I often wonder how much time we spend daily actually dwelling on gratitude, and if it even crosses most minds on Thanksgiving at all.

Enter the 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge. A challenge that I hope will push you to find ways to seek out and practice gratitude daily--even beyond November and into your life always.

How does it work?

Here are the prompts for the month of November.

The challenge is to snap a photo representing the day's prompt and sharing it via social media. I'll be over on Instagram--you can find me @thismisfitmama--but feel free to share on Facebook or your platform of choice. Use the hashtag #grabgratitude so I can find you and share in the joy of spreading gratitude!

Think of this as a month-long visual journaling exercise. Let's dig into the gritty details of our daily lives and coming out finding appreciation for all things we have been blessed with. I hope that this will be an exercise you can carry on for the rest of your lives, looking into what appears to be the mundane depths and finding bits of blessings and goodness.

We start November 1.

Let's do this!

#grabgratitude

Friday Faves {Fitness Must-Haves}

It's Friday! So that means another round of Friday Faves! And this week...it's my fitness must-haves!

These are the things near and dear to my heart when it comes to my health and fitness journey. I'd love to hear about your faves in the comments!

1 - Yoga Mat 

 

Not JUST for yoga! I use my mat as as means to protect my knees on my hardwood floors if I need to modify my push-ups, and give my wrists a little more cushion for floor work.

2 - Shakeology 

I wouldn't know what to do without this superfood-packed nutrition supplement. It curbs my cravings, it fills in any nutritional gaps I might have each day, and it makes me feel like superwoman. You can read more about Shakeology in this post.

3 - Personal Development

Kindle included because I've got even more books loaded onto it.

Some people roll their eyes and think "ugh, self-help", but personal development is so much more than that. I have read books on goal-setting, habit-forming, vulnerability, wholeheartedness, and other topics that have not only helped me with understanding how to properly set and reach a goal, but have touched other facets of my life as well.

We can always work on ways to better ourselves, and I'm a firm believer that feeling good on the inside will manifest on the outside.

4 - A sweet workout tank

I've already showed you my five favorites from around the internet, but I found this one at Target last week and it had to be mine. It's seasonally appropriate and so fun.

5 - A plan

I'm not going to lie--having it all laid out, step-by-step for you, makes all the difference in the world when it comes to reaching new health & fitness goals. I've tried the gym and wandering around the cardio equipment aimlessly because I'm too intimidated to even take a look at the free weights and machines, and personal training isn't in the budget, nor is there any serious time for it. I am eternally grateful for my rock-bottom moment during the winter of 2014 because it brought me to Beachbody and all of the solutions it offers. I am grateful for programs that come with calendars, nutrition guides, and modifiers so I can pick the plan that works best for me at the stage I'm at. AND I can do it all from the comfort of my own home. Workout plan, meal plan, you name it--the success comes with the plan, and I have it all in one place.

Whip It Up Wednesday {Baked Apple Pumpkin Spiced Oatmeal for Cozy Fall Mornings}

Lately I have been on a crazy baked oatmeal kick. It's easy to make-ahead on my meal prep days and is great to have on hand for busy mornings.

I've been sticking with a plain pumpkin spice version for the last few weeks, but this past weekend I had a bunch of apples I needed to use ASAP. I also had a bit of pumpkin puree left that I need to use--and I HATE throwing away food. I added the apples into my go-to pumpkin spice oatmeal base mixture, and I wound up with an oatmeal packed full of fall flavor.

Reheated with a splash of almond milk and a drizzle of maple syrup, this is a breakfast that is stick-to-your-ribs good--and you can feel good about the ingredients as this oatmeal bake is sweetened with maple syrup instead of white or brown sugar or other faux-sweeteners.

Ingredients:
3 cups oats
3 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)
3/4 cup almond milk, room temp
2 eggs, room temp
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
3 apples, chopped into small pieces

Preheat oven to 350 and grease a square baking dish (mine is 9x9).

Mix first 5 ingredients (dry ingredients) in a bowl and set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. (Note: the milk and eggs need to be at room temperature to keep the coconut oil from solidifying again)
Combine the dry and wet ingredients and mix well.
Fold in the chopped apples. Combine well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down into the dish.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until set.

After cooling, I slice into bars and store in the fridge to grab and add into my lunch bag each day. You can reheat in the microwave, add a splash of almond milk and a drizzle of maple syrup, or eat them plain.

Enjoy!

Fitness Friday {Accountability}...on a Tuesday

Today is the official day one of my Holiday Hustle Boot Camp, and I've got a bunch that are ready and committed to rock these next 60 days. I have officially recommitted to Focus: T25 because I always tell my boot campers that I match the energy they give me, so if they are solidly with me, it's only fair that I match their level of commitment.  I shared with them last week that I so desperately needed this group myself because I have been in a funk that has been manifesting itself emotionally, mentally, and, as it turns out--physically. 

I took my starting measurements yesterday, and what I found was disheartening. Real talk: I had gain ten--TEN!--pounds since July. All of my hard work, totally blown.  My goal to lose ONLY three pounds a month? That happened in reverse. I had been feeling fluffy, but not ten pounds fluffier.

I could feel the icky feelings of inadequacy creeping in, and they stuck with me for pretty much the entire day. How could I do this? What kind of support system am I? What kind of example am I setting? I felt sorry for myself. I felt like a let-down.

So I sat, I prayed a lot, I thought a little. I wrote, just letting all those nasty thoughts fall out onto paper. I took that paper, tore it up, and threw it out.

I woke up this morning--Monday--day one.

I can fix this. I'll take ownership and personal responsibility. I am not a product of my environment; I am fully capable of making the correct choices. I am a product of my CHOICES. If anything, this gut-check has only served to remind me that this fight is the good fight. I deserve better. My boot campers deserve better.

I CAN be the example. I WILL be the example.

Please forgive the grainy photo.
I decided spare you the sight of my unmanicured toes and crop them out.

Anyway, I was supposed to post this on Friday, but I jumped on my scale on Friday morning and the battery was dead. Obviously the scale was trying to tell me something.

So here is what I'm working with as far as starting stats. I still haven't had the opporunity to take a before photo yet but I will be sure to take it this week and include it with future accountability posts.


Weight/Measurements
Starting Weight: 196.4
Right Arm: 13
Left Arm: 13
Bust: 42.75
Waist: 36.75
Hips: 43.75
Right Thigh: 25.5
Left Thigh 25.5
Right Calf: 16.5
Left Calf: 16

Meal Plan

I am not too keen on the meal plan that comes with T25 as I don't think it's enough food for me, so I am loosely following my recommended 21 Day Fix guidelines for this program and I'll adjust as necessary.

Also, I plan on following a 90%-10% rule.

90% of the time I will focus on fresh, clean, whole foods. The other 10% of the time I will allow myself that treat. I need that little bit of moderation in my life because I find restricting too much makes me WAY more likely to go off the deep end.

And after all, a major mantra of this Boot Camp is to THRIVE during the holidays, not be a miserable sack of poo because I'm torturing myself during the most wonderful time of the year. Grace and patience people, that's the name of my game.

When I completed T25 for the first time in 2014, I hadn't been incorporating Shakeology into my diet yet, so I am looking forward to seeing what making that a constant fixture in my meal plan will do for my results. I am looking forward to reporting on that when this is over!

I am also focusing on maintaining a decent water intake. I am grateful for the Aquatober Challenge starting on October 26 to get me started on a high note! Goal: 100 oz. daily.

Starting Thoughts:
I am feeling really confident and happy with my decision to re-commit to a program in its entirety--and T25 is really the perfect fit because of the time commitment during an otherwise crazy time of the year (25 minutes a day), and the sense of comfort it brings me since it's the very FIRST program I ever completed. I am looking forward to pushing myself further and working harder as I grow along with this committed bunch I have!

Whip It Up Wednesday: Pomegranate Coconut Chia Seed Pudding

Today's Whip It Up Wednesday recipes is pretty, simple, and packed with not one--but TWO superfoods: pomegranates and chia seeds.

Since I started educating myself on healthy eating, I have become a big breakfast person. I love me some eggs with veggies, hearty oatmeal dishes, incorporating whole grains like quinoa into breakfast dishes...and this recipe is no different. I think originally intended for healthy dessert options, I LOVE having this in the mornings or as a pick me up snack in the afternoon.

Chia seeds are packed with nutritional value--fiber, antioxidants, protein, calcium, omega-3's, minerals--this little seed has it all! They're pretty fun, too, because when you add liquid to them, they turn into a gel-like consistency that makes a great base for add-ins like fruit and nuts.

Adding in the pomegranate seeds (called arils--those pretty little jewel-toned globes inside the fruit) brings sweetness and additional nutritional benefit: vitamins C & K, fiber, potassium, antioxidants, and more. AAAAAND--Fall is pomegranate season, so it's easy to stock up since your local grocery store will most likely have them available much cheaper than at other times of the year. Gotta love seasonal produce!

Paired together with a little vanilla coconut almond milk, chopped almonds, and unsweetened shredded coconut, this is a satisfying healthy snack that comes with a TON of health benefits. It's easy to prepare ahead--perfect for grab-and-go convenience!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. chia seeds
3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla coconut almond milk
1 tsp. honey
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Unsweetened coconut flakes & chopped almonds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a bowl, thoroughly mix chia seeds, almond milk, and honey. Allow the mixture to sit overnight in the fridge, until the seeds have soaked up the milk and swelled.

Top with pomegranate seeds and garnish with shredded coconut & almonds, if desired. Enjoy!

Linked up with:
The Blissful Bee

September Book Club Book Review {Reconstructing Amelia}

I know.

We are well into October and I am just now getting around to reviewing our September This Misfit Mama Book Club pick, Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight. I just wanted to give enough of a safe zone after our live meet up for anyone still reading to finish.

And now that October is halfway over and we are onto our next book, I feel like it's safe to post my review. And "wow", is all I have to say about this book.

I started reading it on September 13 and read about 12% of the way through. The next night, I found myself completely unable to put the book down, staying up until 2:00 AM to finish it. That is 2:00 AM Tuesday morning. When my alarm goes off at 5:30 AM. I was TIRED the next day, but it was completely and totally worth it lack of sleep.

A brief breakdown:

Kate Baron is a successful lawyer and a single mom to Amelia, a sophomore at an exclusive private school. Kate gets a phone call during an important meeting that Amelia, a well-behaved, by-the-rules teenager, has been suspended for cheating and she needs to be picked up immediately. By the time Kate gets to the school, the worst has happened. Amelia has jumped off the roof of the school, which the police and school have deemed "impulsive suicide."

As Kate grapples with the grief of losing her only child, she one day receives a text message informing her that Amelia did not jump. And thus this text message sets off a series of events in which Kate must thread together strands of her daughter's life--the daughter she thought she knew so well--to find out what ultimately happened to her.

You guys. This book was NUTS. In a completely good, can't-put-down, can't-turn-the-pages-fast-enough kind of way. Kimberly McCreight does an excellent job (in my opinion) of bringing across Kate's grief and desperation for the truth, Amelia's vulberability, inter-weaving storylines, characters, and backstories, and jumps back and forth between different points of view at the perfect times.

Yes, we get Kate's point of view from the day Amelia dies and on, and Amelia's point of view in the weeks leading up to her death. Intermixed are snippets of text messages, Facebook posts, blogs and emails. At first I thought this format would be way too choppy and kind of overdone, but I found it really added an element to this book that really drove home just how twisty and turny this story is ("twisty" and "turny"...you are welcome for the made up words).

The burn is slow, and the gut checks still hurt even if you could guess they were coming.

The only downside I'll give this book is that some of the events throughout the plot left me scratching my head a little bit, even in the name of suspending belief for the sake of a really good story.

Ultimately, it's a story of a mother who did as much as she could and felt it was still not enough, with some secrets of her own. The lonely, confused teenager and her yearning to find a sense of belonging and acceptance from her peers. A story about the troubles that teenagers these days face--bullying, the dangers of social media, the "mean girls."

And it's all wrapped up in this endeavor to discover Amelia, with an ending I knew would probably be predictable, but was still not at all what I was expecting.

As a mom, I could feel Kate's pain. I could not imagine losing my daughter, ever. My heart broke for her throughout the book. And to be honest, it aboslutely scared the crap out of me when it came to downright horrible teenage girls can be--and my daughter is only in Pre-K. Especially with their evil teengae girl shenanigans powered by the excess of social media. I thank my lucky stars that Facebook was NOT a thing when I was in high school, and I pray my own daughter never ever experiences such horror at the hands of a peer.

I can see this novel being a catalyst for discussion between parents and teens on the more mature end to handle the storyline about the dangers of social media, harrassment, and bullying.

Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.

In October we are taking on Brene Brown's "Daring Greatly", which is proving to be quite an enlightening and eye opening read. It's not too late to join us! We'll be reading throughout the rest of the month with a Google Hangout discussion on Monday, November 9. It's a great way to discuss some thought-provoking stuff, meet new faces, and join up a great community from the comfort of your own home with a glass a wine. Click here for more info and to sign up!

On Loving Myself More

I've been finding myself feeling pretty darn sorry for myself lately. Mostly due to my struggling with my own expectations and balancing them with what I perceive as others' expectations of me. I'm a people-pleaser by nature. And it's brutal sometimes.

But what happens when as a people pleaser, you let yourself down? To be honest, I didn't really notice it much at first until it started manifesting into a general feeling of "meh." Over just about everything.

This month I am really trying to shift the focus back to me, but not in the all-me-all-the-time kind of way, but in allowing myself a little more love. I am always a huge fan of making time for yourself--especially if you're a mom, but this month it's not just all about allowing myself time.

How can you allow a little more love into your life? Here's what I'm embracing this month:

Patience
Things don't and won't happen overnight. Between me and Denny, I tend to be the most patient, but not always. Especially when I'm licking my wounds and waiting for things magically reverse themselves. Hint: they will, but not in the snap of my fingers.

Grace
I need to give myself a break every once in a while. I need to gently remind myself that I have come a long way. I am not perfect. Every step forward counts. I am human. I am grateful for this experience, because it is molding me.

Worth
I am worth this journey. I deserve to put in the work. I am worthy of living a healthy, fulfilling life, full of confidence, the aforementioned grace, and faith in myself that I can pull through and faith in God that he will see me through it.

Purpose
I am here for a reason. My God has greater plans for me than I could ever dream up. This stumble? It's there for a reason.

Time
Even if it means closing myself into a closet for 10 minutes of quiet time and reflection, I am going to take it. Time to read, pray, think...I am going to take that 10 minutes and savor them.

This time of the year is always crazy. I feel like it is some sort of crazy coincidence that, as soon as we fall into step with the new rhythm and schedule of a new school year, we are thrown into the holiday season. I won't lie, in the past I've come out on the other side of December a hot mess. But not this year! I am determined to make the rest of this year the best ever, and that'll come with a lot of love.

Aquatober {5 Day Challenge Starts October 26}

Do you drink enough water? 

According to the Institute of Medicine, adequate intake of water for men is about 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day, and 9 cups (2.2) liters of water per day for women. 

Most people don't drink enough, but would like to. 

After all:

• Water helps maximize physical performance.

• Drinking water has a major positive impact on brain function.

• Consuming enough water aids digestion.

• Plus tons of other benefits

On October 26, I am kicking off a free 5-day challenge for water intake accountability. We are kicking the soda habit, cutting WAY back on our juice intake, and drinking nothing but good old fashioned water for 5 days straight (I'll be gentle and allow a cup of coffee or tea in the AM, but no added sugar!). You can flavor your water naturally with fruit or other add-ins, and I'll provide a virtual "Water Bar" to give you some inspiration. 

Each day we'll talk about a major benefit of drinking more water with our daily diets, and track our progress for accountability. 

Want in? click here to see the Facebook event and let me know you're in!

Fitness Friday {Accountability}

I just don't know what is up with me these last few weeks, but I am needing some serious direction.

That fire in my belly? That oomph? It is fizzling big time.

My goals? I have them, they just aren't carrying the same power they did a couple months ago.

The reason for that? I've lost sight of my why. Or maybe it's changed, and I'm just not making the connections any more.

In his book Start With Why, Simon Sinek writes "There are only two ways to influence human behavior: you can manipulate it or you can inspire it." He is talking about how companies influence customers to purchase their products and services, but the same thing holds true for my own health and fitness goals.

A goal manipulated by sub-par, at-the-surface reasoning doesn't fly. It'll crumble before your very eyes--because it just doesn't have any heft behind it. Manipulation feels cheap, and a lot like cheating.

A goal inspired by true, gut-checked emotion-fueled reason with tangible elements tied into it--now, that's a goal that'll burn in the back of your mind constantly and will drive you to keep pushing forward. To defy your own boundaries. To amaze and shock yourself with progress that you didn't think you were capable of making.

Quite honestly, I am feeling some kind of way--less stretched. Less challenged. Less driven.

Is it because I've gotten comfy with the progress I've made to date? To be 100% truthful--yes. I looked at video of myself from 2012 and it's obvious I've lost a significant amount of weight. I feel better now than I have in years. But is it enough? No--because I know I still have a LOT more work to do on myself.

Stagnancy doesn't help.
Stagnancy doesn't inspire.
Stagnancy doesn't equate to progress.

Also not helping? We are quickly approaching he two-year anniversary of learning we miscarried our second child. November 1, 2013. I'll never forget that date. I can't help but feeling tense, anxious, and sad--and I know it's OKAY to feel these things, but it certainly isn't doing me any favors.

So today, I am sitting down and hashing out some serious why-power and setting out a clear goal with tangible targets to focus on over the next three months. This truthfully couldn't come at a better time, since the Holiday Hustle {60 Days to Thrive} Boot Camp is gearing up in a week and it is forcing me to practice what I preach. To get on the same level as my boot campers. They're trusting and giving me their time and energy, I should be doing the same for myself.

Trusting myself.
Trusting the process.
Giving it my all.

So, let's get real here for a minute or two:

My why:

I am doing this because I want to fight genetics. I want to fight the instances of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and other health conditions that are scattered throughout my family health history.

I am doing this to set an example for my young daughter--that geniuine happiness doesn't come from a number on a scale, but it comes from feeling radiantly healthy and confident from the inside out.

I am doing this for vanity reasons: I want to see what it looks like and feels like to be back at a solidly pre-baby weight and size--not hover thisclose to it for a week, squeeze my ass into a pair of six year old jeans, and call it a success. I want to be able to say I did it, and sustain it.

I am doing this to inspire....women who feel like there's no chance. Women who feel like they are stuck. Women who are no longer confident in the pure strength living deep inside their own bodies. Women who aren't sure they're capable of changing their lives. I want to prove that with support and accountability, there is truly nothing you can't do.  I can do it. You can do it. We can do it together.

The plan:

I know in my October Goals post I mentioned jumping back into #BODathon training because I am having problems committing to just one program, but I think that's part of the problem. I am not committing, I'm just fluttering here and there. I know there's a reason behind the training--#BODathon is actually on October 31, but I feel like on the days I have Insanity Asylum on the schedule and I don't have an agility ladder around I'm more likely to skip it or fail to choose an equivalent workout that requires less equipment. I am positively waiting on pins and needles for The Master's Hammer and Chisel, but that isn't until December and I need direction now.

So here's the program: T25.

Yep, I'm going back to basics. Back to the program that kickstarted this wild and crazy journey of mine, back on one of those depressing, rock-bottom, pity-party, feeling crazy sorry for yourself kind of nights back in February 2014. The first program that I ever completed from start to finish. The first time I ever proved to myself that I could do something that I truly wanted to do. The first time my feet ever hit the floor for ANYTHING at 5:00 AM. T25 is my soulmate program, and I feel like I need to go back to something that gives me that comfort and reminds me of how far I've come.

Plus it'll be fun to see how much I don't have to modify now!

The goal:

20 pounds lost. 6 pounds a month. Starting out on January 1, 2016 weighing less than I've weighed in five years, and well-ahead of any New Year's Resolutions.

Accountability:

Fridays at This Misfit Mama are for two things: favorites and fitness. On weeks I don't have a Friday Faves series to share, I'll be checking in here with progress photos, thoughts, and some honesty. I will share what is working, what sucks, and general thoughts on my progress. This is a 70-day program, and at 25 minutes a day, I have ZERO excuses to not see this thing though.

And there you have it.

A Why.

A Plan.

A Goal.

Deep breath, and here we go!

October Goals

Did you ever have one of those months when you just feel like you've fallen flat? You didn't live up to your own expectations, others' expectations, and that the month was basically a giant fail? 

That is kind of how I'm feeling today. As a matter of fact, I didn't even want to post this, but for consistency and accountability's sake...here I am. 

The truth? The motivation just wasn't there to move my business forward. I was simply just not feeling it--it began feeling like work and less like fun. I could lie and give you a thousand and three excuses ("oh, new school year!" "new schedule!" "we were so busy!"), but really, deep down--I just wasn't making these goals a priority. I wasn't staying consistent, because it began feeling like a chore. And yes--while it is work, and sometimes it's hard work, I lost sight of my vision for This Misfit Mama. Too much focus on the "what" and not enough focus on the "why."

My big takeaway from all of this is that it is OKAY to have a bad day/week/month. What truly matters is that you have the self-knowledge to realize it and course correct as needed. 

This list is going to look pretty disappointing at times--at least to me--but I am going to share things that went right. 

Shining examples that even when you perceive you've fallen short, there are small reminders that you're doing something right--usually where it matters most.

September Goals

Encourage a smooth transition into the new school year for Peyton me.

We had a rough couple of first weeks with the new schedule, but overall we are adjusted, happy, and thriving at our new school environment. It was a tough decision to make to switch preschools at the last minute in August, but this choice is really working so well for our family at the moment.

Commit to a CIZE LIVE! Instructor Training Course.

It's still very much on my to-do list, but I haven't committed to a date for certfication. My own doubts are holding me back, so I need to work on some confidence to believe I can successfully be a CIZE LIVE! Instructor and bring classes to the South Jersey area. 

Buy Peyton's Halloween costume at some point in September and not wait until two weeks before Halloween.

We didn't buy the costume in September, but we did buy it on October 3. Still four weeks well ahead of Halloween and making last year's last-minute costume debacle a distant memory.

Prep for cold-weather gardening.

I had to make the decision to not make this a priority. I am still going to miss out on my fresh spinach and broccoli, but I just wouldn't have had the time to tend to it. I am going to work on a gardening schedule that will fit my lifestyle for the spring so I have no excuses.

Attend Q4 Super Saturday

Super Saturday is actually in October, not September, but due to some bad weather postponing events and activities we had already planned, it looks like I may not make it to the October event. Bummer.

#BODathon

I went back on my word and started 21 Day Fix EXTREME. And then The Master's Hammer & Chisel sneak peeks launched on BOD. So then I found myself back at the #BODathon training calendar. I am just all over the place at the moments, but I am getting 5-7 days of exercise in each week. Starting Monday, I am recommitting to the #BODathon training schedule.

Help 5 people build self-esteem and love their bodies via Boot Camp.

I didn't help as many as I planned, but I'm realizing it's not in the number, it's in the quality of support and help I can provide to each person willing to commit to a Boot Camp. So while I may not have reached my target in September, I am chatting up quite a few people for October's Holiday Hustle that I am so PUMPED for!

Wrap up my Editorial Calendar for the year.

This one is a big check! All it comes down to is making sure I have the posts actually written in time!

Advance to Emerald by the end of the month.

I didn't reach this goal, but it's okay. I know I'll reach it when I am truly ready to lead a team. In the meantime, I am been diving into personal development to learn more leadership skills and how to be the best example and role model I can so that when the time comes--I'll be more than ready.

Read 20 minutes a day.

Done! I read the Book Club's October pick, "Reconstructing Amelia" quickly (I'll be posting my review of that next week!). Then I downloaded "The Girl on the Train", which was very good, and then, like I mentioned above, tons and tons and Personal Development. My brain was happy in September, and I'm looking forward to continuing the trend in October.

October Goals

This month's goal list is a lot shorter. My Holiday Hustle Boot Camp is coming up quickly, and it's my goal to devote a large chunk of my attention to these boot campers. They are committing to 60 days with me, and I intend to give equal effort on my end.

Reconstruct my WHY to give me a clear drive for reaching my goals and to help me grow.
Back to basics for this girl. I need to figure out why September made me feel like  

Begin writing an eBook.
Once of my 2016 goals is to release an eBook JUST for my followers. It's still in the very early brainstorming stages right now, but I would at least like to get an outline assembled during the month of October. This is a lofty goal with everything else going on this month, but I am setting these goals-within-a-goal now so that I am prepared to hit the ground running in 2016.

Prioritize.
I'd like to take a very close look at where my time is going, and then deciding if it is propelling me forward in any of the following categories: 

• spiritual growth
• family growth
• physical growth and health
• mental growth

If it isn't moving me forward on any of the above, it is getting cut. Moving into the holiday season, the amount of free time I have drastically decreases, so I need to get mine and my families needs prioritized now in order to truly rock these next few months and come out on the other side of Christmas with all my marbles.

Convert our third bedroom into an office space.
I successfully cleared out the clutter with an epic yard sale in September, so now I'd like to begin the planning stages of converting that third bedroom into an office so it will be less of a junk graveyard and more of a useful space for our family--namely for myself. Eventually we'll most a bed into that room to make it an office/guest room combo, but in the meantime I really need a dedicated place to work so that I can set up shop, focus, and increase my productivity time. I have been working off our couch for the longest time, but I feel like the distractions there lead me to dividing my attention a little too much and allows me less time to be laser-focused.

Cook with pumpkin once a week.
It's officially fall--why the heck not?!

Start Christmas shopping.
I wanted to start in October and have everything purchased and wrapped one week before Christmas. This will be such a relief!

So there you have it: a recap of September's goals and a public declaration of my October goals. I am totally enjoying the Fall season this year, and slowly entering crazy person territory because I know Thanksgiving and Christmas aren't far behind! Summer may be my favorite season, but there is something so magical about September through December. It is really my favorite time of the year and I am looking forward to every delicious second of it.