Putting Yourself out There

Today I posted a couple before and after pics of me on my Facebook timeline. I just wanted people to know that I am not constantly preaching about working out, eating better, and drinking water without any results, or lying to you! It took courage for me to do this because it really feels raw and puts you out there to people, but at the same time it may be encouraging for someone; therefore I feel like I have nothing to lose. It's funny how your taste buds will change and so do your cravings. I also notice that I rarely to never drink soda and when I take a couple of sips I'm immediately thirsty. My splurges are mainly healthier and I catch myself adjusting my posture to sit upright and not half slumped over. The energy I have and how much it's effected my overall health. I hope I can inspire you to try something different or move forward with a lifestyle change. Here's a tip: One of the first things I did was I resolved to never buy Ranch flavored dressing again, later it was Sandwich spread (Miracle Whip). Next I would only by the mini cans in soda, it has all snow balled from there and I move forward each day.

The Seven

We've all heard about them, been guilty of them at one time or another, The Seven Deadly Sins. These Sins have a storied past and long history with the imperfection of man. In today's society we are quick to judge, accuse, and crucify without a second thought. Never giving our own short comings a minutes glance. I try to bring gratitude into the spotlight as often as I can to keep myself and my readers grounded. Today I challenge you to take a moment to focus on each word. Which of these were you guilty of committing recently?

I refuse to stay in the box!

The title of this post may have you questioning my sanity and/or choice of topics, right? Well by the time you are finished reading this post I hope I inspire you to feel better about yourself, limit your time spent with people unworthy of you, or do something you've put off or shoved away. Did you realize that people put you in a "box" or "category"?
 For example, when I bought P90X I wish I had just done the program and not said a word about the purchase. Why? Because the response I got was the same, a smug laugh! Do you know why I bought the program? I watched other people in the infomercial (just like me) transform themselves. People that "know" you or have a significant amount of contact with you cannot mentally process you changing the dynamic of the relationship. Whether they admit it or not people need to know you are one of the following: their equal or you're inferior to them. Is this true? Absolutely not!
Allow me to leave you with an example, I know someone that met their partner, got married, and moved away. Every single person that knows her has said' "she'll be back." Well, she's not ever came back and I believe will not be back. I'm happy for this person, but I never put her in a "box".
Are you afraid to do something or reach a goal because of those around you? I say feel the fear and do it anyway. Grow, expand, shine, you see when someone is pulling you down, it's because they know they'll never go up!

1 Week P90X complete

Well readers today was my last workout in the first week stretch and I get a rest day tomorrow.  We did our workout this morning so we can really have a vacation, now that doesn't mean we are going off our eating plan. We just feel like we accomplished so much that we are excited to enjoy that  earned rest day. I am really looking forward to the weeks ahead in my fitness journey. After only one week I am noticing a nice improvement in my flexibility. Over the next few weeks  I will lose10 pounds, and  increase  my strength and flexibility. I do believe I will reach this goal and feel terrific when its complete.

Fit Friday!

It's Fit Friday, Memorial weekend, and Mother Nature is giving us a preview of summer. Geesh! I don't know  if I can keep up with everything. What are your plans for this weekend? I already have the family graves decorated. I have some flower seeds to plant and we've trimmed some small trees in my back yard. All of these activities burn calories.
We also started P90X yesterday to see where our fitness level can go in the next 90 days. This is an exciting adventure to take us into summer. I wont lie to you this workout is a challenge, but it's nothing we cannot conquer. Could we do everything the first time? No, but we will doing all of it by the end of our 90 days. When doing a new workout program make sure you take it easy the first time through. You need to focus on proper form to protect your joints and back. I hope some of you join me in the future to try your own new challenge. I have one you can try starting today: Beginning today park as far away from the entrance of anywhere you go. I do this myself unless I have my Mother. You will get in more steps, have less stress ( you are not playing the space finding game) and you leave closer spaces for the elderly, handicapped, or a lady that is pregnant. Don't you feel better about yourself already? Now get out there and enjoy this long weekend. Stay hydrated.

Commencement

This weekend our niece graduated from high school and we are so proud of her. She's young, smart, and beautiful with so many opportunities ahead of her. She is planning to become a nurse which I find thrilling because it shows me she enjoys helping people. Many of our young people are starting to make lifelong decisions pertaining to education, military, and  occupations.   The world we live in is changing so rapidly which I find can be to our advantage; young and old. In this life you can achieve any goal you seek. I want to take a moment to wish Graduates across the nation in all levels of education Good Luck!

Going Meatless

Have you ever gone meatless for a specific period of time or for just one meal? I try to have at least one day per week that I am meatless and when I do more than one day I'm all the more thrilled. When I go meatless I personally feel better and I know I am doing my body and digestive system a huge favor. Many years ago my family discovered that we are prone to colon cancer. I was in my early 30's and had polyps removed from my colon. When I went for a second colonoscopy and had polyps removed again the doctor wanted to know what on earth I was eating! My doctor informed me that with genetics like mine I would fare better with a diet low on red meat. He didn't say no red meat, but to take it easy. In the beginning it was a challenge but now I feel empowered knowing that I can control my body and health. It feels good to know that choices I'm making today lead to better tomorrow's.