Find Your Motivation

I have noticed that I have difficulty starting my blog without a title. The idea is there but the title sort of acts like a diving board, giving me just enough spring to push me over the edge. As I was mulling over possible titles in my head, a Kaiser Permanente Commercial aired and ended with "Find your Motivation". I love the angle they use but, I will save that for a later post.

As I continue on my journey to a healthier me, I have encountered a few challenges along the way. I was dismayed but not daunted. These nagging irritants have actually become building blocks. Well, I think it more accurate to say I turned them into stepping stones. My choice, my decision, my will empowered me to view the world a bit differently.

On Friday mornings I head to the LA Fitness Gym near work to center my mind and challenge my body. A few weeks ago, I was walking up the stairs to the cardio area but, stopped on the landing to get a better view of where the ab equipment was placed. This is not my normal location so I am not as familiar with their lay out. Just as I was about to head back up the stairs, I felt that creepy "someone is watching me feeling". I chose not to pay it any attention as I am learning to focus on myself and my goals. If I am going to spend hours at the gym, I am going to make it count. I am not here to play. I expect results.

I walk over to the treadmill and start my workout. Press the arrows a couple of times, increase the pace. Great song playing to keep me motivated and...screech...scratch the record...nails on the chalk board, what is this I hear? Two men on treadmills next to me are heckling. These dudes comment on EVERY WOMAN that passes by. They made sure not one female was missed. Their incessant chattering ranged from describing what they would love to do her body to wondering out loud if fries go with that shake. If these guys didn't look close to FIFTY yes, 50 years old, I would assume that they were in grade school. I listened to a few more of their very rude, very loud outburst before, I decided to take charge of the situation.

In my mind, I saw myself handing them mirrors so they could get a good look at themselves. Surely, these men weren't making fun of someone's looks..um..totally hypocritical...enough said! Presented with a choice to either shrink like a wilting flower and leave the gym or to rise up and push through like a new blade of grass, I knew there was only one choice to be made. For a moment, I could hear the voices of countless women saying "this is why I hate gyms. It is a total meat market. I feel so self conscious". Yes, those thoughts flashed across my mind. But, I drowned them out and replaced them with motivating thoughts. You see, I have discovered that once you find your motivation, you can not be stopped. At every moment of every day you face a choice to feed your faith or your fear.

In my opinion, fear is insatiable. Once you give it an ounce of attention, its got you hooked. Think a negative thought and it wants another. Soon, you will find that the only way to keep fear truly appeased is by seeking other negative individuals to increase the poisonous energy. What's that old saying "Misery loves company". Fear, just like Faith requires constant feeding.

According to the online dictionary, Faith is the belief in something without proof. When I look in the mirror, I still see things I want to change. I believe and hang onto the knowledge that through proper nutrition and regular exercise, I will get to see the proof. I tapped into my reserve of favorite quotes as I listened to the hecklers. I encouraged myself by digging deep. My desire to get healthy and whole is my motivation. I made a very conscious decision to not be moved by fans or foes. Instead of leaving the gym, I completed my power walk and marched straight to the machines to get in some strength training. I actually chose to try new equipment even some machines which directly faced these men. Yes, I could still faintly hear their arbitrary shouts of "muffin top" and "tootsie roll". But, I am so determined and so motivated to reach my goal that not even jeers will deter me.

I could have spent that morning believing every comment was directed at me. Whether it was or wasn't is not my concern. I will not give negativity energy. Things like a lousy nights sleep, lack of coffee, traffic, missing keys, bills and barking dogs, heckling men are all frustrating but that's life. These things will not determine whether or not I am going to have a good day. And they surely will not turn me off course. I stare my motivation in the face every morning when I look in the mirror. I am getting healthier for me. And in my reflection I see life. I see hope. I see victory.

Find your motivation....

Here are a few of the quotes I use regularly to encourage myself. Feel free to borrow :-)

“Don't take anything Personally Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering". Don Miguel Ruiz

"Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.' We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do". Marianne Williamson

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen".
Hebrews 11:1

"Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right."

Henry Ford

Pro-vision for my vision.....

This is a comment I just wrote on my friend Freida's "A journey to a Healthy Me" Blog in response to a pic she took of us lastnight after our Zumbatoning Fitness Class at Faboom Dance School...

I got a lil' teary eyed reading this. I actually started feeling that old familiar feeling when I saw you posted our pic. I was hesitant to really look at 'ME' the curves, the hills, the valleys. I could always control the pics I posted, cropping and cutting to create a more flattering look. But there I am full body at that..posing no less...in a strong confident "I am woman" position with two powerful sister-friends and I love it. I accept who I am today and I embrace the woman I am becoming. Thank you for sharing..Thank you for being Fre!!!

Jodi, Freida & Ashley after a great Zumba Workout

I have found that the key to continuing on my journey is PREPARATION. I always loved when my Pastor Daddy (yes, my dad is an ordained minister) would say God has PRO-vision for your Vision. I have come to personally experience God as a provider. He has blessed me tremendously and not just financially. I am talking peace, faith, hope, love and joy. As I work towards a goal, I know that people, circumstances, situations etc. are already in place to assist me on my path.

So my part in this is being busy at my vision. I have committed to working on my health and wellness. Yes, I still have a slice of pizza or my co-worker's yummy brownie bites but, I know I must balance my choice to indulge by increasing my work out or balancing the meal for the rest of the day.

I am gone about 15 hours a day between my commute, transporting my son, work, errands and the gym. In order to stay on top of my nutrition, I must plan ahead and pack my food. I am exhausted once I get home but, I started the habit of preparing my lunch the night before. As I have stated in my previous post, I often pot luck with a group of girls who share in my vision.

Our lunch menu consisted of a roasted veggie pasta salad (Farfalle, roasted mushrooms, broccoli, carrots & tomatoes tossed with a bit of Brianna's French Vinagrette). For my friend Amy, I pulled her portion aside and packed her salad in a cute Hello Kitty container without the added Asiago, Cheddar and Grilled Chicken. We planned a salad bar side dish.





I brought shredded carrots, broccoli and tomatoes.

added a pear for good measure :-)

In order to make this work for me and to get out of the house on time, about 5:50 in the morning, my lunch bag has to be ready to roll.

I put the whole thing in the fridge so I can grab it and go!!! No more running out at lunch for a fast food salad or whatever else moved me that day. I can control what I eat. I am empowered.










Packing my lunch is one way I commit to working on my vision.

"By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."

~Ben Franklin

Featuring my Friend...

As I was browsing through Facebook tonight, I happened upon the most incredible thing. I am so excited and so inspired right now, I can hardly contain myself....

Ready Go....(to be read quickly but slow enough to catch my drift..ya dig?!) Cuz that's just how over the top, uber thrilled I am right now!!!

So, I have this really lovely, I mean incredibly beautiful friend whose beauty yes, is apparent on the outside but......shines from the inside...This friend sometimes doesn't realize how powerful and insightful she really is....soooo, she tends to keep herself all 'hidden' like and played down...But, she is not really successful at it because people can't help but be drawn to her. MAGNETIC!

She is a Real Woman who eats Real Food. She is a Vegan For Life which she proudly displays on the back of her pimped out ride. This woman is committing to incorporating healthy habits, living socially aware and helping all of us perfect the smoky eye!

As part of my Real Woman Real Food Campaign, I have decided to feature women who are reclaiming their health and wellness. I am on the look out for strong, powerful individuals who are seeking a better way.

My motto is, it really doesn't matter where we are right now 'cuz we know where we are going...We are starting where we are to create the life we want. On that note, I would like to introduce you to Amy.

We are co-workers by chance, friends by choice...I hope you delight in the elegant simplicity of this video and applaud her accomplishment as she has lost 20 pounds since its recording.

Enjoy.....http://youtu.be/mh7zwT-RNM8   I promise you will LOVE THIS!!!!

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."
~Gwyneth Paltrow 

Two are stronger than one

Growing up, I remember my parents frequently reminding me to mind my manners and my company.  I learned that no matter how the world 'progresses' that some things should never change. I was raised by people who honestly believe that your word is your bond. A simple shake of the hand indicated your commitment to getting the job done..

Developing a solid character was of the utmost importance. Not only did I come to understand that committing to my personal goals will ensure positive success but, I had the power to help others grow also. Iron most definitely sharpens iron.

Roasted Veggies by Nichole

As I have previously shared, a few great friends regularly water my healthy living seeds. There are times I am on the treadmill or packing a balanced lunch for work the next day, I think about these individuals who act as fans on the sidelines. I find that sharing this goal with a few trusted individuals keeps me pressing towards the mark.

 My hope is that my changes can encourage someone else to continue on their journey towards their best selves. Life is truly about paying it forward.

My friends and I occasionally pot luck at work. It is such a pleasure having a group of girlfriends who support a healthy lifestyle!

Wenesday's Lunch Menu Included:

Roasted Veggies

Brown Rice

Hummus

Pita Chips

Green Salad w/Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Little Facts I love

Build Better Bones  

Build better bones by eating bananas? Yes, enjoying bananas frequently as part of your healthy way of eating can help improve your body's ability to absorb calcium via several mechanisms.

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost."
- Charles Caleb Colton

It's not too late...

Anybody pretending to be anything other than who you really are—you will never, ever reach your personal potential.

—Oprah

 

Several weeks ago, I posted the following Facebook Status Update:

  

You know that thing/person/behavior/attitude you have been hanging onto for far too long? It wants to be released. There is no place for it in your future. Besides, you outgrew it a long time ago...no longer a good look. Trust and Believe!

 That absolutely was the beginning of my acknowledgement of the need for change. Prior to this, I was merely existing when it came to my health and nutrition. Um no, I was "dead" to health and nutrition. I knew it was important, had even experienced some success with it in the past. But, on August 24, 2011, my perception opened and caused a real life change.  

What I know is true is that I am on earth at this moment in time, to bless others. My purpose to encourage and to uplift others to press forward, to dream on, to live their best lives. We are all in this human experience together desiring love, peace and to live fulfilled lives. This desire crosses color, economic and social lines. It may look differently to each person. And that's okay..that is the beauty of our freedom as individuals.

What I know for sure is that, I must transform and develop myself mentally, spiritually and physically in order to accomplish my life's purpose. One aspect is not more important the other. Balance is key. 

To be authentically and organically ME requires that I feed my mind, my soul and my body the best. I control what comes in and what goes out. And when I choose not to honor my body, I choose to not live authentically. I don't really care how long I have lived with unhealthy habits, that is not the real me. It is time to emerge, to grow, to blossom.

Little Facts I love:

Spinach from Blisstree.com

One cup of spinach has nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating.

 

 

You make me feel like a Natural Woman...

"Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something: they're trying to find someone who's going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take". ~ Anthony Robbins

Last night, I read this quote on my friend Elaine's Facebook Page. I clicked on "like", wrote a nice comment about how the world would be a better place if we approached ALL relationships this way, hit enter and continued my browsing with an enormous sense of satisfaction. 

This is exactly what I wrote:  

"Love this...what a wonderful world this would be if we approached all relationships this way!!"

 What hit me next could have floored any prize fighter. It is so incredibly huge for me that I created a new blog to properly honor its power...its ability to transform.

My life changed, my paradigm shifted and I knew in an instant that things would never be the same. I experienced what Oprah ingeniously named an "Aha Moment"! I searched for my friend Elaine's status update once more, reread the quote and my very wise, in my own opinion, comment. 

And then....

 This is exactly what I thought:

I have developed a very unhealthy RELATIONSHIP with food. What if I applied that quote to food? I continued in the relationship as it stands because I use (particularly unhealthy)food to make me feel good. Just what if I began to approach food with the attitude that I am here to give. But how do you give to food? What would that look like, feel like? How would my behavior change? 

Farmer's Market Veggies and Fruit ~ Beauty of home made Lunch

I, inspired by my great friend Freida, had already begun the change. I committed to decreasing my consumption of fast food by letting go of the excuse that I am an overly exhausted single mother basically living on the road. I committed to packing a colorful, balanced lunch daily by affirming the fact that my body requires vitamins and not just fullness. I committed to increasing my water intake after a terrible hormonal breakout on my face. I committed to regular exercise and now wake up earlier to squeeze in about 30 minutes before work.

I changed my mind and my behavior followed. So how do I maintain this change? By filtering my thoughts. How do I know that this time will be different? Because I am waking up each morning resolved to give.

I am not on a diet/exercise plan. I desire a wholesome and balanced lifestyle. Real food for a real woman. I am in therapy, my own self created therapy to heal this relationship. Through this blog, I will share my transformation.

May all of your relationships be healthy.

It is not enough to survive. May you live long and Thrive.