Friday, October 30, 2009

Snow, Snowballs and Life

Colorado was hit with an October snowstorm and we've been snowed in for essentially two days. In only two days I managed to fall into "lazy mode" where nothing looked interesting to me besides food and whatever might appear visually appealing on a TV screen. Last night as I was getting ready for bed I realized that I'd have to get up early to go to work and that started to bum me out. I haven't worked for three days (a beautiful unexpected vacation from above) and I'm bummed about returning to work? What the heck?

So I woke up this morning at 6:30, bright and early. I normally hit the snooze about three times until it's actually 7am, but today I didn't. I awoke feeling happy and inspired and ready to take on the world. This feeling made me feel empowered and I began to think that I could and should have this attitude everyday.

Yes, I realize that stuff happens that I can't control, but the one thing that I can control is my attitude and my response. I couldn't control the snow, but I can control how I'm going to react to it all. SO this morning, while the roads are a bummer because they are icy and it's freakin cold out, I've chosen to enjoy life and this very moment that I am in - and I've decided to make today a beautiful day for myself regardless of whatever might get thrown my way. AND let's just say that a big snowball gets thrown at me, I will get back up, shake it off and move along... with a smile.

Attack the day. Attack today. You deserve it - you are beautiful. You are amazing!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Listen

I'm sitting at coffee this morning with a few friends and as we're sitting there chatting away, I begin to wonder if any of us are actually listening to each other? I'm sure we hear one another, but at the same time we're so desperately trying to be heard ourselves that we're not actually listening. SO I want to challenge myself to actually take the time to listen to others. When I'm with my friends, I want to purposely make the decision to just shut up and to listen to what they have to say.

No big words of encouragement and motivation from me tonight, other than - take the time to listen to those you care about, it speaks louder than words. Goodnight friends. You are amazing. Continue to be amazing!

Friday, September 11, 2009

An Amazing Life

Being a mother is simply amazing. As my youngest is about to turn another year older I realize just how quickly the years pass. I still remember the day I went into labor with him – clearly. I still remember holding him and nursing him for the first time. I still remember my overwhelming emotions I had towards that little guy after laying eyes on him for the first time.


I cherish each day with my husband and my children. I don’t take any moment for granted. It’s easy to take for granted the mundane and boring daily activities for granted – but I just can’t anymore. I treasure walking my children up to the school each morning at drop off. I look forward to seeing their faces at the end of the school day when I pick them up. I get excited about the possibility of joining them for lunch every so often in the school cafeteria. And what makes my heart smile most – is when I walk by their classroom at school and see them smiling and getting into their work.


I can’t take life for granted – as crazy as it might seem. I guess in the back of my head I hold loosely the thought that any and all of it could be taken away in a heartbeat. Eight years ago two planes hit the twin towers in NY – and in a moment our world changed before our eyes. I want to live amazingly – I want to love amazingly – and I want to be amazing. I know I’m dramatic at times and I know I’m emotional as well… but all that pushes me to love people, the moment and life even more. Life is too short – live hard.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Hello self-confidence... where'd ya go?

So here it is, nearly 4 months since I last blogged. The summer blew by and without much regret. Much regret? We had one vacation planned for the summer and it fell through. My only regret is not planning something else. I loved every minute with my kids and my husband and my friends. I am thankful and I am blessed!

What's been on my mind???

I'm sure I've struggled with the issue of not feeling like I fit in at times. I mean, I know I struggled a lot with that in high school. As I got older I feel as though I've left that behind me and become more confident with myself and my abilities. So just recently - almost two weeks ago actually, I was dealt a hand that I wasn't expecting. I was at a social event that I normally feel fairly confident and able to hold my own at. This particular time, I failed - I completely lost confidence and doubted my abilities to carry on a decent conversation with any strangers that might try to strike up conversation. What was my deal? What the heck?

It only gets worse from there. I let the memory of the awful and awkward event remain in my head and in my heart - and for days I stewed over my inability to fit in. I began to see myself in high school again and I began to see myself quickly becoming a social outcast.

Now deep down, I believe we all long to be accepted and to be loved. It's a normal and natural feeling. I'm normal - I feel it. I get it! So what have I done?

I allowed myself to wallow in my own self-pity for about a week. I let myself vent and talk it out with a few close friends of mine, and cherished their sweet loving words of compassion and acceptance. When it all comes down to it - isn't it their opinions of me that should matter most? Not some stranger or acquaintance that I run into from time to time. So I began to change my attitude. I began to look at people differently. I began to ask myself, what if that person I'm so afraid of pleasing - feels the same way about me? How narcissistic of me to think that they would even be thinking about me - good or bad. What if they weren't even placing judgement on me - what if they were just minding their own business and here I was trying to make something more out of it than necessary? The what if's...

Two weeks later and I think I've accomplished it - not completely of course, I think it's a constant work in me. BUT here it is - I'm living my life for me and my family. I'm doing what's best for me and not worrying about what others might think in the process. Forget about them, if they don't like me now - chances are they never did and never will. So buck up - move forward and live confidently knowing that each day I grow stronger building my confidence back up and perhaps even stronger than the first time.

Easier said than done? Don't you know it?!? But I take joy in seeing myself make the most of myself and each moment I am given here on earth. And that's something I'm confident about! Don't let others thoughts or words bring you down. Who knows if those people actually even think or say the things that you "think" they've said?

Move on - move forward - live amazingly - you are amazing!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Where do you live?

Do you live in the here and now - the present? Do you live in the past - remembering the glory days? Do you live for the future - hoping for what is to come?

It seems like lately I've been coming across many who still live in the past. Instead of just remembering the good old days and all their glory - they continue to stay there... not necessarily moving forward with their lives. I believe that when more than half of the conversations are about the past, that we've not really left that part of our lives behind. While they were good times, we ought to be moving forward with our lives. Know what I'm talking about?

And let's just say that it doesn't have to be the good times that pull us back to the days long ago. It can be painful memories and hurtful events that also allow us to stay there as well. Sometimes we don't allow ourselves forgiveness and grace to move on, despite the actions of others. Even though it's easy to say that we shouldn't allow others to dictate our feelings and actions, the fact remains that for some of us - we do.

I challenge you to live out today and tomorrow and the next - living in the now. Don't look back on how it was... or if only you had changed something in your past to make today turn out differently. Reality is: what's done is done - can't change it - move on. The past is how it was and today doesn't necessarily have to be a reflection of that.

If you need to forgive yourself or others - do it. If you need to grant yourself a little bit of grace or someone else - give it. Move on! You can do it. When you do, there's freedom (and perhaps a little bit of relief) knowing that your past doesn't have to hold you captive any longer. And by all means, don't allow others to pull you back with them. You deserve to move forward.

So, where do you live? Remember... you can make the choice... you can make a move if you need to. Move along now... and have a great week!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Becoming stronger

I just recently added strength training into my workout routine. I've been doing it consistently for three weeks now. It wasn't easy in the beginning, I didn't really want to lift weights on top of my busy Jazzercise schedule, but I realize how important it is.

Life is a lot like strength training. When lifting weights, you might only add a small amount of resistance, perhaps 10-20 pounds to start. It feels like that amount of weight is almost too hard to lift and the muscles tire quickly and you're sore for a couple days after. Some days it almost seems pointless and easy to just not even do the workout.

If you continue lifting on a consistent basis - you begin to see yourself getting stronger and taking on more weight and challenging your body to lift one more rep or set. You won't necessarily see it right away, it will more than likely take time - for some many months... but this amazing thing happens - your body begins to transform and your muscles become more defined and tone.

A lot like life - sometimes we are put into a situation that's uncomfortable or not easy... but know that we've got to stay in it - if for no other reason, because we've got no other choice. BUT stick it out, take from each moment the lessons meant to be learned from each challenge. Look at it as a way of strengthening yourself and making yourself a better person.

Before you know it - you might be surprised to see this new person evolving in front of you. One day you might not even recognize that person you once were because you've grown into a much stronger person. Consider it a workout for your inner-being and soul. Take from life and learn... each day has so many lessons to offer you.

Peace!