With it being the start of a new week I thought I’d share a way I stay committed to my goals, short term & lifelong. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Love
The Real Want
My posts are sporadic. I never know quite what I’ll write till I begin to type. It’s what’s on my mind & what I want to share. When I force a subject it’s apparent & I trash it. Similar to when you do with anything in life because you think it’s what you should do or need to do. Continue reading
I present this trophy to…
Trophies, they go to those who compete in an event except most of us wouldn’t have an opportunity to have success without the support from others. Continue reading
Simple
It’s been an interesting few weeks. I struggle to sit long enough to relay the bundle of thoughts circulating in my head. With my mind in constant swirl of discoveries it’s been challenging to focus yet the distractions are inviting. Continue reading
Work Out Partners
For years I exercised by myself & for reasons that were downright ill: 1. my view on workout partners 2. I didn’t think I had anybody to workout with.
I remember my husband asking me if I want to train together but it didn’t appeal to me. I thought a partner would slow me down (false). I didn’t want to duplicate a man’s workout (delusional). I knew how to workout I didn’t need him to give me constructive lifting tips (ego fail). Continue reading
Post Comp Blues
It’s been 10 weeks since I competed… Where’s the post comp blues?
(Deep breath) I am going to share. Most women & men competitors have been vulnerable to the haunting monster “post comp blues”. What is it? To put it bluntly after the dust settles of competing you’re side swiped with sudden amnesia to any health/fitness knowledge you once had & you seem to no longer know how to control your own body. As the physique’s deep lines fade the mind fills with negativity. It’s a gritty rough place. Continue reading
Yes You Can
The top two excuses that drive me nuts are no money or time to be healthy. There are endless exercises that are free & whole foods cost less than processed alternatives/takeout (especially if you add in your medical expenses). Until you crave change more than your excuses you’ll continue in the same direction. A stagnate routine creates a stagnate life no matter what reason you use as a filler. Time has become a comfortable crutch that most believe are valid. It doesn’t help that as a culture we pamper each other’s excuses confirming it’s just too hard. When the truth is the only thing holding you back is you. Maybe you’re okay with not challenging yourself but I’m guessing if you’re reading this blog there’s a curiosity inside you that wants more.
Examine where you’re at & what you’re doing. Does it make you happy, proud & do you overall feel good? Yes, carry on & please spread your wealth through encouraging positive actions. No, suit up it’s time to battle this.
Begin with pinpointing the triggers that are sabotaging you, starting with your belief. Do you believe it’s too hard, too late, overwhelming? Is your environment promoting emotional eating luring you into sugared frenzies? Take steps this very moment to start improving. Your mindset will dictate the quality of your results. React now & make a commitment to yourself. You have the power to control what you believe & how you treat your body.
Next get informed. Reaching out for guidance is NOT weakness! Pursue what you want. If Google is your sidekick process the info realistically. If it doesn’t seem legit keep researching & ask reputable sources. If you enlist help from a trainer/food specialist then listen & do the work. If you turn to your spouse then let your guard down. Ladies, it doesn’t make you less independent to have a great workout partner be someone you’re in a relationship with. Drop the “I’m a woman, I don’t need you” a few levels & men be open minded as well. Take advantage of this time together & grow from each other.
Don’t forget to be comfortable in your skin. Embrace your highs & lows it’s what make you an individual. No one knows the details to your story better than you. Look back at a moment you conquered even though the thought seemed impossible. The proof you have it in you. Where did you dig deep from? Find it again because the excuses won’t carry any longer. It’s all you.
Meet my inspirational friend Liz Kampschroeder, Mom of 3, owner of DaisyChickDesigns, personal trainer, IFPA Pro & writer (contact info under local services https://theshortsideofit.wordpress.com/local-services/) . She shared these words with me this morning & it really home that I feel compeled to pass it forward…

“Having supportive people in my life, regardless of distance has been huge for me but I really have had to just believe I could accomplish what I set out to do. Ride the bumps that come along, celebrate the goals reached but most importantly try & be present in the journey. As its all the little things, both positive & challenging along the way that make up my story. I think regardless of the goals we set we have to believe we can get there. The path may not always be what we expect or planned but determination & a little flexibility can go a long way!” Liz Kampschroeder
Helpful Tips (reminder these are just my suggestions on what I’ve learned through experience. I am not a trainer of any sorts):
Eating
Before you take that next bite rate how hungry you are on a scale 1-10. This might help you deter emotional eating & ask yourself why you are eating. Are you tired, thirsty, bored, habit or someone else is eating so you should too type of mentality.
Plan, plan, plan! Put your food together ahead of time. Examples: Remove the shell from hard boiled eggs ahead of time (quick & cheap snack). Carry low sodium tuna packets, no draining , no heating or refrigeration needed. Apple & nuts in your bag, car, desk drawer. Protein shakes, it doesn’t get any easier than that.
Eat healthy foods several times a day. Stop starving your body!
You can live a healthy life with moderation of “bonus” foods not elimination.
Exercises
Visit the Links & Apps page https://theshortsideofit.wordpress.com/links-apps/
Gifts to Give
A string of events this week has reinforced my views that 1, life is a gift and 2, a happy life is complimented by surrounding yourself with great people & taking the time to let them know how valuable they are. I feel shameful admitting that sometimes through witnessing other people’s tragedy I am reminded just how precious life is. Watching the friend who is dealing with the sorrow of losing a loved one to the heartache of hurricane Isaac’s aftermath these circumstances have prompted me to examine if my actions are aligning with my heart.
Competing is life consuming. I’m always thinking about my workouts, food, posing, etc. It is a lifestyle however it is also crucial for me to remind myself that it is a hobby, a hobby that has impacted my life for the positive but it is still a hobby. As important as reaching my goals are I know it’s won’t be satisfying if I don’t do these things; recognize the people who have & are investing their time in me, reconnect to the values of my goals & putting it all into action.
For me this means starting right now with reaching out & thanking you for your support. Writing has sparked a new enjoyment I didn’t know existed while at the same time creating a sense of tranquility. This weekend I have been calling, texting & spending overdue quality time with loved ones. I wouldn’t have come this far without their help & their support is priceless. And finally connecting to the root of my values: make life better for myself & others.
My passions include healthy mind/body endeavors, art, reading & human/animal welfare. People often express with the kindest intentions that I cannot save the world…this is up for debate with me however I know I CAN make the world better. Following the twists & turns of my eclectic thought process an idea that requests your participation has come about…
My requests to you:
1. Reach out & tell at least one person how special they are.
2. Share the gift of yourself. Make the time to be around someone who makes you feel great.
3. Work on your goals daily. Every day is a new start, if you fall get back up. Accomplishment is an amazing feeling & there will be no denying that your actions are contagious!
As always thank you for letting me share my thoughts.
Best wishes!
Lastly if you will please take a few seconds to check out the site below. A simple click provides a variety of aid to people, animals & our environment. Choose the one that calls to you or click all of them! http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1&ThirdPartyClicks=ERH_083112_THS_m