Strong Women United

Throughout these last few months, if you have been reading you know I have had my fair share of struggles. I am learning that it doesn't make me weaker to have these struggles as long as I get back up. In an effort to try to exhale all the negativity I feel at times, I've been working hard at putting it to a more positive use. I started working out and for the most part trying to eat healthier, I did this for MYSELF-- but I had no idea so many people actually paid attention to me. LOL!

Being a woman, I know we have many struggles whether it be with our health, relationship, self worth, parenting, all of the above, or other --- we just aren't always so vocal when needing help. So I decided to take the fitness part of it and create a group for women only (sorry fellas) to share and support. The idea is to share success and struggles with health, and life in general. It is to be a safe out for women to use to ask for help and not be judged, to feel comfortable sharing before and after pictures regardless of size. The point is never what size you are- but that you see progress. Progress = success and HEALTHY is the new skinny. 

So if you are interested:

 Strong Women United is for all forms of women who wish to be stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally. In the group you'll find health information regarding work outs, nutrition, depression support, and much more! 

Feel free to join and participate, there are only a few rules that must be followed:

1) What is said/ shown in group stays in the group, we are creating trust and relationships so don't break it or you will be banned.

2) Respect others even if you disagree, because we can all learn from each other in some way. Do not judge or pre-judge.

To join- click the link below and click "Join Group" I will add you as soon as I can (usually pretty quickly). Read the pinned post and sign it.

www.facebook.com/groups/wewillnotsink

2 days into February

2 days into February and I've felt like poo. All I wanted to do is sleep and I had a lingering headache all weekend. Yuck! I still managed to do my workout even though I really didn't want to. 

I also realized that I left leg lifts off the calendar I made for everyone and I forgot to add extra increments for those who did the previous challenge with me-- maybe for March I'll have it together. This is my first go at preparing workouts and I'll put up a video soon so to anyone ready bare with me- I'm clearly not professional. Lol

Yesterday Calvin and I watched the Gabby Douglas story and can I just say I cried almost the whole movie- good tears but tears because I hope I can be as brave of a mom as she was. I hope Calvin and I can be as strong as she was and allow Braeden to know that no matter what his dreams are always possible. 

I had a friend tell me the other day that Calvin and I were great parents and wanted to know when we were going to have another baby. I was mixed on how to respond because currently I am still takin medication to help treat my depression and Calvin still doesn't have a new job so we are a bundle of hot mess right now; which ironically we should be extra careful because God tends to have a sense of humor. 

The truth is- I'm scared. I love Braeden more than anything in this world and truly want to experience pregnancy again and breastfeeding as well as watching another little being that Calvin and I created grow up but I'm just worried. Not really sure how to word my worries but none the less I answered her in that once things are more stable for us we will decide whether to try again or not. 

Right now I am enjoying Braeden growing up and trying to remember to save energy for him and only him as we believe he is going through some jealousy issues of the other children I do daycare with. 

So we are putting in overtime to remind him how much we love him. :) 

Aside from that things seem to be going better; I really didn't have any bad days this week which was nice. I feel like Calvin and I are back to dating-- things have been so great with him home ❤️ 

We are very excited as a family for our annual beach trip. Every year for Valentines we take a short trip to the beach to celebrate another year we made. We make letters of things that we could have done better throughout the previous year read them and let them float away with the current. It truly is a refreshing experience and I feel like our marriage has been successful because of it. I have learned marriage is hard work- but if you work hard it is the most amazing experience. ❤️🙌

Here's to February and all it's craziness. 😊

Goal 1: Complete!

Day 30 Complete! 
260 squats, 60 tricep dip, 60 push-ups, 160 abs, 100 leg lifts, and 100 jumping jacks. 

Since January 1- I've lost 7 inches, I've stayed strong at my goal weight, and can definitely "feel" a difference. I have more energy and things are much more tone. It's an amazing feeling! 

Tomorrow starts a new challenge! Who will join me? Only YOU can motivate yourself to be healthier, and only YOU can hold yourself back! #30daychallenge #bikiniready#2014change

Snow to clear the air...

Today it was a snow day for most everyone. Calvin and I decided to be productive and clean our house, do our laundry, dishes, and put dinner in the crock pot; which I am dying to go eat as the smell consumes the house :)

Today was also day 29 in my 30 day challenge I started January 1, 2014. I am proud of myself for sticking with it, I am also proud of myself for helping at least one other person stick with it as well. Every woman has their ideal "look" whether it is curvy, skinny, athletic, or just healthy. I'm finally there, but I know being 5'1 I will have to keep a healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life to keep it; which is what I plan to do. I've even got my husband on board.

My fitness "kick" isn't just about weight; it is about feeling more energetic, it is about feeling more confident, liking the skin I'm in, fitting in my clothes, and just in general feeling good. As most of you that have read my previous blogs know; these last few months have been far from a cake walk for my family, so this has truly given me an out that is safe, healthy, and doable.

So tomorrow I will finish up day 30 of my first challenge and at some point post photos of progress, then on Friday February 1st, I will start my very own fitness challenge and I invite you all to join. I have a post on Facebook made public about it, so be sure to follow those updates :) (I'm under Heather Edmunds)

So until next time, I'll just say this in regards to everything else; I always look forward to a good snow to clear the air, kill the germs, and cleanse the ground. Use this time to clear your own air, kill your own toxins, and become a better you. The only person capable of holding you back is you. I'm far from perfect, and my drive didn't come over night. It came from hitting rock bottom and climbing up. I have learned that regardless of whether your struggle is with your health, depression, relationships, parenting, or anything else--- no one can give you drive or motivation to be better but you. I've also learned it is nearly impossible to love someone who doesn't love themselves- so each day I work harder on loving myself more.

With my family- things truly couldn't be better at the moment; even in our current situation. Calvin applies for jobs left and right and we know God will open the right door at the right time; we just have to be patient and thankful. Thankful you ask? Thankful for park days as a family, thankful to be alive, thankful to wake up and be able to make each day better than the one before, and thankful for our son Braeden, who truly is a miracle and blesses us each day with out even realizing it. A good friend learned a hard lesson last year after loosing her father that tomorrow is never promised, these precious memories are priceless and if anything we have all learned to let go and let Jesus take the wheel. We may not always like the direction he is leading or understand, but we are grateful to be on the journey together.

With Love;
Me.

Day 24

Day 24: complete
20 squats for rest day, 40 pushups and triceps dips, 80 crunched/sit ups, 85 leg lifts, and 50 jumping jacks.

So I am on day 24 of my 30 day challenge to get in shape. I have noticed good results. The biggest thing I've noticed however is that there really isn't a reason I couldn't have been in shape right after Braeden  or started sooner. Sure I was sleep deprived and exhausted, but I'm learning that in working out each morning it starts my day of better. I am more energized and in general feel better throughout the day. It's not quite as difficult carrying a 35lb toddler up 15 steps because I'm in better shape.

People will see a picture I post and ask what's your secret? I'll tell you- it's no longer allowing myself to make excuses for myself, excuses that I'm too tired or too busy because realistically those things may not change for a while, so am I supposed to wait till Braeden goes to college to get my body back? NOPE- so if you are in the same boat I was in, do yourself a favor stop making excuses for yourself and be the person you want. If you want to loose weight, do it. If you want to get in better shape, do it. Do not let yourself hold YOU back, because no one can motivate you but you. No one can make you follow through but you. Do it- and then when people ask what's your secret-- say I made health a priority, I worked hard and stuck with it.

I wanted to get out of my slump, but I also wanted to have more energy for my husband and Braeden. Now I'm feeling closer and closer to the person I used to be. If I've learned anything these last few months it's that life is too short to be miserable, to allow yourself to struggle mentally, physically, or emotionally. If you want to be healthy- get it in gear and make it happen.

For this new year I challenge you to make a goal and stick to it. Be realistic, but also work hard. Don't let anything get in the way, whether your goal is health related, money related, relationship oriented, or just in general.. Set goals, make action plans, and follow through.

My goals wetter simple, beat my depression, get in shape, find myself, and get my priories straight. It's only January and I realize in the coming months is when moist people fall off. However some never make it through January so for that I'm proud.

Happy Friday everyone! Make it great:)

Hold yourself accountable-

You know, every year it's the same thing, we always make resolutions toward health, happiness, and success or something like that. Yet-- a week if that in, we give up? Why? Why do we give up on the things that seem so important to us? 

Well I made up my mind in December that 2014 would be different. I was going to make goals, hold MYSELF accountable, and ask for help when I need it. So far, I've deleted everyone who isn't a positive influence in my life, I am on day 16 of a fitness challenge that I've noticed results already from, and even empowered a few others to do it! 

I'm making myself a priority, and working on letting things go to spend more time as a family. Trying to cherish every second for us rather than working on things that aren't going to matter in 10 hours, 10 days, or 10 years ❤️ I'm calling it te 10/10/10 rule. 

I'm also taking control (as much as I can) of my mental health. But with the help of friends, family and especially my husband I having kicking major ass! I have bad days still, I have weak moments, but I'm having more good days than bad which is a success in my book. 

My husband lost his job, January 3- employment he had for 12 years. BUT surprisingly thanks to an enormous amount of support it hasn't knocked us down. Financially it will be harder than ever before right now, but emotionally we are strong in knowing we have each other and wherever we are- that's home. 

So for today, tomorrow and everyday don't wait for someone to hold you accountable do it for yourself. Do it for your family, or your kids. Happiness is important in life because without it, nothing else really matters. 

I pray that others help lift me up on those down days and that you truly take the new year opportunity to make this year yours. No excuses for yourself, YOU have the ability to make each day a good day. And if you are trying and the devil keeps getting in the way, ask for help I know plenty of people who would be happy to send some love whenever you need it. ❤️

Make some goals, stick to them, and embrace life❤️

New year, new day, new me!

Day 1 done- plus 25 bicycles! 

Who is with me? I have this printed and on my refrigerator so it's a daily reminder! Here's to a fit new year and not giving up ❤️