name='p:domain_verify'/> Always A New Day : April 2016


4.27.2016

Why I Stopped Coaching

Almost one year ago, I started my little blog and a little business. I shared what my new business would be and started posting about challenge groups, workout programs, and such. First let me say that I still have one challenge group going; I love my at home workout programs and still make them part of my fitness routine. But, I had to make some changes - not for anyone else but myself.


This last month, I decided to part ways with my teeny tiny business. I think the programs and its message are phenomenal and know they greatly shaped how I incorporate healthy living into my busy, crazy mom life. But, I am trying to figure out the grief life and the mom life and the wife life - all the lives that make me truly function. I love the coaches I follow - they are awesome! My support for them hasn’t changed - I have. Here is why I have stopped coaching.



Accountability


Sure, I still have fitness goals. Working out is still an outlet for me, but so is writing. I’d say right now, it’s the words that are pulling me through the dark waters of loss. I’ll punch and burpee my way through a rough patch, but it is getting the words out that make me feel lighter and stronger. I have found an AMAZING blogging community who have challenged and encouraged me as I write more. I crave THIS accountability right now. My challenge group is full of hardworking moms who still post recipes and workouts so that accountability is still there for me, but for now, sharing with words is where I am.


Authenticity

In my current life, I don’t feel REAL when I post a workout video or a post-workout selfie. My authentic self right now comes from sharing about deep personal loss and the crazy beautiful mom life. My authentic self comes from my two sweet little loves who make me smile through grief; it’s my husband who has work stress then comes home to wife stress. We are trying to figure out our new normal. That is the real me right now, and I am connecting so much more to other moms who get that.




Responsibility


For right now, I do not owe anyone big reasons for why I am taking a step back. I was getting tired of thinking so much about creating a cute graphic or an ideal challenge group. I feel my responsibility is to myself and to share so that others who feel loss in some form know they are absolutely not alone. And I did feel alone in the fitness world right after my brother died. That is not being honest with my feelings or to the grief journey I need to go on so I can heal.


Planning


So much has changed in the last 4 months. Some may say I am a quitter and that I didn’t dig deep enough into what makes a successful business, and I can’t say I disagree. I just cannot quit myself - when I do that, I am of no benefit to my future self or to my family and friends. If you follow me on Instagram as well as the blog, you will notice I have changed my focus. You may see healthy recipes and a boot camp workout, but for now, you will see me planning a life around loss. You will see more candids of the good, bad, and ugly of what grieving through motherhood looks like. You will see my crazy moments of life with a busy toddler. And you will see my heart because it is so raw right now that words are my main weapon.

Thank you for sticking with me. Honestly, there are so many good days that have happened lately - like this post being shared on the Huffington Post. My first journey of grief that I am using to tread through this new journey. I am feeling such love and strength from my blogging friends and friends/family who share and praise my posts. It is that support that drives me today - not selling the latest workout program. Coaching is an amazing opportunity for so many; it’s just not mine right now.

If you know someone who is hurting from a loss - maybe it’s a broken friendship, divorce, job loss, or death - share my story and encourage them no matter where they are in their journey. Cheers to all of us who are fighting every single day!




You all encourage me. God bless!

And many thanks to the support at Her View From Home for my original post about my dad. When this post went up, it's when I started to see just how powerful words are.

4.21.2016

Easy Garlic and Veggie Pasta

If you have seen the news or Facebook, you know Houston was hit hard by rain this past week. In fact, we are on day 4 of no school - schools, roads, and homes have been flooded. Luckily, we have been okay, but it is scary. Please pray for the families and for the waters to safely recede.

Since we have hunkered down due to flooded roadways, we have not been able to get to the store. Our first night after the rain, I threw together a yummy pasta dish. Now, I love a good recipe - mainly because I am NOT good at coming up with my own meal. So, imagine my surprise when this dinner was SO GOOD. Best part? We licked our plates clean and didn't leave any leftovers #thatsafirst :)


This meal could be changed in so many ways - change your veggies or add some meat/shrimp. My husband suggested Italian sausage - yum!

Ingredients.

8 oz. fettucini
5-6 lunch peppers (chopped) 
2 C. spinach
2 squares of Land O Lakes Garlic and Herb butter 
1/2 t. red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, for topping

We love this lunch peppers! Great for snacking, too.

These little squares are full of flavor. You will find them next to the butter at the grocery store.

Instructions.

1. Cook pasta according to instructions and drain.
2. Saute peppers and spinach with one butter square.
3. Add cooked pasta to the veggies and mix with the second butter square.
4. Add red pepper flakes and seasonings, mix.
5. Top with desired amount of Parmesan cheese.


Once I make it back to store, I am doing this one over again! Share and/or pin it - it's so easy!

And BIG hugs to all my Houston friends. If I can get to you soon, I am going to bring you some pasta and wine! Until then, hang on to these promises - you are in my prayers.

4.14.2016

Friday Finds {Vol. 26} - My Confessions

It's been a week, friends. This almost threenager I have is making me WORK. I am so grateful for her spunk and personality - those traits get me through the rough days. But, man oh man, she's something else. I thought for this week of Friday Finds, I'd confess a bit about our week. Not much happened, but enough did to warrant a good confessional. So, here we go...


Confession #1

We are in the EARLY stages of potty training. I have not been too excited for this milestone. In fact, I have put it off for a while now because she already makes me sleepy - what in the world would potty training do to me?? She has shown signs of interest, but we are going slowly. She has had some successes to my surprise and excitement (like, too much excitement, but moms can feel me on this one - when it actually happens, you feel like a million bucks). Yet, Tuesday was one for the record books.

After insisting on no pull-up, I let her run around bare-booty and all. I reminded her 273 times to "let Mommy know when you need to go," and followed her around like a loony toon. I turn my back for one hot minute and hear, "I DID IT!" I am about to do a cartwheel that it actually happened, but a certain object ON MY RUG stops me in my tracks. She did it alright - just not where she would suppose to.


We will get there, right?? Someone encourage me right now. This is one milestone that can make an anxious mommy run for the hills.

Confession #2

Potty training and other stressful events have led me to a new drink. So, I guess I should be grateful because this fun cocktail ROCKS. I made them on Sunday and after said potty incident, I needed another. I squeezed the fresh lime juice and poured the goodness in a cup. Only, I turn my back for a second, and the threenager/potty trainee pours a cup of water into my treat. First, my find on the carpet; second, my desperately needed cocktail watered down. I confess I had a quick pity party.


It would make for a good reality show, folks. I made myself another and prayed the next day would be better.

Confession #3

On March 30th, I lost a dear friend to cancer. Her service this past weekend was perfect - full of faith, God, and strength. Our sweet Lindsey left us with her favorite Bible verses, and I am treasuring my time going through each and every one of them. I am confessing that I need these verses in this season of grief and chaos.


My favorite and current source of strength is Romans 5:3-5.

Via
I am CLINGING to this one - God will pull us through suffering. He will build us, shape us, and teach us. My sweet friend, Lindsey, believed this verse with her whole heart as she battled this terrible disease. So through grief, anxiety, and a rough day with my crazy girl, I will believe it too.

Happy weekend, friends! What are you confessing today?

4.07.2016

Friday Finds {Vol. 25} - The Liebster Award

My little blog is ALMOST 1, and I have written close to 100 posts. At the end of 2014, I set a goal for myself - to start this dream of having a little corner of the world to escape to when needed. My favorite part as of late has been connecting with other awesome bloggers - encouraging and learning from each other. I recently learned of the Liebster Award which is a peer award given to bloggers by bloggers. Of course, there is added bonus because it is way to discover new blogs, as well as link back to your own. Such fun!

This week's Friday Finds are a few great bloggers with a passion for sharing and influencing others. This community is a great one!

I'm answering some questions from the Semibalanced Mama - thanks for the nom!



1. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
I love connecting with other bloggers - I learn from each of them and can relate to their posts and topics. My favorite bloggers inspire my words and my blog overall. 

2. What is a blog achievement that you have?
Just seeing ANY views on my blog is a dream come true and an accomplishment for me. I always wanted to start a blog, and I am excited it's real now! 

3. What has surprised you the most about blogging?

A blogging friend once told me it takes her 2-3 hours or longer to create a post. At first, I thought NO WAY, but it's true. Blame the OCD or the desire to put out good content, but it does take time to get a post where you want it. 

4. Right at this moment what is the song that would best describe your mood and this moment in your life?

Drink You Away by Justin Timberlake. Two reasons - I love him and I am picturing a glass of wine after a long day with a busy toddler!

5. What is your favorite number and why?

339. Random to some, but it has special meaning for me and my dad who has passed. It was my nickname for him. It was our little inside joke. Miss him. 

6. If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them?

See above. We would have some gumbo and a beer and discuss life. 

7. What is your favorite post that you have written? 

I would say my favorite post was the first one that started my little blog. This post about Change was the first I shared and the ones that made this place home for me. 



8. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Hawaii! I've never been, and I want to go so badly. To see paradise would be amazing!

9. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My maternal grandmother. If possible, I would make her a saint. She endured such loss in her life yet she never gave up on her faith. When I lost someone important to me, she talked to me about keeping my belief in God. Those words are so important during grief. 

10. What is the most random fact about you?

I love People magazine and getting lost in another world. I always wanted to write for them! I could do without the Kardashians though :)

11. Is your life how you pictured it would be when you were younger? Explain!

Oh my gosh, not at all. Life has been way harder than expected but even more beautiful too. I have lost very important people in my life, and I am still going because of my God and my family. They are beauty to me!
______________________________________

I am excited to nominate the following blogs:


Amanda @ Mommy Go Run

Heather @ Trix Are For Moms
Becky @ Welcome To My Life, Part 2
Trish @ Momma Needs Caffeine and Jesus
Husna @ The Beauty Mascot



I can't wait for these awesome bloggers to answer these questions - go check them out soon!

1. What is your biggest goal for 2016?

2. How do you spend any "me time" you may have?
3. Why did you start blogging?
4. If your readers could read ONE post from you, which one would it be and why?
5. Where is your favorite place to travel?
6. What is a favorite recipe that you would suggest for everyone to try?
7. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and who would go with you?
8. Describe yourself in ONE word.
9. What is your favorite movie and why?
10. What is one beauty product you cannot live without?
11. Share a favorite quote, Bible verse, or song lyric that motivates you. 

Thank you again, Semibalanced Mama, for nominating me! This nomination has been fun for me - I love sharing other great bloggers!

4.03.2016

The Healthy Mama Series - My Story {Updated}

Here's the latest transformation in my Healthy Mama Series - mine. But, this time, it's probably not what you expect; it's definitely not where I thought I'd be almost one year about posting my original transformation. My transformation is complicated, and I have struggled in the last few months with where I am.  It's hard, frustrating, but it all comes down to trusting God and that He knows where I am headed. 

When I posted my first change post, I was so proud because I NEVER thought I'd reach my goal weight. I was running, working out, boot campin' it, and doing my best to eat clean. I had just stopped nursing my daughter, and that's when the change started to happen. I was not one of those where the baby weight "fell off" when nursing; I was the exact opposite. These changes I made were working, and I really did feel great.

2014 > 2015
But...in April 2015, life threw a big curveball. Anxiety, fear, and change crept in, and I had to make some decisions for my mental health. Slowly, these decisions started helping me mentally - I became less anxious yet the weight started coming back. I didn't really notice it until October 2015. By December, I needed something else to work because I was not happy that my hard work had started to diminish. I wasn't feeling comfortable in my own skin - again. Decisions were made; a promise for a healthier 2016 was created. Then - another curveball. A big one. The one we feared had happened, and I lost my brother. Enter comfort food, anxiety, fatigue, and a deep desire to survive this loss. I had to turn back to what made me slowly gain the weight back.

This decision makes me work harder to lose the weight, but I am slowly starting to see that where I am now is where I may stay. My transformation is now internal - I must accept that this spot is where God wants me right now. Am I where I was one year ago? No way. Could I be where I was? Sure. But, I honestly feel that God needs me to focus on my mental health first. My current issue is accepting the right now and giving myself grace. I am good with my food choices during the week, but the weekend hits - queso, tacos, and chips for all! Monday starts a new promise - almost every week. But, I need to stop looking at the past transformation pictures with sadness and longing. A taco here and a chip there isn't going to break me, and life is all about balance, right? Time to remember that more often than I do now.

2015 > 2016
And as for Beachbody, I love their products and use them in my daily life. If people want to ask me about them, I will gladly answer. But, for now, I feel as though my transformation needs to be documented through my family, my grief journey, my feelings - you know - the truth. Writing and exercise are my release. I won't stop sharing those things because sharing helps. And sharing is caring, right??

So, here I am - 10 lbs heavier. In the midst of life changing again. And, my transformation now is about giving myself some grace and allowing God to use me as needed. I hear God saying, "forgive yourself for not being where you were." I'm trying because a healthy mom isn't just one who work outs and eats clean. A healthy mom is one who really takes care of herself internally too; one who realizes her mental health is where she can find peace and be able to be a great mom for those who need her. It's a slower journey now, too, but it's where I want to transform the most in 2016.



Thank you for following my journey. Up and down and all around, and I am learning as I go. 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Blog Design by Get Polished