The Game-changer: Saying What's On Your Mind

~TODAY'S QUOTE~

"El que no llora, no mama."

~TODAY'S HOROSCOPE~

Cancer's Horoscope (Jun 21 - Jul 22) 

Saturday, March 23, 2013

When confronted with unpleasant situations, you often pull into your shell where
you are safely out of harm's way. Unfortunately, the danger of this evasive strategy is
that your unexpressed anger may create more problems now than a short-lived conflict.
You have a chance to positively impact your weekend, but you must be willing to take
a risk and let others know why you aren't happy. Getting your feelings out into the open
can be the game-changer you need to shake up your life.

After reading my horoscope today, I found the above quote to be a perfect fit. Translated the quote means "He who does not cry, does not suckle" or what we know as "A closed mouth does not get fed." This lesson on assertiveness took me years to learn, as well as how to apply it.  A character trait that once defeated me was to not say anything in order to avoid arguing or pushing away someone I wanted in my life. The problem in that was two-fold.  I pondered the situation until I was emotionally weak leaving me without a voice in the friendship/relationship. IF When I finally did bring it up, it was after something else had occurred.  I was also on edge due to multitude of other things I hadn't addressed early on. The bubble would burst -here comes the argument.  An argument I initially attempted to avoid. Once that bridge was crossed, anything and everything, and I place emphasis on EVERYTHING came out of my mouth. Not pretty at all. 

Today, I won't say that I'm a different person. Just older and wiser ;-). I've learned to simply say what's on my mind, while taming my tongue. It was a necessary lesson that now assists me in moving forward and discerning who I should move forward with, even if I truly care for the person. I understand that expressing my thoughts will not always go my way, but I also am enlightened to who around me will listen. We can always agree to disagree. But what I can't have is someone in my circle that is only concerned about their own needs. I believe we all carry a trait of narcissism but the simplest courtesies to another can go the distance. After all, sometimes it really is just that simple. :-)

Journey light,

E

Simply Tell Yourself...Live Deeply

"People living deeply have 
no fear of death." 

~Anais Nin 

Today many of my friends are attending a vision board gathering. I opted not to. After posting this, I have a long list of not-so-grand tasks awaiting me. Not to mention, I've finally accepted my issues are not designing my vision(s). It is implementing them. 

A couple of days ago, a friend of mine who is truly a free spirit and an inspiration to many around her including myself, posed a question. "What is your BIGGEST DREAM?? If there were no considerations and money is not a factor." Now surely this is a question we've all pondered and tossed around with friends numerous times. Personally, it is a question that I cannot answer seriously without first addressing a major obstacle. FEAR. 

I think of myself as a positive person. I'm all for trying new things. I believe in loving and living. I'm still working on some hang ups though and there is still a large portion of my life that I don't leave to adventure.  As hard as I try to combat those pessimistic thoughts that run through my head, I cannot totally escape them.  I over analyze. I try to line up my conditions perfectly in order to at least achieve a 91% comfort level before leaping. I make excuses. But I'm getting tired and have finally reached an uncomfortable level of satisfaction within comfortable surroundings. So I'm learning to tell myself more and more - start REALLY LIVING NOW!

Journey light,

E

LOTD: New Year, New Look, New Energy!

2day I'm grateful 4 my Creator, 

another beautiful day, appreciative parents, 

the laughter of children, and continued patience!

So yesterday I was really feeling myself. Maybe because I TRULY enjoyed my time off and am happy to be back at work with the kiddos this week. HAHAHA! Seriously, I always return ready to run a marathon and love to see the children in their new outfits describing their newest gadget!

Day 1: 30 Day Cardio Challenge & How I Plan to Tackle It!

Hey Beautiful! Ever get an invite of some sort and click "Yes" without reading ALL the details? That is exactly what I did and found myself agreeing to Mr. Shut Up and Train's 30 Day Cardio Challenge. -_-
It's so much more to it than drinking more water and a few minutes of cardio!

Day 1: Baseline Assessment
Admittedly, it was more of a struggle than I thought it would be to complete the baseline. Nevertheless, it was a much needed kickstarter. It was confirmation of what I already knew. As I age, I must work harder to be healthy and fit. Furthermore, I can not continue to accept my size, irregular sleep patterns, and bouts of emotional eating as something I can change alone. Not to mention, I'm asthmatic and have had other problems develop when I catch a bug. Therefore, my goal is not to be thin, but healthy. I have to fully open my eyes to what will help me achieve my goals and use those tools.

Tool #1 - Acceptance
Prior to even knowing this challenge existed, I had the man-child snap some "before" photos of me. I didn't think I would be posting them now. In my mind, knowing that my weight fluctuates seasonally, I figured after a few months I would be back on the other side of MY normal. I could then post my Hershey Chocolate Bar-Ben & Jerry's look alongside my Jenny Craig-Weight Watcher-Jennifer Hudson smile pictures. However, life is showing me how to handle acceptance in a different manner. I have to first accept my present state and work toward change in a way that is healthy and long lasting.

Tool #2: Accountability
I can predict that this is going to be an intense journey and I'm asking all of you to come along! I know there is someone out there in need of another with true nagging skills. You can do it! :-) Isn't it funny how we can tell each other what to do, but often fall short with ourselves? That's the beauty of group projects.  Everyone pushes each other to do their share!

Tool #3 Perseverance
I have set my mind to the tune -"Make It Last Forever".  As much as I embraced and enjoyed turning 40  (one of my better seasons), I am not all that ecstatic about the changes that came afterwards. I never thought I would envy a 20 something for ANYTHING! But I do. I HATE that I didn't consider that eventually age would catch up with me! I can't stand them and their little midriff shirts and the ability to wear 4 inch heels to the park!  Lol.  Yes I do envy them for that, but I wonder who's warning them to lay off of those $1 menus?? After all, why should we suffer alone? So to the 20s, 30s, 40s and up -tell yourself "Shut Up and Train!!

Journey light,
E

Simply Tell Yourself...I Can

"The difference between can 

and cannot is only three letters. 

Three letters that can shape 

your life's direction." 

~Remez Sasson 

Imagine if the Little Engine told himself, "I think I can't!" He would have remained at the bottom of the hill. Children would not have been inspired to understand the benefits of hard work.

It's so easy to compare ourselves to those around us and fall into a funk. There were many days I allowed myself to be bogged down in thinking about the things 'I could have' or 'should have done'. However, I've learned to accept my past, shake it off, and keep it moving.

There's no script for this journey. All I need is to remind myself of the possibilities and on occasion whisper in my own ear two words -I can.

Journey light,
E