Motivation Monday

I'm starting a 28 detox today. There are a few motivating factors but the largest of course is my health.

I went to several doctors and completed many forms while trying to figure out the root of my vertigo. I often felt uneasy, uncomfortable and all those negative emotions. But I felt pride when I would write that my diabetes and high blood pressure were regulated with diet and exercise. THEN I got my internal check voice,"girl you haven't regulated much in this Vertigo whirlwind, we need to get real and moving".

As soon as I got my diagnosis I got to work. Stabalizing, meditating and grounding myself to work with what I got.

I forgive myself for past mistakes, and remind myself of my strength. It is a new day to tackle the goal.

Never give up! Jump on in!

Bye 2015. Hello 2016.

I woke up early on 01/01/15 eager to conquer 2015. I started the year with the Hollywood Sign Hike. A Hike which ended with an agreement to register for the Tough Mudder Challenge with Los Game Changers. It also led to regular hikes, 5K;s and other races for training.

By June, I had 8 long distance hikes, 4 5k's, and one Tough Mudder under my belt. My inspiration wheel was rolling high and no amount of weight gain was keeping me down. I had experienced vertigo with more frequency but I was not allowing it to stop me. I was still "functional".

The community was also inspiring me to continue. I responded to regular questions, assisted people as best as I could and created three groups for people to continue with their fitness goals. There was the Conditioning Series and the Yoga 6-week workshop series; sessions were hosted at different locations with fitness experts. The hiking trips were free to all who were interested.

By July my vertigo had taken a different turn. My light dimmed and there was inconsistency with healthy eating and exercise. I was in a slumber for several months. By October I was ready to start to work on ways to make this functional. I was able to drive again and I was gaining confidence it day to day tasks.

I rise.

I stand tall as I face my 2016 Goals.

-Build Strength and flexibility
-Take it Day by Day
-Eat Healthy. Without Guilt.
-Practice Positive Self-Talk
-Practice Love and Kindness
-Cultivate New and Old Relationships
-Create a Peaceful Environment

Measurable Results
-Follow Continuous Yoga Practice
-I can do the splits!
-Climb the Pole
-Complete 2-Tough Mudders
-Complete 1 - 1/2 marathon
-Complete 1- marathon
-Complete 1 - spartan sprint

Renew
-Vacation in Cancun
-Vegas Trip
-Grand Canyon Trip
-Camping Trip
-NYC Trip
-Vacation in Caribbean

$ave. Be Aware. Be Present.

Enjoy.

Remain Coachable

Mind. Body. Soul.

I have lived with fear for far too long. Even after my TM experience and declaration. In the back of my mind I thought about "that thing". I thought about the abuse and pain I endured for most of my childhood and adolescence. Even as I blog today I am wary about having to "tippy-toe" around the subject because of the "what will they say?" convo or the "stigma" that may follow.

To be clear, I do not reveal this part of my story to remain stuck in the pain and fear. I share this in order to create a platform for all of those who struggle with some sort of pain in their life. I share so they too can take a stand for a better self because there is nothing more satisfying then rising from darkness.

In the past month my fears about my past got very real in my head. I shut-down and I was becoming ill. My Knees. My Stomach. My. Chest.
All in pain. It was starting to snowball but I noticed and took a stand. I started to read about healing, self-love and self-love. I went through the motions of every day life.  I started to balance my choices.

I was making progress. Then came my bridge; The Hay House World Summit 2015 . They released audio interviews and movies on 5/8 and I started to pay attention. Soon enough my fears were released once more. I noticed how long I was in darkness and how long it took me to get out. I allowed myself to accept and validate my winter. Soon enough it was SPRING and there was a SPRING in my step. Today I find myself singing in the rain.

My Community.

My girls. My boyz. My rocks. They are the people I interact with daily. Those who focus on self-progress and self-awareness. They post about healthy life choices; good meals, exercise and words of encouragement. They are the people I look forward to reading about and encourage me when I lay ill on my couch. They make me rise with a smile no matter how I feel. For them I am grateful.

My coach with his rants and <clear throat> lectures helps too. His last words on Tuesday gave me that extra push too. He said, "I know you do yoga" and all I thought was, "Oh my yoga!" My yoga practice had been dormant for weeks!!

Yoga

On Wednesday I woke up and just like many mornings ago...I started my day with Yoga. It was like meeting an old friend. I'm in love all over again.Three days into my morning yoga routine ... I remember how much I love it. It is the fundamental piece to my well being and weight loss. It fills my heart with self-love and gratitude. It cements my purpose to encourage, motivate and love others. It provides the clarity and intuition I desire. A great example is this very moment. Just as I contemplate "saving" or "publishing" today's post I receive three messages:

(1) The hummingbird comes to me. It reminds me to fly.
(2) The text from my girlfriend informing me she's reached a new weight loss goal. She reminds me of the impact I have on others.
(3) The song "free your mind" comes on ... I let go and allow the rest to follow!!

Here's to standing in the light.

NAMASTE.

Lent: The time of year...

...when I gain the most weight.

This is the time of year when I GAIN, GAIN, GAIN. The time of year when I say, "oh my mom only makes this during lent so I must have it." 

NOT THIS YEAR

This year I have a 12-week challenge. This year I am committed more than ever. This year I BELIEVE I can meet GOAL.

THIS YEAR

I am going to engage in only the positive behaviors of my lent traditions. I will volunteer and share myself with others. Do good for others.

THIS YEAR

I am also going to do something I have not done for years during lent. I am giving up something: I am giving up the story that I am meant to be fat. I am giving up my fear associated with being anything other than who I truly am: a happy and loving person full of life.

THIS YEAR

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Oct. 2013

I am going to meet goal. I am clear my day to day "sacrifices" i.e. behavioral modifications, the hard work-outs, the amount of times I say, "NO", when I'm offered something unhealthy; are all for a greater good.

THIS YEAR

I am owning my greatness and sharing myself with others. I am going to mentor at risk-teens and live a life of purpose.

To reflecting, sacrificing and doing good for others. 

Day 25. Tips Thursday. But first I must inform you...

Tri-Tip Salad with grilled portabello mushroom, baked potato

with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of sour cream.

One lemon lime mojito and one skinny strawberry margarita (not in picture).

...that I'm not perfect. I celebrated. I'm comfortable. I didn't work out. I'm falling back to old behavior. Wait, wait, I'm just being dramatic. I had a few slacker days because I was sick and yes, I'm comfy. But I'm not stopping. I'm still on track. This blog is also not about feeling guilty. Guilt will only lead to unproductive shaming behavior. Instead I focus on the positive and small changes I'm making. 

For example, the meal above was my "splurge" meal because I added the baked potato and the cocktails. I ACTUALLY wanted a salad and I became super excited when I saw the tri-tip salad on the menu! It was filling and I could have stopped there but I wanted something for dessert afterwards. I found a healthy alternative at a stand in the farmers market. 

Zia Valentina, a granitas bar with a non-dairy stevia sweetened coffee ice drink. It tasted similar to iced coffee and, according to the staff is 90 calories for a 6 oz. cup. 

This also leads me to another "special edition" inspiration, Tip Thursdays.  I will start to include different tips on Thursdays.  I've included an article from Get Well Magazine for today's special edition (click on image to enlarge). The MYTH about, "To successfully diet, it's all or nothing," applied tonight. I stuck to the changes I've made about eating half, or eating more veggies. I did it without hesitation. In the past, I would have ordered the complete tri-tip meal with endless rolls and a few more cocktails. Instead I focused on implemeting some of my new behaviors. To good choices.