Taking Time for Me

"Those who have found tranquility are calm and pleasant to be with." ~ Zen saying, excerpted from, A Thousands Paths to Tranquility

Since our day is largely dependent on how we begin our mornings, I try to give myself some extra time to calmly organize and plan for my day. I try to be out of bed thirty to ninety minutes before anyone else is up. This give me time to center, sort, and get in the right mindset to face the day. I do some positive reading, I write my morning pages, affirmations & daily intention, go for a walk or other exercise and get my shower.

I'm trying to ease myself into getting up even earlier so that by the time school rolls around again, I'll be in the habit of getting up nice and early to have my quiet time. I know that it will be much easier to wake up my kids with a smile and a compliment if I've have had a cup of coffee and a chance to center myself. Morning should be a pleasant time, not a mad dash and scramble to get everyone directed down their path for the day. I know that everyone (including me) will feel so much better, by getting a confident and calming send-off first thing in the morning. There is no worse feeling than having sent the kids off to face their day with a grumpy mom in the morning; this is my way of trying to avoid that.

I decided to write about it this morning because I really need the reminder. Starting work full time, working on some other projects that I'm very passionate about, plus caring for my family and our home; it's important for me to remind myself that I want to take care of me so that I am better able to do all the things I want to do.

Do you spend some time in the morning just taking care of you and getting centered for the day? If, not I encourage you to try it. Start out with just 15 minutes and gradually increase the time if you want to. I bet you'll be amazed at how much smoother your morning and your families morning will be.

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

{Photo Credit: Maureclaire on Flickr}

Taking Time for Me

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Power of Positive Thinking

“Thoughts are energy. And you can make your world or break your world by your own thinking.”
~ Susan L. Taylor

Positive thinking (even when it is difficult to do or done halfheartedly) has the power to change how we feel and impact those around us.

I used to think that negative motivation would change my behavior(I didn't think it was negative then - I thought I was just being real). You know how it works, fail at dieting day two and I would tell myself what a failure I was; I was such a loser I couldn't even exercise every day for a week. In doing the Weight-Release process, I learned about positive thinking and actually applying it to my life. When I first started talking back to my negative thoughts with positive thoughts I really didn't believe them, but over time my negative talker has started to quiet down. Now my first thought isn't always something negative and I have noticed that not only has my own attitude changed, but so has my outlook on the world.

If you notice you are more of a negative thinker than a positive one; I challenge you to try thinking something positive for every negative thought for a few days. See if it makes a difference for you. I bet you'll be surprised at the change in how you feel.

Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?

☮peace.♥love.☺joy


{Photo Credit: Łukasz Strachanowski on Flicker}

Power of Positive Thinking

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Mamavation Monday - July 12, 2010

Last week was a pretty good week if I say so myself. I wasn't perfect, but I was perfectly human. I pretty much ate according to my plan. I may not have eaten exactly what was written on the plan but 9 times out of 10 if I changed my meal it was with another self-honoring choice. If I went off the "plan" I was okay with it. This is a big deal. Before I did the Weight Release program if I had gone off the plan then there would have been a lot of negative self-talk going on. Lots of feelings of failure. I think this is the first time I have ever just had something to eat without negative feelings or thoughts going on.  It's just choices. That's all.

Secret time; Saturday is my night I like to have a drink or two. Lately my drink of choice has been margaritas (they are soo good when it's soo hot) and I usually have two. Sunday I was cleaning and on PBS was that show Change Your Brain, Change Your Body. So he's talking away and I hear him say something about margaritas so I stop and listen. He says one margarita can have 700 and some calories. Oh my gosh! Yeah, ignorance was bliss. lol Hate to tell you but I'm not giving them up. However, I will just have one and maybe a small one at that. If you read my post last week you know I'm not about depriving myself, but you can be sure I will be really enjoying every single sip of my Saturday night drink from now on.

Exercise went really well last week. I jogged 4 times last week! I'm really proud of that.  It wasn't like I jogged a mile or anything but I jogged! I noticed this morning that the place I jog is starting to get a little easier too, not easy by any means yet just easier. I also played the wii two days and I did NEWO 6 minute strength training exercises 6 days. Best thing is that I am enjoying the exercises I do. That's something because if you would have asked me 5 months ago - I hated exercise. Oh how things have changed.  I still want to add in some yoga though.  I was talking to a friend last night and she was telling me how most exercise is for your muscles but yoga is exercise your insides. I think it would also help me learn to focus better on the now.  I am pretty sure in the fall I've seen flyers for yoga classes, I'm going to keep my eye out for those.

Saturday night we had friends over and she told me that she could tell I've lost weight. It was really good to hear that. Not because I've been worried about it or anything like that; I thought I was but I wasn't sure. Recently I've noticed more definition in my waist but I wasn't sure if I was really seeing it or if it was just my positive outlook on my body.  Before I did the Weight Release program; when I looked in the mirror I could only see what I hated about my body. Honestly I never saw anything good. Even when I really was thin I never saw myself the way others did. Now when I look in the mirror I'm practicing positive affirmations for all those things I didn't like. So when she noticed I've lost weight it was a positive reenforcement that I can trust the way I'm seeing myself. I still have no idea what I weigh or any inches I've lost. I'll admit this morning I was tempted to get the scale out, but I decided I'm not ready for that. I wasn't sure how I would react to the numbers and I didn't want to start anything negative within myself. Besides my success isn't based on numbers. :)

Goals for this week:

Food Plan is: the same as last week. It's just a plan though - I do change things up more than it looks on here. This is good for me to have if I feel crunched for time or I'm really hungry - I don't have to think about what to eat.

	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Sun	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Mon	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Tues	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Wed	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Thurs	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1 pm	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6 pm	Snack: 8 pm
Fri	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Sat	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea

Exercise plan is: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to go outdoors for a walk/jog. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to do some sort of workout with the Wii.  Every afternoon or evening I want to do the 6 minute NEWO strength training exercises.

This week I want to add water to my goals. I do okay with water some days and not so great other days. I'd just like to make drinking water a good, healthy habit.

I hope that you have a great week and to all of you applying for Mamavation Mom - Good Luck!!!
☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Mamavation Monday - July 12, 2010

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Finding My Peace

"Stress is caused by being 'here' but wanting to be ' there'" - Eckhart Tolle

Life is changing. Minute by minute, hour by hour, everything is changing.  It's easy to get caught up in the expectations and worrying about what is going to happen next. What's important is to just go with the flow. Ride life's waves and just be. Feel the feelings. Believe me; I know it's easier said than done. That's our human nature.  For years I've stressed and worried about anything and sometimes even things that weren't happening but they might. Those feelings don't feel good. My stomach gets in knots, I feel like I can't breathe, my heart is racing, and before I know it I have found myself in the kitchen looking for a way to swallow my feelings.  It's difficult to sit and just feel the feelings. Even now I'm not very good at it, but I'm working on it. Today in my life things are changing. Change is scary, it's unknown.  I fear the unknown. Not knowing how things will turn out, not knowing if the bills will be paid, there are lots of unknowns and that is scary.

So what can we do when we feel as though things are spiralling out of control? Here are a few things that work for me:

• I like to validate my feelings to myself.  I can do this by writing in my journal. In the book Weight Release a Liberating Journey by Freeman Michaels; he talks about upset needing a place to land. I've found for myself if I don't address the reasons (the truths) for my emotions I tend to dump them on whoever is nearby. What happens when I get to the truth of my feelings (which 9 times out of 10 is fear of something), is I don't feel so out of control. I'm able to acknowledge the feelings and say to myself, okay you are scared what do you need?
• I also like to take a few deep cleansing breaths. This can give me the time I need to figure out the next step I want to do to address my feelings.
• I also have recently learned to meditate.  I love this! I try to do this daily even if I'm not experiencing stress, but during times of stress it is especially helpful. It really helps me feel centered, calm and at peace. 

These are three things I know I can do anytime, anywhere; even if I have a house full of kids.  If I am able to squeeze some alone time; taking a walk (no earphones!) and listening to nature around me can help me - it gives me a chance to work through thoughts and take some good fresh air breaths.  Also taking a hot bath can help me de-stress too; especially if I meditate then.

What are some practices that you use to find your peace in times of heightened emotions?
☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Finding My Peace

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Dream Big

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes
'Cause better days are sure to come
And when you smile be sure to smile wide
Don't let them know that they have won
And when you walk, walk with pride
Don't show the hurt inside
Because the pain will soon be gone

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on
When the troubles come your way

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on
When the troubles come your way

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

I heard this song for the first time yesterday. Since then I've played it a few times and I often find myself thinking about the lyrics. I especially like the line that says "And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself". Little reminders like this are so helpful to me at this point in my journey. I'm discovering how to love myself and to see that I am beautiful, so I feel it's important to surround myself with reminders like this. And the message about dreaming big - Yes! Dream big! I'm dreaming big every day. I'm dreaming I can change the world - I think that's about the biggest dream around. And I am changing my world every day. You can too - Dream Big.

I love this song and I wanted to share it with you in case you haven't heard it yet. Give it a listen and go Dream Big.

Do have a favorite song that speaks to you?
☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Dream Big

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Mamavation Monday - July 5, 2010

I can't believe that my last Mamavation post was back in May. It's amazing how quickly time passes. I've been working hard on me since my last post. So much has changed and is changing each and every day. No longer is my focus on weight loss. That doesn't mean I don't want to weigh less or be healthier though. But that isn't my focus. My focus is on me, accepting myself, forgiving myself, finding my compassion, honoring my body. It's been a journey so far, parts of it have been extraordinarily difficult to work through, but the other side of it is bringing absolute freedom to my life.  There has been a new awakening within me and the journey is far from over. This is a lifelong journey and I'm ready and excited!

So what does all this mean in regards to my weight and my journey to better health?  Well, I've come to realize food has served a purpose for me. Perhaps not the healthiest purpose at all times - it's been a comfort, it's filled a need. I've also used it to punish myself. No more. I am working on accepting the parts of me that uses food for reasons other than nourishment; I'm learning how to sit in discontent and just feel the feelings. I am working on loving all the parts of myself. I intend to nourish my body and treat it like the temple that it is.  I am not depriving myself.  I am being mindful when I eat.  I am eating less but more often - I am not allowing myself to become overly hungry.

In regards to exercise - I've actually been exercising regularly for a few weeks now. Going for walks, doing some workouts with the Wii, and of course my 6 minute NEWO. Today I actually for the first time in, I would say 15 years, I jogged. Outside where people might see me. This is HUGE! I didn't care if they were all in their windows pointing and laughing (which we all know they weren't) but I didn't allow my inner critic to dictate what I did today. I did intervals of jogging and walking on my last km of my usual walk.  I'm sore now, but I lived! I jogged and it didn't kill me and I just might do it again. :)

My food plan for this week looks something like this:

	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Sun	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Mon	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Tues	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Wed	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Thurs	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1 pm	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6 pm	Snack: 8 pm
Fri	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Dinner: 6	Snack: 8
Sat	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg). Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies 2 Tb hummus	lean protein whole grain vegetables	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar Hot tea

And my exercise plan is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to go outdoors for a walk {jog if I feel led}. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to do some sort of workout with the Wii.  Every afternoon or evening I want to do the 6 minute NEWO strength training exercises.  Sunday is my day of rest and relaxation. :)  I also intend to include plenty of self-care practices.

I have no idea what I weigh and at this point in my journey I am not ready to bring back the scale or measurements. For me, right now, it's important for me to be loving towards myself and I am not sure I am capable of being as kind to me as I should when I'm basing my success on numbers.
☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Mamavation Monday - July 5, 2010

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Change is in the Air

Originally uploaded by icedgrandesoylatte

If you've been a reader of my blog for any length of time you know I'm not really great about regular posting but this time I've been gone for quite awhile.  I've been doing some personal work. By personal I mean I've been working on me.  I'm changing,  I feel like the butterfly.  Silly metaphor but that's how I feel.  I'm not going to stop blogging, but this blog might take a bit of a different direction.  I'm not sure how to go about it yet, or what exactly is going to change, but since I'm changing, I can't imagine that my blog would stay the same. Right now I have some ideas for things I want to do, say, and share; so it will be interesting to see where I am led to go. I hope that you'll stick around and see what happens in the next chapter.
☮peace.♥love.☺joy 

Change is in the Air

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