Just a minute of my time...

28 days of grateful

I did this through January and it felt so good...

• February 01 - Today I am grateful for a good book, puppy training with Joel and time to unravel, my favorite chicken meatballs and fireplaces.
• February 02 - Today I am grateful for getting my hair done with Amanda, planning favors for Debs birthday, finishing another book, Zach ordering pizza! 
• February 03 - Today I am grateful for my morning coffee, time with Chelsea, Chai tea, our library.
• February 04 - Today I am grateful for my morning coffee and quiet time 
• February 05 - Today I am grateful for facials, Amanda, wine and creative time
• February 06 - Today I am grateful for Debs birthday celebration with some awesome women and another with family and friends
• February 07- Today I am grateful for my husband and all he does, celebrating his birthday, running 5 miles in 43:47, craft time with mom, wine bars
• February 08 - Today I am grateful for books to get lost in, melting snow and silly dogs
• February 09 - Today I am grateful for getting back to yoga, library time, running my fastest 3 miles in 25:04, getting more organizing done
• February 10 - Today I am grateful for time with my sister and daughter, finishing another book, writing time, training with Chelsea, a clean house.
• February 11 - Today I am grateful for Chipotle, gym time with Deb, evening spin class
• February 12 - Today I am grateful for gym time, library time and finding propel
• February 13 - Today I am grateful for a 3 mile run, date 2 with Lisa at Mapleside Bliss event
• February 14 - Today I am grateful for my husband, date night with friends at Jilbert, staying warm indoors, Chelsea and Anthony winning Valentine contest
• February 15 - Today I am grateful for the love of reading, finishing another book, running 6 miles and staying warm indoors
• February 16 - Today I am grateful for 50 push ups, pushing myself, market district grocery store, silly animals
• February 17 - Today I am grateful for 3 mile run, girlfriends, book club
• February 18 - Today I am grateful for day with Deb and fun night wedding tasting
• February 19 - Today I am grateful for finding my dress for wedding, lunch date with Chel
• February 20 - Today I am grateful for heading away from these cold temps, sleeping in car but not on highway like many people had to, early morning breakfast.
• February 21 - Today I am grateful for awesome weather in New Orleans, skorts and street actors, great food, new adventures, writing
• February 22 - Today I am grateful for educational seminars, warm sunny climates, history of New Orleans, The court of two sisters for dinner.
• February 23 - Today I am grateful for my sweet boy Ryan, visiting the superdome for first time, JLG party, rental show, Payton Manning keynote in day and Archie Manning speech at night, time with hubby.
• February 24 - Today I am grateful for Ruby Slipper for breakfast, shops in New Orleans, finding a hotel when we needed one,the pleasure to visit this great city again.
• February 25 - Today I am grateful for missing the snow storm that came through Alabama, getting home to see kids and pets, home sweet home, sleeping in my own bed
• February 26 - Today I am grateful for my morning coffee, lunch with my daughter
• February 27 - Today I am grateful for a clean house, craft time, feeling better,
• February 28 - Today I am grateful for spending time with my sister, girlfriends, finally the last day of February

 

I could not sleep

as I listened to the puppy quietly whimper, I decide to get up...

My favorite, absolute favorite part of the day is morning. Savoring that first cup of coffee, so perfect, nudging me to start the day. The quiet house grants me the time desired to open up to the possibilities of the day. Writing in my journal, welcoming the silence, grateful for this peaceful hour. My favorite morning ritual...

A ritual, habit, or a routine, we all have certain patterns that begin our days. A ritual is an embraced part of our day, fully engaging us in our lifes events.  A series of events that tell the story of our life, and instead of feeling obligated we feel motivated. That is what it feels like when you do the things you love, when your day is filled with uplifting thoughts and ideas and the world is filled with endless possiblity.

When hope is drained or briefly buried, how then does one feel optomistic? When the days feel like a duty instead of a celebration, going through the motions to just get through another day?

Positive change occurs when we begin shifting our current patterns and find new inspirational ways to function with gratitude, exercise and daily prayer, etc.

We can also assemble change in life by setting goals and modifiying actions. Change is the only constant in life, many times arriving without our consent. When presented with obstacles, the sooner we accept and learn from them we can relieve ourselves from pain they may bring. By accepting change in our hearts we consider the true blessings which come from it.

Embrace change and welcome the transformations that will occur, while finding the self you resolve to be. We set up limitations of our own, constricting our potential before getting started. There are necessary steps we must take to propel us forward that we sometimes avoid. Start by setting a goal for change in your life, for success you need a plan with the steps required to get you there.

Choosing change is intimidating. Fear is the most powerful deterrent, delaying our decision to step into any transition. The fear of mistakes, being defeated or making the wrong choice often leaves us  frozen. Once we understand there is no wrong and the evolution is necessary to grow, transformation begins to unfold.

But we can never evolve if we don't jump in...

Small changes

can lead to many life changing transformations...

Twelve years ago today I quit smoking, something even I did not think I could do and I'm sure many others who were aware of my bad habit grew doubtful  of this undertaking.

I read as much as I could on the subject, talked to many people, and finally set a date or two. It was really last minute when I decided to quit for good and I almost back peddled to change the date...

But suddenly here i was 1 hour later, then 10, then days, weeks and even months passed. I counted them all, I tracked my progress and I looked to see how my health was improving, even the smallest of details.

Eight months later my brother Joe was rushed to the hospital after suffering his second aneurysm. We spent three weeks at Metro hospital and I joined all the other smokers outdoors as we were sharing our concern, however something kept me from sharing a cigarette with the group? Was it something Joe had said that inspired me? I knew when he came out of this I didn't want to let him down by going back to smoking.  

Joe died, and suddenly I wanted to run outside screaming, grab a pack of cigarettes and give it all up! But again, something stopped me, and even 12 years later, I'm not sure what it was?

Through the years my life and health has improved tremendously. A flight of stairs once took my breath away, but since quiting I ran a marathon and countless half marathons, constantly trying to improve myself.

Things taste better and I can count on one hand how many times I've been sick in those 12 years, unlike the constant cold and flu that plagued me endlessly when I did smoke.

Take a chance, make a change, there is so much awaiting you...

 

2015 goals

With only two weeks left in the year, you know you're thinking about it... coming up with that goal or word or plan for the new you that begins with the dawning of a New Year! There are so many things we can do better in our lives, so why not have a little fun with all the change that is possible in the 2015?

For me, I love to have a goal... I work harder, go further and enjoy more with a goal in mind.

It may sound silly to some. but for me, goals give you something to work towards. Those small goals over time make the biggest changes in your life.

A new habit is formed in 21 days, so why not take one thing each month to focus on. The year is going to fly by before you know it! Make it a better, more positive year!

While I'm still pondering my WORD for the year, here is a list of ideas that I came up with for change in the coming year!

1. January - Start a grateful journal, once a day list things you are grateful for and meditate daily
2. February - Two times a week exercise, lift weights, add yoga or spinning (try something new)
3. March  - Three things to change or give up (drink more water, rid yourself of social media, exercise, wake earlier each day and journal, cut out carbs, coffee or candy)
4. April - Read four books or magazines and learn something new
5. May - Clear out clutter - whether from your house or your mind, make a conscious effort to remove that excess baggage that is weighing you down.
6. June - Celebrate summer ~ do six things you can only do in the summer (picnic, outdoor dinner, swimming, water ski)
7. July - (run/walk) Seven miles, seven times with better pace each time
8. August - Cook up Eight new recipes
9. September - Follow through with nine pins on pinterest
10. October - ten days with ten ways to make the world a better place
11. November - show gratitude to eleven people in your life
12. December - Twelve random acts of kindness

10-10-10

Goals, goals, goals...

We all need them, I am always seeking them, and love trying to reach and concur new ones. So here I go with another...

In the 10th month

Run 10 miles

10 times

100 miles in 30 days

1. 10-01-14 ran 10 miles    (time 1:51:18 average pace 11:07 calories burned  1490)
2. 10-08-14 ran 10 miles   (time 1:50:06 average pace 11:00 calories burned 1487)
3. 10-10-14 ran 10 miles    (time 1:47:11 average pace 10:43 calories burned  1475)
4. 10-12-14 ran 10 miles    (time 1:50:18 average pace 11:01 calories burned  1487) 
5. 10-15-14 ran 10 miles (time 1:54:36 average pace 12:49 calories burned 1502)
6. 10-18-14 ran 10 miles (time 1:45:29 average pace 10:31 calories burned1473)
7. 10-20-14 ran 10 miles (time 1:48:43 average pace 10:52 calories burned 1275)
8. 10-23-14 ran 10 miles (phone quit before able to log details)
9. 10-27-14 ran 10 miles (time 1:55:02 average pace 11:30 calories burned 1294)
10. 10-30-14 ran 10 miles (phone quit again- glad I'm done)

All goals are things that seem impossible and consist of hard work and in the end the rewards are amazing!

 

Making a plan

I mostly run for fun... I really do, I enjoy running, I enjoy the therapy while I am running, and I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when done. 

Last Saturday I ran the PAWS FOR THE CAUSE 5k. The night before I told my husband no wine for me, I plan to run as hard as I can tomorrow with no regrets. Many times when running a race I don't push myself and then regret wondering if I could have done better. Joel dropped me off early, giving me plenty of time to get registered, hydrate, and warm up before the start.

Excited to run and establishing a vision...

Before I began running I closed my eyes and imagined my goal, the thought to cross in 27 minutes came to mind, even though I have never finished a 5k in 27 minutes? So when I crossed and the clock said 27:04 I was shocked, surprised, pleased and oh so proud!

During the race I ran hard, listening to the timers shouting out pace times as I passed, mile one 8:13, thrilled I kept pushing on. Although the final hill induced panic when I felt like I was going to have an asthma attack, slowing my pace though still not ready to give up.

I finished the race and left for breakfast with my family. Although I felt good about my time, it never crossed my mind that I might have placed.

What an awesome surprise to confirm my time and discover my winning 2nd place for my age group out of 58 women!

You are never to old to push yourself harder, reach for something you never dreamed of. While this was only a 5k, its power was tremendous!

Running

There is something about running that I love... Even on the days I hate running or feel horrible running, I still LOVE running!

Aspiring to constantly improve, reflecting on and clarifying obstacles in your way while getting your workout in as you push yourself to get up that hill or struggle through the pain, that is running.

 "Running is the best metaphor for life, you get out of it what you put into it" Oprah

In the almost five-years since I began running I have accomplished goals for speed, distance, time, races and so many other parts of running. Running the Chicago full marathon, countless half marathons and many other races inbetween. All starting with the desire to lose weight and my daughter getting me on a treadmill. The possibilities that can propel your life in other directions are endless when you try something new.

Yesterday I ran the 6th race in a new goal of 10-10-10. (Ten miles in the tenth month, ten times). It was cold, rainy and I could of materialized a million justifications of why I should not go, but I went and did the work, completed the run and felt awesome. Surpassing with the best time in all 6 of the ten mile runs completed so far.

What are you pursuing today?

 

I am not alone and I am blessed

Often I write about all the sadness in my life, caring for family and trying to find balance in my heart. But recently I have seen and been reminded by many of the good in my life.

The kids are now adults and the house is quiet, besides for the usual turmoil caused by a cat whose purpose is to wake the dog by pouncing onto him, or else its the blundering echo you discover is the dog snoring haphazardly on the couch.

Married to a man who reminds me each day how he adores me. Always planning together, trips to a far away place we want to discover, sitting out by a fire sharing a glass of wine as we review the days events, or heading out on the town to relax and unwind, I am blessed.

My children, both grown and busy with life still always enjoying family time together as we plan events, trips or even a family photo, I am blessed. My books and crafts and stacks of journals, a camera always awaiting my grip and vision, and my heart, so filled with hope some days and completely overwhelmed the next, but still I know, I am blessed. 

With dreams and visions, ideas and plans. I have ambitions for life, ready to change directions, continue learning new things and chase my dreams, catching a few along the way, I am blessed.

Friendship in so many areas of my life, I know I am blessed. Women who wrap me in love when I need it most, make me laugh when all I want to do is cry. Reminding me of the strengths that I alone carry, I am blessed.

Contstantly seeking new fitness goals, running has always been a therapy for me, and even on the days when its not my favorite thing I see those that don't have the capacity and know that I am blessed. Recently adding yoga, tasting cross fit and knowing I have the ability to take care of my body, I am blessed.

Life is full of struggles, some beyond our control and some a lesson to propel you forward, conflicts that prepare us to thrive and carry on recognizing the good in our lives, I am blessed.

 

life lessons

Things we should practice daily, not making excuses for where we are in life. Dealing with  a few people recently reminded me of this. I sometimes wonder, what happened to people taking responsibility for their actions? Here are a few life lessons to lead you to enlightenment.

 

1. No One is Perfect. The quicker this is realized the faster you can get on with being excellent.

2. Start every morning ready to fight harder than you did the day before and run further than you ever imagine.

3. Avoid over explaining yourself.  Be confident with who you are.

4. Keep balance in your life. Write down what’s most important to you and show up. Sometimes we tend to do the things that are most important to us when it’s written down.

5. Play the hand you were dealt. Have the courage to face challenges head on it builds character. Start looking for a way through instead of a way out.

6. Be a student of life. Learn something new every day. The day you stop learning is the day you become obsolete so keep learning.

7. No Excuses. Stop making excuses replace them with ways to do better. Excuses are a waste of time and energy.

8. Let others know where you Stand. Be uncompromising and be up front when someone steps on your core values.

9. Never be afraid of a challenge. You put on your shoes like every other man. Now it comes down to who wants it more.

10. Service to others. Small, simple or important be a volunteer and give the very best of you.

11. Work like hell. Everyone has a job to do so do it. Cross every “T” and dot every “I”.

12. Discover You. Find your passion, life purpose, and take action.

13. Don’t take it Personal. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself self confidence shows that you’re comfortable in your own skin.

14. Manage your time. Our situation and environment is ever changing so be careful not to confuse the things that are urgent with the things that are important. Look for time wasters and eliminate them.

15. Ask for help. Life can be tough remember you never have to do it alone.

16. Do your homework. Know what you getting into before you start. Doing your homework reduces uncertainty and fear.

17. Day Dream Often. On the weekend when you are relaxing embrace a day dream. During the week take action to preserve your dreams.

18. Be A HERO. Cultivate a healthy dose of forgiveness and set someone free. Learn to forgive others and stop carrying those bags of hate, guilt or regret.

19. Stay One Step Ahead. Be proactive, Take the initiative, Brainstorm with the big picture in mind.

20. Self Love. Become your own priority. Strive to be the you, you want to be.

21. Finish what you started. Avoid the urge to stray to new projects

Peace and Progress,

Tina

Warrior Dash

Its all fun and games until you have to plunge into 10 feet of freezing mud water!

The warrior dash has never been on my list of "things to do", but for some reason, turning 50 this year I wanted to experience some different things, so I thought.... why not?

Well wouldn't you know it, they decided to amp things up a bit and make the obstacles tougher.... lucky me

Usually after you conquer a race or something that left you a bit intimidated before, now becomes awesome or easy, but not for me! In fact that plunge into freezing cold, muddy water is still trapped in my memory!

Yes, I'm glad I did it but I am also pretty sure I'm not going to be signing up for anymore of these "obstacle" courses again.

Although I must say, challenging many of the obstacles was gratifying to have completed. Some things I regarded with a bit of apprehension  felt awesome to conquer! A big part of getting through was having both Kathy and Chad with me! We would all help each other through, over or onto the next challenge and that was huge.

There were also a lot of strangers helping strangers which felt rediculously uplifting! To see so many helping or cheering for someone as they achieved a difficult challenge leaves one with pride.

climb rope wall to top, climb over and down to platform to walk plank then climb up to slide to slide into 10 feet muddy cold water... bring it

The race itself was all positive, challenging and social, with lots of water and dirt making even the trails to run an obstacle. The grace in which Kathy came around a corner and slid into the mud couldn't keep me from laughing, or her for that matter. And while I tried to help her up, she decided to get up on her own and grab a big handful of sludge and plaster it on my chest, then continue running...

 

In the end my ego was boosted, I jumped over fire, got my workout in and landed this awesome hat! Not a bad way to start your day...

 

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