Happy Place

Has it already been nearly 2 weeks since my last post? I have written so many posts in my head over the past couple of weeks that I can't believe that it has already been that long. The problem is that all of those posts never actually made it to the blog! I am nearing the end of my "glory week" so I really don't even have any good reasons why they haven't made it... they just haven't.

 

A while back my Scentsy Director posted this on our team Facebook page:

 

"Where is your happy place?"

 

 

 

My original answer at the time of the Facebook post was "working out... outside or at the gym." I have spent a lot of time thinking about this since it was posted!  Over the past several weeks I have had numerous people comment to me about how great I am doing with my workouts because they have seen my posts on social media. My response to them was "it's my happy place".  It feels so good to push myself to see what my body can do. Does it actually feel good while I am doing it? Not always! But it sure feels great when I am done and I can look back to see what I have accomplished! Working out (in whatever way it may be) makes me feel happy!

 

Here are a few pictures of me in that happy place from the past couple of weeks:

 

Getting outside for a run with my little man on his bike (4 miles)

My Piyo time with my hubby

Another great run outside with my hubby and little man- enjoying the beautiful spring weather

 

trying new workouts together

 

 

Being silly after a workout

Solo run outside

making progress together

As I have continued to think about this question over the past several weeks I have also come to realize that while this answer is very much the truth, it is only part of it. Working out makes me happy but it is not the only thing that makes me happy. It isn't the only thing that can take me to my "HAPPY PLACE"- that place where you have an overwhelming sense of happiness inside. My happy place is when I am doing what I enjoy and when I am with people that are important to me. My happy place is living in the moment and being connected to whoever I am with at the time. It may be with someone who helps to make me feel better about myself or maybe I am able to help them in some way. My happy place is making the most of every moment that I am given!

 

Here are a few more examples from the past couple of weeks:



Ladies Day- spent with family (Mom, Grandma, Aunts, and Cousins)

This is an old picture but represents any time spent with these three crazies!

Quiet time alone- snuggled up with the dogs and a good book

Just about anything I do with this man by my side

 

Where is your "HAPPY PLACE"?

 



Fitness Friday

I need to start out by letting you all know just how PROUD I am of this kid!

 

Riley- age 12

When he made the decision to not go out for basketball this year we told him that it was fine but, since he wasn't doing a winter sport, he would need to workout with us- running, lifting, etc. and not just sitting at home playing games. The month of December we didn't push it but once January came along we told him it was time to hit it hard and I have to say that he did. 

Then we challenged him to participate with us in the Indoor Ironman Challenge at our local YMCA (swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles during the month of February) and he took it on and totally rocked it. He finished last night with a 3 mile run and a 1/4 mile swim and a couple of days to spare. It was so much fun to have him working out with us and to be able to spend that time with him. He wasn't always thrilled to be going and doing it but, once we would get started, he always made the most of it and had fun.

Now that indoor batting practice has started he is even starting to see the benefits and is understanding why we made this "deal" with him. It really wasn't to torture him with spending time with us! It was to help him stay in shape and get stronger for track and baseball. After the first session of batting he really noticed a difference and said that it felt good and his swing felt so much stronger. I will definitely count that as a win for us!

NOTE: I should add that my wonderful husband also finished his last lap of swimming last night to also finish his Indoor Ironman Challenge.

This is my weekend to work so I have been off all week which means this has been a GREAT week of workouts! We all finished our Indoor Ironman Challenge this week and Tim and I also started a new challenge that I think we are both really enjoying- a 60 day Piyo challenge.

I can't speak for Tim but I am loving this time together each night.

Here is how my week looked:

Monday: 5k run (treadmill) and biked 14 miles (upright bike) at the Y, Piyo- Align

Tuesday: 2 mile run (treadmill) and biked 6 miles (upright bike) at the Y, Yoga class, Piyo- Lower body

Wednesday: 4 mile run (treadmill) and 1/2 mile swim at the Y, Piyo- Upper body

Thursday: Group Strength Training Class (full body workout), Piyo- Sweat

All of the "tools" used in yesterday's group strength class

After all of that I am feeling it today! It is a good sore though because I can feel that I have been doing something and am working to improve myself and my body. I am thinking that a nice easy run yet today would feel good to help loosen up my tight legs.



 Gratitude Challenge- Days 23-27

Day 23-

Some of us struggle with health and wellness issues. Really take a few moments and think about your body and what you are grateful for in regards to your own health and wellness.

 

Being diagnosed with melanoma and having part of my ear removed really sucked but when I really stop and think about it I am grateful that we caught it when we did. It could have been so much worse and I am incredibly grateful that it wasn't!

 

 I have had my struggles with health and wellness but I am grateful for where I am now. I am not exactly where I want to be but I am on the journey to improving my health and wellness. The journey isn't always easy but I am learning so much about myself and have met so many amazing people along the way.

 

Day 24-

Name a deceased person you are grateful for and why.

 

I have two that I have talked about in previous responses- Grandpa Everett and Tim's Dad (Papa D). They were both very loving, caring and strong men. They both worked hard and were not afraid to push the limits and try new things. They were great examples for how to make the most of your life!

 

Day 25-

Write a thank you to a child you are grateful for and tell them why you are grateful for them. In your gratitude journal, write about the child and your gratefulness towards them.

 

I am incredibly grateful for each of my three boys! They have ALL brought so much joy to my life and in each of their own ways!

 

 

Riley- he was the first to make me a mom and I have learned so much from him. He is very independent and always has been. He has been a 'natural' at so many things that he has helped me learn how to challenge him and push him to try harder and try things that don't come easy to him. From the time he was very young he had a drive for learning and that has helped me to also want to learn new things. He is growing into an amazing, responsible young man and it is so much fun to watch as he grows and changes.

 

Isaac- he has a special way of challenging me but I am grateful for the ways that he makes me a better mom. He is helping me learn to have patience. He also helps me see that sometimes you have to take a different approach to get the end result you are seeking- just because it worked with one kid doesn't mean it will work with the next.  He works hard at all that he does because things don't come easy for him and I admire his determination to figure things out. He is my silly, free-spirited child and I love that about him. He is helping me realize that sometimes I need to be more like that. He is such a sweet, caring boy and I can't wait to see where his future takes him!

 

Aidan- my little man! He is my little sweetie. He is so caring and loves to snuggle. He loves to play, play, play! He has always been "mommy's boy" and I am totally ok with that! He is the child that has helped me slow down and be more in the moment. He has helped me cherish the small, everyday moments because they are what's really important.

 

Day 26-

What happened to you today that you are most grateful for?

 

I am grateful to finally be able to get back to the group strength training class at the Y. After working the past few Thursdays it felt great to get back. Stacy really kicked my butt which was just what I needed!

 

I also had a moment that was very brief but I was go grateful that I was living in the moment and was able to catch it and take it in. While walking through Wal-Mart Aidan said to me, "Mommy, I really enjoy being your son." Sometimes it can be the smallest things that can totally make your day!

 

 

Day 27-

What is one activity that you are grateful you are able to do each day? Why?

 

Dang this is hard! My first reaction was that I am grateful that I can 'move'- in whatever way it might mean for that day. Then I thought about it more and decided that maybe it should be that I am grateful that I can breathe- without breathing nothing else would be possible! I guess that is the very literal side of me talking with those answers.

 

I am also very grateful that I get to be with my family in some capacity each day. I get to see my boys grow and change. I am grateful to be home to eat dinner with my family most nights. I am grateful to be able to tell my boys good night and tuck my little man in.

 

 

I would love to hear from you:

How was your week as far as fitness goes?

What happened to you this week that you are most grateful for? Why?

 

Please comment to share your thoughts:)

Playing "catch up"

 

Today I am playing "catch up".

 

I worked all weekend and then yesterday

 

my best friend came from out of town

 

and we had a girls adventure day-

 

we tried snowshoeing for the first time.

 

 

Neither of us really knew what we were getting ourselves into

 

but we both really enjoyed it!

 

What a great way to enjoy a beautiful winter day,

 

catch up with each other

 

and burn some calories together.

 

We managed to get in nearly 4 miles

 

and it was a great workout!

 

We both agreed that snowshoes

 

are now on the list of things that we need to get.

 

After working up an appetite

 

we headed to a local restaurant

 

that has an amazing soup, salad bar, and bread stick lunch.

 

It was a great day

 

with an amazing friend

 

that I don't get to spend enough time with.

 

I am very grateful that we

 

were able to have that time together!

 

 

 

After getting my fill of time with my bestie

 

Tim and I headed up to the Y

 

and got in a pretty good workout together too.

 

We ran a 5K (which after snowshoeing was a little tough)

 

and then got on the bikes for 5 miles

 

so we could check off more boxes for the Indoor Ironman.

 

It was a busy night at home so we were in a hurry

 

and didn't get our traditional post- workout picture.

 

That brings us to today-

 

Today is Tuesday and that means-

 

YOGA!

 

 

I usually run a couple of miles before yoga

 

but I forgot my iPod and watch

 

so I opted for the bike instead-

 

I know that I don't NEED those things to run

 

but I am sort of a numbers junkie

 

and I can always run tonight.

 

I got in good 12 miles on the bike

 

and then headed off to yoga.

 



too cute to not share!

I really do notice a difference in how I feel

 

when I am able to practice yoga regularly.

 

I am always grateful when I have Tuesdays off

 

and can make it to my favorite class.

 

 

Now it is time for the gratitude challenge.

 

I have not forgotten about it

 

I just haven't had time to do a post each day

 

due to 12 hr work days

 

and wanting to see my family

 

before doing it all again the next day.

 

I have kept up with the challenge

 

and have been writing in my journal until

 

I had more time to post.

 

Gratitude Challenge- Days 6- 10

 

Day 6-

"Today I want you to take about 3 minutes and stand in front of a full length mirror. I want you to write about 3 things you are grateful for about your body. NO NEGATIVITY!  Only things you are grateful for and why. "

 

OK... I have to admit that this is really HARD for me! I really struggle with loving my body and body image in general. I guess in some respects this assignment is perfect for me but it is really tough!

 1) I am grateful for my body as a whole because it carried, delivered and nourished 3 beautiful babies!

2) I am grateful for my strong legs because they have carried me through when I didn't think it was possible. They have helped me accomplish so much- from 5k to a full marathon to even a triathlon. They have kept me active and allow me to do so many things that I enjoy.

3) I am grateful for my brown eyes- just because!

 

 

Day 7-

"Write about 5 things in nature that you are grateful for today."

 

 

1) Sunshine, clouds, blue sky, sunsets

2) The changing seasons

3)The bluffs and river around where I live and all that they offer us

4) Stars and moon at night- when you take the time to stop and look it is amazing and beautiful!

5) Flowers and green grass- I am ready for spring, bring on baseball!

 

Day 8-

"Today is a tough one that will really make you think! Which one of your 5 senses are you most grateful for and why?"

 

This one has probably been one of the easiest for me! Definitely Sight!

 

I am grateful that I am able to see all of the beauty around me. I love seeing my boys faces light up then they are excited! I love seeing my little man's eyes sparkle with love when I get home and he comes running up to me to give me a hug. I am grateful that I am able to see the world around me and watch my boys do all of the things they love. You can see feelings and body language even if you can't hear it. Sight gives us so much information and so much insight into people.  I really think you can tell so much by people by looking into their eyes and by the expressions on their faces. I can't imagine not being able to see to do that.

 

Day 9-

"What photograph do you have in your possession that you are most grateful for right now? Why are you grateful for it?"

 

 

This is the picture that I am most grateful to have in my possession. This is a picture of my father-in-law. He passed away just after we were engaged. I am so incredibly grateful for having known him and getting to spend time with him! This picture is one of few that we have of him and we keep in tucked inside the frame of a picture that hangs in our living room so that he is always visible. We know that he is always with us in our hearts and minds but this is the only way that our boys know him and what he looked like. We try to talk about him often as a way for the boys to "know" him. He was an amazing man and it saddens me that they don't have him here to really know. This picture along with talking about him is the best that we can do.

 

Day 10-

"What song in your life are you grateful for? Write the words of the song that you are grateful for and why."

 

I have so many songs that I am grateful for! I think music really has a way of connecting us to what is going on in our lives and helping us connect to what we are feeling. It always feels like I hear just the right song at just the right time for what is happening in my life. I am not going to include just one song. I have a few that really stand out to me and they are all from our wedding day.

 

Here is the first:

 

From This Moment On

Song by Bryan White, Shania Twain

 

From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
From this moment, I have been blessed
I live only, for your happiness
And for your love, I give my last breath
From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
I can't wait to live my life with you I can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment, as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing, I wouldn't give
From this moment on
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment, as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing, I wouldn't give
From this moment, I will love you
As long as I live from this moment on

This was our first dance song at our wedding and it really sums up that day for me.

 

The second:

 

 

This is another song that we danced to at our wedding with Tim's brothers and their wives.  It really meant a lot to us to include something like this tribute to Tim's dad.

 

The third:

 

 

This was a song that Tim's aunt and uncle sang at our wedding because we always felt like this touched us due to losing Tim's dad when we were so young and before our wedding, etc. I also lost my grandfather when I was very young and I always felt like he was an "angel among us" throughout my life!

 

I couldn't help but ask my husband what his song would be and his response was this and it really didn't surprise me at all. His dad loved eagles and this song was played at his funeral.

 

On Eagle's Wings

 

 

 

I really am enjoying this whole gratitude challenge!

 

I am also seeing changes in the

 

way that I look at things.

 

Before I close

 

I need to report back about last week's intentions:

 

Run 3 times- Ran 2 times

Complete weekly challenge exercises at least 5 times- completed 3 times

Attend yoga class- DONE!

Attend group strength training class- DONE!

Eat mindfully and watch portions- Did pretty good with this. Still have work to do but making progress.

No late evening snacking- DONE!

Water, Water, Water- DONE!

Complete daily gratitude challenge- DONE!

 

I am not perfect

 

but I am making progress

 

and that is what it is all about.