Living Your Life on Purpose

I've had an incredibly wonderful and eye opening weekend and because of that I've made a decision... 

I refuse to be defined by my limitations or so called set backs in life!!!

NOTHING holds me back... NOTHING!

Would you like to now more about the thoughts behind that statement??? Well stick around folks because I will not lay down and let life decide for me what I am. 

I get comments a lot like "oh you have so much burden placed upon you and I just don't know how you handle it as well as you do"... 

Well sure I do, but so do you and so does your neighbor and your sister and Mom and best friend!! I mean my trial in life is that I have a husband who hurts... Constantly and can't provide for our family. And yes we have 3 kids and I have two jobs, a house to clean, 5 people to feed and a husband to care for... 

But off the top of my head I can think of so many loved ones who have hardships to bear that I would never ever ever wish upon anyone... We are given our trials because they are specific to us and our journey. We get to look at trials as BLESSINGS that mold and shape us into the kind of humans that can help other humans just by being around us. HOW COOL IS THAT!!??

You are not defined by your struggles and trials, instead you get to choose what your life is going to be and how it is going to look. Everyday we get to choose the words we speak to ourselves. Those words are the things that define us and our relationships. If you go around telling yourself that you are sad and lonely and that no one loves you... then guess what. You will treat people as if that is how they feel about you and in turn THEY WILL FEEL that you don't want to be around them.

So when you notice that you are speaking negatively to yourself or thinking negative thoughts about your abilities or being judgmental of others here are a few tips and tricks to get out of those negative thoughts and into POSITIVITY...

1. REDIRECT- Have a statement, phrase, scripture or song ready to replace those dang thoughts and turn you to the positive. I use a song most often that reminds me that I am a child of God. Works every time.
2. PRACTICE- Figure out the top 5 negative/limiting things you say to yourself and turn them into positive declarations then say them to yourself in the mirror each morning and night as if you believed them... promise they will start to feel true to you.
i.e. "I am so messy and disorganized, I never get anything done"
turn it into... "I am a being of order. I create order wherever I go and get so much accomplished that lead me to my goals."
3. MOVE- get your body moving as soon as you feel down. Your lymphatic system can actually store negative energy and the only pump for your lymphatic system is MOVEMENT. Do a couple of jumping jacks as you say positive things to yourself or stretch a little bit. Get those juices flowing!! Getting outside helps too!!
4. SET GOALS- You are a being with divine POWER... set some goals that stretch you and excite you. Put them on a vision board and look at them daily to remind yourself of the things you are capable of. Imagine yourself taking that amazing trip with your spouse and imagine each detail...  Ideas will start to come to your mind as you do this that will help you reach that goal.
5. LOVE OTHERS- just try to serve and love as much as possible... give of yourself and you will get so much more in return. You will get what you want when you help others get what they want. It's an eternal principle!!

Pick one of these and get started right now. I promise you will find yourself being free of expectations, judgement and negativity. Move toward being the best YOU that you can be. Don't let life decide what you will be. Become what you value and love.

Do We Give Stress the POWER??

In talking with my husband last night I came to a major realization. It was one of those talks that really needed to happen yet it was super late and a bit frustrating at times because we were conversing about his health and his view of his health now and in the future.

It felt good to get everything out and while we weren't totally settled on a happy conclusion at the end I think we are both a bit more on the same page about his health and committed to searching for answers.
My realization came after I already crawled into bed.
The MAIN thing he and I could BOTH work on TOGETHER that would benefit both of our lives and not cause him to be thrown into an attack (most likely... and those of you who suffer with this nasty unpredictable disorder know exactly what I mean by that)... We could both improve and practice how we handle the STRESS LIFE hands us.
BIG PICTURE IS SIMPLE... MOST OF THE TIME WE HAVE LITTLE CONTROL OVER THE THINGS THAT HAPPEN TO US (I am not talking about the things we make happen... that I believe we have some great influence on). We ONLY have control over our reaction to those "events" and how they affect us.
We are stressed on the DAILY. We make ourselves sick because of stress. We talk about stress, we complain about stress and we end up letting stress run our lives.
How would you like to handle life with a peace and calmness? How would it feel to be able to care deeply and passionately about people, projects or events yet not get completely bent out of shape when they/it don't meet your expectations? What would you do if you had more time and energy to focus on the things you can control and let everything else work out for your good? What would that change? What could you accomplish if you weren't bogged down by stress?
Let's dive into that this week.
Follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook where I'll reveal ways you can better deal with STRESS and why having a better reaction to stressful situations would be beneficial to you and your family!!
I'm learning right along with you here... Let's ride this journey together.
What useful ways do you find that you distress or diffuse stress?

Have you heard of this wonderful Lady...

I have been reflecting on my life and how I would like to move forward and what I would like to focus on. I took a positive step this afternoon after not feeling super motivated to do much of anything for a couple days... Can we say RUT!! I played a couple of YouTube videos of Tiffany Peterson's. She is a motivational speaker/sales coach based out of Utah. I have been able to attend a couple of her events and I come away transformed each time. I thought I would share this little "nugget" as she would say, to help whoever out there needs a bit of a confidence boost to reach their goals. I love that she says "Confidence is KEY to achieving any goal or success that you want in your LIFE". How wonderful is that!!
Please enjoy her Success Tips Video

Oh man I have been off lately!!

I woke up this morning after a using my body yesterday knowing that this has got to stop in order for me to get out of a major funk. I weighed in today at 202. I cannot believe I have let myself get to this point again. I have been trying to talk nicer to myself but am in bad habits and need to get out of it. 

Today starts 4 weeks fresh with the fast metabolism diet. It is a group of support around the world as Haylie Pomroy has all things in place to support us. I even got a call today from her. It was a recording about how to support the adrenals. She also wants to see pictures of our food and encourage us to find lots of ways to enjoy food that nourishes our bodies. 

I must admit I'm a little nervous that I won't stick to the plan. I think I need to set up some acciuntability not only with myself or Adam but with others I respect and love. Maybe my cousin Lyndsi, Nikaela and Brie. I respect all these women and how they treat their bodies. 

So I'm off to eat my Phase 1 breakfast. I will choose egg whites with spinach over sprouted grain toast and blueberries. Have a great day. 

Human...

I'm human... Sometimes I pretend I'm not. I think I can float above the struggles caused by human weakness and frailty. The funny thing about this scenario is that reality ALWAYS brings me back down to earth and sometimes I crash hard. 

This picture was a month ago. I was trying to get to a certain goal weight for a dietbet I was part of. I basically starved myself all day and ran in the heat to lose 5 lbs in one day. Ha ha. Totally unhealthy I know. I signed up for the challenge and bet $100 that I would lose 4% in 4 weeks and after birthday celebrations (mine and Adams, which I didn't take into consideration when I signed up for the dietbet) I just missed the mark and was not where I needed to be. I was determined not to "cheat" but to really hit the weight. Physically I made the goal by the end of the day but mentally I think it set me up for a breakdown. I will get into this on another post but really what it came down to was that I wasn't taking care of myself emotionally or mentally so I dealt with life by turning to food for comfort. 

I have since gained almost 10 lbs (I say it's really 5 because I lost a fake 5 lbs in one day) I tried hard not to let this get me down and depressed but have just enjoyed my life the last while with my kids and summer fun. I do feel super uncomfortable in my body though. I am ready to change. 

Today I sit here and type with renewed determination. I am ready to hit my goal weight and give support to my mentality and deal with life's stressors in a positive healthy way. 

I'm starting FMD tomorrow. I will do two consecutive rounds and hopefully hit my goal weight by the end and before a business trip I will take. 

More importantly I am working through a book I found by Marianne Williamson called "A Course in Weight Loss" which gives me 21 spiritual lessons to become more in tune and connected with my highest power. It's heavy work but healing so I'm excited about it. 

I am excited to drive forward to a healthy Ashley. I recognize that where I am at right now is exactly where I need to be and I also realize I cannot and should not do this on my own. I do not regret the past only glad I get to learn from it. I have a great support system and desire to conquer but most importantly I have a loving God who will aid me and help me along my way. What support do you have in place to catapult you to your health goals?  I would love to hear what gets you motivated. 

Conquer

It feels like I'm starting all over again. I know that I'm not… Because I'm down 30 pounds but I definitely feel like I'm starting from scratch. I've let the last month go by without losing much weight or making much progress. In fact I feel that I've regressed. I have instructor program and when I've tried to I haven't been able to do it. I know this has to do with emotions. I must get control of it and figure out a way to real in the emotions. I'm so close to my goal weight do you and 30 pounds away I have to get this done I want to get this done I will feel so amazing when I get this weight off. The problem is I feel good. As far as my clothes go there fitting. Some of them are even baggie and I can make myself so cute because I'm 30 pounds down. But we can fill my belly getting bigger because of the sugar and the wheat and the snacks that just aren't good for me.I can feel my body losing energy because of the lack of fresh juicy vegetables.  I don't feel good emotionally either, I feel like things are out of control and I really despise that feeling. So here's my journey. Honest and true this is what I'm doing with and I'm sure you my reader has dealt the same thing. Let's work this through together. I'm going to start with small steps. Tomorrow is promised myself and my husband but most importantly myself because I am going to have to answer to, to not eat sugar. I'm going to try to eat healthy with no sugar is my goal tomorrow. I will also explore how to be more prepared for the next week.  I would like to also drive into what emotions are behind the feelings that I've been having and the need to eat. I will conquer this weight-loss thing I will conquer emotional over eating. It will be a daily struggle I'm sure but I will be able to implement things that help me move along. I want to be an advocate to the world for feeling healthier. 

Struggles

I have been struggling the last few weeks. I let something get me down and have been having a pity party ever since. Health wise this has been really difficult to navigate. I am a food addict and I turn to food to comfort me. Just as I was getting out of such a funk my birthday happened and then my husbands birthday and then some more personal drama. So needless to say I am searching for my solace to get me back on course. This is the start of what I believe will help each person I coach. If I can figure out how to get "unstuck" and move forward with my weight loss goals I can help anyone. Inspiration hit yesterday and this I KNOW for sure... Each day must start with the powerful 3

1: mindset meditation 

2: spirit connection 

3: movement of the body

Tapping into your inner soul and feeling your true self emerge is paramount to success. 

Let's call this your self care cubed. Just 10 minutes in each category will propel you toward your future which looks pretty bright from here. 

I commit to this tomorrow morning. 

IT'S MAY!!!

I love May... I just do!! Part of this reason is that it's my BIRTHDAY... all MONTH long :)... ok well not the entire month. My husbands birthday is on the 29th so he can have that day but all the other days are just to celebrate me... I wish, right?!? Being a Mom, your birthday changes to schedule around naps and snotty noses. I DO NOT LOVE snotty noses but...
 I LOVE doTERRA essential oils. These things make being a Mom (on my birthday) so much easier PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY and EMOTIONALLY. I feel so empowered to be able to stop a snotty nose in its tracks and help those kiddos of mine sleep so well.  If you haven't tried them, I can certainly help you out with that. One of the best ways to get started with essential oils is with a Wellness Advocate who will help you understand and best utilize these gifts of the earth (did you know the name doTERRA actually means gift of the earth?) and its best to start with a kit. The oil kit I want to highlight today is the Home Essentials Kit. I could explain it all to you but this wonderful lady has done so already.
Please enjoy.

Yummy cake

Last night I was 198.6. This is such an amazing feat for me. I am officially under 200 pounds and it feels liberating. While I still have a long way to go I feel like I can accomplish  anything. I started the fast metabolism diet again on Monday and the first two days were like riding a bike. I was swept right into it again and did great. I actually find it easier to eat on a plan because I know I'm giving my body the property nutrition and then I don't crave things that are not good for my body.

There is such emotional and mental component to this weight-loss journey. Mentally I literally have to envision myself at the weight I want. I tell myself that I am happily loving the life that I'm like living being 165 pounds and fitting into size 8 jeans by June 15, 2015. I see myself playing with the kids on the trampoline, going for a run with my friends, and looking amazingly attractive for my husband. I tried to tap into my emotions as well. I feel like it's going to feel, I try to  experience how confident and comfortable I am living my dream. I also envision greatly the amount of help I get to offer others who have been in my position and what satisfaction that gives me. For some reason The thought pops into my mind that I am starting a movement of emotional, mental and physical health. If you're sick in your body you give it health, you give it all that you can with proper food and exercise and supplements and maybe your body needs to see the doctor. If you have an unhealthy mind set you need to give it proper health. Limiting the words you say to yourself to only positive uplifting thoughts. Eliminating the word can't from your vocabulary because it never did anybody any good. Encouraging your mind to open up and expand to hire possibilities and expectations. And telling yourself that you can do it while also being physically accountable to somebody else. 

Emotionally feeling how it's going to feel when you reach your goal. This does not matter if it's financial, physical, or you're wanting to specifically target healthy emotions. When you focus your feelings on positive things and your goals you will overcome whatever is holding you back from achieving your dream. I am already experiencing that shift and change and I believe it's one of the biggest reasons that I've lost 28 pounds. 

Every body is different. The way you experience your weight-loss journey will be different than mine but the tools and principles that I've been using are universal I believe. Pick whatever program you want physically i.e. what food to put in your mouth and what exercise to do. Make sure that it gives you a very quick start to your weight loss so that you keep motivated and you can convince your mind to keep going. The slight edge principle is amazing that little by little we get to our goal, but it cannot be said enough that quick results motivate like a fire underneath you. Its helpful to give your mind a little bit of evidence to start with and then you let it run wild with the possibilities of awesome awesome success. Your emotions are happy an high, your cortisol levels are low because you're less stressed. I have so many people in my life who do not know how to handle stress properly. This is one of the biggest causes of health concerns today including weight. If we can manage our stress and focus on our goals through mind and emotions exercises our possibilities are endless. 

I believe strongly that everybody has a mission and goal in this life. If we let our bodies be bogged down by weight we are not living our full potential. You were put on this earth to help somebody else and to live a happy wonderful healthy life. This health journey that you embark on will be the catalyst to your amazing purpose filled life. Don't you want that? Do you want success in all areas of your life?  I am here to tell you that it is not beyond your reach. It is not beyond your reach to have all of the wonderful things you want. You can have your cake a eat it too. I want that for you but more importantly I want you to want that too. Remember you are worth it!!

One of those day...

I gotta say I'm pretty proud of myself. I went to bed before midnight which helped me get up earlier this morning to workout with a friend in her garage. I've been meaning to do this for he last 2 months and today was the first time I actually accomplished it. We did a T25 workout which was fun but I did a cardio workout yesterday and last night did my 5k training so my body is tired. When I got home I was contemplating doing some more of an arm work out but decided on scriptures instead. I am so glad I do. I learned so much and filled my heart with his word and recommitted myself to being more fully engaged in my faith. 

Isn't this the point of it all. Getting to bed early so I can work out, choosing to wake up early, choosing to put better thing into my mind and body. Choosing to read the word of God. BE FULLY ENGAGED in life. Show up for your goals. If you aren't reaching your goals figure out where the break down is. So you need to tweak something in order to make your goals achievable... Like getting to bed earlier so waking up to get that workout in isn't such a challenge. What is this life if we just continue to do the same things day in and day out because of habit or rut. Do the thing you've been wanting to do and then you shall have the power. You shall have the power to succeed in anything and everything because your mindset will be renewed and bright. 

We all have within us the strength to do whatsoever we want. Especially if you invite your higher power along for aid. I commit to being more alive and vibrant today. I have control over that and have set myself up for a very productive day. I'm lovin' life. 

Stuck...

With all I have been doing to lose weight I gotta vent just a little bit. I have seriously been stuck at 200 for so long. I have just been toying with dropping below it and I don't understand why I am stuck. I have been juicing the last 3 days and doing so well with my eating. The only thing I can think of is that my hormones are out of whack and it is inhibiting me. Now for some positive self talk. 

I envision my body being 195. I love been 195. My body has more energy and I am so glad I am that much closer to my goal. I feel energized and loved. I am a success and can do hard things. I emotionally do not need this extra weight anymore. I am happy healthy and free of this burden.  

Today I fit into my favorite skirts I have not been able to do this for at least two years I put it on and was so comfortable before so tight I could barely walk in and I would only zip it up halfway and put a shirt over the top of it to the cover it. It's amazing my body is responding to healthy eating and my mind is too.

One of the things that has helped me get over my plateau is visualization. I envision what it's like to be my healthy weight. I've been trying to reach small goals so one of the things I've done is envision what it feels like to be 195 pounds and said 200 so I think to myself I am enjoying being healthy and happy so hundred 95 pounds on or before Monday April 20th 2000. I envision what it feels like to have on my body and my pants. I envision what it's like to have as much energy as I want and to be able to play with my kids on the tram for hours. I envision reaching my goals with my diet but challenge. And today when I got on the scale I was 198.8 which is the first Weight loss I've  seen in a while.

I am supposed to be on a hormone cleanse right now but I cannot stomach the smoothie. I'm going to try putting a scoop of protein powder in tomorrow and see if I can handle a little bit better.

The hormone cleanse is 10 days long and guarantees you can learn lose up to 10 pounds it would be nice to be down to 190 before I start FMD again. Then I could get to 175 pretty easily by my birthday

47 days...

Today marks the 44th day on the diet (minus the 4 days I was off and ate lots of old habit food)

I feel great. I have lost 20 pounds officially ( I say officially because I weighed in lower after phase two the other day but the 204.4 seems consistent going into this week)

My goal for this 3rd week is to make it to ONE-der land. I want to be at least at 199 this time next week. Outrageous goal would be 195 but I would have to be absolutely perfect for that to happen. I could do it though if I planned it all out a bit. 

I am learning to take FULL responsibility for everything I am and do. This awareness helps me not complain, blame or make excuses. I am the powerful creator of all things in my life. I have to be honest that I still don't totally grasp what that meas fully but I will be working on that this week. I'll keep you posted. 

Step it UP

The struggle is real. I have still been strict about what's going into my body but I have not been as good at portions, times to eat and water intake. I can tell with my weight loss progress as I gained weight on phase 3 again. I'm not stressed just a good reminder to step it up. Off to meal plan for the week...

Why yes we should have a party!!

Do you see that number?? And I'm on day 2 of phase 3... You know the phase where I usually gain weight!! I'm down 3 lbs since yesterday. That was inspire of the cake and the ice cream and the pizza and soda that I was surrounded by but didn't eat. In fact the only time I was tempted was when I literally had cake covered fingers from cutting the cake. I also realized the second time I had it on my fingers because I cut a piece for our neighbors that I was hungry so I hurried and choked a simple dinner of avocado toast with tomatoes and cucumbers with some boiled eggs. I was so excited this morning when I weighed in that I came to my husband he was sleeping in bed and made him have a happy party dance with me. When I told him my weight he was visibly excited but said sarcastically but that's not under 200. He is been a great support through this whole process and I know that he will keep me on course even when I want to go off.

Today is Lukes birthday.

I have started a new adventure with this second round of FMD. I Started dry brushing before my showers. Dry brushing is a technique of breaking up cellulit and toxin (which is basically what cellulite is) and cleansing them out of your system. When you hop in the shower afterward it increases circulation and encourages toxins to move out of your system. After the shower I have been combining doterra's slim and sassy with coconut oil and lotion and vigorously  massaging it into my trouble areas which are specifically my thighs, butt, stomach and arms. As I lose weight I am scared to still look unhealthy in a bathing suit. I am a bit terrified to have super lose skin on my stomach along with my baby stretch marks. This will probably happen and I'm not in denial about it but if I can do anything to avoid it, I'm going to try. So far I have noticed a difference in the depth of the cellulite which excites me. 

So back to my original point... The DNS diet combined with the dry brushing and slim and sassy massage have sparked a true cleansing process I don't think I was prepared to deal with. Conjunctivitis, swollen glands, sinus congestion and aches body have all been plaguing me. I feel like I have the flu but I'm pretty convinced that it's just the build up of toxins being released. So since I started lemon in my water and massaged on my lymph nodes I am starting to feel better. I grew up doing enemas when I was sick so I did do that as well. Not my favorite thing to do but I think it was good for me. 

All in all I woke up weighing 204 which is was exciting. My goal is to stay at 204 through phase 3. I plan to eat LOTS of veggies with my meals and snacks to help with the fat breakdown and usage in my body. Wahoo this is working!!

FINALLY FINISHED

Today is my last day on my first round of FMD. I feel great. I am hesitant going into this weekend as I have 4 days before I start the program again.  Hubby and I have talked a lot about what kind of eating plan I should stick to. I am not craving much but know that my mind might tell me I want certain foods. Anyway. I will weigh in officially tomorrow as then I will be compeltely done with the program.

Day 3

The first time I did this diet I thought the first week was a month long. Then time passed and all of a sudden I was done. So far this round is semi similar. I wish tomorrow was anything but phase 2 but as u told a friend tonight, I'm determined to learn to love it. 

Today I had a hard time staying full and satiated. I was working and did not prep well. This is another thing I am learning to alter for this diet to work. I want to have crockpot meals in while I am working so dinner is not a headache or rush. 

I had a lot of beoccoli today which I enjoyed raw and cooked. Lots of chicken  and eggs too. I did complete my water intake goal and I learned to the fmd book again tonight where I specifically focused on phase 2 and the reasons behind the food for this phase. I am more dedicated now and excited for tomorrow. 

Weight this morning was 210.4 period is done. 

1/2 dose vitamins and dry brush and body massage with slim and sassy completed. 

I couldn't help myself

I didn't write yesterday... I worked all day and had a fiasco with the girl child at the end of the day that wipes me out. I  however back in the saddle today. I have learned something about myself today. I don't like getting up early to workout by myself. If I get to be with someone else or I have someone waiting for me, I'm all in... Ok sometimes I'm super reluctant and try to find an excuse to bail but you get what I mean. 

So yesterday was supposed to be 20 minute body for life areobic work out. I chose not to get up to do so. I was supposed to do the same thing this morning with a little Jillian michaels but... It's a no go so far. Tomorrow morning is weight lifting with others at sonnets house which I will fully commit to by telling Sonnet to expect me. I don't believe this will always be how I am. I think once I get into working out my brain will remember why I should wake up early. Hopefully. 

I had a great day as far as eating goes yesterday. I'm nervous about today because it's phase 2. I planned it out last night but I'm still unsure about how it will all work. I want to enjoy what I eat because that helps me lose more. Wish me luck. 

Day 1 weigh in

Day 1 round 2

Today went well. I'm ate my breakfast which was phase appropriate within 30 minutes of waking. I was able to get out and exercise with two of my friends and do some moderate walking. I on purpose stayed in my workout clothes in order to walk again later this evening which I did with two more of my friends. Both walks were enjoyable, I got my heart rate up and savored the outdoors

The only thing that I would' have changed about my eating today was a little more preparation before I got so hungry at lunchtime. As it turned out my choice of an Apple proved to be the perfect filler before my main main meal was ready. 

This morning on the sixth day of my period I weighed in at 212.6 and tonight my weight was 214.6. This time around I will choose to weigh in on the 1st day of phase 1 each week. 

As per my outlined goals, I did my dry brush before my shower and my slim and sassy massage after my shower. I took my vitamins this morning but forgot this afternoon hence the need for a nap today. I am committing to waking up 30 minutes early tomorrow in order to get a workout in before the children wake up. This means I can do the body for life 20 minute aerobic workout then jump in the shower and be ready to make the kids breakfast. My hair can be drying and ready to be styled before my first client gets here at nine. Sometimes the hardest part about working out for me is my stupid hair schedule. I want my hair to be fresh for my clients and I don't like hair if my hair is dirty when doing my job. 

Dinner tonight was one of my favorite meals so far. I will really wanted to use the chicken sausage in the chicken sausage fusilli recipe from the fast metabolism book, but all of the chicken sausage at the deli in sprouts had evaporated cane juice in it. Why do they have to put sugar in everything. 

My other goal while doing the second round is to make sure that I'm taking some time to meditate and study the Scriptures. I want to be strong mentally and spiritually as well as physically. I am feeling so excited and I'm ready to tackle this challenge of mine. I was contemplating where I would be on the scale if I lost another 15 pounds on this second round... I would be in what we sometimes call ONEderland where a one would be in front of my weight. This would be the first time since before having Luke that I would weigh in the 100s. It's fun to see how easily I can get there. Consistency and persistence is the name of the game.This goal of ONEderland is totally doable and I'm excited to be there. 

Till tomorrow

Tchau