Yes We Can!

A few of the things I am enjoying right now, but certainly not a sales video -- I just want to share and if it inspires you -- let me know and I'll help you get started or find the things that I use.



Links:

Write the Word Journals: https://laracaseyshop.com/collections/write-the-word -- use the code CULTIVATEFAITH for 20% off

Mom's 5 Second Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Second-Memory-Jou…/…/ref=sr_1_1…

eSalon: https://www.esalon.com/invite/khawkins16

BeachBody: http://www.beachbodycoach.com/kbhawkins00

Pilates is from the Devil

When I started 21 Day Fix on August 1st -- I would have told you that I expected for Pilates to be one of the easier workouts in the program. Boy, was I WRONG! It's not a lot of cardio so you're not getting your heart rate up quite like you are with the other workouts... but you sure feel the BURN! It is physically demanding in ways that I never even expected to be thinking about.
In addition, I want to give Autumn a friendly slap every time I hear her say the words "Bonus Round" -- I mean really. Just own that extra and put it in there with the rest of it. If I'm going to be doing 5 rounds -- that's cool, it's still only a 30 minute workout... but lets just be honest upfront and say "5 Rounds with however many exercises in each round" -- then I don't get into a "stabby" emotional place. 

It's all good though, I'm proud that I've kept up for the most part... and as she says each time I do a little more than I did the first time, and I call it a WIN. The fact that I've worked out now for 12 days straight and haven't quit... it's HUGE for me. 

I'm always ALL or NOTHING with my approach to fitness/lifestyle in the past -- NOT this time! So the fact that I haven't worn myself completely out or given up totally is a major accomplishment in itself. I'm focused right now solely on my workouts, and making better food choices -- next time around I'll hit the food choices harder -- in that I'm trying to work most of the processed foods out of our house without throwing a ton away upfront and losing a lot of money. 

Anyone else out there done that? I mean every time I try to start something new, I go all out and throw away half of my pantry -- only to make it a few weeks and then bring back in those forbidden foods. I'm done with that -- I'm being more realistic and taking note of all that I'm eating to make choices based on my calorie allotment for the day. For now, I'm planning meals and things based on what we have -- but soon I will be moving to whole foods and trying to make most of those things on my own or what I can't make -- getting the best product that I can afford for our family. 

Changes

Sometimes the thing that you need in life is a big scary change. A push in a direction that you didn't really think that you needed to go. I got that nudge in the last month, and when I say that it might have been the best thing to happen to me in a LONG time -- it might be an understatement.

You see, up until about 3 weeks ago -- my life was stagnant. We were existing and making our plans for the new school year that was coming, but I couldn't say that I was happy or even really content for that matter.

I really feel like God gave me a big nudge in a direction I wasn't even expecting to go. God closed a door, but he opened a flood gate of really great stuff at the same time! A very dear friend's, Suzanne, life changed, and she started the wave of what was to come... without even talking about it or planning for it -- she started me on a path that I will forever be grateful for.

She woke up on August 1st and decided that she was going to change her life by starting to get healthier. So, in a way that is totally unlike me -- I joined in her journey. We both started doing the 21 Day Fix workouts. Now since I hadn't planned on this -- I didn't really have a plan for eating exactly, but we both started tracking everything on My Fitness Pal and stuck within our calorie allotments for the day. I made the best choices I could based on what we had at the house -- I normally go through the pantry and fridge and throw a ton of food away and start over spending a TON of money on specialty products. This time I just jumped on a moving train and let the rest of it figure itself out.

 It's now been almost the entire 1st cycle around of 21 Day Fix, and we haven't quit. In many attempts before -- I would have quit, but I haven't. Partially because I know that she is going to do her workout, and I don't want to let her down. Also because I want to model for my kids what healthier living looks like. James does almost all of the workouts with me, even if he is mostly just jumping around. Tyler, I'm still working on encouraging him along -- and now that I've got more energy and hopefully in the not too far future, it'll cool down again and we can take their bikes out and hit the roads walking/riding for some exercise.

In the process of all of this, I also met the most amazing lady -- now my coach, Juliana -- who is the most inspiring lady I've known in a long time. She is always there pushing herself to be better and to grow personally. I hope that one day the three of us will be able to look back on August 1, 2016 as the anniversary of an amazing friendship/partnership.

In the process, I've gained so much. I'm now watching my kids benefit from my life changes -- we are doing much better with getting our school work done, we are now working out for an hour a day rather than 30 minutes, and I feel great. So great in fact, I've become a coach as well.

The reason I decided to go ahead and become a coach now is that I'm not sure that there is a better time to put yourself out there. Am I a perfect product of Beachbody right now, no... but I'm putting in the work. I've got a LONG way to go, but at the same time -- I'm in the trenches with anyone that joins and chooses me as their coach. I'm learning, growing, and getting better everyday -- just like they will be. I love people, and dearly love encouraging them to reach for their dreams -- plus knowing that they are counting on me, is an extra motivator to keep me in the game. I see it as a win/win for all of us... me in that I will keep going, and others because I will encourage them to put whatever missteps they might have aside and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I know truly, in my heart that my life has forever changed. If I can do this at my current weight -- I know ANYONE can do it -- and I'd love to be the one to help you start your journey. One thing that we hear on 21 Day Fix a lot is: Take it one day at a time, and one pound at a time. That is the absolute truth -- take it step by step.

If you're interested in taking that first step with me -- email me -- and we will talk through it and figure out what would be the best fit for you.