Lovin' It!

Love it

I am truly loving what I am doing for "work" right now.  I am not sure you can call it work really, but I am loving it regardless.  Some mornings I go to "work" at 4:30 AM to help others achieve their fitness goals and become stronger.  This morning in particular we saw ladies overcome the uneasy feeling of doing a box jump, witnessed many people lift a heavier weight than they ever have in their life, and I was able to watch every member of the group improve their time in a burpee challenge that we have been doing over the course of 2 months.  It truly doesn't get any better than watching these ladies achieve things that they may have never attempted before. 

Sometimes I leave for "work" at 4:00 PM to go lead Weight Watchers meetings and to help others on their wellness journey.  I get to share my experiences with them and help them to figure out what will work for their specific needs.  The feeling I get from presenting a member with a 5% or 10% award or a lifetime award is amazing.  They are so energized and full of life at that moment, I would love to bottle that feeling and share it with members that are struggling.

Sometimes I leave for "work" at 6:00 PM to lead Zumba Fitness Classes and help others relax and enjoy working out while jamming to great music in a party like atmosphere.  It has been so much fun to see ladies that could barely wiggle their hips really start to get their groove on and feel the Latin vibe of the music.  I love the fact that for one hour these class members can go to a different place, not worrying about what anyone is thinking about them and just relax!


Most days my "work" includes caring for my beautiful girls, my husband, our home and acreage.   Sometimes I get more worried about the fitness work and then get reminded I need to focus on my "main" work of being a stay at home momma!  It is just a great reminder of why I love all of my "work" and why I am doing what I am doing.  Right now for me the feeling that I get from doing this "work" couldn't get any better, it is hard to imagine what it felt like a few years ago when I was working full time away from home.  There are days I miss the schedule and routine that came along with it, but wouldn't trade the energy, love, and feeling I get from helping others for anything in the world!

New Beginnings...Spring

Spring has always been one of my favorite seasons!  I think part of it is growing up on a farm and seeing all things knew this time of the year.  I remember as a small child hearing my dad wake up in the middle of the night to check on cows that were ready to give life to baby calves, the smell of the soil being turned, the new oats sprouting from the ground.  They are signs of all things new and fresh!

I really needed Spring this year.  I will be the first to admit I have been in a bit of a funk since losing our neighbor, Bill in early February.  Am I depressed? No, just not feeling 110% at home.  When I am in my fitness class or leading Zumba fitness classes I am all in and giving it the 110%, but it seems that when I am home I am feeling a little blah.  I think the weather has had a little to do with it, too.  I went back and read old posts and saw that I started "Friends in Fitness" on March 13th last year, pretty sure we had a blizzard that day this year. :)  The good thing about some of those "blah" times it is gives a person the perfect opportunity to reflect.  So I guess that is what this post is going to be about...New Beginnings, Fresh Starts, Reflection and "Springing" into action.

Easter 2011

Easter 2012

Easter 2013

As I reflect on the 3 pictures above it is so interesting to me to think of where I am at personally in all of them.  In the 2011, photograph I think I was just trying to keep my head above water.  In 2012, I felt like I had everything together, maintaining my weight loss, preparing for my first triathlon, etc.  In the most recent picture, I am focusing all of my efforts on helping others while balancing taking care of myself and my family. 

That balance is my new focus...balancing being a mom, wife, friend, fitness instructor, daughter, and me all in one.  :)  I feel like Spring has made me take a deep breath and focus on LIFE, not death.  Focus on what is here in the present, not what is gone.  Focus on memories of the past and continue to make new memories.  Focus on helping others become the best they can be while continuing to improve myself in all areas. 

So...here is to fresh starts and April goals...

April 2013:
*I will clean and organize the basement (it has totally become a place to drop totes that aren't sorted, etc.)
*I will follow training plan to complete the pilot knob run in May.
*I will continue to follow my weekly cleaning schedule.
*I will get back to weekly meal planning to ensure that food is not wasted and our bodies are nourished with good, healthy food.
*I will continue to give 110% to my "clients" and family, while giving myself 110%.  :)

What are your goals for April?

February????

Seriously how are we half way through February and I haven't updated the blog in weeks???????????
Since my last update I am now the mother of a 5 year old, sigh.  Where does time go?  Way too fast!  We had the best beach party ever and even had a pool cowtank.  G loved it and thought it was the best.  (Great job to my hubby!)

I am teaching 2 Zumba Fitness Classes and 2 Early Bird Classes each week, I am loving it!  So awesome to be helping others in their wellness journey.  I definitely feel that I need to get back on track with my own wellness, though.  Slacking a bit in the running department and need to get busy.  I did complete the same indoor triathlon that I did last year and had a great time.  Pretty much did the same that I had done last year with very little training, so I felt pretty good about that! 

I need to sit down and make out a race schedule for the rest of the year.  So many things I want to "tri"!

Unfortunately, with all of the good that this month has brought us, we were absolutely devastated to lose our neighbor to a heart attack.  He was like a second Grandpa to our girls and a second Dad to us in a way!  Our lives were turned upside down and both Rob and I have pretty much been wandering around like zombies for the past couple of weeks.  When someone is so much a part of your daily life and then all of the sudden they are gone it just leaves such an incredible hole in your heart!  This is also the first time that our girls have experienced losing someone close to them.  To hear little E ask where he is or why he isn't coming back is just heart breaking.  He truly would do anything for us and was so supportive of us, whether it was giving advice for something we were working on outdoors, parenting our girls, or talking about how it was important for us to take time for "each other."  He was always full of advice and usually had a smile.  Grace says she most misses hearing him say, "Good Morning, Sunshine" and of course his cookie deliveries.  :)

Although the past couple of weeks have been extremely tough we press on for our girls and tried to have a little fun by playing out on a sledding hill and getting some fresh air this afternoon.  The fresh air must have worked because everyone is pretty sleepy around here and this momma needs to work on some "fitness" work!

Hoping it isn't multiple weeks until you hear from me again!

:)

How is your winter training going?  Do you struggle to stay "on track" during winter?