Saturday, September 19, 2009

Get rid of the 'Flat' moment

For the past couple of days I have been feeling flat - with everything but especially my training and my eating which is totally out of the ordinary for me.

I think it could have something to do with the fact that the other week I found a lump, about a pea size in shape and it is right in between my pelvic bone area - it actually feels like a marble. I have been keeping my eye on it and some days its larger (like the size of a grape) and other days it goes back to the pea size. I told my Dr about it and have a check up with my surgeon on Wednesday. I think that just because there is the unknown of 'what is it' that is constantly playing on my mind that I have lost focus and started to worry a bit.

What generally comes with times of worry? Lack of motivation, stress and binge eating. That has been me in a nutshell for the past week but I am determined to refocus and not allow this unknown worry to determine how my days will play out or how I will feel.

It takes a lot of effort and hard work to stay positive and focused but it sure as hell isn't impossible.

I had a great day today with my bestie Louise out and about in the sun doing a spot of shopping and beauty treatments and now I am looking forward to having some quiet relaxation time before Brad & I head out to watch the Pies hopefully slaughter the Cats for a spot in the Grand Final.

I'm off to read some new fitness mags - nothing gets me excited about my own health and fitness then the feeling I get from reading real life stories in magazines such a ultra fitness and oxygen.

GO THE PIES!!!!

Friday, September 11, 2009

A pic update of me at the half way mark ...

These are the only 2 recent full body shots I have.. but I can assure you I haven't been this trim and toned since I was 19!! Eat Clean - Exercise regularly, it wont just help prevent you from disease such as cancer - it will have you looking and feeling great!!!!


Auto Pilot

I woke up at 6am this morning, let me just clarify one thing....its a SATURDAY!
Seems my auto bodyclock decided to kick in and I am actually grateful it has. The sun is shining outside and it is a glorious day to not waste it in bed sleeping.

I am planning to get all my 'home duties' out of the way first thing -that way I can have the entire day to myself to study and not to mention I have decided I will make some time out today for reflection.

I think it is really important for us all to make the conscious effort to take time out ..sit down alone, somewhere quiet and peaceful and actually reflect on your life. Reflect on what you have been through and what journey you have taken to this point in time, reflect on the lessons you have learnt during those years and reflect on what you want moving forward.

So often we get so taken away in life by our auto pilot ways that we can easily forget the goals we set out to achieve or the time frames we set in which to achieve them. We can easily forget statements we made to ourselves like .. 'that's it from now on I am going to make the effort to call my mum and have a decent chat, or I am going to make the effort to catch up with a good friend for coffee on the weekend ... or I am going to make me time to do that spin class' whatever it may be ... big or small makes no difference - all that matters is that we stay true and committed to ourselves and our desires.

Whilst it is cleansing to set 'changes' down on paper or in our minds it is truly fulfilling to actually commit and and accomplish them.

This morning I have started my day off with a feel good moment by literally having a Tom Cruise Risky Business moment - it was fun ...and has definitely been a good stress release and a perfect way for me to start my Saturday with a giggle.

Laughter is good for the soul - so lets make the effort to make ourselves laugh.. we don't need to rely on anyone else to replenish our soul. I have really learnt a valuable lesson throughout my journey and that is how important it is to rely on yourself- why? We have the power and the choice (yes those famous words of mine) to not let ourselves down.

x

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Going the distance

I feel so good! Today I woke up and decided to start the day with weighing myself as I haven't done so in forever - I was stoked to see the numbers roll to 56.8 .. I am thrilled that I am steadily keeping low numbers (for me) and have managed to now not put back on any weight that I have lost in the past 4 months. Yes it is a great feeling when you lose weight but I swear it is a even better feeling when you see yourself maintaining good health and good form over a longer period of time. What is the point of achieving a goal that is only short lived? Why not go the distance and really make that goal count by making it a long term part of your life.

I have really been enjoying my weeks - I love going into work, I love training last 3 nights a week and I actually enjoying not coming home till 8pm - as I know I have put myself first for 3 nights out of the 4 and if you ask me that isn't too bad.

We tend to get so caught up in making sure the house is clean, dishes are washed etc - but life is too short to put yourself second, especially to chores!

I feel as though I have really structured my weeks to have a great balance. I have me time to do whatever it is I want; be it reading, gym, study or even just relax time - I have 'date nights' with my partner that we ensure 2 nights a week we have where it is just us... no friends no nobody - just the two of us to either hang out, go out to the movies or dinner or even just lay back and watch the footy - this has been vital to our relationship and has really helped us improve our existence with one another. So many relationships get caught up in real life activities that you take for granted and tend to forget what matters - quality time with loved ones. We make sure now with our date nights in place that this will not happen.

After a excellent day of really clean eating and a good session in the gym I am now ready to shower and go to sleep. I am going into work early tomorrow to get the day started as I have HEAPS on - I am looking forward to unwinding with a cardio session though straight after work!

With that I leave you with a simple ...goodnight x

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Slack

Ok I know I have been VERY slack when it comes to keeping up with my blogging - however if that is the only thing I have been slack with of late then I am VERY happy...

So much has happened since my last blog that I need to update you ....

So I started my new job and I am LOVING it - the people are great, the hours are flexible and the work is so interesting! I am involved in coordinating all of they psychometric tests and reports and it is really interesting to see how people went. Anyhow .. I have had to change gyms simply due to the fact that working in the city which is an easy 40mins from home (over an hour in peak traffic) was making life too difficult for me to make my sessions and training ended up becoming more of a drag then it did a enjoyment. So I made the change - I joined a gym down the road from work and straight away signed myself up for a trainer - Alastair.

I am still on target for my goal my eating is still as good as ever and now with my revised eating plan (which I will post) I am sure my results will just be heightened. It is always good to shock your body when it comes to eating and exercise.

Speaking of shocking your body from exercise, my body needed 5 whole days to recover from the 2 weights sessions I had with Alastair. I felt muscles aching I never knew existed and I loved every bit of it!

I feel empowered everytime I train, everytime I push myself further and further to lift heavier weights, to last longer in sets, to just continue to be fit and healthy.

Alastair is aware of my history which is great because everytime I think of 'quitting' a set he instantly will remind me of the reason I am there .... sure enough his little words of wonder work and I kick arse in my session!

I am so lucky to be surrounding myself with like minded people - it helps to have a partner like Brad who is just as committed (probably even more than me) when it comes to his health and fitness. The more I get into this 'world' so to speak the more I love to be surrounded by people who are on the same path.

I really have learnt over the past few weeks that if you are doing something you don't love ....then don't - you have a power called CHOICE (we all know I have mentioned this a fair few times) It is because I really believe in this. We have the choice to be in a job we either love or hate ...we have the choice to be in a relationship with someone we adore or despise we have a choice to have friends we like or can't stand - we have a choice in life to choose our surroundings, our influences and our journey - sure we can't always select what turn we want to take but we CAN have the choice in the mindset we wish to have.

So before I leave you with my eating plan and a few recipe ideas I ask you ... is 'YOUR' world as good as it can be ???

My Eating Plan

Upon Waking –
1 teaspoon liverplex
1 teaspoon Vitamin C powder

Meal 1
50g Quick Oats
10g Protein Powder

Meal 2
100g Chicken Breast
200g Broccoli

Meal 3
100g Chicken Breast
150g Baby Spinach

Meal 4
50g Natural Almonds

Meal 5
150g Lean Beef
100g Cous Cous

25g Old Gold Dark Chock (equiv. 1 row)



Ok so the above is a rough basis - you can substitute any of the protein portions for another form of protein – so Fish, Red Meat, Tuna ETC


If you get hungry you are able to add green leafy salad to any of your meals ...or if you don’t feel like steak & coucous for dinner than have steak and salad or steak and steamed vegies (always try for green colour vegies that are easier to break down and not so high in carbs)

If you want fruit you can eat it at breakfast – but its naturally really high in sugar so definitely not recommended after lunch.

As for the breakfast I eat my oats with skinny milk and then I have a normal protein shake (Evolve Slow Whey) - also have this shake throughout the day if I get hungry and or just before bed – I limit myself to 2 a day – (this is due to my main goal being weight loss and converting my body fat % into lean muscle)

Obviously need to make sure you have the min 8 glasses of water a day.

Get creative in the kitchen and find new ways to make chicken ... one of my favourites is to lightly do a quick grill just until the chicken is sealed then throw the pieces into shallow boiling water that has Lemon, dollop of honey, herbs and black peppercorns ... remove once cooked - they will infuse the flavour its delish!


Another great one is to again seal the chicken the add them to a low salt tomato based sauce - add a load of fresh herbs to the mix and black pepper ....YUMMO!!!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

I am Healthy, I am Strong I am Focussed!











Life couldnt get any better right now ....

Yes it has been forever and a day that I have posted my last blog, what can I say apart from the fact that I have been one very busy lady!

Firstly - my challenge is going quiet well, I wont lie and say I have been an angel - I have fallen off the wagon many times with cheat meals here and there ~ however I definitely have not slacked off on my training - if anything I have picked it up a notch! I am back to being focused this week, it is all about being prepared, focused and set on achieving my goal.

I am holding my weight down at 57kg ...pretty excited about that considering I am training my butt off in the weights department setting personal bests with each session. I tell you what has been an added motivator ... seeing family and friends that I haven't seen in a while and their jaws dropping to the ground telling me I look so fit and healthy - I love it!

Along with all of the above I have finally started studying my Cert 3&4 course, my gosh it is far more in depth than I realised... but very interesting to say the least.

I got a job in the CBD working for a HR Consultancy company as a HR Administrator ... something I am very excited to be starting in a matter of weeks. They will teach me everything there is to know about being a successful business person along with all the right tools to run a successful business. They seem like an AMAZING company to work for. I am hoping that it will teach me very valuable lessons moving forward when I start my PT business - for now its all about learning and growing!

Brad & I are excited that our block settles at the end of the month - WOOHOO .... cant wait! I also have my cousins wedding in 2 weeks in which I am her maid of honour ...I told you I have been a very busy lady!!

I also have started 'virtually' started talking to a partner of Brads friend who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer and has already had her mastectomy ... and soon starts chemo - Everytime I meet a woman touched by the disease it actually empowers me - why?? Their strength and courage to rise above the disease and to live their life as a powerful and blessed woman is literally amazing - it gives me goosebumps every time I think about it!

Till next time

Peace and Love x

Sunday, August 2, 2009

The DD

So I am at the start of week 3 ... so far I am feeling PUMPED! I have been doing really well over the past two weeks and have noticed one common factor about this challenge..... It requires Determination & Discipline to get the job done!

It is so easy to get caught up in an environment when you are around social groups to indulge in a soft drink, wine , junk food etc but all you need to do is remember what your doing and why you are doing it. Focus on the end result you want to achieve and saying no to temptation does get easier with time.

This week is all about organising myself better. I really need to arrange better work hours so that I can easily fit in my 3x weight sessions a week along with my 2x cardio sessions with my specific cardio coach and of course my own daily cardio treadmill sessions. At the moment I am finding that at times I am running around like a headless chook trying to fit everything in, thats not the way life should be so I am slowly making some adjustments and changes.

My number 1 priority is myself and my own goals, if you put everyone else 1st you will always end up coming last. It can be difficult to put your foot down at times, especially if you are like me and always want to make people happy and never want to disappoint anyone else - truth is, you will only let yourself down in the end.

I am looking forward to a few more brilliant cardio sessions with my sis Julie - we spur each other on and can get a lil competitive at times lol but all in good fun. I have a love hate relationship with my weights training but it will all be worth it in the end.

So bring on this coming week I say - lets step it up a notch and remember the DD!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

First week over with ..

My first week has ended and I feel amazing! I cannot believe the results after just one week of really disciplined eating and of course amped up exercise.

I originally weighed in at 59.2 for my starting weight, after my first week I now weigh 57.8 and the best part about it was I am doing it the right..healthy way. I have been eating a minimum of 6 meals a day ..all jam packed with heaps of protein. Ive made sure my carbs are only in my breakfast and lunch and my dinner has been a simple portion of protein with a mound of healthy vegies and or salad. I feel fantastic!

Last night was my 'cheat' night so Brad and I went out for dinner with Per & Louise and we indulged in some amazing woodfire oven pizza. Nothing beats good quality food. Even more so now I appreciate it.

Back to my routine of 'healthy eating' and I look forward to working hard this week again until my next cheat meal. I think Brad & I have decided to this on Friday or Saturday nights. Its good to have it near the same day each week - but also it gives us the option of being able to enjoy slightly 'grubby' food with friends/family, rather than our normal portion controlled grilled home meals.

Today I am off to check out some exercise equipment with Brad. I am so excited! We are changing our spare room into a cardio room. We both need to step up our cardio sessions and to always have to pay a casual session at the gym is getting ridiculous. this way we can invest in some good pieces of equipment and a) never have an excuse not to exercise as it will be convenient and b) save money in the long run.

I am also going to look at potentially getting a cardio trainer just for the duration of this challenge but will let you know further after the week ahead.

I'm off to enjoy this beautiful sunshine!

x

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Day 6

Day 6 and I have hit a slight hurdle .. I have tonsillitis :(

I had to cancel my training session today and had to call in sick to work for the next few days as I am on antibiotics and need to rest.

Yesterday I actually had a fab day. I worked a split shift am/pm and in between I had a very hard but rewarding legs/shoulder program with Aaron. I might whinge and complain during the session as it really does push my limits but I am very grateful afterwards and not to mention proud of my achievements!

Seeing as though today I am unable to train I am making sure my eating is spot on. I have made sure I eat every 3 hours with high protein meals (no carbs today - if I don't work out then I tend to stick to a protein only day).

I have also made sure I take all my supplements including my multivitamin, fish oil and vitamin C.

Only a short post as I am about to go lay down and rest some more. I am hoping I will be recovered enough by tomorrow to at least be sociable. Right now however I am so tired my throat is so sore that I just want to sit in silence.

Have a great day :)

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Day 4

Day 4 and I am still feeling fabulous!

A few family/friends in Adelaide said to me over the weekend how well I was looking at how amazed they are at my positive outlook. People that is because it is a choice of mindset. Never will I play the poor me victim act - never will I allow myself to feel defeated because of this disease and the second I decide to play the 'poor me ... why me ... its so hard you don't understand what it is like card ... well then I will have only failed myself; and that is something I REFUSE to do! I have far too much self respect to allow someone else to dictate my outcome in life - whilst I may not be able to steer the exact path this disease takes me on, I know that if my day comes because of it, I know I can at least lie their on my death bed with nothing but pride for the way I carried myself through this journey.... That is my choice and I will have it no other way.

As for my challenge ...I have loaded myself up with a heap of books/mags to make sure I am forever keeping inspired by other healthy like minded individuals who made a change in their diets and exercise for the better. One common thing I keep coming across with interviews from professionals in the industry of weight loss/natural BB etc is that people are misguided into thinking you need to spend hours at the gym or that you need to starve yourself to get results - when truthfully its the complete opposite.

I love that my gym sessions are capped at 45mins (weights or cardio) and that my eating is all about eating 6 loaded meals throughout the day that never have me feeling hungry. God could you actually imagine trying to sustain yourself on a 'diet' (urgh hate that word) that makes you feel hungry? That instantly to me tells you it isn't right or healthy. We are lucky enough to have so many wonderful healthy options at our fingertips and god knows if we are really truly counting every calorie (not for me - no thanks) but if we are then we can at least be munching down on celery sticks!

I feel allot lighter and I must admit stronger. I even feel as though my posture is getting better also.

I am about to head for another session with Aaron (cant wait for the after feeling of success), then I am off to the movies tonight to see Harry Potter.





Saturday, July 18, 2009

Day 1

Today has been a brilliant day!

Louise slept over and we made sure we got to bed early and all got a good nights rest, ready for a big day. After a yummy breakfast of weetbix, yoghurt and my new morning supplement mix we headed out to Sydney Road with Louise' mum to see Louise try on a few wedding dresses.

There were 5 dresses in the mix but this one particular dress (the first one that she tried on) was amazing. Louise looked stunning, so much so that I actually got teary as it was just so beautiful on her. She tried on some others which were nice but when she put on the first dress again it was apparent it was the one. Yet again I managed to shed a tear, I cant explain it - she just looked breathtaking!

After our fun morning we had some lunch of grilled chicken wraps and headed for a pt session with Aaron. We did a mixed bag of triceps, shoulders, lunges, step ups and of course sit ups ... I hate sit ups! Sure enough at the end of it I felt amazing!

Now I have just finished packing my bags and I am heading out to the airport ..off to Adelaide I go. I cannot wait to see my son, parent and my sister again. It will be a great few days.

Hopefully I will get time to blog whilst I am away - for now I am just looking forward to my yummy dinner b4 I fly out!

x

Ready & Pumped

So today was spent finalising my preparations for my start in the BodyBlitz Challenge!

My vision board is complete and wow - it is amazing. I love it! I love staring at it and really in visioning these pictures and words becoming more and more apart of my life.

I have done all my grocery shopping and made sure I have prepared all my portion sizes for my fish, chicken and steaks into 100g lots, this will take away so much time during the week and will help ensure I have no excuses for not being able to cook the right meals.

I am seeing Aaron tomorrow to finalise my program and have all my measurements etc taken. I really am excited. Today I was so excited that I went to Curves for a workout with Louise ..then after a day of shopping (which had me spoilt my Brad with 2 hot leather jackets by 'white suede' ) anyhow even after a full day I then went to Powercore to complete my cardio of 20 mins of hard walking on a incline of 8 at a pace of 7... man did I sweat and boy were my legs and butt killing! I nearly gave up at the 5 minuet mark but I kept imagining myself during the body blitz challenge and next thing I knew my 20 mins were up!

I came home, feeling amazing from a brilliant day and decided to pump the music up and clean the house. I love incidental workouts like this and to do it whilst listening and dancing to my favourite tunes make it even more bliss.

I have just finished having a yummy dinner with Brad & Louise of delicious grilled gummy shark fillets ... vegies and a yum salad which included loads of greens including celery, alfalfa sprouts and mung beans - YUM!

I'm headed now to relax in front of the telly to watch Collingwood vs Hawthorn - All I can say is GO THE PIES!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Time for a challenge!

Its Friday night and finally I have some me time.

After I finish this blog Brad & I are going to sit down in front of the telly to watch the footy and complete our vision boards. I cant wait to see how they turn out! I have been so excited and pumped about them.

Work has been good ... Its nice to have members come up to me and say that I am an inspiration because they see me keeping a positive mindset and exercising myself, its great to get such good feedback - however some women I am sure mean well when they get talking to me about my cancer but obviously forget when they then continue to talk about their sister, mother or friend who died of breast cancer because it spread after a year or two. This has proved to be a challenge for me to remain positive and to not let these stories effect my own mindset but I will be honest in saying it sure as hell does make me think from time to time about my situation .. it even has me questioning am I actually in the clear?

Needless to say even with all the daily struggles with these thoughts I have decided to set myself a new and exciting goal. One that is based around health and fitness and will really help me be at my healthiest state ever - both inside and out.

I am going to enter the Body Blitz challenge ....eeeekkk cant believe I just wrote that - its actually out there and now I have to stick to it. Man I am excited, nervous and freaking out lol - in all honesty I am excited as hell! I have got myself a top trainer - Aaron, he is a gun - really challenges me both physically and mentally. I think its good to find a trainer that is like minded and Aaron sure is - he is positive and really believes in the power of choice and the power of the law of attraction. I have managed to convince Brad to do it with me as it will be easier when we look at working out together and of course supporting each other with meals etc.

I am giving myself this weekend to get prepared with completing my vision board and making sure Aaron has scheduled in my training sessions and of course come up with a kick arse eating plan ..12 weeks is a long time so I am going to get proper food/exercise diaries to keep us on track - I will use this blog to report how its going too and of course I need to buy a massive calender so we can count down the days haha.

I am going to ask my sisters if they are keen to do it too (forget my sister Suzy - her body is perfect .. I dont know how she does it but she does) ... I am also going to try ...yes try and convince Louise ... the more the merrier I say and it will be so much easier if a few people do it as we can help each other stay motivated and on track.

Anyways - I'm out! x

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

zzzzzzzzzzz

This morning I started work at the crack of dawn so up I jumped at 5am to make sure I was ready in time. I worked through till 12 then headed home for a quick half hour nana nap before I got up and gave the house a once over ... vacuum, mopping, washing - the usual things that tend to pile up if I don't keep on top of them.

Back to work I went at 3.30 and managed to finish up at 7. I am so tired! I made sure I kept up with loads of yummy meals throughout the day, if I didn't I'm sure I would have collapsed with exhaustion. I finished my night with the yummiest grilled chicken, veg and salad. I was actually contemplating have wood fire oven pizza for dinner but decided to have the healthier choice of a nice home cooked meal. I was grateful - it left me feeling settled not bloated and lethargic like greasy food tends to do.

I really am starting to make more conscious efforts of what is good for my system and what is not. There is one thing I need to work on however ... that is getting myself way more sleep!

I was super excited and proud to hear today that Brads mum joined a curves in her area. It makes me happy to know that she is doing what she can to be fit and healthy. Every time I hear about another person taking measures to live a healthier and more positive life it really does make me smile.

I love it when I ring my mum and she has just finished her daily power walk on the treadmill. You go girl!

It still baffles and amazes me at the massive amount of people who aren't active .. especially those who have no real reason not to be, except for the same old boring pathetic excuse of I have no time. Living a healthy lifestyle including making time for exercise should be like brushing your teeth daily. Our healths are our most important assets in life...not the car we drive or the house we live in ... our bodies and minds are what get us through each day at a time. Yet it is the one thing that so many people tend to neglect and not to forget abuse.

My vision board is still coming along nicely .. slowly but nicely. It is not something I want to rush and knock over in a night. I cannot wait for it to be complete!

I am getting really tired now and I need to be at Aarons for a 6am session so I better be off to bed ... I start work at 8.30am and wont get to finish till 7pm zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Monday, July 13, 2009

Energy

Its now 9.30pm and I feel as though today I have not stopped.

I woke up at 5.15 this morning to hit Aarons with Brad. We had an excellent session. It was great because we set some exciting new goals relating to 'body image' and in a few weeks Brad and I will do a 12 week challenge together to help get into our best shape yet. This is especially a HUGE goal of Brads before he hits 30 early next year.

Today I made sure I was snacking every 3 hours during work with lots of protein fuelled meals like yoghurt, salt free nuts, grilled chicken and of course a yummy protein shake.

After finally getting home at 7.30pm I quickly whipped up some delicious vegies with lean grilled steaks and salad. I feel so completely satisfied.

I am going to continue working on my vision board for a little while but then it is straight off to bed to try and get some decent sleep. I have a long day tomorrow with a split shift starting at 6.15am along with another Guitar Hero play off with all the Metallica classics lol.

One thing I am missing since having started work is the relaxed moments .. lately I just feel like everything is so rushed. Hopefully my hours settle down more and then I can get myself into more of a routine with general life rather then running my life around my work hours.

x

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Vision It .....

I cant believe that my weekend is already over! I find them so much more precious now that i actually have to work. Who would have thought hey.

This morning I woke up excited and ready for a different session with Aaron as this time I was taking along my twin, Julie ...

I was all pumped and prepared to do a massive weights session when he turned around to tell me we were doing a full session based on a 5kg medicine ball and body resistance intervals .... ummm what?? I hate the medicine ball I instantly groaned!

Needless to say we went about our session with a range of overhead throws .. followed by push ups (on our toes) and then more squats and throws etc .. I was completely pooped to the point I thought my arms and legs were going to give way! It sure was a great feeling to have a different kind of work out on my body, the 'shock' of no heavy weights definitely hit home on my muscles but I loved every bit of it. I always do ....after the session that is lol during it I hate it haha:)

By the end of my workout which I might add Julie did really well at too ... Aaron gave me a new revised eating plan .. Julie & I hit the shop straight away to stock up on all the requirements to see us through the week.

I absolutely LOVE grocery shopping. Most people loathe it but I really enjoy filling up my trolley with yummy fresh foods and getting excited knowing that I can prepare and of course enjoy eating all the delicious things I have packed my trolley with.

Its 10.05pm and I think I am going to continue working on cutting out pictures and images for my vision board - I actually find it quiet addictive. Its amazing what you end up cutting out without even realising it. I am beyond excited about what my finished product will look like and more so I look forward to reflecting on it every day from then on.

Vision Boards are so powerful and I cannot highly recommend them enough. Some people think they are wanky ... I just think its a better way to write up your goals and desires in life rather than writing down words in boring blue ink on white ruled piece of paper ... Visualisation people that is the key!

Brad has his first session with Aaron tomorrow ~ haha I cant stop laughing cause I know he wont be able to walk for days after hehe - love it! It will be good to be able to share this common interest also. Every now and then we may even do a few double sessions together, which is always loads of fun.

x

Saturday, July 11, 2009

For whom the bell tolls ....

Well what can I say.. but it sure is working! Today I made a real conscious effort to not allow my phone to interrupt me whilst I was in the company of others.

Whilst I was at Per & Lou's house for Per's birthday I made sure I put my phone on silent (figured if there was an emergency they knew my sister Julie would be with me so they could easily call her if needed) ...anyhow ~ I my phone went on silent and I truly did have an amazing night!

I enjoyed the company .. good conversation ...lots of yummy food (including a few cake indulgences which I will be working off pronto come rise tomorrow with a personal training session with Aaron along with a spin class with Julie and my cousin Vanessa).

We ended up playing guitar hero - Jeez .. who would have thought it could be so fun and not to mention what a good release of pressure or tension from the past week!

Per was on guitar, Julie on the drums, Louise on Base and I belted out tunes to Metallica ... For whom the bell tolls was one of the best songs to sing!! haha

Sure enough when I checked my phone when I got home I had 2 messages and a missed call but none that were important enough to interrupt my night. All in all I am adjusting to the less phone usage or awareness in front of the company of others and I have to say I am really enjoying that!

I'm off to bed now ... so tired! Last night I slept for 11 hours, tonight wont be so long as its already 1.16am and I have to be up and ready to go by 9am.

If you bored and you don't have guitar hero try getting your favourite tunes ..pumping them up loud on the home stereo system and literally just belting out tunes as you dance - it is so uplifting and a fantastic stress reliever and leaves you feeling brilliant!!!

x

Friday, July 10, 2009

The Now

Have you noticed how much the world has changed since we got mobile phones and facebook? It is insane!

I have come to take more note of how many of us (including myself) no longer fully appreciate the 'now' as much as we really should since technology has been taking over our lives!

Think back to the old days when there were no mobiles and internet still hadnt hit the big time market .. now imagine the times that visitors would come over, be it a family member, bestfriend, boyfriend etc ... really think back at those times and I dont know about you but I can assure you that I remember completely being wrapped up in the moment of having those people in company at the time .. nothing else mattered, nothing else distracted me .. it was all about the 'now'...

Take a look now at the persent time, Im sure you will notice that now when we are in the presence of company if our mobile phone rings we will instantly cut conversation and say hold on and get busy answering the call ... or we jump to reply to an sms ...that then leads into another 5.

Dont worry, I am just the same - however I have now noticed this lack of appreciation for the people we have in our lives in the moment of 'now' and moving forward I am going to make a concious effort that my phone or any other distractions that can actually wait do exactly that ....wait... whilst I have the company of loved ones and friends I am going to do my best to give them my full attention ~ afterall, they have made the effort to be with me face to face, the least I can do is repay that effort and time of theirs by focusing on them not my mobile!

Its funny, so many people find mobiles as a lifeline these days - I was one of them ... but not for any longer. I have actually started to use my mobile alot less over the past few weeks and especially when it comes to using it whilst Im with others and I have already noticed a HUGE difference! I appreciate and actually enjoy my 'now' time so much more!

I am just about to get ready for the gym .. I have a workout with Louise this morning which I am looking forward to.. then I have my First Aid training that will chew up most of my day .. Tonight I have Pers birthday, so I figure I will allow myself to indulge in a yummy slice of cake... I have been working out hard this week and have watched what I eat so indulgement it is!

Julie is down from Singapore and yesterday we went and bought HEAPS of magazines ... holidays, health, fashion, etc etc and we are going to start making our vision boards tomorrow .. Ill blog about this in my next post - It is important for us all to keep ourselves on our toes .. we need to continue push ourselves to achieve greater things in life because I can guarantee we wont get it by sitting on our butts and expecting someone else to do it for us ... Conceive, Believe, Create, Succeed ~ vision boards are a great way to get motivated.

I cannot wait! I am excited to see what will naturally fall into place on mine ... and then seeing how they differ from Julies - everyone has different goals,wants and needs in life so it is important not to compare but rather 'share' in the delights of your own ...

Brrrrrr its windy and cold but I am still going to make it to the gym ~ remember people that choice of mind is what stops us from achieving the great wonders that the universe has to offer us!

Much love x

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Release the past ....

Many of us use our painful pasts as a good excuse for accomplishing nothing. The pain can act as a dam that blocks the flow of your life or a painful burn that scars your existence.

You can use the pain and let it become the energy and passion that move you. The choice of how you use it is yours. Release the dam and use the energy of the released waters to propel you. Use the heat and light created by the flame to warm you and illuminate your way. Have the courage to break down the barriers and move forward.

It is easier to blame the past that to create your future. Where do you want to live; in the past or in the now, creating a better future?

Hate and fear destroy life and keep us holding on to pain. Instead use the pain in your life to create something meaningful.