"It's only a Mountain" is the title of a book I just finished reading. It's the story of Dick & Rick Hoyt (father & son) men of iron... triathlon racers. If you need some inspiration & motivation read this book. You will never look at your life quite the same ever again.
We are so blessed with good health yet we take it for granted much of the time... We abuse our bodies by the food we eat, the lack of exercise, daily stress, lack of sleep... the list goes on & on!
I have become more conscious of how I mistreat my own body in all the afore mentioned areas. I'm not getting any younger (aging is not an option... I wish it was!) So I have committed to myself to get back into walking 2-3 times a week. And so far I have kept my commitment... In fact, I have just five min. to throw on my sweats and get out the door! Happy Monday morning to you all! Lets all take better care of our bodies (we won't get another one!) God bless us all!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Dust, cobwebs, and Clutter
My name is Joyce. I am a clutter-bug.
I stood in my garage and looked around. "I need to get RID of so much stuff!" I thought. I HAVE gotten rid of stuff before. How did it get back in here?
To ensure my success, I ask my friend Betsy, to help me. It was overwhelming... I have stuff in there that is 35-45 years old. Any mother would understand... that precious little pair of over-rauls my daughter wore when she was 1 year old (she is now 47), that little red cow-boy hat that has lost all it's shape, which my son wore constantly when he was 2-3 years old (he is now 35).
I was immobilized... not knowing where to begin. I felt like I had cobwebs in my brain. I couldn't think. As Betsy opened trunks with old clothing & memories ... I felt drained... wiped out! Thank goodness I had the foresight to pull out a couple of lawn chairs because I soon found myself sinking into one. My body felt strange and heavy. When I opened my eyes, Betsy was pushing bottled water at me. "Hydrate!" she said. (She had warned me... "If you ask me to help, I WILL help!") And she WAS helping! I needed help!
What saved me ... we made a box for my son with his keepsakes & one for my daughter with her keepsakes. Now THEY will decide what they'd like to keep... That took the pressure off. (Of course we made a box for me too.)
"Do you really think you'll EVER wear this 35 yr old dress again?" Betsy asked. Into the Goodwill box the dress went. She laughed as she reached deep into a dusty box and pulled out a stack of 8 year old Sunset Magazines. "I don't need these now," I said and into the dumpster they went. (Although... now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder if I should've at least looked at the pictures for my 2011 dream board? It's not too late... Betsy will never know!)
We sat in our chairs and thumbed through some old cookbooks which belonged to my Mom. The Home Menu Cook Book by Myrtle Calkins, (I love that name!) copyright 1934... a good example. The pictures alone were priceless! For once, Betsy & I agreed... we should get together & try some of the recipes.
There was no stopping that girl... relentless! But when she held up ..."Oh my goodness!" I screamed, "That is my original Dick and Jane reader!" I felt like I had found an old friend! "What ever will you do with this?" she asked. I grabbed my water bottle... hydrate!
The process of sorting... decluttering... discarding...
Raised by Depression-era parents, I was imbued with a "Save Everything" philosophy. So, this garage cleaning could take a very long time! Progress WAS made today, really,it was. But there's a long way to go!
Before she left, Betsy said, "Make paths... seperate what we've done, we'll do this one day a week until it's done!"
Clearing out what is no longer relevant to my life opens the way ... allows me to look at ALL parts of my life. I can see that what matters most to me is NOW... not the past.
"All those memories of things past can be a real deterrent to moving forward." -Ciji Ware. "If you're not moving forward, you're standing still." -unknown
Happy spring cleaning! Keep moving forward!
I stood in my garage and looked around. "I need to get RID of so much stuff!" I thought. I HAVE gotten rid of stuff before. How did it get back in here?
To ensure my success, I ask my friend Betsy, to help me. It was overwhelming... I have stuff in there that is 35-45 years old. Any mother would understand... that precious little pair of over-rauls my daughter wore when she was 1 year old (she is now 47), that little red cow-boy hat that has lost all it's shape, which my son wore constantly when he was 2-3 years old (he is now 35).
I was immobilized... not knowing where to begin. I felt like I had cobwebs in my brain. I couldn't think. As Betsy opened trunks with old clothing & memories ... I felt drained... wiped out! Thank goodness I had the foresight to pull out a couple of lawn chairs because I soon found myself sinking into one. My body felt strange and heavy. When I opened my eyes, Betsy was pushing bottled water at me. "Hydrate!" she said. (She had warned me... "If you ask me to help, I WILL help!") And she WAS helping! I needed help!
What saved me ... we made a box for my son with his keepsakes & one for my daughter with her keepsakes. Now THEY will decide what they'd like to keep... That took the pressure off. (Of course we made a box for me too.)
"Do you really think you'll EVER wear this 35 yr old dress again?" Betsy asked. Into the Goodwill box the dress went. She laughed as she reached deep into a dusty box and pulled out a stack of 8 year old Sunset Magazines. "I don't need these now," I said and into the dumpster they went. (Although... now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder if I should've at least looked at the pictures for my 2011 dream board? It's not too late... Betsy will never know!)
We sat in our chairs and thumbed through some old cookbooks which belonged to my Mom. The Home Menu Cook Book by Myrtle Calkins, (I love that name!) copyright 1934... a good example. The pictures alone were priceless! For once, Betsy & I agreed... we should get together & try some of the recipes.
There was no stopping that girl... relentless! But when she held up ..."Oh my goodness!" I screamed, "That is my original Dick and Jane reader!" I felt like I had found an old friend! "What ever will you do with this?" she asked. I grabbed my water bottle... hydrate!
The process of sorting... decluttering... discarding...
Raised by Depression-era parents, I was imbued with a "Save Everything" philosophy. So, this garage cleaning could take a very long time! Progress WAS made today, really,it was. But there's a long way to go!
Before she left, Betsy said, "Make paths... seperate what we've done, we'll do this one day a week until it's done!"
Clearing out what is no longer relevant to my life opens the way ... allows me to look at ALL parts of my life. I can see that what matters most to me is NOW... not the past.
"All those memories of things past can be a real deterrent to moving forward." -Ciji Ware. "If you're not moving forward, you're standing still." -unknown
Happy spring cleaning! Keep moving forward!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
One Foot in Front of the Other
I did it! I walked 3 mornings this week! It was hard... don't laugh. I haven't walked in months and every single muscle in my body felt it. It almost felt like it was the first time. I'm not kidding! I got shin splints yesterday... still a little sore today. I was pounding that pavement!
It's back to work tomorrow... those 12 hr. shifts are calling me... Yeah! LOL
It's back to work tomorrow... those 12 hr. shifts are calling me... Yeah! LOL
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Dreams
I just had lunch with 10 beautiful positive ladies who's hearts are filled with hopes and dreams. We talked about plans and goals, we ate too much, we laughed a lot and shared the happenings of our lives with each other.
Never let anyone steal your dreams from you. We're never too old to dream. Sometimes when life happens and gets in the way, we forget how to dream. Or we let the events in our lives make us forget our dreams.
I've been relearning about the power of association. We are the reflexion of the people we spend our time with. I feel blessed to have these ladies in my life. There is a lot of power in relationships. I am thankful and honored to have a positive and joyful sisterhood with my fellow business women of Monavie.
I recently finished reading "Three Feet From Gold" by Greg Reid and Sharon Leehter. This book encourages us to discover personal success and to never give up. I highly recommend this book if you haven't already read it.
Dream big ... don't wait ... and don't let anyone steal your dreams!
Never let anyone steal your dreams from you. We're never too old to dream. Sometimes when life happens and gets in the way, we forget how to dream. Or we let the events in our lives make us forget our dreams.
I've been relearning about the power of association. We are the reflexion of the people we spend our time with. I feel blessed to have these ladies in my life. There is a lot of power in relationships. I am thankful and honored to have a positive and joyful sisterhood with my fellow business women of Monavie.
I recently finished reading "Three Feet From Gold" by Greg Reid and Sharon Leehter. This book encourages us to discover personal success and to never give up. I highly recommend this book if you haven't already read it.
Dream big ... don't wait ... and don't let anyone steal your dreams!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
My Husbands Socks
They are warm and cozy, comfortable not confining ... so good for lounging.
Not just the socks but ... his tee shirts too. I'd much rather wear his tee shirts than my own. Again, they are loose and comfortable but... here's a bonus... I feel small inside them!
Now I'm out of control because I have taken over his pj bottoms also! I'm shameless! The poor man has nothing left.
I look at my self in the mirror as I dash past it. Yes, I'm adorable, comfortable AND small!
I can't explain the love I feel when I put these items on. You know what I mean, don't you? Am I wierd?
I remember when my husband used to travel 3-4 days out of the week. I also remember how I hated being alone! I just couldn't get used to it. But when I slipped on one of his shirts... with the sent of his cologne lingering ... that helped me feel closer to him... not so alone.
This man is the love that I cherish. He makes me feel special and unforgettable. He is my rock... he accepts me unconditionally. I can lean on him. I can laugh and be silly with him because he is my best friend. There are so many things we enjoy doing together. We often reminisce about how it took us a long time to find each other... and agree that there is no other we enjoy being with more.
We fell in love on Valentine's Day.
He cooked for me and gave me a single red rose. I placed it into a empty wine bottle with water. One day I noticed that the petals had fallen off. It looked dead and I started to throw away. But I saw that it had grown long roots. So of course I planted it. Over time, we moved and I uprooted the now large rose bush and transplanted it at our new location. We moved twice before we settled in Rocklin. The rose bush was replanted each time. Every year it's roses are a deep deep red and lightly sented. I call it our Valentine Rose. I fuss over it... give it all the tender loving care it needs. It has become a symbol of the undying love that we have shared for over 10 years.
Happy Valentine's Day to all you love birds out there!
Not just the socks but ... his tee shirts too. I'd much rather wear his tee shirts than my own. Again, they are loose and comfortable but... here's a bonus... I feel small inside them!
Now I'm out of control because I have taken over his pj bottoms also! I'm shameless! The poor man has nothing left.
I look at my self in the mirror as I dash past it. Yes, I'm adorable, comfortable AND small!
I can't explain the love I feel when I put these items on. You know what I mean, don't you? Am I wierd?
I remember when my husband used to travel 3-4 days out of the week. I also remember how I hated being alone! I just couldn't get used to it. But when I slipped on one of his shirts... with the sent of his cologne lingering ... that helped me feel closer to him... not so alone.
This man is the love that I cherish. He makes me feel special and unforgettable. He is my rock... he accepts me unconditionally. I can lean on him. I can laugh and be silly with him because he is my best friend. There are so many things we enjoy doing together. We often reminisce about how it took us a long time to find each other... and agree that there is no other we enjoy being with more.
We fell in love on Valentine's Day.
He cooked for me and gave me a single red rose. I placed it into a empty wine bottle with water. One day I noticed that the petals had fallen off. It looked dead and I started to throw away. But I saw that it had grown long roots. So of course I planted it. Over time, we moved and I uprooted the now large rose bush and transplanted it at our new location. We moved twice before we settled in Rocklin. The rose bush was replanted each time. Every year it's roses are a deep deep red and lightly sented. I call it our Valentine Rose. I fuss over it... give it all the tender loving care it needs. It has become a symbol of the undying love that we have shared for over 10 years.
Happy Valentine's Day to all you love birds out there!
Monday, February 8, 2010
One Day at a Time
Early in my childhood I recall being tucked warmly in bed and hearing Mama in the kitchen. (most likely making peanut butter fudge.) In the background the radio would be playing a Hank Williams tune ... "There's a tear in my beer..." or something similar.
But as an adult, the song that I remember her singing the most is "One Day At a Time, Sweet Jesus...."
That is my motto, one day at a time.... no matter what, I can do it... one day at a time! I can work those long hard 12 hour shifts... one day at a time! I can walk this out-of-shape body for 30 minutes a day if I say to my self... one day at a time! (only 30 min. to go!) I can do ANYTHING if I take it one day at a time! I can believe in myself again, over and over, I can lose that 10 pounds. I know I can! I'll do my best and let God do the rest! That says it all. Do my best... Let God take over ... He'll do the rest.
But as an adult, the song that I remember her singing the most is "One Day At a Time, Sweet Jesus...."
That is my motto, one day at a time.... no matter what, I can do it... one day at a time! I can work those long hard 12 hour shifts... one day at a time! I can walk this out-of-shape body for 30 minutes a day if I say to my self... one day at a time! (only 30 min. to go!) I can do ANYTHING if I take it one day at a time! I can believe in myself again, over and over, I can lose that 10 pounds. I know I can! I'll do my best and let God do the rest! That says it all. Do my best... Let God take over ... He'll do the rest.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I Am So Fired Up!
God, family, then business... that's what I'm so fired up about! I can't help it. It's true!
I just spent 5 hours with a group of positive people... people who put self-improvement first. And positive affirmations are a big part of self-improvement. Have you ever ask, why DO we beat ourselves up so much? Do you know what I mean?
"The committee" I call them... you know, those voices that put us down, that call us names, that talk the negative talk all the time. Yes! Them! Sometime in our past we learned to communicate this way with our selves.
Oh, okay... so THAT is why we are so down on ourselves.... why we beat ourselves up, why we humiliate and degrade ourselves.
We wouldn't talk to a stranger... let along a best Friend... the way we talk to ourselves. And that's okay? What is wrong with this picture?
Respect, uplift, edify, embrace... accept, acknowledge, love... these are gifts we FREELY give to our best friends.
THAT'S the answer... we need to talk to ourselves as if we were talking to our own best friend. Understand?
I get it. I really do!
It goes like this: "Joyce, you are a beautiful woman. Why do you put yourself down? Why do you call yourself fat and loath your image in the mirror? I am proud of you for loosing 2 pounds no matter how long it took, and for going for a 30 min. walk yesterday! You are my very best friend and I love you! It is tough to instill new habits. Get over yourself!"
I feel better now. What a great friend I am to myself!
I'm going to write 8-10 positive affermations for myself and read them aloud every day... I am successful... I can lose 10 pounds... I love you (me)...I like you (me)... I am beautiful... I am smart... I am a leader!!!!
I am so fired up!!!
I just spent 5 hours with a group of positive people... people who put self-improvement first. And positive affirmations are a big part of self-improvement. Have you ever ask, why DO we beat ourselves up so much? Do you know what I mean?
"The committee" I call them... you know, those voices that put us down, that call us names, that talk the negative talk all the time. Yes! Them! Sometime in our past we learned to communicate this way with our selves.
Oh, okay... so THAT is why we are so down on ourselves.... why we beat ourselves up, why we humiliate and degrade ourselves.
We wouldn't talk to a stranger... let along a best Friend... the way we talk to ourselves. And that's okay? What is wrong with this picture?
Respect, uplift, edify, embrace... accept, acknowledge, love... these are gifts we FREELY give to our best friends.
THAT'S the answer... we need to talk to ourselves as if we were talking to our own best friend. Understand?
I get it. I really do!
It goes like this: "Joyce, you are a beautiful woman. Why do you put yourself down? Why do you call yourself fat and loath your image in the mirror? I am proud of you for loosing 2 pounds no matter how long it took, and for going for a 30 min. walk yesterday! You are my very best friend and I love you! It is tough to instill new habits. Get over yourself!"
I feel better now. What a great friend I am to myself!
I'm going to write 8-10 positive affermations for myself and read them aloud every day... I am successful... I can lose 10 pounds... I love you (me)...I like you (me)... I am beautiful... I am smart... I am a leader!!!!
I am so fired up!!!
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