my picture.
after the child discovered my photo.Apparently I like pearls on the pole.
Who knew.
Tags: as wordless as I can git, dont leave yer drawings around, I love kids
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Weekend Quote: I Run Because…
This is a special challenge-inspired weekend quote. I hopped on Facebook really quick this morning and saw this:
Oh how I love a good daily challenge! And since I pretty much retired #YogaADay and #DailyYogurt for myself, I think it’s a good time to move on to #RWRunStreak.
According to Runner’s World, the idea is to run at least one mile per day, every day, starting on Memorial Day (Monday, May 27) and ending on Independence Day (Thursday, July 4). That’s 39 consecutive days of running!
This is going to be tough for me with the conference quickly approaching, but it’s exactly the type of thing I NEED. By forcing me to take at least 10 minutes (I run a 10-minute mile on average) a day for myself it will let me clear my head and relieve some stress.
In honor of this challenge I sought a running-related quote and this one couldn’t be more perfect.
“I run because it’s so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can’t. But then you find your inner strength and realize you’re capable of so much more than you thought.”
– Arthur Blank
I couldn’t agree more. Running has really changed me and my perception of what I’m capable of. I still remember the feeling of running for the first time on the treadmill, and if I think about crossing the finish line of my first-ever 5k, I’m not going to lie, my eyes start to well with tears.
It really is that emotional for me. I told myself over and over again it wasn’t possible, but I was really capable of so much more – SO MUCH MORE.
I just needed a little confidence to try.
So …
Who’s willing to push themselves out of their comfort zone? If you are not currently a runner, commit to a walk and try just a little trot, maybe a jog, every day. You may surprise yourself!
I’ll be posting a photo on Instagram and Twitter using #RWRunStreak. Tag me (@RoniNoone) if you want to join in. I’d love to follow your progress too!
Oh! and if you have questions about the challenge, Runners World has a great FAQ.
I don’t usually write personal-ish posts, but here it goes…
Over the last few days I’ve been a little bit quieter on Facebook and Twitter. Took a little time to step back a bit and assess where I’m at. Thought about where I want to be. Plotting the course to take me there.
One thing I know for sure certain is that haven’t yet given it my all. Not yet.
My personal fitness is something I take very seriously. It’s my passion — my joy. Blogging is as well. And in the spirit of following my passions, there’s a fire burning in me to do greater things. This is me, merely thinking out loud. And so I figured, why not share my thoughts with you because you will probably witness me on this journey if you’re a regular reader of the blog.
There’s a price to pay to “achieve”. I have to count the cost — I’ve finally done it. Up until now I wasn’t fully invested in the idea of paying that premium.
It’s too hard. It’s too painful. It’s too uncomfortable. It’s too inconvenient. It takes too much time. These truths of the matter have interfered with me one too many times. I may have to gnaw on less cake(s), refrain from extended couch-azzing, and no doubt do better about keeping the deadlines I set for myself. Gotta follow-through on everything and run a tight ship.
Dammit! The discomforts are killin’ me already.
SACRIFICE ? DISCIPLINE ? A SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE
This is what I require of myself.
—–
Subscribe to YumYucky on YouTube
Dressing room pics!
Errr, ummm. Fully clothed, of course…
My first dressing room pics ever! But nope. I didn’t buy either of these dresses. Bought me some casual booty shorts instead. It was the most bootylicious decision I’d made all day.
And ya, I joined Bodybuilding.com’s free 6 Week Challenge. It’s a body transformation thang. The challenge starts June 17th. Although I don’t expect to win the grand prize ($10,000!), I’m using the challenge for increased accountability. My goal is to get lean and build muscle.
Here’s more deets for the challenge in case you’re looking to make some game-changing progress along with me…
I’m so excited about this! I intend to be extra-on-point with my eating and workouts over these next 6 weeks and beyond. I can’t wait to see what type of progress I can achieve. I’ll be posting my before pic for the challenge real soon. Even if this type of challenge isn’t your thing, make sure you have some type of accountability system in place.
My profile on BodySpace is: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/YumYucky
…and here’s a pic of my first body transformation meal from yesterday. Delicious stuff, flat abs friendly and excellent for building sexy muscle. I’ll be posting most of my meals to my Facebook page, so stalk me over there if you dare! XO
A Weight-less Wednesday Weigh In
After last week’s experience and follow-up discussion (which I still have some awesome comments to reply to!) I’ve decided to take a week off from the scale.
Honestly, it was way easier than I thought it would be, and without the pressure of wondering what the scale was going to show this morning, I made it through my first snack-free evening in weeks!
My plan was to skip this week and then weigh in with you all next, but you know … I’m not going to make that decision right now. I don’t want the stress of wondering what the scale will say to feed any of my self-sabotaging tendencies.
I’m just going to go with the flow and do what I do because I’ve got this.
That’s right, you heard me, GOT THIS. I’m taking the confident route. I’m kicking butt at the gym, grilling like a maniac, having a blast with #RWRunStreak and even getting back to my creative snack roots (inventing light snacks was a huge factor in my initial weight loss.) It’s time I own this lifestyle I’ve worked so hard at creating. I’ve got to let go of those last few remnants of “old Roni” and her old habits.
That being said, I have no plans to end Wednesday Weigh Ins any time soon. I’ve always looked at “weighing in” as more than a scale reading. I still plan on touching base with everyone once a week because I think it’s important. Sharing what the scale said was never a requirement, just an option, as everyone is on their own journey and needs to do what’s right for them.
So how was your week?
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Let’s Talk About Trigger Foods
That would be a box of Wheat Thins in my garbage. I can’t have them in my house. I just can’t, and I haven’t until someone sent me a box in a care package.
The moment they arrived I wanted to open them. I imagined myself just hacking at the block of cheese I have in the fridge and topping them. Cheese — another old trigger that only resurfaces when certain crackers are around. I stopped buying cheese in block form for years, but The Toddler is such a fan, I get them for him now.
Food triggers are interesting. Sometimes I have no desire when a trigger food is around. Other times the thought of the food is like a virus in my brain.
I’ve blogged about this before, specifically about my pizza addiction. That post is almost 6 years old and I can honestly say I’m not sure if I feel the same way anymore. I’ve controlled my environment so much, I’m rarely around the traditional stuff.
For me, that’s my first line of defense, environment control. I also get creative and find lighter, healthier trigger-food replacements. I’ve come up with a cheese and cracker alternative that I absolutely love and have you seem my pizza idea page on GreenLiteBites? Any time I get a craving, I invent a new way to eat pizza without eating pizza and, honestly, it works for me. Like I said, I haven’t really had or even wanted “real” pizza in years.
I’m not quite sure what the trigger behind the trigger food is for me. I swear it’s a texture thing. It’s like I want the food in my mouth and then once I take a bite I can’t stop myself from taking another one, and another one, and another one.
I also think there are ties to my childhood there. I remember eating cheese and crackers with my dad, and pizza was the one thing I was allowed to make as an after-school snack when I was young.
I know I’m not the only one with trigger-food issues so I thought I’d open this up for discussion and make it Question of the Week.
Do you have triggers? What are they? Why? And how do you keep them in check?
Weekend Quote: Uncomfortable
So much to tell you but I’m oh so tired.
I’m laying on my bed in a hostel in Toronto.
Wait. Did I just type that?
Wow. I did and it’s true! How freakin’ cool is that?
I have been severely pushing myself out of my comfort zone this weekend. First, I got on a very tiny plane — yikes — which took me to Toronto for a conference I feel l have no business being at. I navigated a city I don’t know, checked into a hostel for the first time ever, met a blog reader for lunch, and wondered around this cocktail party for a few hours where I knew NO ONE.
Not a soul.
“You have to be uncomfortable in order to be successful, in some ways. Because if you stay in your comfort zone, you would never do the things that you need to do.” -Lights
Well, according to Lights — who happens to be a Canadian pop star — I’m doing things right. I guess only time will tell. All I know is I’ve never made progress towards any goal without experience some discomfort.
Okay, sleepy time for me. Long day of conference sessions tomorrow!
Avalanches Are Scary
I’m staying up too late, again, after an amazing day in Toronto. The conference was energizing. The people I met, inspiring. The lessons I learned, useful. I’m leaving with a renewed sense of purpose for what it is I do here on the blogs and this made the trip more valuable than I every imagined.
In my short stay I had a chance to meet people who have read my blog for years. YEARS! On the flip side, I was able to share my work with new people from a completely different field/niche/industry/whatever and because we both blog — just on different topics — I was able to learn and teach so much simultaneously.
Most importantly though, I’m leaving with a completely new perspective that I think will help me articulate what I believe to be a huge part of my success in not only weight loss but all of my life goals.
You guys know my history with exercise right? Over the course of 7 years I went from couch potato to CrossFit nut and Tough Mudder addict. I know my obsession with running and working out seems unrealistic to some of you because it would have seemed unrealistic to me. Remember, I’m the girl who showed up late to gym class for the sole purpose of skipping laps. And in college I drove my car to campus when my apartment was literally a quarter mile away.
You guys may also know about my recent commitment to travel. I really started to get serious about seeing more of the world after writing my birthday bucket list. In less than a year I went from not having a passport to taking more trips than I thought possible.
On those trips I’ve become obsessed with seeing as much as I can even if it means just taking a quick run from my hotel room, a stroll through a museum or a trek up to an observation deck.
With all of these experiences I’ve come to realize something: Life is contagious. The more I move, the more I want to move. The more I do, the more I want to do. The more I see, the more I want to see.
I feel like this blog and my weight loss was the small pebble that fell over the edge a mountain. It started rolling, picking up speed and gathering experiences and accomplishments, growing my confidence and desire to do more, see more, move more.
I’m not sure how big that pebble will get or where it will end up, but I plan on finding out despite the part of me who wants to stop it because avalanches are scary.
Scenes From Our Memorial Monday
What a great weekend! I disconnected a bit and just hung out with the family. Friday we did dinner. Saturday we froze at our pool’s opening party. Yesterday was the Memorial Day Murph at the gym. Today it was just me and the boys.
We started off in the kitchen, of course.
I have a new helper!
We made a batch of banana oatmeal cups, a family favorite.
This time we decided to have a little fun adding the batter to our doughnut pan.
They came out great!
After breakfast a little house dancing with props.
Little Bean hasn’t quite learned our Wipeout routine yet. :)
Once The Husband woke up, I got ready for the first of my #RWRunStreak runs. I asked The 7-Year-Old to take a photo but he was too busy playing with Legos. Self portrait it is then!
3 miles and 30 minutes later I came home to a Lego-fest.
The rest of the morning was spent in the yard.
Lunch!
The boys went with hot dogs but I made My Certosa-Inspired Cabbage Salad with a half a head of cabbage that was aging in the fridge.
After lunch we all freshened up while The Toddler napped and then headed out to run some errands with a pit stop at the mall.
We came back with gas for the grill, sand for the box,
…and plants for my container garden.
Irish was unimpressed by it all.
For dinner I made a London broil on the grill with baked potatoes, a kale salad,
…corn on the cob, 
…and watermelon for dessert!
It was a great dinner but BOY did we make a mess.
We cleaned up and settled in for night.
Now I’m catching up on this whole ridiculous mermaid story because there’s nothing else on TV. I should just go to bed to avoid the mindless SNACKS! You know what, I’m going to do that. :)
I hope you had a great holiday weekend!
My broken window.
Welcome to OAKLAND!The notion of broken windows has been on my mind lately.
Each time I park my car and walk away—Im convinced when I return it will either not be there or have a broken window.
More than negative thinking or using law of attraction in the wrong manner—it’s felt like a form of self-protection.
This way, if I return and my vehicle hath been, um, (finger quote) altered (unFQ) it’s neither devastating nor shocking—it simply IS.
As a result it immediately snagged my attention when I saw Gretchen Rubin had posted about broken windows.
I dont typically read her blog—myriad reasons—but I had to see what she was chatting about.
Did Gretchen live in OAKtown!?Did we share my fear o’the smashed glass!?I practically dropped my ipad I clicked over in such a rush.
Not surprisingly, her blog addressed a different twist on the broken window focus—-and yet *still* related back to my Oakland experience and our healthy living journeys.
Rubin discussed Broken Window theory in general–an idea with which Id been unfamiliar and one which makes a *ton* of sense.
Basically the broken window theory of policing is once we as a community begin to accept small crimes as part of life—see photo above—more serious crime tends to escalate.
Ever the wise writerwoman, Rubin then paralleled the theory to her life and shared:
My “broken windows” are the particular signs of disorder that make me feel out of control and overwhelmed
This resonated with me immediately.
All of it.
From the fact Im beginning to feel we Oakland Peeps are too blase about (literal) broken windows to the fact when I read her post I had my OWN broken window sitting next to the computer.
This:
scene of the crime.Ive joked for years about the fact I OWN MY SHIT TRASHTASTIC CONSUMPTION.
I frequently tweet/facebook/yammer in your InRealLife face how I have one Mommy Merlot (AKA Diet Coke) a day needed or not….and it’s always needed.
I dont drink. I dont smoke. I dont eat fast food. Im 99.9% sugar free. I exercise. Im completely ok with one trashy drink a day.
My broken window?
My sign of YEP. Things are slip sliiiiding down the healthy living slope to sluggish, less healthyville?
When I reach for that second bottle of the day *and* I open it.
(I’ll admit I frequently reach. Im tired. Im weak. I often have moments of Oh this would make me feel better!!! & remember it will not. Water, movement or a protein rich snack will perk me up.)
When I open my second bottle is when my window breaks & cascading toward less healthy living begins.
I dont frequently read Gretchen’s blog—but Im so glad I stopped and read that afternoon.
Im a firm believer in awareness and being an informed consumer. Shifting to framing my second diet coke of the day as a broken window has already stopped me from partaking a few times.
There is something far more powerful about asking myself:
Do you really wanna smash that window? Is it worth it to trigger the downward cascade?
Than merely thinking:
I probably shouldn’t have a second bottle.
Now you.
Whats your broken window? What seemingly small act actually serves to SPARK a downward spiral in your healthy living?Friday, June 7, 2013
I’m not wearing any makeup in this pic.
First, a little background… My face got really bad in November 2012. I was having terrible-terrible breakouts, probably due to me being an old & crusty hormonal woman on the verge of geriatric splendor. Then I started doing my natural face care routine and the breakouts calmed down dramatically.
But wait! What remained was a ton of dark spots & scarring from where I had been picking at my face like a battle rat clawing at its prey. I had to resort to wearing makeup every day to cover those spots & scars — something I never had to do before in all my life. The breakouts stopped, thanks to good face care, but my skin still looked terrible.
Then I started juicing and my face began to clear up at an accelerated rate. It happened very, very quickly. Less than 2 months after the start of juicing, I’m back to wearing NO make up again. Sure, I still wear it on occasion, but not everyday and only when I feel like it.
I’m grateful to be juicing!
Sidenote about my morning meal planning: I drink my Shakeology in the morning and slurp on my juiced greens in the afternoon (about 4X per week). When I was previously drinking the juiced greens in the morning immediately following my workout, I noticed that my post-workout recovery was horrible (ravenous morning hunger & prolonged muscle soreness). I need protein in the morning for adequate fueling and recovery, which is why I re-introduced Shakeology as my morning meal and pushed back the juice-drinking until the afternoon. This is working out wonderfully for me.
Do what works for you and be awesome.
I hope you’re having a Good Memorial Day. I wrote this post while in a food coma (you impressed?), although I was not as greedy as anticipated. Darn.
Workout Motivation: Speed Rope, Cardio Cartwheels and Quads Blast
Video mash-up from two of my recent workouts. Don’t let those Cardio Cartwheels fool ya. 50 cartwheels in a row will damn sure help the fatty parts to melt. I did the squat pulses & sexy(?) legs stretches in-between loads of laundry. Had to squeeze in that leg work somehow. ((winks))
Some of my fitness tools from the video:
NOW GO KICK SOME AZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blog to Book: Musings from My Weight Loss Journey [Kindle Edition]
I SO should be sleeping but I couldn’t go to bed with out posting really quick!
Tomorrow I’m heading to Toronto for TBEX, a conference specifically for travel bloggers. I wouldn’t categorize myself quite as a travel blogger YET, but it’s something I want to learn more about in hopes of growing TheUnworldlyTravelers into a thriving blog giving me more opportunities and reasons to travel.
If you remember, all of this was something I put on my birthday bucket list last year and as you are well aware, I’m not getting any younger. The time to DO is now. :)
My plan tomorrow morning is to go to the 6 a.m. CrossFit class (because I’m obsessed,) run my mile, and head to the airport. It’s going to be quite a challenge considering I’m not completely packed and it’s 11:30 p.m. but you’ll have this. I’ll sleep on the plane.
Anyway, the real reason I’m here is announce my Blog To Book called From Fat to Skinny to Healthy: Musings From My Weight-Loss Journey. I worked with the editors at Hyperlink.com to package some of my archives in book form for the Kindle. The idea is to have a collection of posts that give my story and thoughts on weight loss in a easy-to-access format.
At first I wasn’t sold on the idea considering my archives are all available here and I don’t actually own a Kindle, but then I realized others may find it helpful.
So there you have it, a new book, a trip to Toronto, oh! And I had fun with a new breakfast idea on GreenLiteBites using chia seeds!
I was on a roll today even though I had to put out a few FitBloggin‘ fires and I took the kids to the pool.
I think I thrive off busy. :)
Raw carrot cake POWERBALLS! (guest post)
Hi everyone!
My name is Kasey & I blog over at Powercakes about healthy eating, gluten free recipes, fitness, & my day to day life!
I am so excited to be guest posting on Carla’s blog.
She is one of the first blogs I ever started reading & she motivates me every day to follow my dream.
I am currently starting my own business with some products launching this year – super excited! I can’t believe it’s only been about 2 years since I started blogging. It has truly changed my life for the better.
I have to say, over the last 10 years I have struggled with digestive issues that have led me to cutting out gluten, some dairy, & other foods that were causing some skin irritants. Figuring out the best options for my digestion has been a long road.
Recently I have reduced animal protein consumption and I have never felt better. My energy is way up, my digestion is on point, & most of my TMI symptoms are no longer an issue.
I’ve learned to embrace the whole plant based foods such as fruits, veggies, legumes, healthy fats, clean carbohydrates, & many super foods!
I truly believe in my motto “Be True To You” because everyone is so different. Not one person’s digestive system is alike. Instead of judging others based on food choices, I love to embrace the difference and become inspired by their choices!
Today I am sharing a Raw recipe with you that is one of my favorites snack any time of the day and can be enjoyed by all. It’s raw Carrot Cake Power Balls with a simply date syrup!
Ingredients:
1 cup Soaked Dates Soak dates in about 2 cups of water over night in the fridge & then removed pits.1/4 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes3 Peeled Carrot Sticks (chopped)1/2 Cup Soaked Nuts I used Brazil Nuts but any soaked nut would work. (Soak overnight in a covered container in the fridge with enough water to cover all nuts in the fridge. Nuts are easier to digest when you soak them & they blend easier for the recipe.)2 tsp of Cinnamon1 tsp pure vanilla extract1 tsp Nutmeg½ tsp Ginger½ tsp Cloves
Blend all ingredients in a food processer until combined If the raw dough is too dry, add a splash of water or syrup (recipe below) from your Soaked Dates until the dough sticks together.
Form your sticky dough into POWERBALLS with your hands. Roll the balls into some more coconut & let chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Store in the fridge for a delicious snack any time!
Extra Bonus? The liquid left over from your soaked dates can also be used as a simple syrup!
Soaked Date Simple Syrup:
Soak 1 cup of dates in about 2-2.5 cups of water. Once you drain the dates, you’re left with a simple syrup! This is a great natural sweetener for drinks or other recipes! If you need more liquid in the recipe, you can add back in some of this syrup recipe to make it stick together more.
ENJOY!
You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and on my POWERCAKES blog.
OMGeeeee. Raw Honey!
Unheated. Unfiltered. Nothing removed. You must get your claws on some raw honey.
You won’t find this stuff in the regular grocery store. I got mine at the Amish farmer’s market.
But do not fret! You can haz yours, too. I stumbled upon the Honey Locator website (run by the National Honey Board). The site helps you locate not only raw honey in your surrounding area, but also the suppliers that have specialty honeys, like whipped, organic, kosher, and even honey combs.
As for raw honey, the texture is grainy, but melts down nice and smooth, and blends well. Raw honey is especially delicious in a hot cup of tea.
Cinnamon & Honey Natural Remedy: I recently became very interested in the benefits of cinnamon and honey together. Every now and then, I take 1 teaspoon of raw honey and sprinkle with a generous amount of cinnamon. Then I devour it. NOM! Not only is it tasty, but it does the body good. There’s also some talk that the cinnamon & honey combo has weight loss benefits, but the jury is still out on that one.
I will bet you a gazillion-billion dollars (because I’m rich, beyotch) that if you try raw honey you will never want that golden stuff they sell in the plastic bear at the grocery story. Keep your eyeballs peeled back and on the lookout for raw honey. M’kay?
Ps. I confess, dammit! I’m not really rich. Somebody give me a loan so I can buy me some desserts. Anyone? … anyone?
((All I hear is crickets.))
No electronics at the pool!
For us American-types it’s memorial day. For many of us it’s nearing summertime. I had no plans to rereun this post until a friend shared a near-miss with her daughter yesterday. She said to me pretty much what I share below regarding how THANKFUL she was she never, ever, ever uses her smartphone near a pool.
Note how this photo was NOT taken at the pool.First, HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY to us American types.
Id imagine, even more than weekends, today is the day where blog posts go to wither & die.
The thing is, more than any other day, Id like to imagine my post today is *highly* applicable to today.
(does that even make any sense? is it like “allow myself to introduce myself” phrasing? sadly it all makes sense to me.)
I have a story to share.
A fleeting, frightening moment which made this highly plugged-in Mama grateful for the fact she UNPLUGS when the child arrives home.
It was a lovely, scorching HOT afternoon in the ATX & friend invited us over to swim.
I eagerly accepted. Part for the water-play & a lot for the friendship-time.
Life is too, too busy & Id not seen my friend in ages.
Life is too, too busy and, despite my best laid plans, the Tornado hadn’t been in a pool in ages.
I clearly remember plopping my smart phone on the passenger seat after I parked (ahhh the safety of the suburbs. some days I miss ye!).
I recall thinking: I dont need this by my side since the Tornado is here.
(Im crazy obsessed with the phone when she’s at school. It’s always with me. Im convinced the moment it’s NOT/the battery dies the school will immediately need to reach me STAT.)
Off we went.
Sunscreen slathered. Kids a’frolicking. And I happily basked in the grown-up talk-time I craved.
My friend and I were chatting away when out of the corner of my eye I saw the Tornado begin to struggle.
She panicked, and even though there was a ‘noodle’ within her reach, she slid under gulping water as she went.
Within seconds I leaped fully clothed into the pool & dragged her to the side. Thankfully, outside of being terrified, she was entirely ok.
After a few hugs and a popsicle she returned to the water (& hasnt mentioned the experience again).
Ive thought about it over and over and OVER since the day it happened.
More than anything I keep returning to the fact I left my smart-phone in the car and how thankful I am I did.
When I have my phone with me Im always slightly distracted.
When I have my phone with me it’s always buzzing, vibrating, ringing or lighting up and, no matter how PRESENT I strive to be, I tend to check it.
I like to think I check *quickly* but we all know how easily it is to get sucked into social media distractions.
Again and again and AGAIN Ive thought about how, had I been focusing on the smart phone, I might have missed the Tornado going under water.
Again and again and AGAIN Im grateful Ive made it a policy NEVER to bring my smart-phone to the pool.
I know I could miss a call. I know I could miss a text. Im certain Im missing emails, tweets, DMs & status updates.
Ive made it a policy to NEVER bring my smart-phone to the pool.
Join me?
I promise not to mind if you email, text, call, DM, tweet or status update another time.
PINKY SWEAR.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Wednesday Weigh In!
I’m here! SO sorry for the late weigh-in post. Things are crazy with the conference and end of the school year. I’m trying to get as much done before heading to the school this afternoon to volunteer for the end-of-year party.
Anyway, I DID NOT GET ON THE SCALE this morning, and you know what, it was easy. I didn’t even think about it! I was too distracted by the kids, making breakfast, packing lunches, getting ready for the gym, etc., etc., etc.
It’s amazing how habits are started and broken. All it took was a few days of consciously not getting on the scale — almost forcing myself not to — and now I just forgot. Just a few weeks ago I was thinking about weigh-in day for, well, days! Now the scale is the farthest thing from my mind.
Maybe it’s just because I’m busy but that’s OK. There really is a freedom that comes from NOT being distracted by the number. At this point I’m just going to take it week by week.
How was your week? Scale or no scale reading — we want to know!
I never felt stoppable.
I felt UNSTOPPABLE both ways.When I launched MizFit it was “enough” to have a passion for healthy living.
It was 2006.
I was just back from Guatemala. Gnarls Barkley was popular. Skinny jeans were only starting to emerge on the Austin hipster scene.
And The Biggest Loser television show was born.
People heard what I had to say—-but my message was diminished because I was a long-term loser. No big numbers–merely consistency.
I challenged myself as to whether I “fit” as a fitness blogger.
Could I motivate if Id only lost forty pounds? Could I relate to greater struggles?
I answered the same way I did when I owned my training studio. I returned something Id learned in my counseling masters program:
Human struggle is universal. We may struggle differently —but the experience of facing challenges & persevering is universal.
It’s in that same way Ive dedicated myself to helping girls navigate frenemies and tween’dom.
Long before the Tornado (when I wrote mainly fiction) I led mother/daughter book groups at Barnes & Noble stores.
Ostensibly we met to discuss novels, but what transpired was sharing & paralleling the character’s lives to the girls’ own challenges.
Normalizing the struggles of the group’s members and reminding them they weren’t alone.
Since the Tornado burst on the scene Ive focused mainly on *her.*
I’ve worked to send *her* the message she’s ENOUGH just as she is today and remind her shes powerful and strong (& strong is NOT the new sexy).
she loves her some her.Helping her to learn she wil sometimes fall short of goals—we all do—but as long as she learns & grows from the experience there’s no such thing as failure.
the ability to laugh at yourself helps!She’s older now and I’ve learned the best way to help her is to practice what I LONG to preach (and say not a word).
I’m sharing my message of GIRL POWER! through teaching yoga to kids.
I’ve started mother/daughter book clubs in my new OAKtown ‘hood.
This post is NOT sponsored by DOVE’s GIRLS UNSTOPPABLE campaign—-but the crusade has snagged my attention.
Especially the statistic of six out of ten girls stop doing what they love because they feel insecure about their looks.
That’s a whole lot of our next generation derailed from their dreams.
Girls who could change the world. Girls who could change lives. Girls who need US WOMEN to step up, stand up and lend a hand during this time which can feel daunting and Sisyphean.
I’ve lead a blessed life.
I never recall feeling stoppable even when my outsides didn’t match my insides.
I never equated my beer, pizza, and junk-food bod with diminished self-worth.
I still believed I rocked.I’ve spent time trying to discern why I’ve always felt UNSTOPPABLE in an effort to pass it on to my daughter and others.
My confidence at many points was misplaced—but it worked for me. I unknowingly faked it till I made it (and I still do many days.).
I work to impart to my daughter these 3 concepts:
Compliment yourself! As 7 she adores compliments. Heck at 44 I do, too. The difference is, at my age, I realize telling myself YOU ROCK! feels just as good as hearing it from others. It took me years to get here–I’m trying to help her find her way more rapidly.Know where you’re headed. As women we may have a mission statement. With girls it can be a mantra or personal catch phrase. We need to help our girls have a general sense of where they’re headed or they’re certain not to get there. Plans can be fluid (the Tornado is convinced she’ll be a special ed teacher. this may change) but having a destination helps girls believe they’re unstoppable.Join me? Six out of ten girls are waiting for you.
As the amazing Jess Weiner says:
Girls have the ingredients for self-worth, but sometimes need the recipe.
Be a mentor. Role model for your child. Lend a boosting hand to a woman-friend or YOURSELF.
How will you be UNSTOPPABLE today?How will you show girls/women in your life there’s room enough for us ALL to rock?
FITBLOGGGGGGGGGIN! (ticket giveaway)*
Please amble with me down memory lane.
I know it’s an indication of aging when every single occurrence has to have a story attached, but Im embracing that notion and dragging you down the proverbial lane with me.
One upon a time there was a blogger trip.
It was the very first blogger all! expenses! paid! trip and, to put it mildly, all of the invitee’s minds were blown out (as the child sadly no longer says).
Emails flew (“is this really all expenses paid!?”) as this was early 2008 & we couldnt believe a brand would *pay* to bring us together.
All of us who had wanted to meet for s-o v-e-r-r-r-y long.
All of us who had kinda STALKED RONI NOONE and longed to meet her in person. (<—–yes. indeed. that all of us was ME.)
The trip was amazing. I flashed the Windy City with my NEKIDness. And a friendship was born.
Ambling a head a few months—-Roni and I connected at BlogHer.
ahhh youthful bloggers…We took the opportunity to plop in a hallway & gossip about our lives chat in a very serious away about blog conferences and Roni mentioned the idea of launching FITBLOGGIN.
A conference not unlike BlogHer but where it would only be us crazy healthy living types doing what we do & having fun the way WE like to have FUN.
And, because she’s RONI, a few month later the first Fitbloggin was born.
our tribeFour years later my life feels crazier than it’s ever been.
I find I say NO far more than YES when it comes to trips & opportunities.
I receive invitations to events and ask myself:
Is XYZ really worth the “cost” of leaving my family (I like my family!) and missing time with the Tornado?
Quite frankly—reason #78347 why Ill happily never be big! and famous!—the answer is usually NO.
Fitbloggin, however, is my exception.
It’s like a blogger family reunion (even if we’ve never met!) which feels my soul and has me return to my family energize not depleted.
This woman is freakin amazing.
I was so happy to finally meet TJ!
Dont make me pick JUST 1 reason I love him…
New friends who feel like old!
First meetings make me smile.
Im not sharing about this friendship. <3.
I love this guy!
MATCHING hoodies? Yes, please!!
Check out my balls!In all honesty each year I think:
Can I afford to go to FITBLOGGIN?
And each year my answer is the same:
Can I afford not to?
A few days with people who get me, get healthy living & GET MY IRREVERENT SENSE OF HUMOR?
Im a
child!How on EARTH could I not go?
To that end I have a ticket to the conference to GIVE AWAY & you can be entered for the LOW LOW cost of a comment below.
If you were to attend fitbloggin whats the VERY FIRST THING you’d do?
*because I am a child I cannot stop singing the word FITBLOGGIN to Jim Gaffigan’s hot pocket.
random number generated winner announced June 10th.
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