Friday, March 28, 2014

Letting Go of Expectations and #livelikewill

This post has been in the works for a while- but I finally have a few moments to put "pen to paper" (so to speak) and get it out there.




This Sunday that ticker to the right turns to 0 days because it's "Go Time".  This year of training has been rough (between a sprained foot, upper respiratory and sinus issues, schedule issues that just never seemed to change, and a winter that never seemed to end) and a little disappointing in that I realized that  physically I was not ready this year.  I never did a long run over 8 miles (which is usually a no-no).  When I signed up I originally had a goal of 2:30 for the half- that would give me a chance to beat my last year's run by 15 minutes.  However, after reviewing my last few months I realized that at some point I needed to do the following.



I needed to let go of my expectations- when I did that- I realized that mentally I was ready.  It doesn't matter if I end up running, walking, and crawling- the bottom line is that I WILL finish and that means I am further then I was just 2 years ago.


I need to enjoy the run.  I have a lot on my mind- with job, finances, family stuff, major decisions to be made and an upcoming sinus surgery (in two weeks- yikes) so this Sunday is all about enjoying the run- letting the road take away my worries, my stress, and my heartache.


and then finally- I need to #livelikeWill.  Will McKamey was a young man on the Navy football team.  Last Saturday he collapsed at a spring football practice and ended up having to have surgery on his brain to relieve a blood clot.  He ended up in a coma and passed away on Wednesday morning.  His mom posted this on her FB page: My dear friends and family, William Dean McKamey met his Lord and Savior this afternoon. There are no words to describe the pain our family feels right now, However we are rejoicing that Will is now on the fields of Heaven...running the football! I know that we were all praying for a miracle, and we were able to see the miracle of Will entering heaven today. My friends please focus your prayers now on Randy and I and our immediate family as we deal with the upcoming days. We love you all and we are overcome with the way you rallied behind us. Will was able to change the spirit of a community, a school and a Navy football team...without really saying a word. He led a wonderful Christian life and I'm so thankful that God chose me to be his mother for 19 years! #livelikewill

That hashtag took on a life of it's own and they are now working on setting up the Live Like Will Foundation.  From what I can gather this young man- who was only 19- loved life and lived for Christ. He was good friends with the son of a dear friend of mine and went to a local Christian school/local church.  There were numerous stories on him, the situation, and the family.  I heard that a local news station took a moment of silence in memory of him and his family.  This young man- in a short time- had a huge impact on a lot of people.  When I saw this hashtag I knew what I was going to do- I will putting the hashtag on my hand and arm on Sunday morning to remember that I have been given an amazing gift and opportunity and it's time to grab life fully and run!


So… here we go!  These next days will be crazy busy and I can't wait to share about it!




Monday, March 24, 2014

14 Ways to Beat Stress in 2014 (Part 1)

Today is part 1 (1-7) because otherwise it would be WAY too long for one post :)

1) Prep- do the prep work.  This could be anything from laying out your clothes the night before, planning out your schedule for the week, packing lunches the night before, or doing meal preparation on Sundays for the week ahead.  Preparation is the KEY!



2) Write it Down!  Make a list of things to do and don't worry about adding to it (aka making the list longer).  As you think of something write it down/make note of it immediately so that you won't forget to do it.  Then, as you do it- CROSS IT OFF!  Celebrate the fact that it's taken care of!  (and if it helps to write something down AFTER you do it then cross it off- then by all means- go for it LOL) :)  And writing it down goes for goals and dreams also.  Put it on paper- dream big!
(see I told you it was okay) LOL

3) Set Priorities- On that to-do list make stars or hearts or something beside the ones that MUST be done that day.  Organize them into Must-Do Today tasks and It's okay if ends up another day tasks and then be okay with that.



4) Say something nice.  Seriously- if you are stressed so are other people.  Sometimes, the best way to defuse a stressful situation or to calm yourself down is to look at the situation or person and say something nice/compliment them.  I guarantee it will make them feel better as well as making yourself feel better!



5) Take a bubble bath or a hot shower- just get away from the "real world" for a few minutes (or longer if needed).  Sometimes that's all it takes to gain a new perspective on things.  And even if not, you have had a chance to relax and unwind before approaching life again!





6) Dance- I am not a dancer and I don't pretend to be but I will say, there's just something about cutting loose in the privacy of your home (or car if you are brave) and just dancing around to a song that's playing.  My current song that makes me want to dance is "Happy".  You can't help but smile when you are dancing (especially if you can laugh at yourself!) 


7) Say hello to a stranger.  Runners are always really good at this- you might get a good morning or just a simple nod of acknowledgement but don't let it just be a runner.  There's the saying that your smile might be the only one someone sees that day.  There's numerous stories out there where a simple kind word from a stranger turns someone's day around.  You never know what your simple words to acknowledge the existence of someone can do!  Make a difference!




There's 1-7.  8-14 will be later this week, along with another post that I am cooking up (and maybe 2 more!)  You would think that I would have worked on these over spring break but nope- didn't happen :)  Oh, and these reminders are for myself as well ;)    Which one of these will you try today?  (in fact, there's 7- you can do at least one a day for the next week!)

*all of the graphics were located on pinterest and saved to the computer.  They were not altered in any way.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Sunday Inspiration

I was traveling last Sunday and didn't get this up but here is this week's (oh, and I have several posts in the works) :)



Are you allowing Him to write your story?  This song hits my heart hard- too often I try to write my own story in my own way.  I don't want to do that- I want Him to write His story on my heart.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Sunday Inspiration

I have several friends who are hurting right now and lately I have been listening to a song quite often as it comes on my playlist.  Just take a listen and if you know of someone hurting- share it with them.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner LOL





Grilled chicken that is- with a nice side of roasted or steamed veggies (I need to find someone who likes to grill because I don't) :)

Okay but seriously- random.org chose number 2 which is Julie Szymanski :)  Julie- send me a message (you know where to find me) and I'll have the MASH UP ladies get this dvd right out to you.  I think you will really like it because of the variety of workouts!  Excited for you!  For the rest of you- follow along on their youtube page- they have several workouts listed!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Vice

No- not Miami LOL!


But those things that just get a grip on you and you fight to let go of.  The definition of it is a bad habit and that's exactly what it is.  I don't "celebrate" Lent.  In fact, I can't recall ever giving up anything for the 40 days leading up to Easter.  However, recently I have found myself referring to one of my habits as a vice.  I have heard myself say, "I can't have chocolate, I don't smoke, I don't drink- this is my one vice."  When I realized what I was saying it made me stop and pause.  What is that vice (is it bad to admit there's three of them)?





Guess what, I KNOW they are not good for me.  I KNOW I drink entirely way too much of them.  And I KNOW I have been using that "vice" thing as a crutch to not give them up.  When I refer to something as a vice- it's almost as if I am saying- well, it's okay- I'll let it go.  And I know this a big stretch- but an analogy is that I do the same thing with sin- it's okay, I'll let it go.  If I continually drink something that I KNOW is not good for me- all I am doing is harming my body.  If I continually sin or do things against God that I KNOW is not good for me- I am harming by relationship with God.  My body was created by God and FOR God.  I need to use it to the best of my abilities and allow Him to work through me and IN me.  

So, for me- that's what these 40 days are going to be about- letting Him work IN me.  To recognize that when I crave that sweet, that caffeine- to go to Him with that craving.  To crave Him more and self less.  To recognize that He is the LIVING WATER (ummm… HELLO that should be all it takes) and will fill me and quench my thirst.  To let go of something that I feel like I HAVE to have every day and realize that He is all I need on a daily basis.  So, while not officially participating in Lent- I am working on giving up that which has become a vice/a habit more important to me than water and giving up control.  In no way shape or form do I feel this comes close to identifying in his suffering (although without my caffeine there may be suffering LOL) but it's one thing I am holding on to that is not good for me.

If you have stuck with me through my ramblings thank you!  If you have any tips that help you when drinking water (I can't add stuff to it- I just don't like it) great- please share them!

And, if you entered my DVD giveaway on my post from last week, I will have a winner tomorrow (I have been sick- yes again, this time with an upper respiratory and sinus infection).  

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Sunday Inspiration

I missed last week but am home sick today (yes, again- ugh) so I pulled up one of my favorite songs.  Jamie Grace is a huge inspiration in not giving up on your dreams and persevering despite obstacles in the way!