Tranquility

Isn’t it funny, how we, as women, never allow ourselves to break down and let loose? Why is that? Is it because we are nurturing and feel as though we should take care of everyone else. As women, we are walking a tightrope, trying to balance the needs of others while attempting to care for ourselves. Women (like me) that work outside the home must come home and do the 'second shift' of cooking (although Kevin does the majority of cooking), cleaning, and nurturing. Women who stay home often feel isolated and lonely. Stay home moms very often lack the much needed companionship and support of other women.

Taking a hard look in the mirror might start to resolve some of the issues. Not always fun, I understand, but necessary. Take a few moments to examine what you see. How long has it been since you gave yourself attention? If it has been longer than you like, it is a perfect time to get your life in balance.

I state the above because last Friday, it happened and it wasn’t pretty. I cried like I never have before. All the stress that had been building up. All of the emotions that I have held in since my surgery, poured out. As I sat with my husband releasing the anxieties, the inner turmoil and the emotions, I felt like a new woman. Silly as that sounds, it is true and truly the only way to describe my feelings. I should have opened up along time ago. The things I have been putting off no longer hang over my head and tease me. There is a peaceful and joyful calm surrounding me. A small sigh of relief and pride lingers in my soul.

I will not go into what caused my inner turmoil, there were a lot of issues, but I will say this and give you all one piece of advice. Don’t hold it in. Don’t think you are bigger than what you really are. We aren’t perfect and God really is there to help you through life’s battles.

And so is Kevin. Thanks honey for always being my rock!

Giving Your Emotions A New Life

At some time or another, we all face hurts, disappointments and failures. And whether on our part or the part of others, these things definitely impact us and our emotions.

The important thing is how we deal with our emotions. Do we let them rule us or do we rule them?

If there’s any one thing that can lead us down a road away from our potential, away from the awesome plan God has for us, away from the dreams we hold in our heart, I believe it’s our emotions.

I meet people all the time who tell me, “Joel, I don’t feel like God is with me. I don’t feel like I’m living in His will. I don’t feel…”

Maybe you’ve felt the same way. One day you feel like you’re living the life you’ve always dreamed of, but the next day circumstances change and you feel like you have no hope, nothing to get excited about or live for and your emotions are out of control.

It’s like your emotions take you hostage! The good news is, through the promises of His Word and the power of His spirit, God’s given you the ability to direct your emotions. And when you do, the course and quality of your life change forever.It’s not complicated but in order to see a change, I’ve discovered something years ago which I have applied to my own life: you have to base your emotions on who God says you are and not on negative feelings or circumstances.

Remember, you are created in the image of Almighty God, and you were created to be victorious and experience healthy emotions.

Make the choice today to see yourself the way that God sees you, and you’ll discover that nothing else compares to doing it God’s way.

Joel Osteen

I got this e-mail message at the perfect time in my life. We all struggle and I find it absolutely amazing how God gives us exactly what we need when we need it.

A Must Read - from Tony at Dreambodies.net

If I heard it once, I heard it a thousand times. "I Just need to lose this 20 lbs for the Wedding or Reunion."

So what happens? Well, the wedding or reunion comes and goes. Yup, maybe the 20 lbs was lost in time. But what followed was so painful and horrible that is has now left you in a cycle that is crippling you emotionally and maybe even physically. In fact, you can't even go near the mall or clothing store because you can't stomach what the mirror is reflecting back. Sure, you lost the 20 lbs. But now it returned with excess pounds--many, many extra pounds. The "diet" you tried only took you back even further in your pursuit of your dream body.

Any of this sound familiar? Fast weight loss by way of a quick diet or panacea program will always result in being worse off than when you started. Do diets work? Well, yes, maybe for a short time. However, in the end, trust me you will regret BIG TIME what it did to your body and your metabolism.

In this post I don't want to address the physical and metabolic ways in which a diet can truly ruin your body, but instead take you deeper into the HOW and WHY the "diet mentality" will always fail you and why you may always seem to be running in circles around the same approach.

1. Undefined Values- This one is huge and it's the very foundation you build your life on. If your reason for getting into shape is to look good for some upcoming event, then what happens when the occasion is over? Where will you find your motivation then? Most do not find any reason and so they go back to where they were--only worse. You must build your vision for your dream body on true and meaningful values. Values such as: Being healthy inside and out. Looking and feeling young so that you can enjoy a long life with family and loved ones. Setting an example for those in your life who may look up to you. Ask yourself this, "What's most important to me about getting healthy and having a great body?" Then list those values. There is NOTHING wrong with wanting to look lean, hot and sexy. In fact, you SHOULD want that. But it must go deeper if it is to last a lifetime. Build your goals on values.

2. Afraid of Failure- I get this one all of the time. I sometimes will go back and forth with possible clients who tell me they tried everything else and failed. "So Tony, what makes your program any different than the rest?" We are afraid to fail and sometimes it can keep us in places of pain indefinitely. We don't want to keep making the same mistakes over and over again so we stop doing anything at all. But think about it, is the alternative working for you? No. Inactivity will always rob your dreams one day at a time until you can't even see them anymore. Lose fear for focus. Focus in your values and where you want to go and then set a plan down. Find a program or meal plan that aligns with those values and goals and give it all you got. Failure will always be a part of life but you can learn how to USE it and not be USED by it.

3. Fear of Being Judged- Many are scared that those around them will just beat them over the head with the endless comments. "Another fat loss program, huh?" ... "Are you going to fail that one like you did the last one?" ... "Why are you exercising so much, what's wrong with you?" ... "Keep eating chicken like that and you will turn into one." Well, cluck--cluck--cluck goes Tony. So what! If I can't live for my priorities, my body and my health, who will do it for me. Listen, everybody has something to say. Let it ride and roll past it. Explain your values and goals to those closest to you. Ask for their support. If they give it, great! If not, move on. Will you want to come to the end of your life with your fallen dreams built on this lame excuse?

4. Fighting Change- We are creatures of habit. Most people hate change. Change of schedule. Change of lifestyle. Change of meal planning. Yet, without change there is NO growth--period! As difficult as it may seem, change can and will bring about all that you ever wanted in life. Not only that, but the very things you feared can and WILL become habits...healthy habits. Embrace change. The key is to do it slowly and with your eyes wide open. Diets fail but lifestyle changes last forever. Think about it.

5. I Can Do it on My Own!- I'm sorry but no you can't. Well, at least not long term, especially if your goal is to be your absolute best. Even the best of the best need support, accountability and empowerment. Surround yourself with others who share the same goals and hold the same values. Hire a trainer or coach. Read books and enroll in courses which can influence and guide you into a healthy lifestyle.

Diets are temporary. Lifestyle changes that are built on growing goals and dreams lasts forever! Go get yours :)

One Flaw In Women

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men...
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.