Back in the Game!

~I think I'm finally going to have a week that I fulfill my goal! This week's goal was simply to log everything on MyFitnessPal. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. I have managed to do it 5 days in a row! I didn't go into this week having any expectations about it, just needed somewhere to start. Let me just say that I'm getting more out of it than I thought I would. I'm seeing how those little things I thought were healthy aren't so and how things I didn't think were that bad really are. It's weird, because this isn't my first go at trying to lose weight, but I think I got into this state of mind where I thought I had all the knowledge about it that I needed and that the problem was just with me actually DOING the things I knew. I was WRONG. I am learning a lot of new things about me, the food I eat, and how my body reacts to different things...and I actually like it...the learning process that is.

I also have a lot going on at work and in life in general. I have to keep reminding myself to stop and regroup and that I'm worth too much to stop taking care of me. Yes, it's easy to grab something quick and unhealthy to eat or not exercise while I try to take care of everything and everyone else. It's tough to get myself to slow down, look to God for guidance, reflect on my goals, eat mindfully, and of course to workout.  

I'm struggling with giving it all to god instead of taking on the pressure and weight of the world. . .I will make it though, one deep breath and prayer at a time, and so will you.

 I'm super glad you're still "following" me and I can't wait to hear what you think! How are YOU doing?

So, I KNOW I haven't blogged in forever!

And I know that has got to change! Actually, it is changing right now! First, I am going to tell you about something INCREDIBLE, then I am going to go back to writing my other entry so I can post it by tomorrow!
Anyway, there is this lovely young woman who has been inspiring me daily! Check it out RIGHT NOW! (Yes, I am bossy!)
Chef Katelyn's blog can be found here http://www.chefkatelyn.com/2011/08/07/bigger-than-your-mommas-booty-anniversary-giveaway/
If you're reading this Chef Katelyn: I AM SO THANKFUL FOR YOUR BLOG! 

Happy Sunday! *Off-Topic*

     Today, I woke up feeling really crappy. Not physically, but I felt emotionally defeated and depleted.  I know we all have days where we feel less than useful, but I’m tired of feeling like this.  Deep down in my heart of hearts, I KNOW that God loves me and that I am worth something to Him. 

     I think maybe a little too often I look for God in all the wrong places.  Well at least that’s what I believe God is revealing to me right now.  A pastor at a church I used to go to once explained it like this:

     So, I hear from Christians all the time about how they’re so tired of looking for the perfect man or woman to date/marry. They tell me all about their efforts and it usually goes like this. . . “Pastor Steve, I went down to the Red Tavern last night and there wasn’t a single wholesome Christian woman/man in sight!”

     Funny, right? Gee, I wonder why they didn’t find a mate with strong values.  (DISCLAIMER: Yes, I too go to bars and I’m not demeaning any one who enjoys it. I just know that it’s a pretty long shot to go there with pure expectations .  This story was purely about seeking the wrong thing in the wrong place- not to lecture about how immoral bars are! LOL)

Now, this is where I compare this tale to my own life.  When I need God the most, am I looking for Him in the right places? Do I go to a bar hoping to find Jesus? Not typically .  But, do I reach out to find God anywhere but UP most of the time? Unfortunately, YES!

     The natural reaction to anything should be to pray, praise, worship, etc.  What do I do? Let’s see: pick up the phone, call on other Christians and non-believers alike, talk to negative people, go shopping, smoke (not anymore!!!,) eat, drink, be falsely merry. . .well, you get the point, right?

    None of these things satisfy my desire and my longing for the One and True KING of KINGS! I have to stop looking in places I don’t belong!  God doesn’t care what I or YOU have done, His grace and mercy cover ALL. . .I know this, but why do I always try to run from grace?! It’s a darn good thing I’m not that fast! haha. No, even YOU can’t outrun Grace!

     So, right now, as I publish this unpolished blog, I want YOU to know that I’m praying for YOU and I’m praying for me. I’m also praying that God blesses me with faster legs (Gotta put something about my fitness goals in here haha- [outrun man, but not GRACE!]), but an even stronger heart.

I love you, Lord! Let my ways honor you and help me to seek You where You truly are and for who You truly are. . .

Just Some Thoughts. . .

     Ok, so I'm reading more of Jillian Michael's Unlimited tonight and I have so many things I want to remember and rely on!  I'm in chapter 3 and I've made several highlights.  Based on my reading and recent events/realizations, here's what NEEDS to be done!:

Realistic Dreams

     I have to be excited about the work when it comes to fulfilling my dreams.  If my dream aligns with what God wants and what I'm called to do, then the work to get there will be enjoyable. It won't always be flawless, but I should be able to look back and say it was overall good.

Faith in God

     Faith in God is essential.  I can't just depend on myself.  I have to ensue God's help if I'm going to bring my dreams and callings into reality.

Think Thoroughly and Envision Greatness

     Every thought is a part of shaping reality.

Avoid the Green Monster

     Don't be jealous, because it tells myself and others that I'm not good enough.  Instead, I'll use my desires and drives to be better at what I do!

Be Positive and PRAY

     Think positively about every situation and think and pray about what I have to offer to make things  better.

Just DO IT!

     Don't just think about doing well, kick bootay at it!

Plan & Prepare for Awesomeness!

I must plan and prepare for my dreams so that I'll be ready when opportunity, goodness, and fulfillment come knocking!

Let Go and LIVE!

Since everything I do is based on what I believe, I gotta get my head in the game! TRANSFORMATION happens NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(So what should I focus on first???)

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     Those are my "notes/ideas," (hopefully you aren't too bored!) now it's time to talk about my day.  Yesterday, I just couldn't get motivated!  In the evening, I finally managed to do an hour of Wii Fit.  Not bad, but definitely not my best! I'm going to start a food journal (I might blog it?), because everyone seems to be chatting about them.  I don't think I'll be a full in food blogger though!
     Today I slept in again! Summer kills! lol (I'm a teacher)   I'm trying to become a morning person again.  I'll let you know how that goes ;)   I'll try to add more pictures in the near future- just found my camera!  When I touch things, they always seem to disappear!
How are you?
Thanks for reading!!!
<3 Ashley

*Images were awesomely found at http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Another Day. . .

So, I've come to the point in Jillian Michael's book Unlimited where she prompts readers to make a "Vision Board." I read this section about the time of my last post and have been at a standstill ever since because- I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT! It's so frustrating.  I've finished college, achieved my dream of being a teacher, which is something I'm constantly working at because I know I care about it.  I achieved a lot of goals all close together about a year ago.  I'm realizing that I don't currently have many new goals and I'm not sure how to set them. Obviously one of my dreams is to lose weight and be healthy, but often people say that's to general.  I don't know why I want it.  Regarding other goals and dreams- I feel discontent, but I'm stuck here where I am- basically lethargic.    How can I get out of this funk???

***I am, however, confident that I can "pick up the pieces" and I'm promising everyone that By Sunday, 7/16/2011, I will have a vision board to show you!  Hold me to it!
Any ideas? What do you dream about?

Get Ready!

It's a beautiful outside today, but it's one of those days where it will probably rain.  The way it looks outside made me think, aren't there a lot of times in life, especially when you're taking on a new adventure that you can feel the "rain" coming?  What do you do to prepare for the rain?

Today, I'm still in preparation phase.  As  in, what do I really want out of life and for my efforts? I've been reading Jillian Michael's Unlimited and just started looking at the worksheets (located at http://www.jillianmichaels.com/unlimited/home.aspx).  I have to admit,  I don't know a lot of these answers about myself. . .I guess that's what this is for, but searching for a lot of this info. is emotionally tough.  Then there are times when it's too easy. Like, my answers are so automatic and not surpising---but, I'm no where near the targets I have well established for myself, or the ideal goal in my mind.  It makes me ask the question- Have I not wanted myself to succeed for some reason? WHY?! . . .

?

Anyway, my goal for today is to plan next week's food.  I need to establish a routine for eating again.  I  know you're not supposed to eat exactly the same thing everyday because your body gets used to it, but I'm going to eat similarly everyday until I get back into the swing of things.  Any ideas? Meal planning does not come easy for me.  I will also workout for an hour- not sure exactly how yet.  I will drink 64 oz. of H20 and read the next chapter of Unlimited.  These are my promises me to you and myself.  Keep me accountable, keep  me humble.
Well, until next time, it's back to work!
~*Ashley*~

New Beginnings

Dear Beautiful People,
I've been longing for quite some time to make my dreams a reality and achieve my goals. Now, I've recently been brought to the realization that I do not have to LONG for these things. I just have to make them happen! I've often been known to make goals, take the first step, and then -----NOTHING-----!
From this point forward, I will not give up, I will not give in. I will walk with my head held high, humbly and with purpose. I hope you'll share the journey with me. Right now, I am taking the first steps toward health, happiness, stronger faith, and true beauty. Welcome aboard!
<3
~*Ashley*~