I was a day late with our FitClub newsletter because I never even realized yesterday was Friday. Our topic today is Wild Rides.
Yesterday my nephew had his first child and told my daughter “It’s already been a wild ride!” He summed up my week in those very words. (Beautiful baby girl, my sister’s first grandchild, and she is now learning from me about grandparenting and what’s to come!)
Last Sunday my daughter and her husband got Covid and were too sick to care for their 2 year old, so… they packed her up and she came to live with us for 6 days because she tested negative. I stayed home not only to help my husband with the child care, but to keep Covid out of our fit club because I was exposed.
If that isn’t enough crazy to create a “wild ride”, stay tuned- there’s more! Just so happened we were having a new furnace installed this week and would be without heat or hot water for 3 days. Fine for just hubby and I, but throw a 2 year old into the mix and it’s a new ballgame. Wait there’s- more – I came down with a mild cold that wasn’t Covid and was operating under medication. We had to use space heaters the company provided, boil water to wash dishes (Do you know how many dishes a 2 year old uses in a day? I do!) and we had to heat water for her bath, monitor the temperature in her room and keep her entertained so she wouldn’t miss her parents and home. Phew! Talk about a “wild ride!” This was like camping with a toddler!
Now you understand why I didn’t know yesterday was Friday!
I believe we’re given “wild rides” in life for good reasons. Every once in a while God yanks me out of my regular life and throws me into a place where I have absolutely no control. Do you know what that does to a person like me who thrives on habit and routine? Makes me crazy, that’s what. I don’t go along easily. I have to be dragged kicking and screaming to upend my peaceful, quiet life. But when it’s over, I feel oddly refreshed instead of spent and exhausted.
I have come to learn that “wild rides” are necessary for my peaceful existence. So, my dear Kokonuts, the next time you are challenged with a “wild ride” of your own, take heart and give thanks for the silver lining that will surely come of it when it’s over. You don’t know what you are capable of until your asked, without warning, to drop everything and just DO IT.
Today I am so happy to return to my normal life. We are all healthy now, the baby is back with her parents, the house is warm, water is hot and I am thrilled to come to work on a Saturday to greet 3 new potential Kokonuts!
Have a peaceful and quiet weekend (unless you are in a “wild ride” of your own.) Enjoy the Grammys!
I hope you all have recovered from your holiday revelry and your life has returned to normal – by normal I mean we actually know what day it is! Lol! I am still amazed by the words of intention Koko Centerville members have come up with! Our back board is filled with inspiration!
I use an electric toothbrush that makes me brush for 2 minutes. (Don’t worry – I know where I’m going with this! Lol!) I have to stand there until the 2 minutes are up. I have trouble WAITING for the time to pass, but I can’t quit early because it’s recorded on my phone and God forbid I mess up my perfect brushing calendar. So, I have no choice. I have to WAIT. You may remember last week I said my word of intention is WAIT. Since I decided on that word, I can’t believe how many situations I find myself in where I have to wait. In order to grow from my word this year it has become apparent I need to figure out how to wait with grace and patience. I decided that while brushing my teeth I would look out the bathroom window and give thanks for everything in my sightline. (It’s a second floor window that overlooks a good portion of the neighborhood – I always called this my “window to my world.”) It works! Now waiting the 2 minutes is a time of meditation, thanks, and gratefulness.
What is your word? Have you found it yet? It might take all month for you to find it. When you do, please share it in the comments so we can all be inspired by your journey.
As you know, I am a fan of Maria Shriver’s Sunday Newspaper. Such a fan I actually pay to subscribe – and I don’t subscribe easily to things – they really have to mean something and I have to use them regularly. Streaming subscriptions…story for another day. Anyway, this is an excerpt from this week’s Sunday Newspaper. May our words of intention guide us along this path:
“Today we stand at the start of a new year. And as we stand at this starting line, we have more than just a new year in front of us. We also have the opportunity for a new beginning for ourselves. We get to decide who we want to be in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Yes, you get to choose. You get to decide if you want to drop something that’s been weighing you down—be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually. You get to decide if you want to look forward to the future or focus on the past. You get to decide if you want to stand in awe of this gift bestowed upon you—this gift of life and possibility. You get to decide whether you want to embrace your imagination and use it to create a life that is yours and yours alone. Remember, your life can touch, impact, and illuminate others, or it can harm them. So choose your vision with intention, purpose, and a mission in sight.”
And so, as another day goes by, we “choose our intentions with a purpose and mission in sight.”
Every year at Koko Centerville we decide on a yearly theme. 2023 was “New Year, Best Year.” Most of us begin the new year by promising ourselves a bunch of things that we are going to improve in the next 12 months. And, most of us, by February have given up on the reality of those promises ever manifesting themselves over the next 10 months.
I came across something so much better than setting resolutions that will just ultimately lead us to failure. This year at Koko Centerville we are making 2024 the “Year of the Word.” It’s so much easier to come up with a single word of intention to live by than it is to try to memorize a list of behaviors we hope to obtain. There are so many great words to choose from: compassion, impact, peace, courage, hope, shift, bold, leadership, kindness, listen, let go, judgement, and the list can go on.
Knowing myself as well as I do, my word just popped right out at me during my morning yoga session: WAIT. Wait is my word for 2024. In that yoga session I noticed I still want to come out of a pose when I feel discomfort. I don’t want to wait it out, even though I have learned how to be successful at doing that. When I am waiting for a message I constantly check my phone. I cannot just go and do something and wait for it. In doing house projects I want to immediately jump in and my husband has to slow me down. In my painting, I am very impatient with what is called “the first pass.” That is where you lay the paint where it’s supposed to go before beginning the detail work. I don’t like the way it looks and I want to move too quickly into the detail phase. In my exercise routine I don’t want to wait for the next weight training session and do the recovery in between (although I have gotten better over the years with this.) All too often my response to messages is “can’t wait.” Yup, I guess WAIT would be the word of 2024 for me.
This weekend, think of words that come to mind when contemplating your place in 2024. See if one rises to the top and fits you perfectly. Put the word on your computer screen at work or on the mirror at home and just look at it every day and I guarantee thoughts will come and actions will follow.
And so, as another year is about to go by, let’s just keep trying to put our best foot forward!
Over the past few weeks several people I know have found themselves in difficult situations and in all the talking about joy that we are doing, it made me think about our definition of joy more – “Joy is not based on circumstances.” Hmm. That seems almost like an opposing view.
I took some time to put myself mentally in the shoes of people in situations where there is devastation all around them. Their world is crashing down – suffering loss of family, homes, jobs, relationships, etc. How, how can you ask them to still find joy everyday when their hearts are bruised and broken? You can. One thing I learned over my 70 years of life on this earth is that no matter what I am facing, I can still take a breath. Many times my breath was all I had. In the midst of horrific difficulty, just look up and take a breath. You don’t have to pray or think or figure anything out. Just look up and take a breath. That is your source of your joy for that day. Simple as it may seem, that brief moment gives you a respite from whatever you’re going through. And, when you think about it, just being able to take that breath is something remarkable in itself. There it is: joy.
I found that helpful tidbit by being intrigued by an album name. Recording artist Lauren Daigle named her last album “Look Up Child.” Wow. Just look up, take one breath. I did go on to use this album when things were hard for me. I put it on and let the tears flow and let myself feel the pain. This type of letting go – I call it letting go without rules – truly was a source of joy in a dark situation. And if you are not facing something difficult this holiday season, then you can be a source of joy for someone who is. For people you know personally or who are close to you, you can be their source of joy for one day just by listening. You don’t have to offer solutions or figure out their issues. Just listen. For people in general, open a door, smile, or give a compliment, and, of course, donate. For yourself, let your time you spend exercising be your respite from the world for 30 minutes and your source of joy for that day.
In these last few weeks before Christmas and New Years, whichever side of finding joy you find yourself on, keep it on your radar. Finding even the most minute joy in each day is where hope lives.
And so, as another day goes by, look around. Do you see your tiny sprig of joy for today?
Well, December is here and it’s crunch time! In November we always take time to be grateful, and in December at Koko Centerville it is our month to celebrate the joys in our lives. Once again we will be counting our blessings and sharing those in the club.
This year I came upon a couple of interesting things concerning the joy in our lives. First, in a blog I was reading, the author mentioned a book by C.S. Lewis entitled “Surprised by Joy.” Although I did not read the book, I was piqued by the title. I think being surprised by joy in our busy days can be a wonderful thing. Each day of ours is an opportunity to be surprised by joy. Another blogger phrased it as “finding small pockets of happiness.” As we move through our holiday preps, joy isn’t always obvious, but if we focus on finding little bits of joy in our daily lives, it’s a great way to energize us and boost our mood during the holiday rush. It’s not always easy to find joy. Life can be difficult, but taking a few minutes a day to focus on finding joy can do a lot for our mental health in the long run. Remembering from years past …not based on circumstances…
One way I purposely find joy each day is by positive self-talk. Using positive affirmations such as “I am capable of anything” or “The lessons I have learned have prepared me for this day.” Start your day by hyping yourself up and taking a moment for some positive self-talk – this goes a long way to living a happier life. in the club papers are in the basket for you to list your sources of joy. No names needed and just leave in the basket. Or if you have a favorite positive affirmation you always use with yourself, write that down, too. You do not have to be a club member to partake in this activity. All the positive talk and joyful things help us boost each other’s mood this season. I’ll put them on the back board for all of to enjoy!
Also our food pantry tub is out. As usual we will collect until the end of January so our donation will replenish them after the holiday rush. Thanks in advance for your kindness to those in need in our community.
As another day goes by I wish you a beautiful week discovering joy in your own circumstance.
Well hello again! It’s been such a busy summer and fall that I have completed only 4 paintings since July 1st! Obviously the 2 on the left were photos assigned to me. I fought these two assignments simply because I did not like the photos. I stamped around for days having a hard time beginning those assignments, but in the end I once again found out that this course teaches lessons on and off the easel. I learned to stop looking at the subject as a whole. The point was to paint the light. Funny, it’s exactly what my instructor was trying to teach us how to do, but I had to arrive at it in my own way. I can’t say enough about #evolveartist and how far they have brought me in my art and, in general, a way to approach life. I learned to stop, think, and not rush into things. I learned to mull over things for a few days and find a path to completing the assignment. Most of all I learned to stop having a tantrum just because I didn’t like the subject matter. I learned to just stop and do what I was told and let the subject teach me. In those two paintings there were many forms, lights and shadows to be wrangled with and if I didn’t stop the nonsense and get to work, I was impeding my own progress. Art is a great teacher. I have 2 more assignments to go in block 5 and I hope to finish them before the year’s end. It’s good to be back at the easel! #lessonslearned #evolveartists
It’s the 5th week into isolation. During week 1 you promised yourself you will exercise at home during this, but some of you haven’t started yet. I get it. Life is different. After your morning coffee, you look around and see ANOTHER long day stretched out before you. Not a day you’d choose, and it makes you feel a little out of control. It’s hard to set goals in this setting, but for your own sanity, you have to.
Here’s your one goal: each day I will do one thing for my mind, my body, and my spirit.
Today:
SPIRIT – I WILL get started!
BODY – I WILL do this 7 minute workout TODAY and everyday until I’m in a routine and ready for more.
COOK! Share a recipe you and your family have enjoyed recently!
SHARE! We need each other right now. Share your books, art work, hobbies, recipes, ways you are exercising, your wonderful pet pics, etc. HERE. This is our spot to stay connected until our clubs open. At Koko we are sooo much more than just a gym. We are a family. We love each other. We are interested in each other beyond just exercise. All of us coaches miss “our people .” We miss the chit chat at the desk when you come in. We are concerned you are “okay” during this difficult time. We would love to see what you are doing. Everyday we check our pages to see “who’s here”. Sharing will do wonders for your spirit, and for ours!
So, are you ready? START TODAY! We miss you, dear Kokonuts!
I have a problem. I’m fixated on it. I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. I just pace and perseverate on it. Despite all the other things around me I could be thinking about or doing, I refuse to move off this problem until it’s “fixed “. Do you ever experienced this?
In the current situation, it’s easy to behave this way. The feeling of wanting this “fixed” before you can move on is intense. At times, it’s all consuming, especially being confined to your home where it’s easy to lose perspective. And that, right there, is the answer. We must put the brakes on and regain perspective.
You may not have the virus, but stressing your body and immune system 24/7 is not good for you either. For three weeks I have watched and read about how to regain control of our minds and keep sane and healthy through this crisis. If you are lucky enough to work from home, this keeps you distracted from the news and connected and engaging with clients and coworkers. When work is done, it’s time to do other things. Read. Read. Read. Get some great books on your Kindle and get involved in someone else’s life for awhile. Do art. Not just drawing and painting (but if you always wanted to try that, go for it!) You can get lessons on YouTube and supplies on Amazon. Writing is another form of art that you don’t need anything but paper and pencil or your notes on your phone. Every morning empty your mind. Write for 10 minutes anything you’re thinking about. Don’t plan what to write. Don’t think about it. Just write it. No one is ever going to see it. Not even you. Don’t go back and reread it. Just let it go. Writers use this technique all the time. It’s called Morning Pages. Try it.
Write stories. Try poetry. Make up characters and give them your feelings and experiences. Art stretches far and wide. Get lost in adult coloring pictures. Coloring those tiny lines with markers or colored pencil relaxes both your mind and body. Here’s a link to one I got from the company I get my art materials from. Start here:
Refuse to stay stuck in panic and despair until this is “fixed”. In addition to moving for 30 minutes a day, take very good care of your mind. You must keep yourself strong for the day when this is “fixed”. The day when you will get to hug your family and go out with your friends will come. It would be a shame if you were too broken or exhausted to participate in it when it gets here.
Here is the quote that inspired this writing from my morning reading. This book has changed my life and taught me how to find peace amidst chaos, so I thought I’d share it with you.
“When you focus on what you don’t have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened. You take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me. You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is “fixed.”
— Jesus Calling – Deluxe Edition Pink Cover: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (Jesus Calling®) by Sarah Young
And so, as another day in isolation goes by, grab it, embrace it and take control so you can be at your best when this is “fixed.”
For the past two days I have been listening to the local news stations talk about getting used to the new normal. I beg to differ. This is NOT the new normal. The new normal implies that this is life from now on – forever. This is NOT our life forever. This WILL end. Those three words are what we have to keep in front of us right now.
Families without paychecks, small business owners, people who are infected, etc. – this WILL end. We WILL go back to work and school. We WILL get a paycheck again. We WILL recover. It may not be the easiest road to get there, but we must hold onto hope that we WILL eventually get there.
When I find myself going down that rabbit hole, I sort of put up a neon sign in my head: THIS WILL END. It’s definitely NOT the new normal. It’s a temporary normal. I’m taking the advice of a doctor I saw on the news. She said it’s so important for our mental health to keep this front and center of our minds. She also said it’s important to talk with your loved ones and make plans for the future. We should be saying “When this is over, we are going to ______.” This joins us together in an atmosphere of hope. And right now, that’s exactly where we should reside – in an atmosphere of hope.
Another good piece of advice she gave: in the midst of all the sadness, please take time to be grateful for the good things you DO have. Practice gratitude for being safe in your own home, having an abundance of food, and, if you are quarantined with family, hold this time dear. It’s not “wrong” to focus on your blessings in a time like this. I, myself, have to fight this, but as the doctor pointed out, we all live in our own heads and focusing on the good will keep us in a good place and free us to concentrate on and help those less fortunate.
Think about it. If you feel “good “ you will not be sitting there obsessing over yourself and your situation ie: going down the rabbit hole. You will be free to pitch in for others. My advice? Take a few moments a day to look around your house and just feel warmth and gratitude for the good things right in front you, then get up and go to work – whether it be sewing masks or working from home or teaching your children. YOU ARE CONTRIBUTING. Every tough day you make it through, you are helping someone else. By just staying home you are helping your whole community!
And so, as another day goes by, remember: this is NOT the new normal and we must reside in an atmosphere of hope.
When it comes to diet and weight loss, we hear it all the time. There is no magic pill. You have to do the work. Well, I beg to differ. I did find the magic pill. And I took it for 7 months. I did not change my food or exercise. I just took 3 capsules with my breakfast every day. That’s it. To date I lost 7 inches around my waist. ( I am not saying you don’t have to eat well or exercise, you still do. You have to maintain the rest of your body, not just your waistline.) All I am saying is I didn’t change anything on purpose to see if the pill would work by itself. It did.
Okay. Now you are curious. What is this magic pill and how does it work? It’s called Burn AM because you take it at breakfast and it literally burns the fat all day. You know the commercials on TV that show the fat being sucked out of you? There’s no need for that. Burn AM goes after the belly fat in between your organs and safely dissolves it and sends it out through your system without you ever knowing it. Then one day you look down and your stomach is flat. Completely natural, non-invasive and cost effective compared to those procedures.
It takes time. One month didn’t show me anything noticeable. At 3 months I was pleasantly surprised. Clothes were looser and I actually lost about 3 inches. After 6 months, I just couldn’t believe it. I am wearing clothes I haven’t put on since 2011. (Probably out of style, but I’m ecstatic they fit!) My waist went from 41 inches to 35. I have never been happier in my life. I have been working out and developing healthy eating habits for 16 years. I felt wonderful. I was happy with the rest of my body. My stomach was my nemesis. My daughter once said that I shouldn’t have that stomach with all that I do. I agreed, but I just didn’t know what to do about it. Then Burn AM came along and voila! The stomach melted away and it’s by far the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I feel like a wish was granted. Proof:
Once again, let me be clear. I am not saying just take Burn AM and sit on the couch and all your problems will be solved. Take it in conjunction with a healthy diet and good weight training program and watch the transformation.
And so, as another day goes by, I say, “Burn baby, burn!”*
*To purchase, hold phone camera over the code and start burning belly fat right away! (Takes about 2-3 days to arrive) There are also videos where Dr. Kashi, who formulated it, explains what’s in it and how to take it. Go for it!
