Follow me on FB!

Day #1
Don't be a chicken....Be open about your goals!

I know it can be a little intimidating and sometimes downright embarrassing to be open and honest about your goals especially if they include losing weight.

But, you not only need to be honest with yourself about where you are starting from and where you want to go, but you definitely need to communicate with a medical professional before starting a new workout regime, diet, or weight loss endeavor.

Also, be mindful that not everything you read, try, or hear is going to help you achieve your goals. Everyone is different.

However, everyone is capable of achieving their goals, if you don't lose focus; don't give up; don't get discouraged, and most importantly, never stop trying!

So, no matter where you are starting from....no matter where you want to go......There are lots of ways to get there; just find the plan that works for you! 

60 Days!

I'm excited to announce I will be posting for a straight 60 days on my Facebook page- In Shape Forever! I invite you to like my page and follow along for some inspiration, motivation, recipes, blog posts, and most importantly sharing! I am not asking you to do anything you don't want to do, so contribute as much as you like, or just sit back and soak it all in!  Whether you want to take baby steps, or you want to hit the ground running on your quest to be In Shape Forever....there will be something for everyone. Feel free to contact me if there is anything in particular you would like to see! Hope to see you there!

Letting Go of Control Does Not Equal Out-of-Control!

I find it amazing how much I've changed over the past few years. Some changes have been great, others not so great, some have been by planned and executed perfectly while others....well, not so much.

I went from not really controlling or feeling the need to control anything and just going with the flow to the exact opposite. Not only wanting, but feeling the need to control all aspects of my life and the others around me.

It's not really a great feeling, and I much rather want to feel calm. That's not to say that I won't stand up for myself and fight for what is right, but it does mean that by not controlling everything, I can regain my life back.

I can be happy to plan out events, but then also be happy when events don't go as planned.

I can be happy to let go of control and put that in God's hands, and be happy with the end result.

I can understand that letting go of control does NOT mean that I'm out-of-control and that makes me VERY happy :) 

How do you balance your wanting/needing control and not letting it consume your life? ......Just let it go.....and enjoy your life ;)

Working Out- Outside!

Usually when I drop my child off at a function, I spend the time running errands. I decided to change it up this time and spent the time working out. Nothing beats the sound of water splashing, feeling the breeze from the trees, watching the clouds move by! While some others were sitting in their cars waiting for the time to pass by, I was doing situps, leg lifts, and burning some calories doing planks. I'm so glad I took the time to reconnect with nature. Best part is, the workout was totally free. Being outside can soothe the soul. Best of luck with your next workout. Don't be afraid to try something outside....who cares who is watching! 

My Apologies- Confessions of an Inspiring Blogger

I admit it - I hopped on the bandwagon......and I am sorry!

I decided to start a fitness blog knowing that it wasn't going to be easy!

But nothing "BIG" happens when we give up easily!

This is what I know:
 I am not famous!
 I don't endorse products I have never used!
 No one famous is endorsing me! 
I am fully confident that ANYONE can achieve their goals (physical, mental, spiritual, or otherwise)  without spending a fortune.

The truth is:
  I "started" a blog, and I am devoted to "finishing" it.
 I took a hiatus to really reflect on what I wanted.....instead of what I thought everyone was looking for.

What I realized:
 It isn't really the old adage, "The customer is always right."
 If I only get one person to visit my page, and I can motivate someone....than that is a success for me! I'm no longer worried that I won't get any likes, shares, or comments.
Fitness blogs are a dime a dozen. I know because I've visited plenty! 


Who I am: 
I am just an average law-abiding citizen who works hard and helps support a family. I've gained and lost weight....and gained it back. I was waiting to drop an amazing amount of weight.....to look and feel amazing.

But, I'm not there yet.......

And I'm not going to lie......I've been hurt.....but I have been healed......I've been betrayed.....and I have betrayed others.....I have been forgiven.......and forgave others........I've been lost......and I have been found......I have been depressed.....but I have experienced so much joy and happiness.

I don't want anyone to follow me just because I look a certain way. I want people to follow me because I inspire them.....and they inspire me......They trust me......and I trust them......

I am ready to do this.....Let's get this blog started......

 YEA!

What you NEVER want to see!

You've been doing so well, and you are so proud of your accomplishments, then something happens....Maybe it's an injury, maybe it's stress, maybe an illness, or maybe it's just life in general...But something got in the way of you keeping yourself in shape.

Maybe you feel it in your clothes, maybe the pounds are creeping up on the scales, or worse yet......someone makes a comment to you!

We've all been there, and I know it can be hard to not focus on it, but you will come back...You can achieve your goals!

First, make sure you are setting realistic goals. It's easy to get discouraged when we are focused on unattainable numbers or we are trying to look like someone else. Visualize and focus on you....You and only you!

Secondly, make sure you are managing your time wisely. We all make excuses for not working out or not eating healthy....we don't have enough time, we don't have enough money, it's too hot, it's too cold....No more excuses! You may not think you have 90 minutes a day to work out, but start off small. Take a quick walk around during your lunch break. Wake up 15 minutes earlier....Every little bit helps! If you had an injury, check with your doctor, but even stretching can be greatly beneficial to your body. I've always been a fan of yoga and water aerobics. These activities are great for all ages and ability levels! A great instructor can modify for all participants in a group class. 

Third, try not to get too discouraged. So what if you ate that piece of cheesecake....or whole cheesecake....Don't focus on the negatives and give up just because you may have over indulged- especially around the holidays. Tell yourself that you are strong and you will get back to eating healthier....and actually do it!

Fourth, don't let anyone drag you down. Don't let the comments of others make you feel bad. Some times we are our worst enemies. Take a look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful. Maybe you're not in love with every inch of your body, but you should thank God you are there to see it!

In conclusion, at some point in all of our lives, we fall off that health and fitness wagon. Some of us get right back on...Some of us need a little boost...Some of us need to be thrown on there by a loved one- and we'll kick and scream and make excuses, but it all comes down to motivation. I'm motivated to see where I can go....What I can do...How about you?   

When the Unexpected Happens

While I was traveling home for Spring Break, I experienced an unexpected snow/sleet/freezing rain storm through the mountains of West Virginia.

This unexpected event parallels events that can happen in our lives.

We are traveling along the highway, obeying all traffic laws and rules of the road and something beyond our control detours or causes us delays.

Of course it's frustrating, aggravating, and unnerving but how we handle ourselves when the unexpected happens defines who we are.

We could get mad and beep our horns; we could scream out the window or we could take a deep breath and enjoy the company of others (or the company of ourselves).

Try to appreciate the unexpected opportunity no matter how hard it is especially if you have young ears and eyes in the car. They will observe your behavior and sense your coolness or lack thereof. They will imitate you too.

Stay safe and calm out there especially when the unexpected happens!

~JF~