Motivation- Do you have any to spare??

Hi there! Today's thoughts have been mostly consumed with ways to re-motivate myself. I was doing really well over the summer. Went to the gym 6/7 days, ate lots of fruits and veggies, and really was trying to stay focus on getting healthy. Then, the school year started and all of it went to shit. I barely went to the gym 1 day/2 weeks. Went more for rushed, convenient lunches rather than healthy ones. Joined the in-laws out to dinner more often and skipped meals. It was really tough to stay focused on my health-so I just wasn't. I gave in and inevitably gained back all I'd lost, except for 3 lbs! I'm so pissed, but I can't be mad at anyone but myself. It totally sucks and I need to do something about it.

Here's the thing- I'm no stranger to this weightloss game. I've always struggled with my weight. I've tried all kinds of "diets" and "lifestyle changes". I know the programs and what needs to be done. In the past, I've been able to recommit myself and get excited about starting out again. Really focused and determined. But, this time? Not so much... I feel like I'm struggling to motivate myself. I feel very blah about this. I've never had this happen to me before, and quite frankly I'm worried I might be giving up. I can't possibly give up, but I need to find my "get up and go"!

What does someone do when seeking motivation? Well, this girl prowls Pinterest and adds to my "stay motivated board. I'm happy to say I was able to find some of what I desperately need. I'm going to continue looking for some more motivation/inspiration on Pinterest while the hubby watches Gold Rush. I intend to also create (and post tomorrow) my Healthy Vows. Check back soon! Good night, all!!

Your Time Is Comming

All of us have goals, hopes, dreams, desires. We have spent countless hours of our lives trying to make these dreams happen. Sometimes it seems like you work harder and harder and all you are met with are setbacks. Maybe someone disappointed you or you didn't get that promotion you'd been planning on. Wgst you need to know is that it's OK. Your time IS coming! Think about it, why would God place those dreams in your heart and not plan on giving you the means to make things happen?? He wouldn't.

I believe that God has a plan for every one of us. He has meticulously thought out and planned a bountiful and blessed life. I also believe that he has put people and events along our life's path. These people and events are meant to be life-changing. They are meant to either teach us or promote us.  In order to move us along our well thought-out path, God has placed these hopes and dreams in our hearts. You may ask, "how can you just blindly believe all of this?? Don't you think reaching your dreams is up to you alone?" I believe in the phrase Believing is seeing, not seeing is believing. I think we can definitely move things along on our path; however, I also believe that too much interfering might set us off course and delay our dreams. Obviously there will be trials and disappointments. There will be times to be upset, grieve, have pity. But, these are only moments in your life- not your entire life. Trust that you did not gave a setback, but a setup for great things to come.

So, what dreams has God placed in your heart? Looking back, can you see God's hand in those dreams that DID come to fruition? I can. Example: I always wanted to be married. Always wanted to find "the one", but I became really great at finding NOT the right one. I was trying hard to push things along and move at my pace. Things happened, life got a little messy, and I gave up looking. Then, BAM!! Brian came along and I was swept off my feet. I had to stop being pushy and let go before I could meet him. Things had to happen in a certain order so my life could work out as it has. I can't imagine changing any of those "bad" decisions because I know my life would be vastly different than it is today if I did.

This is only one small example, and I know I can tell you more if I wanted to. But, I'll save those stories for another day. I encourage all of you to think about your dreams. Think of those dreams that you've always had and told people about. Think about those dreams that you keep tucked inside your heart and haven't told anyone (we all have them). Know that your time IS coming. Wake up each morning thankful and expecting wonderful things to come your way. Be prepared for those moments where you know it couldn't just be coincidence, because those are the times you can be sure God is standing by and guiding you. The time is coming for ALL of us, and ALL our dreams.

God's Hand...

I have always believed in that catch phrase "God has a reason for all things".  Sometimes, believing in this has been the only way I've gotten through some very tough times.  Whenever tragedy strikes, it's hard to get past the heartache and devastation.  When people are suddenly and inexplicably taken from us, it can be so hard to understand.  In fact, it can seem impossible to continue on.

A woman that I work with is currently facing such a tragedy.  She has suddenly lost her daughter after only getting to know her recently.  It just seems so unfair that God would take this young mother and leave so many to grieve.  I had not met this young lady, but I know that her mother spoke so highly of her.  Her face lit up when talking about the fun they had just had, or the special look in her eyes when talking about her dreams for her daughter...

In 2006, a wonderful woman that I knew through work at a gym had her daughter brutally taken from her as well.  I remember just being shocked once I received the news that Christmas, and the sadness that I just couldn't shake for weeks.  But, I knew that my sadness could in NO WAY compare to what her mother must have been feeling.

Being a mother myself, I can't imagine the pain of burying your child.  I can't imagine ever recovering from such heartache.  I honestly can think of nothing worse that losing one of girls...  But, these women had it happen to them.  And, they are surviving.  God bless them, but they are continuing on.  They are amazing women.  

I'm not quite sure where this post is going, but I just want to put it out there that I truly believe that God does have a plan for all of us.  One day it will be made known to us- or maybe not.  But, I have to trust and believe there is a reason for all of this.  When times get tough, or when everything seems chaotic, please remember to stop- breathe- and believe that you are in important part in God's plan and it will all come together soon.  God Bless...