Family – Page 6 – Reclaiming LIFE

Body, Mind, and Spirit

Published on October 27, 2016October 27, 2016 by ChristineLeave a comment

Yesterday, I skipped my Miracle Morning to focus on my editing stack. I got a lot of work done, which was great, but I got wrapped up in the overwhelming thoughts about all the work I have in front of me and lack of time to do it all. There’s a limit to my energy some days.

I decided the very thing I needed was a workout. The momentum of negativity had already started within my mind, and it traveled right to my workout. Everything annoyed me…especially that dude who rests on a mat for 5 minutes in between sets taking up 1 of 2 squat racks during the busiest time at the gym. I attempted to channel all the negativity into a tough workout, but even that was not doing it for me. I avoided everyone because I knew if I opened my mouth negative would pop out of it. lol

Once I got to work (personal training) however, everything turned positive once again. I was so uplifted and empowered by the drive within others to better their lives. To show up. Lace up their shoes. And get to work. Their fighter spirit ignited my own.

So it got me thinking about balance, and the importance of working on all elements “Body, Mind, and Spirit”. Every. Single. Day.

I missed working on my Mind in the morning, so working on the body didn’t have the other two components behind the effort. I didn’t get to working on the spirit until later in my day, but it sure did make everything turn around for the good.

So today as you attack your day, I want to encourage you to find ways to feed all three elements.

Body

Are you eating for fuel?: Complex carbohydrates to give you energy/fibre/vitamins and nutrients for your day. Protein to support muscle growth and maintain the muscle you already have. Protein also repairs muscle after your workout…we are literally made of protein so it’s essential. Healthy fats such as Omega’s which are vital for not only your physical health but also your emotional health too.

Are you moving your body every single day? Our bodies are designed to move. Think about what happens to a car that is left to the elements and never used. Our bodies are our vehicle. Keep it moving! When I was learning about exercise through my personal training certification, one fact I will always is remember is this: If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.

The other day at the gym I met two older gentleman who really inspired me. Bob and John, friends since 1960 and both close to 80 years old. As they spun on the exercise bike (and I was resting under a vent that directed cold air onto my overheated face), they told me they both had many health challenges they were facing. Hip issues (and surgeries), knee injuries, etc. And here they were at the gym spinning away and laughing through it. They both told me how important it was that they take control of their health and keep moving to the best of their abilities; despite their limitations. Just. Show. Up.

Mind

Are you challenging your mind beyond the scope of what you find comfortable? Learn and grow as a person daily. Just be better. We have that choice. We can choose monotony, routine, same old thoughts every day…or we can choose to grow and expand our minds. Challenging old tired belief systems that holds us back from moving forward. Read, journal, write, learn. There is no finish line, just more to learn. There are people all around us with a whole lot of knowledge and life experience if we just listen.

Spirit

What feeds your spirit? Maybe that’s going for a walk, phoning a friend, reading a good book, taking a nap, having a long bath, yoga, treating yourself to a massage, retail therapy with a friend, contributing to others through volunteering, listening to good music…whatever that is for YOU. Do it. Every day.

On music…I’ve always loved Sia. Plus she’s weird and she authentically owns it…which I enjoy a ridiculous amount…

Now taking care of your spirit can be tricky when life’s responsibilities pile up. I have learned to leave the dishes in the sink sometimes and just lay down, or call my girl Darina (she’s my person I’ve adored for all of life’s most important events which ironically has happened at similar times in our lives). It feels selfish, wasteful when there are so many other things needed to be done. But remember it’s just as essential to your happiness and health.

Balance.

It’s within our power to shape who we are and how we feel every day. Choose wisely…

I hope you have a great day!

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Your Morning Motivator

Published on October 12, 2016 by Christine2 Comments

This week I’ve struggled with staying motivated. If you struggle too, let me help you out today. 🙂

During my Miracle Morning, I was writing/thinking about ways to give to others. I realized one simple way I can contribute to the happiness of others lies within the energy I carry.

I think there are two types of people (and I’ve shifted between both):

Energy-Givers and Energy-Suckers.

We all have the power to give positive energy to others simply in the way we carry ourselves. The words/ideas we choose to give voice to. How we deal with adversity. We can give literally give the gift of positive energy to another person. Just think about how you feel when you spend time with someone with an infectious laugh, it’s impossible not to laugh too. It’s contagious. 🙂

Just as we can give it, we can also take it away.

Have you ever woken up happy and uplifted and throughout the course of your day dealing with negative people, your mood slowly shifts? Discouragement seeps in, and even the smallest annoyance in life transforms into anger. That shift in energy is then transferred to another. It’s a virtual wave of negativity.

The exciting news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. If you want to change a negative environment, you can right this second. All it requires is a shift within your perception and mindset. THAT is within your control.

On the heels of Thanksgiving, I’m starting this day out with gratitude. I’m grateful for so much in my life, but most importantly the hard stuff. As I look back on the toughest times in my life, I’ve realized it’s uniquely prepared me for this stage of my life. From my day-to-day living with a gracious heart, to raising my beautiful children (who were born with a sense of good and wonder), and within my career which means the world to me. Everything I’ve learned, I can now transfer it to living an authentic life.

Even on the bad days, I will greet it with a smile because I am very aware how much another person’s kindness, positive energy, and uplifting attitude helped me during my darkest of days. It really is a gift. There are no words to adequately describe how much small acts of kindness touched my heart during times of struggle.

It’s a shiny patch of sunshine within the darkness. And because I deeply appreciate and understand what others gave to me, I can now be that shiny sunshine if I want to. That’s ridiculously amazing.

I think because I spent some time grieving in silence, I can instantly recognize it. So I smile. Big crazy smiles. ha! I can clearly see another’s strengths, pain, desire to just be better, doubt that lives within their abilities…all of it. And I know that I can at least remind them of their worth. There is no one on this earth more worthy than another. We are equally deserving of happiness and pride. Isn’t that the heart of the pursuit of life?

So today I choose to be an Energy-Giver to all I come in contact with. To start a small ripple of uplifting that can transform into a tidal wave of positive. You never know how that energy can transform and take momentum. If you ever doubt this, just think about how someone else helped you move forward when you were stuck.

I hope you all have a great day 🙂

I hope you choose to smile even if your heart is hurting.

I hope you choose to rise above whatever adversity you are dealing with.

I hope you recognize your worth. Your strengths. Your natural gifts of talent.

I hope you feel gratitude every time you look into the eyes of someone you love.

I hope you give the gift of positive energy.

And when you do, Positive OUT becomes Positive IN.

There’s a whole lot to smile about.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

The Prescription for Change

Published on September 14, 2016September 14, 2016 by ChristineLeave a comment

Through out the years, I’ve made it my mission to focus and learn about how to instil long-term change within my life. I’ve learned a lot from brilliant authors and speakers. When an idea strikes a nerve, I write it down. So here I am writing today about change.

I was reading “Awakening the Giant Within” by Tony Robbins. One area that hit home for me in relation to making a change NOW is this question:

Am I a walking contradiction?

“Change is often a Should and not a Must. The only way we’re going to make a change NOW is if we create a sense of urgency that’s so intense that we’re compelled to follow through. The greatest leverage you can create for yourself is the pain that comes from the inside not the outside. Knowing that you have failed to live up to your own standards for your life is the ultimate pain. One of the strongest forces in the human personality is the drive to preserve the integrity of your own identity.” Tony Robbins

I think the reason this really resonated with me is that I’m working very hard on my character and growth right now. I set aside an hour daily to read, write, learn, grow so I can be the best version of myself. So my kids have a better role model and I can be proud of the life I’m creating.

Having spent this year in fast forward growth, my integrity is very important to me. I know exactly who I am and the way in which I want to continue to grow as a person. The idea that some of my actions in life do not line up with my character and the high standards I set for myself does not speak of integrity. It’s important to recognize the areas of inconsistencies between my character and my actions.

I just had this discussion with my son the other day in relation to Integrity. What does that mean exactly? To me, integrity means my actions align with my words. I do what I say I’m going to do. My loved ones can count on me. I align my choices with who I am as a person. I let my actions speak louder than my promises and words. I asked my son a few days ago a very important question: Who do you want to be? Go be that.

So how do you change something right NOW?

Change occurs when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain associating with change. Our brains are hardwired to associate pain and pleasure to every action and behaviour. We have to condition our brain to make these pain/pleasure associations differently.

It all starts within the mind.

What do you want to change today? Whatever it is, ask yourself some important pleasure/pain questions.

Pain Q: What will it cost me if I don’t make this change: mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, financially?

How does staying within a destructive behaviour affect my children or those I love most?

Pleasure Q: If I make this change today, how will that make me feel about myself?

How will it change the way my children/loved ones view me?

Say for example, you want to change patterns of emotional eating. Obviously you must be placing much importance on the pleasure that brings you and not enough importance on the pain it creates in your life. Reverse that. Focus on the pleasure you will receive in taking control of this area of your life. How will that affect your self-confidence and pride? What will it do for your spirit if you are released from the pain created through choosing to emotionally eat?

Feel the pride that comes from knowing that you are a person of integrity who aligns your actions with the standards you set for living your beautiful life.

Again, the question I asked myself this morning (I encourage you to ask yourself as well): Am I a walking contradiction?

The strength of my stubborn spirit will not let that be my reality. Oh noooooo.

Today I choose…

Happiness

Pride

Integrity

Confidence

Hope

Optimism

Self-Assured Grace

Hard-work

Dedication

Tenacity

It truly is within all of us to make this choice. We have the power to change today. Embrace it with excitement! You can literally change your life right this second.

How ridiculously amazing is that?! Have a great day!

From my heart to yours,

Christine

The Disconnect within Connection

Published on August 29, 2016August 30, 2016 by Christine2 Comments

We all crave connection. It’s a fundamental human need. That’s why there’s so much time spent online. Facebook, twitter, instagram. It’s a virtual world of human connection. We spend more time on our phone virtually talking to others than we do actually connecting with another person face-to-face. What’s ironic is by searching for connection in this way, it creates a disconnect in life.

I hear this a lot and I’ve also convinced myself of this from time to time. I’m too busy to workout and eat right. It’s not that we don’t have time, it’s that we don’t use our time wisely.

I used to think that I used food as a tool to numb. I think it’s more accurate to say that I used food to feed a feeling of emptiness. One that could have been fed by healthy elements.

I took some time to truly think about the ways I feel full and content within mind and spirit.

Connection

How often have you tried to have a real conversation with someone who is looking down at their phone while you talk? It’s impossible. It makes the other person feel undervalued. Through that disconnect, it sends a message that their time is more precious than yours.

Put down the phone, you will not find true connection there. One thing I’ve learned through getting to know others at the gym, is that if I take the time to listen to others within authentic conversation, there’s no end to the life lessons that can be learned. I love going to the gym at the time when older people are there, because through every conversation I’ve had with them, I’ve learned something. They could be falling into the trap of sedentary life if they choose, but they don’t. They show up, work hard, and slow the hands of the aging clock with heart-healthy activity. They are not distracted by the binging of notifications from their phones. When they talk to me, they look me in the eye. They listen. They understand that time is fleeting and precious and they use that time to their advantage. They understand what it is to be connected to another person through being truly present within conversation.

Exercise

run

I realized one day on my run that I have never felt more alive than within that uncomfortable moment. My lungs were screaming for air, my legs felt like they had weights attached to them, the cold air whipped at my face making my eyes water. Yet within the physical discomfort, I was never more aware of my strengths and abilities of my body. I’m certainly not aware of that as my body sinks into the indentations of a couch. 😉

Our bodies are designed to move, run, jump, lift. If we challenge our muscles they will grow. If we exercise our heart, it will beat more efficiently with strength and determination. What’s more alive than that? There is nothing “alive” about losing muscle mass as we age, and clogging our arteries with fried foods. We are betraying our bodies if we give into complacency. Get moving. Feel alive!

Eat foods that transform into energy. Isn’t that amazing: that you can fuel your body to perform at its peak. It’s within our power to choose our fuel. It takes just as much time to eat crappy food void of nutrients and vitamins as it does to choose vibrantly coloured food full of life.

The Uplifting

You know what feels amazing? To uplift another person through genuine appreciation. To truly recognize the light within another’s spirit. To ignite a fire within their soul through recognition. To see their worth and celebrate it. To give more than you take. To make others laugh and feel amazing about who they are as people. THAT is gold. You want to feel uplifted? It starts in giving. Not receiving.

Positive Out, Positive In

I say that phrase an annoying amount, because I believe in it with my whole heart. Negativity is exhausting. It’s soul crushing. Nothing grows within a negative environment. It’s an energy sucker. Maybe you are searching for positivity right now. Well let me be a little source of positivity within your day and tell you that to attract positive you have to put it out. Every time a seed of negativity tries to implant within your mind, cover it with positive. It takes practice especially during times of adversity; but there is always something to be grateful for in life. Something good to see through wounded eyes. A little ray of sunshine within darkness. If you focus there, on the good…it will grow and spread. Whatever positive you put into this beautiful world, it will come back ten fold.

Spirituality

I have found my worth within God’s grace. There is no one I need to seek validation from, because He’s the only one I need to seek. I have turned my back from my faith from time to time, but I have found so much peace and joy through the power of prayer. His grace is sufficient for me.

Authenticity

One good thing that has come from my life falling apart, is that I have gained a sense of confidence and clarity of purpose within rebuilding my life. I wore a mask for a long time, and as it crumbled away, I had no choice but to stand within vulnerability and own my life. Yup, here I am… scars and all. Perfectly imperfect. I no longer care what others think about me. I can’t begin to describe the freedom I have felt as I leaned broken but wholeheartedly right into authenticity. I know exactly who I am. I will not judge you. I will stand beside you with empathy, understanding, and compassion. If you judge me, that’s on you. It doesn’t make me feel bad about myself. Not one bit. Peace 🙂

This year, one of my goals was to experience true joy again. Now it’s a tough goal to pinpoint when I’ve actually reached it. I can confidently say that I’m well on my way. I have realized that joy can be found within life’s ordinary moments if I become present in the right now.

Joy lives…

Within my children’s laughter.

Within the trails of amber on a fall day as I run to clear my mind.

Within embarrassing awkward moments that naturally fall into my lap as I am in fact awkward (which I’ve learned to own).

Within the pride I see in another’s eyes as they persevere through a tough workout.

Joy is present and abundant within a conversation over coffee with a good and pure friend.

Joy in the little things. Joy in the everyday. Joy in the anticipation of a tomorrow full of promise.

I smile a little more freely each and every day. Laughter comes right out of nowhere. And that’s ridiculously amazing my friends.

I hope today you find some time to truly connect with another person and feel alive in all you do.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Time: Our Most Precious Commodity

Published on July 16, 2016July 16, 2016 by Christine3 Comments

As I was journalling today, I got to thinking about the concept of Time. The paradoxical truth of time’s vastness and it’s fleeting quality. We all have no idea how much time we will be gifted in life.

So what do you want to do with your time?

Who do you want to spend it with?

How much time is wasted or not treated with respect within your life?

I know you have goals, as do I…how much time are we willing to spend on a dream without action?

Right this moment, you are gifting me your time by reading this post. Thank you 🙂 With that said, I want to use your time wisely and perhaps get you thinking a little…

We have 24 hours in a day, much of our time is spent sleeping. How will you use the rest to get the best out of this one precious life you’ve been given?

Quality over Quantity

There have been stages in my life when I was very good at managing my time and packed a whole lot of quality within it. But then the momentum of mundane seeps in, and there’s a pull to avoid and procrastinate, putting too much importance on tomorrow. I’ve found much value in changing my perception. A wake up call for the mind, reminding myself that today is important. Right now is important. Get up off that couch and live. Do something outside of my comfort zone. Meet new people. Share even when it feels uncomfortable.

Create your own Fun

Let’s all agree, that there’s a lot of annoying in life. Bills to be paid, lines to wait in, coughing waiting rooms to sit in, and bathrooms that don’t clean themselves.

I was out for lunch once with a friend, and there was a couple sitting beside us. It was a beautiful, sit on a patio in the warm sun kinda day. Laughter floating on the breeze between friends who haven’t seen one another in awhile. Yet this couple…sat together in misery. Once the woman received her food, the order was wrong. She said nothing to the waitress, but rather waited for a few minutes of angry eyes staring at this horrible wrongly placed food until she started muttering to her man. Oh the horror! WRONG FOOD! THIS DAY IS THE WORST! At that moment, I was struck by the absurdity of it all. That one wrong meal could affect someone so much…obviously not about the meal. I was thinking in my head, this couple was gifted with time together on a perfect day on a patio. How are they OK with living a life of disappointment, entitlement, anger? Life can be fun if you change your perception.

If your life doesn’t have some fun within it, create it! What do you like to do? What brings joy into your heart? Go do it! What are you waiting for? Do you have people in your life who make you laugh and remind you not to take life so seriously? Go spend time with them! Catch a comedy at the theatre. Go do something ridiculous like renting one of those scooter thingies in the mall, ride around with the self-created wind in your hair! ha! Just have fun. Life doesn’t have to be so serious.

Your Perception is your Reality

If you’ve followed my blog, you will understand that this year has been a tough one for me personally; however, I remind myself often that I have the ability to choose my thoughts and perceptions.

No matter what adversity you are dealing with in your life, YOU have the power to control your thoughts and feelings surrounding it. This is where you will truly grow as a person, through the hardship and trials. It’s what forces us out of complacency.

I ask myself this question often through the bad days: how will I use this to grow as a person? How will I use the pain to my advantage? There is wisdom and answers within that pain. Just like through exercise, if you challenge your muscles…push through the uncomfortable…you will grow.

I hope you have a great day and use your time as the gift that it is.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Your Daily Uplifter!

Published on July 6, 2016 by Christine2 Comments

Good morning! I know many of you found your way here from the Global News Interview I did last week. If you haven’t seen it, click HERE.

So welcome to my blog! I have journaled here for over 8 years as I’ve lived in the maintaining world. There’s been many ups and downs, and writing has always been a very grounding and clarifying medium for me.

Right after the interview aired, I left for a week’s vacation. It turned out to be perfectly timed as it gave me time to sort through the feelings that sharing my story brought forward. I didn’t expect to feel all that I did. You see, as much as I’m quite open in talking about all that I’ve learned through shedding the weight, there’s also a thin veil of shame I feel within that too. I’m not exactly sure why as I’m so grateful for the connections made when two strangers find they have something in common which is deeply personal. So much of that is lost in this digital era; and it’s also not lost to me that I’m sharing this on a digital platform 😉

When Global contacted me to do the television interview, after sharing an online interview version the week before…

…My first feeling was “No! I can’t talk on camera. I can’t share something so personal to me with strangers.” I actually felt panicked at the thought.

And then I was hit with this one truth that I have strived to incorporate into my life for a decade. If you fear something deeply that you know will bring about positive change for another; you have to do it.

My dear friend Darina once told me you can actually convince yourself that fear is a form of excitement. So I decided I was excited to share, and of course I would share openly without walls.

I’m very thankful for the messages and connections made as a result. Simply hearing from one person who benefited from my truth as I lived within my self-inflicted prison makes it all worth it. This is about You, not me.

In the spirit of understanding that this maybe the very first post you read on this blog, Here’s what I want you to know this morning.

You are worthy of creating your perfect dream life; and that has nothing to do with the amount of money in your bank account. It’s within your power! Just think about that for a second…feel the freedom that comes as a result of understanding YOU are in control. So who do you want to be? Who do you want to surround yourself within in this one precious life you’ve been gifted? Go and be it! Seek out connections; those people who uplift, support, inspire and motivate you. Be that for them too.

You are stronger than you even realize! We can live an entire lifetime and never understand the true power and strength of the human body and spirit if we choose that. How sad would that be to never understand our true potential. A waste really. Would you want that for your children, or those you love most? Treat yourself just as you treat those you love. And just watch how your life unfolds beautifully when you pour positivity and love into your heart.

Positive OUT, comes before Positive IN. It’s that law of attraction thingy…whatever you present and focus on, is exactly what will come back to you. Find yourself surrounded by negativity? Be positive. Be the person you wish to see in others. Yup, you can control that too! Energy is infectious. You have the ability to change a person’s day just by uplifting them (which in turn uplifts you too). How ridiculously amazing is that?!

Don’t know where to start? Start small. Get up and go for a walk. Even if it’s around the block. Your body is designed to move. One tiny step in a positive direction will incite more tiny steps. Add one more positive change to your life every week…or every month even! Changing everything at once is not only overwhelming; but a prescription for failure because we need to give ourselves the respect of time to blend these changes which will translate into lifelong habits. Remember this is a lifestyle: an amazing style in which you will live for all of your fabulous life. Be gentle with yourself.

Order this book…

Order it HERE from Amazon, it will change your life (It’s not available in book stores). No other book has made more of a positive impact on my life. I have a Miracle Morning every day and I couldn’t imagine starting my day any other way now.

Reach out to others for support, create your supportive loving village. I will support you! Add a comment, or send me a message.

I hope you have a ridiculously amazing day! I promise to blog more frequently. I would love nothing more than to uplift your spirits in this small way.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Just Show Up

Published on June 16, 2016June 16, 2016 by Christine6 Comments

Yesterday, I had one of those low energy days. I slept well, ate well, but I shuffled through my morning. The last thing I wanted to do was go to the gym for my daily workout.

And then a little voice in my head said “Just Show Up.”

Ugh….OK.

I was pretty sure I would show up to the gym only to channel my inner Eeyore, but I decided I would lace up my runners and just show up.

As I walked into the gym, a woman approached me who had stumbled upon some of my before/after photos through social media sharing. We ended up having the best conversation that was so genuine and one that I will always remember. We were strangers, yet we shared on a deeply human level about important personal issues in both of our lives (in a non-weird over sharing way…ha!) I left our conversation uplifted and positive, which transcended into my workout.I worked harder than I had in weeks and pushed past an area I believed I couldn’t get to physically. Six straight full-depth body weight chin ups. I have been stuck at 4 for months.

As I was leaving, she approached me again and thanked me for our talk; and I was so thankful as well. She shifted my perspective; I’m always grateful for those shiny positive people who have the gift to do that.

A reminder that the energy we put out there to others is infectious, so choose wisely. If you want to attract positive into your life…be positive. It really is as simple as that.

That workout was exactly what I needed. I realized after it was over, that it had started as an emotionally low day for me, rather than physically tired. In one hour I felt completely different: positive, energetic and ready to take on the day. Had I not gone, I’m pretty sure my day would have snowballed into one big pity-party-for-one.

Just.

Show.

Up.

I went to work later training. One of my clients shared with me that she was having an emotionally low day and was going to cancel, but decided to come anyway. Again those words rang in my head. Just show up! We hugged it out and she got to work. She channeled all those tough emotions into her workout, and pushed past limitations she struggled with in earlier sessions. Not only did she change her energy through that session, but she actually looked different physically. She entered with worry & stress on her beautiful face, and left with a huge smile and infectious positive energy that lit up the room.

So here’s a little encouragement today to Just Show Up, and let the momentum of tenacity and drive move you forward in a positive way. Sometimes that’s all we can do in life, but it’s better to show up than bow out.

Have a ridiculously amazing day!

From my heart to yours,

Christine

I Want to Change, but How? Don’t be a Dream-Blocker

Published on June 13, 2016June 13, 2016 by ChristineLeave a comment

The choices we make in our life are a direct reflection of our self-beliefs.

Over the years, I’ve had many personal conversation with people who are working towards their goals and dreams, but who are stuck within their self-imposed limitations.

You know how I know this?

Because you are reading the words of one kick-ass Dream-Blocker.

If my journey to my goals was a pretty little sun kissed path flanked with arching trees and cute little frantic butterflies, I was there with a chain saw blocking my way.

I truly couldn’t wrap my head around it. I thought: “I really want this! I want to change my life. I want to feel comfortable in my skin. But I really like fries.”

ha! Oh my girl, it’s not about the fries.

I now have the gift of hindsight, which is often the case when you spend a lot of time wading through the muck of life.

I didn’t believe I actually could.

As parents, we have high hopes, aspirations and dreams for our children. Yet, we don’t put the same level of importance on our own aspirations.

For me, the journey to lose the weight had nothing to do with society’s standards of beauty and what my body “should” look like.

It was a journey of self-love.

Our bodies are actually designed to move, jump, run. We were not made to sit on the sidelines of life nor from a couch experiencing life through a TV.

Our spirit needs to be fulfilled with purpose…and our destiny and purpose is a great one my friends. We have the power over our perceptions.

The mind must be challenged as well to fight complacency found within mediocrity. Have you ever been told “You’ve changed” like it’s a bad thing? Of course we change, if you stay the same then that’s a stagnant state. Growth in character requires work. Remind yourself often of who you are as a person, the values you hold close to your heart and then align your choices with those values.

So who do you want to be? Go and be that.

Do not settle for a life or health that isn’t conducive to who you know you can be. The person you are within. Your life is not one of mediocrity, one foot in front of the other, a ground hogs day of struggles. If that’s the case, get out of your own way and choose differently. Even through the trials in life, it’s within our control to grow because of them. Be thankful for the darkness, it will create a love and deep gratitude for the light.

Please don’t be the blocker of your own dreams. Love yourself just as fiercely as you love those in life most precious to you.

Have a ridiculously amazing day!

From my heart to yours,

Christine

A Challenge for You ~ Dream a Little Today

Published on May 22, 2016 by ChristineLeave a comment

Good Morning! I have a challenge for you today. It’s about dreaming and aspiring.

I want you to write absolutely everything you dream, want and hope for your children. If you don’t have kids, pick someone you love a ridiculous amount. If you could wish for success in every facet of their lives, what would that look like?

Break it down into the core needs of every person. Physical, emotional and spiritual.

What would you want your kids to know as they embark into a life of independence?

What I want for my kids:

Physical: To stay active in body which also filters into the spirit. To take care of themselves out of respect and love for who they are as amazing people. To push outside of their comfort zone a little each day, to the best of their abilities. To never fear the uncomfortable; but rather embrace it so they can get stronger. To run because they have legs that allows them to. To fully experience the strength of the human body if you just challenge it. I hope they enjoy their rest days too, balance is key.

Emotional: I want my kids to truly understand their worth so they will only ever accept respect from others. I know they are raised with a great value system and place importance on how they treat others. So I wish that they not only accept the same in return but expect it (because they lead by example). And further to that, I hope they will put up boundaries where they need to or let go of friendships/relationships that don’t align with who they are as people. You can let go of people and still be respectful. I hope they have high self-efficacy…that core belief in their abilities to reach any goal they set their mind to. I hope their self-esteem is ridiculously high; yet they stay humble and modest. I dream for their happiness. The kind of happiness that they exude in every action and reaction. That they will have an authentic positive energy that is infectious to others.

Spiritual: I hope my kids will always look to God for their strength and understand that they are a very tiny speck in this universe. They have been given one life to live so do so with purpose and direction. I hope they take time to be grateful daily for every blessing in their lives and pay it forward.

So what do you dream for those you love? Write it down now and then before reading further, come back to this post. I’m patient I’ll wait 😉 (insert elevator music here…actually I’ll go find a song)

Now here’s your last challenge: After you write it all out, read it again but reframe it within your mind…What if these are also the hopes and dreams for yourself? Have you quit dreaming for yourself too? I hope not.

We put so much of our hearts and souls into those we love; and we lose ourselves within dreaming for others.

It’s not only OK to dream for yourself (it’s not selfish), it’s necessary.

How do we expect our children/loved ones to learn from us if we have checked out of life? One foot in front of the other…day after day. Settling for comfort zones, the uninspired, the average.

If your kids approached you and said “I’m really looking forward to a life of mediocrity where everyday is like ground hogs day. I will live in complacency. I will fear challenge. Maybe I’ll live with you forever because it sure is comfy here and you have a well-stocked fridge.” Would that be Ok with you? Of course not…so don’t settle for that in YOUR life too.

Read those dreams daily. Take action for not only those you love, but for yourself too. Because you are ridiculously amazing and worthy of an amazing life rich in purpose and happiness.

From my heart to yours,

Christine

11 Years at Goal ~ Finding Purpose within Pain

Published on May 19, 2016 by Christine8 Comments

Today is the 11 year anniversary of the day I reached my goal weight. Going into year 11, I’ve moved away from placing importance on what the scale says. In fact 3 years ago, I made a conscious decision to put my scale away and take it out once a month. I record the weight in a log, and in looking back at it, I can see my life is pretty predictable when it comes to weight.

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It follows the ebbs and flows of my life. Up at Christmas and summer holidays and down in the spring and fall as I run in the sun. By seeing that pattern and knowing that I will always live an active lifestyle fuelled by nutrient rich foods, it has allowed me not to worry so much about that 10 pound fluctuation.

This year, more than any other year, has brought with it a whole lot of change in my life. I have fulfilled a decade old promise to myself that I would one day be a personal trainer/life coach. I started my Personal Trainer job in February of this year and I absolutely love it. I wake up excited to go to work everyday and that’s ridiculously amazing. Through my experiences losing the weight and maintaining, I believed I could make a significant impact in the lives of others with similar struggles. I want to motivate others to be the best version of themselves and support them to actualize their full potential. To dig deep to their core drivers (motivators) so they can truly love themselves as they make positive life changes.

Little did I know when I started my job, that as I was driven to aid others in healing…they actually healed me and continue to do so every single day. I am so inspired by their drive, hard-work, and dedication. My heart is so full witnessing their passion to just be better in every aspect of their lives…physically, emotionally, spiritually. Great stuff!

I’m about to get very real in this post, because as much as I highly enjoy the uplifting…sometimes life just doesn’t always go the way you want it to. So pour a glass of vino or click the little X thingy to close the tab if you aren’t into reading a very real book-post. 😉

This year also happens to be the most painful year of my life as I navigate through the murky waters of divorce. I read once the stress level of a divorce is comparable to a death. I have never lived a more painful truth. Like most things in life, you can’t possibly understand the ramifications of major life events unless you go through it. You can empathize and be compassionate, but unless you walk in those shoes, well….you can’t possibly know what it feels like.

I was worried that I would fall into old destructive patterns as I coped daily with stressful changes, but I’ve found solace and drive within purpose, direction, and focus. The key has been to remind myself daily of my goals, dreams, and aspirations and then attaching tangible action with a timeline which aligns with those goals. I have poured every ounce of the pain within adversity into helping others move forward within their own struggles in a positive way. And I’ve learned to be kind to myself as I struggle with my identity.

I believe there is power through genuine sharing within vulnerability so that another going through similar struggles does not feel alone. It brings about authentic community which we have sadly lost in this digital age. I have learned there can be uplifting positive patches even through the darkest days. There are many facets of my life I can’t change right now, but I can certainly change how I perceive it.

I’ve struggled with my identity this year because for 23 years I lived as a half of an entity. I can choose to look at it now as a single with a missing piece, an alone…but I choose to see it as a new whole. I focus on the present and future and while I respect the life I can see in my rear view mirror; it is not healthy to focus my identity there.

So, going into year 11…here’s some things I learned this year.

You see we attach our identity to our habits. Some positive, but a whole lot of negative which then places self-induced road blocks to our success.

For example; you may want to run a marathon one day, but you can’t possibly achieve that dream if you place your identity on the belief you are not a runner. You become a runner by habitually running. It’s as simple as that. If you want to change your identity, change your habits. It’s hard at first, because of that identity thingy…but stick with it. They say it takes 21 days to create a habit; give yourself the respect you deserve, because you truly can do anything for 21 days if you believe you can.

I don’t know what my future holds, but I do know I’m moving forward with purpose. I have never felt such strength in who I am as a person than I do right now. I let go of caring what others think of me. I may not be your cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean I’m not awesome tea…just not your cup Oh tea. 😉 Letting go of other’s expectations and judgements has truly fuelled me to be very authentic, open, honest, and has allowed me to find strength within vulnerability.

We have one life my friends, we can choose to wallow in our past hurt, or we can focus on the right now and take action everyday to create our best future. We have the power to do that.

Take time every day to be a little kinder. Give without expectation of anything in return. A grateful heart is rooted in generosity of spirit.

Soak up the knowledge freely given by others around you.

Read.

Rest.

Run.

Let go of fear of the unknown and see it as an adventure.

Challenge yourself to be better.

Laugh until your stomach hurts.

Invest time with those who love you.

Every time you make a choice, ask yourself…does this align with my dreams and goals? If not, let it go.

Dream big.

And most importantly, take action.

Dreams are just dreams without action.

Every anniversary year, I usually step from behind my camera and get a photo taken to signify the year. This year I’m using a photo that brings about a whole lot of significant emotions.

My first Christmas as a new me. Christmas 2015: I was on my way to see my family Christmas Day when my car broke down an hour from home. I had never spent a Christmas evening without my kids, and as I sat in my broken-down car waiting for AMA I started laughing rather than crying. I truly couldn’t believe this was my life at that moment, like I was living a bad dream. I needed to deal with this situation on my own…and by my own I mean AMA. But still…totally did it myself. 😉 I texted my sister updates as I sat beside a very tired and hungover tow-truck driver as he sped down the highway mock-chicken with my car on his deck. His speedometer was tapped out all the way to the fast side. lol A trip that ordinarily would have taken over an hour, took 40 minutes. I was literally shaking when I got to my sisters and she hugged me, gave me a glass of wine, and presented me with a matching onesie. I excused myself to the guest room and cried like a baby, not out of sadness but out of relief that I was going to be OK moving forward on my own because I sure have a great loving support system.

Thank you to my friends and family (and once-upon-a-time strangers who are now new friends) for supporting and encouraging me. I am so thankful for you and because of your kindness and compassion, I will remember to always pay it forward.

From my heart to yours,

Christine