New beginnings

Maybe I have been neglecting too many things in the past months, but I have been keeping tabs on myself. Just not always able to explain what it is I am up to.
So tonight I will start again.

It's currently 2013 and I am a busy lil' momma! I volunteer three days a week right now. Part of that is my awesome job at my daughters school being a Motor Mom. Besides that part of my life I am also working on finishing my certification in computer forensics. I am excited by many of the things I have read, but parts of this Ethics class are causing me to really step back and look at myself in a different view.

Tonight I plan to start looking up natural remedies for my hair and body. I will be posting pictures and recipes aft I try them.

Annnnnd since I know this blog is about me changing and making myself better, I am proud to say that I am on a diet and I am strictly monitoring myself. I have dropped pant sizes, and even have a treadmill now. It works just perfect for me. (And my new mint/grey workout shoes and rainbow shoe laces make it all the more fun!) My daughter encourages me and has me walking her to school and home from school, which totals in a few miles daily.

To help encourage myself I have recently dyed my hair and changed the cut. Currently I am sporting blonde highlighted long hair with bangs. Such a change for me!!

More to come soon!

"Believe in yourself and accept yourself. You are you, it's who you a meant to be!"
-Me <3

Direction

Sometimes the hardest part of your life is finding the correct direction for your life. Everyone has a different path to follow and sometimes it's finding that path that takes the longest amount of time. Personally I have always had ideas of which life path I wanted to walk. But I never really had a plan to find my way there.

Even today, there are time I feel I need to step outside that path I have been on and see if it is heading in the direction I want to be in. Maybe I took a left turn a while back when it should have been right, but that doesn't mean that I am not on the right path. It just means maybe it will take me a little longer to get on that path.

I have a habit of getting on 'my' path and being able to see all the way through to the end, but then along the way I trip (or get pushed) and land off to the side. After getting up and dusting off, sometimes I just get right back to where I was and walk the path, while other times I can see that there is a completely different path (heading the same way) that I can take. Or even the rare path that once I am back up and moving goes in a completely different direction that I was planning. And sometimes that path is the best choice.

Inspiration:
I have plenty of inspiration around. Sometimes it helps to re-watch (re-read, re-create, re-hear) the inspiration which started you off. It can kick start you right back to where you want to be. I love finding my inspirations, but sometimes that old faithful inspiration is the one you need the most.

 Creativity:
Currently I have been channeling my inspirations into my NaNoWriMo writings and my holiday gifts for my family and friends. I haven't actually had the time to sit down and sort out what sort of inspirations I have pooling inside my head.

I do have plans to continue on my Zun Scarves, specially once the holiday "orders/wishes" are done. I do love the way the scarves make me feel when I finish one. And I love the smile people have when they wear one!

Exercising: It has been one of those things I fit in the middle of my life right now. I am fitting it in, just not as much as I have been wanting to. At times this past week I just crank up some danceable music and dance around while doing the household chores. One plus to this is that my daughter can dance right along with me, and she enjoys it, and another plus is the chores get completed. One way to get two things out of the way at once!

Quote: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined."
-Henry David Thoreau

My favorite teacher in High School was a Thoreau fan. I fell in love with his writing after the first time I read them. This quote especially pushes me. I have it written around as an inspirational source.

Fun

If you forget to make your goals fun, it's hard to complete those goals. While working out I love having my family and friends around. Not only do I have the help and encouragement I need, I also have someone to make it fun.

It's contagious when your loved ones laugh. So that simple laugh turns working out into (almost) a game. I still get the exercising done, I don't even realize how much, because I'm focused on the fun of it.

Now it's not always good to have unfocused exercise, there are benefits to a nice focused workout. But an unfocused and fun workout breaks the routine.

ZUN SCARF

Latest Zun Scarf is done in length, the details are just now being prepared. It will be completed soon and ready to be revealed!

GIVE-A-WAY

Don't forget to enter my give away! Who doesn't like awesome free software?!

Quote: "People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing."
- Dale Carnegie


My newest Zun Scarf base!

Relaxation and Meditation

With every task you start it's essential to take the time to reevaluate and rethink what you are trying for. To do this it's nice to relax and meditate. I find it beneficial to meditate to some relaxing music and remember why it is I started to work out. Even though it's something you do everyday, it is great to remember why it is you do it everyday. For me working out is my way to overcome my injury and move forward with my life. It is also for me to become healthier for the rest of my life.

Taking the time to reevaluate my choices allows me to change little things time to time so that everything stays new and non-repetitive for me. Keeping things new and exciting keeps me from giving up.When something becomes too repetitive it makes it hard to keep wanting to do it. Even if we know what we are doing is good for us. I like to keep things close to the same but with little changes, such as doing Yoga one day and Exercise ball the next. Then on the third day doing another type of Yoga.

When relaxing after working out it is also good to cool down your body and keep yourself from getting cramps or aches. So not only does your brain get to relax and give you time to think about what you are doing, but also gives your body a chance to calm down too.

EXERCISE

Again the day has been busy so we have spent most of our time running inside and outside. Leaving no time for my usual work out. But it's kept me active most the day allowing for a relaxing, long exercise.

ZUN SCARF

Hint: The newest Zun Scarf is made with two skeins of yarn just like all the other Zun Scarves, but this one is made with two skeins of the same color.

I can't wait until I can get a completed one for pictures! Even though it's the same color on the background, it will be very interesting, I guarantee it!

Quote: “It is important to remember that meditation has a direct influence on our physical body and helps for example to lower blood pressure. Thus, meditation is one of the keys to a long and productive life.”

Take the time to really relax, even if it is a fleeting moment.

Focus

To complete the goals you set for yourself, you must have the focus to reach for them. In the next few days I have a garage sale to run, which is a huge distraction, but I am remaining focused on my goal. Nothing is going to distract me from reaching for my goal.

Life throws curve balls. We have things that come and demand our attention. It takes control to focus on what is right before us and to focus on what we are striving for. It's not always easy, but it is worth it to never give up.

EXERCISE

Today was great for exercise. My mother and best friend came over. We did a 45 minute Yoga routine. It was more in depth than the yoga I have been doing up until now.

Time goes by so much faster when your exercising with loved ones. It's always fun when your not alone. The yoga taught a relaxation method after the work out which I could see myself using often to unwind.

ZUN SCARF

The latest Zun Scarf is done. Pictured below. I am ready to start my newest one. The colors are blue and green with the word 'ZUN' sewn in white. (And the most unique of the Zun Scarves.)

Quote - "If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results."
- Jack Dixon

Desire

To accomplish your goals in life one thing you must have is the desire to change. It is not enough to have that wishful thinking, trust me everyone has that feeling. But usually no one has the desire to actually work towards that change. It is never a good reason to change for someone else. To succeed one must desire to better ones self.

I never had the drive or desire to better myself. I usually thought I could just keep pushing through and going on with life the way it was. But I never realized it could be so much better if I just desired the change for myself.

Now I have that desire. I want to live healthier. I want to defeat my injury. I want to succeed in fitness. It seems that recently I have finally gotten that boost that I have been lacking for too many years. I can now actually see myself passing by the old me and moving forward in life.

EXERCISE

I have been doing as much exercise as I can handle daily. Some days it is impossible for much seeing as I am a full time mother of a 4 year old. But other days are easy to fit in exercise. I generally try to budget my time. I get up before my daughter and work out then. I also work out in the evening before bed when she is already all tucked in.

I am focused on yoga for now, seeing as it is allowing me to work out the issues with my hip rather slowly. I can still see my progress from when I began. I really do hope to step up my exercising in upcoming months, maybe by joining a gym. But for now the best place for me to be, is working out right here.

ZUN SCARF

Ahh my third Zun Scarf needs it's name sewn in and it will be ready to go. I have my next design drawn out and ready to be created. So look forward to it as much as I am!

Quote - “Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”
-Mario Andretti

Sometimes it's easier to realize what you desire, when you step back and take a break.

Support

To have a group standing behind you is the most powerful resource available to a person. It's a long journey in any undertaking you attempt, but to know someone is always there to catch you is encouraging.

For me, having my family there to support me, and to offer that helping hand when I need it is more than I could ever ask for. I have tried before to change, but I tried this undertaking by myself. I failed. I had given up. This time I started anew, and I started with my family.

The experiences I have had in the past have shown me that it's never easy, but it's manageable with help. There's no reason to fear asking for help. It's a strength to be able to admit and ask for that helping hand.

EXERCISE

Taking a long, fast walk with my sister not only helped with my muscles, but with our relationship. It's not always easy being close to your family, fights do break out. But it's worth those moments you share with them that reminds you that they are always there with you.

The walk was great for many reasons, I learned I can walk twice as long as in the past. And while I can walk that long now, I can also withstand the pains in my hip.

ZUN SCARF

I have almost finished my third scarf, and I have all the materials for my newest creation on hand. I am excited for my new one to be done.

Quote-
“Family... a group experience of love and support.”

- Marianne Williamson

This photo is from the walk with my sister. It's the day before the full moon. The reflection is in the lake. It's a beautiful touching scene. The moon has always been a support for me.

Choices

Everyday we make choices for ourselves and our lives. Some choices are simple, others require willpower. It may seem simple to pick between two things, but when it comes down to it it's not always easy to make that choice.

Last night was a simple choice. Later at night my family decided snacking on M&M's was a good idea. I found it simple enough to opt for no midnight snack.

This morning my choice was a little harder. After smelling the warm bread cooking, I really wanted to chow down on it. I chose to ignore the bread and instead ate celery. Making the healthier choice made it easier for me to make another healthy choice. It's a domino effect.

EXERCISE

Working out daily has been encouraging. But not always easy. After an argument with a loved one it's especially hard. You want to give in and comfort yourself, instead of push yourself. But I am especially lucky to have a supportive family. My mother took time to workout with me, and make it fun. My support group, good friends and family, is a huge help.

After over an hour of working out to some of our favorite songs, we had a good laugh and I managed to work out my stress and anxiety without my normal comforts.

ZUN SCARF

The third Zun Scarf is on the way. The blue and green colors look great together in my opinion. I am thinking of putting buttons decoratively on the ends of the scarf. Another way to decorate the simplistic design of the Zun Scarf.

Although simplistic I have thought of another way to create an amazing Zun Scarf, but I have to go get more yarn before I can create the first one.

Photo attached to this post:
(baby mouse by the front door)
This little mouse gave me a boost in inspiration and determination today. If someone so tiny can be brave enough to stand up in a giant world, what's holding us back?


Quote- “No one else can ever make your choices for you. Your choices are yours alone. They are as much a part of you as every breath you will take, every moment of your life.”
- Dr. Shad Helmstetter

Strength

Strength. To each person strength has a personal meeting, just like everyone has their own personal inspiration. Strength doesn't only come from how much you can do, but from how much you can control yourself.

Strength -
1. The quality or state of being strong, in particular.
2. Physical power and energy.

My strength comes from my own ambitions. In the past I felt weak due to my injury. I let my injury control my lifestyle for over a year. I listened to my doctors seriously and I understood that they have my health in mind, but it was a major depressant that I was forced to be laid up for a few months.


Now that I have found my inspiration I have my renewed faith in myself.

ZUN SCARF



This Zun Scarf is done in blue and green. It will be completed and hopefully find it's owner too. Again I'm creating with the hope it will make someone else happy too.

EXERCISE
The soreness in my muscles is still apparent, but not nearly as bad as it was. I am pushing forward with each new day. Yesterday I tried some new yoga moves. I found some that I can do and some that I cannot accomplish yet, especially with my hip. But it hasn't discouraged me in the least bit. Instead I am more determined. I will work hard until I can complete these movements without issue.

Quote-“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”

Willpower

My exercise ball, yoga mat, work out bands, and books.

Ah, the reminder sight of my exercise equipment to keep me on track. This morning was a little rough compared to others, my muscles were tired and sore. My legs felt like jello. And in honesty my hip was worst of all. But all it took was a little encouragement from my daughter and I got myself moving. Today was a day of doing yoga exercises. Proved to myself I really need to work on my balance.

I discovered that I have more willpower than I had a year ago. Last year when my hip would ache I would lay back with my TENS Unit and walk with my cane. Today I left my cane hanging where I could see it and I pressed forward. I never want to be confined to a cane and medication again.

Willpower- self-control- the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior.

I am glad I pushed myself. I know I can do this, and proving it to myself gave me the most amazing feeling. I will continue to look to my inspiration and continue to strengthen my willpower. :-)

HEALTHY

To help encourage myself to keep healthy I have begun to watch my food intake. I'm making healthy decisions and checking my proportion sizes. I've been drinking water daily, I've completely cut out soda and I plan to only drink coffee on certain days, since it is my biggest weakness.

ZUN SCARF

My second Zun Scarf is done. This one will be off to find it's home soon. I feel the same great inspiration when I saw the scarf completed. The word ZUN is sewn with shimmer black yarn on this scarf.
I sincerely hope that this scarf will make someone else smile like I have while creating it.

Quote:
"You have a very powerful mind that can make anything happen as long as you keep yourself centered." -- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Thriving

 

While out with my mother, my sister, and my daughter, I found this necklace in a local resale shop. I passed by it for a few moments, but the word 'Thrive' repeated in my mind.

I went back and picked it up. Looking it over I knew it had to be mine. I felt good after buying the necklace, to me it's another inspiring item to help me keep on track.

To Thrive:
To Prosper; To Flourish

In life is there anyone who thrives anymore? People seem to live their days in moderate contentment never trying to change or better themselves or their lives.

I've decided that I am going to thrive. I am going to change myself and flourish in my own life. I'm not going to sit still and watch the world around me move anymore. I am going to move too.

I'm not going to let my injury or past hold me back anymore. I am moving forward. If it wasn't for the inspiration in my life at this time, I would have probably been sitting still.

ZUN SCARF

Each Zun Scarf will have the word "Zun" sewn inside on the bottom

Slightly hard to see but I have sewn on the word ZUN in my hand dyed wool to the inside of my scarf.

Purple and Green for this one! The word Zun will be sewn in with a coordinating color.

The second Zun Scarf. Almost completed. This one will need to find where it belongs. I hope that who ever gets this scarf will find some sort of inspiration.

EXERCISE

I have decided to not go easy on myself and not to let myself slack. I am taking my choices very seriously and plan to keep up with it.

I bought my yoga mat yesterday with a resistance band and exercise ball. It's the perfect step for me. This is my beginning.

Yesterdays exercise consisted of stretches and stair steps. So for today I plan to do ball exercises. Such as ball push ups and heel ups. Tomorrow I will cycle my exercise to Yoga. I will succeed and I will think positively. :-)

Quote: “When life knocks you down you have two choices- stay down or get up.” ~Tom Krause

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