Continuing

Trying to keep up on everything you start isn't always easy. Making time in a 24hour day for everything you need to do isn't always possible. Especially for a young stay at home mom. But I am working hard to continue my good habits. Recently exercise hasn't been easy since I got sick. But I have continued on with my better eating habits.

One habit I need to focus on "catching" is to eat more fruit in the morning and drink more water. I fell into an old habit of drinking Coffee too often and it's a hard habit to break. I love my morning coffee more than anything else, but I know it isn't as healthy as nice fresh fruit. I just need to get into the habit of fruit before coffee.

I have continued to better myself if other ways recently. I have desired to continue my education for a while, but being a single mother made it hard (if not impossible) to do. I did find a way around this though, now that we are stable I have enrolled in an online college (so I can go to school and care for my daughter) for classes on being a Forensic Computer Examiner.

I am excited to get ahead in my own life this way. To prove to myself that I can take these steps forward in my life and to excel and still be the best mother I can. I haven't been brave enough to try these things in the past for fear that something would happen. But after being inspired to change myself and challenge myself, I have decided that it is time for me to do this.

I may not have the ability to thank the person who inspired me, I may not have anything to "show" for my changes (yet) but I know where I am headed and what I have completed. I know that I am changing myself, for myself, and with that I will be able to create a better life for myself and my family.

ZUN SCARF

The newest Zun Scarf was completed this week. This time it was a scarf that was inspired by the person I made it for, my younger sister. My sister had wanted a Zun Scarf (or many as she had asked) to wear around. When I looked at her I instantly knew her scarf had to have some soft of "checkered" pattern to it. She requested a rainbow (which I would have added for her anyway) to be on it.

So following my Zun Scarf pattern the way I created it there are 2 skeins of yarn used at the same time, one side of the scarf you can see the "braiding" of the yarn going up it. The body of this scarf is mainly squares of yarn and open squares alternating all the way up.

The bottom ends of both sides of the scarf are black ends, with a rainbow (mixed with black) up to the start of the checkered look. The rainbows are a "darker" side to the rainbow. They aren't as vibrant as the other Zun Scarves, but they are there just the same.

Every time I see someone wearing a Zun Scarf I made, I feel all the more inspired to continue making them and inspiring others. I love the scarves I make and I love even more seeing happy faces of those who are wearing them.

Quote: "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
~(My childhood idol) Michael Jordan

Butterflys - Transition

When we decide to change we under go a transition. There is no better symbol of transitions than a butterfly. The butterfly undergoes massive transitions, considering it goes from egg, to caterpillar, to the chrysalis or cocoon, and to the butterfly.

While we never undergo such an extensive change, but we do transition in phases of ourselves and our lives. Going from each stage in our lives we slowly change ourselves from what we once were into our own beautiful butterfly. Our spirit and inner self are the parts of us to undergo the most transitions. The butterfly has been used as a symbol of the soul by many religions and many parts of the world.

Even the slow changes and slow transitions between the you now and the you that you'd like to become can be expressed by the symbol. Change doesn't happen over night. It is a gradual and beautiful thing.

While this was my major inspiration in the past week, I created a Butterful Zun Scarf.

ZUN SCARF

The crocheted Butterfly Stitch down both sides the Zun Scarf

Approximately 8foot long by 3inches wide.

A small rainbow holds the two sides of the Butterfly Zun Scarf together.

Hand sewn rainbow of "Butterflies" up the bottom of both sides of the scarf. The bottom is crocheted in an open "grid" looking stitch.

My signature on all these scarves, the word ZUN on the back of one end.

I loved this Zun scarf. After my reading on butterflies I had to incorporate it into one my inspirations. This scarf ended up a gift also. These scarves are being made to inspire people, and before I even finish them it seems I know who needs that inspiration.

Quote(s): "Just like the butterfly, I too will awaken in my own time."
-Deborah Chaskin

"The fluttering of a butterfly's wings can effect climate changes on the other side of the planet."
-Paul Erlich

Balance

Balancing life is never easy. Toss in balancing everyday schedules. And there is always the balancing of ones Chakras.

For me, my exercise and my spiritual well being are connected completely. I not only want to be emotional healthy, but I want my spirit to also be healthy. Aligning ones Chakras has many benefits for the mind, body, and soul.

Chakras are the 7 points that energy travels along the spine branching into major nervous system. Keeping them aligned allows your energy to flow through your body without hinderances.

ZUN SCARF

The newest Zun Scarf is done. As pictured below. The scarf is done with 2 skeins just as the striped Zun Scarves are. the biggest difference is this scarf already has been decorated. I hand crocheted 7 circles in the colors of the Chakra starting with the Red Root Chakra at the bottom of each side.

Quote: "The body never lies."
~Martha Graham

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.

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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My Creation to help Inspire me-- Zun Scarf

While watching Hanazakarino Kimitachie I crocheted a scarf using my own method of stitch and color carrying. The scarf was originally going to be sold, but after looking at my finished creation I realized that while working on it, I had put so much of my own energy and thoughts into it about my own life.

It was while working on this scarf that I got my inspiration. It was while working on this scarf that I had decided on my next course of action. I became attached the the scarf rather quickly.

I decided since it was Wu Chun's story that enlightened me that I would call the scarf pattern "Zun Scarf". I plan to create more of these scarves for others. I know a simple scarf won't change someone's world. But maybe it can give them a little inspiration.

My Zun Scarf...

Zun Scarf

It's approximately 2 inches wide by 8 foot long. It's a single crochet with my own way of carrying over colors. Colors for this one are Cafe and Coffee. I plan to add two green crocheted stars on the bottom of the scarf one on each side.

The pattern is written by Melissa of MelzCreations, and is completely hand crocheted by me also. Do not steal my pattern please.

My Zun Scarf to me means, "Inspiration to Thrive for your own Happiness." I plan to create each scarf in that manner, so that the person who receives it can find their inspiration and happiness. 

After today I will be taking my steps forward to becoming stronger and healthier. I am going to push my injury into the past and move forward. I plan to update about my progress and my inspirations that push me forward through this journey.

I will also be posting pictures of the other Zun Scarves I make. I hope even one person will find my scarves and enjoy them as much as I do. If I can inspire one person, then I know I have accomplished a terrific feat.

Quote:
"The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine, forget self, think of others. Try this for a week and you will be surprised."  — Norman Vincent Peale 
{Yes I did read this quote first is Wu Chun's blog. But it fits well I believe.}