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Success

My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and talents.  ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Mindset Matters Most

 This....is the 3rd version of this book I have.

I got to review and give feedback before it was published. I got the e-book when the book was released for purchase. And recently as I was ordering some books online from a gift card, I made sure this was one of them. So now, I have the hardcopy as well because it's going in my "books to have" collection.
Why? Because... #MindsetMatters

There is power in your pain. Strength immeasurable...gifts unimagined.

 Good morning!

There is power in your pain. Strength immeasurable...gifts unimagined.
Cold comfort can be these statements for those that have signed the contract with their struggles and sufferings....
One of those "contracts" I signed myself into was around marriage. I knew what I DIDN'T want...And honestly, the list was long to begin with...and through that, I went through a lot of struggle in relationships before I ever got married. Hindsight, it lined up perfectly with the hard/fast decision of what something was SUPPOSED to look like....It lined up perfectly with the regret that penned my signature....
But I remember the SPACE that followed....the emptiness that was NOT filled....the joyful expectation that I felt ROBBED of....No one could comfort me, and even better, not many could relate even close to what I was experiencing....suffering inside. Some of the situations seemed pretty "brutal" for a lack of words...my friends at the time tried everything to get me bouncing around and happy and smiling....some of those same people betrayed me in our relationship in ways I never imagined...did I really, like REALLY sign up for this???
I sit here knowing that the answer is yes. Because in those spaces of receiving exactly what I didn't want, I also sat and pondered on what it is I truly wanted. The list of "NOT'S" got shorter and more concise to just a few core elements, and the list of what I DID want was brought down to the core WHY and the reason and dream that I held inside. A love and nurturing that I wanted to become that was even BEYOND what I could imagine....LOL THAT IS what I imagined!! A relationship with "whomever" that shadowed figure was that was not for me to define, but that ebbed in clarity....as we travelled and were surrounded by the youth of this world....never really defined as my own, but definitely in my care ❤
And through all the pain and struggle that I experienced...I deepened in ways I cannot describe. Forgiveness, surrender, humility, allowing, grace, patience, compassion, celebration, awe and wonder, non-attachment (that's a biggie), trust, joy, and seeing the beauty in what we define as dark....powerful! ❤ Seeing a bigger picture and allowing myself to being a part of a bigger story...priceless! ❤
My prayer is for those in their experiences of struggle, pain, hardship....will find that space of deepening...and discover at its core...what matters to them the most...and be inspired by it and compelled to share...as that sharing is such a gift....and it will benefit us all. ❤

Sunday, January 27, 2019

What serves both me and others in a higher way?

 Good morning! This morning I am sitting with it...thoughts and emotions have come to the forefront this morning and I just need to sit with it. See it...toss it over on its side...just really observe and watch it. It doesn't require my action or fixing...It doesn't require my response or reaction....this is not the moment for doing .... I can see many things about it. It doesn't require me to come to a conclusion or diagnosis.... I 'm looking at it...watching it...and knowing that the situation that sparked it will require wisdom later on....but in this moment, I 'm watching...not assuming or creating scenarios for which way it's going to go or possibly turn out for the worst....cuz, that is not necessary...

My focus is on how can those around me be built up, honoured, celebrated, and loved. This IS the preparation that previous and similar forms of thoughts and emotions combined have taught me...
That is where I am going to put my response and action into...it serves both me and others in a higher way. Not to ignore, but see and be with, in the moment for a bit, and then to decide and move through it.
Thanks for sharing this moment with me....I really appreciate it ❤❤❤

Friday, January 25, 2019

"Elisa's Size 16 to 6 Success!" - My FYM Journey Revisited

Happy New Year!!

It's the 4th week into January and 2019! I'm plugging away daily on my chosen direction that I set a few months back and have some really good results in this year so far.

After a couple of years away from regularly working out with the Fit Yummy Mummy workouts due to some pretty bad icy falls, trying to support and keep up with my hubby in his fitness journey, and other injuries from "adventuring" activities, I decided to jump back in where I left off almost exactly to the day and I was amazed. I had got the go ahead in the Autumn from my Physio that I should be good to go with doing regular training again, and that is what I did. Definitely slower than where I was, but it felt really good after. I realized that the thing about the FYM workouts that have made it sustainable as my "go-to" in my workouts is that they are simple and progressive. It's now been over 10 YEARS since I first began with Holly and the workouts she shared, so I found it fitting to share my success story as the New Year kicks off as well as the commitment of many to bring a healthy lifestyle into the changes they are experiencing in 2019. ENJOY!


Elisa's Size 16 to 6 Success!





Elisa's Fit Yummy Mummy Experience Helped Her To Lose 47 Pounds & Over 8 Inches Off Her Mommy Belly!


"Even though my Fit Yummy Mummy journey began in September of 2007 it was not until April 1st, 2008 that I applied to become an official member of ClubFYM.


I was DONE with being foolish in my ways, and after going it alone, it was time for me to come to a place of support in my life!


Although I had decided to become the change I wanted to see and became supportive to others and exuded positivity, I still needed someone to turn to that could relate to my situation and provide additional encouragement.


After having my second child, and coming back from the edge of death, the things that once were so simple for me to do were now a chore.


I had trouble walking and the traumatic experience I had while in the hospital started me on a path that was not leading in a direction I wanted my life, my second chance at life, to go.


It was a time in my life that is best described with one word, pain.


I had reached a max weight of 250 lbs during pregnancy that was very hard to for me to carry. After our son was delivered, I went down to 180 lbs, partly due to being starved, and partly because I couldn't get up to make a proper meal for me and the family.


Well, that weight loss soon ended after spending a month at my in-laws and ballooning to 220 lbs in a month. OUCH!!


And after returning home I finally got the go-ahead to workout again, I began with Slim in Six. I was able to get down below 200 lbs, but not after being miserable and in continued pain from doing the exercises.


I now know that it was due to not enough recovery time....it was everyday for about an hour. I left it alone and decided to eat healthier.


I went about making swap-outs in our nutrition. I traded white sugar for brown sugar (it was the healthy option at the time). Then I swapped out 100% fruit juice and no longer bought soda or had it in the house.


That in itself made a big difference. I kept my finger to the pulse of what was healthy and learned a lot of information through newsletters, books, and the internet. Although I noticed some changes...


I was not happy with where I was at.


I missed the body I once had and the agility and mobility.


Every time we went grocery shopping my eyes would wander in the direction of the fat loss supplements. I kept asking myself if it would be worth it to flush the good fat away along with the bad to achieve results. I just couldn't do it.


I used the morning workout on TV and it was a bit better, but if I missed the time it came on....oh well! And there was a lot of floor work which was NOT working with my boys at all......There instant response was "WHEE let's get on!" and that was not my idea of getting in the workout. Also my hubby was interested in working out together. I jumped to the computer and looked up "busy mom workout", saw Holly's page and opted in for the free "Get Your Body Back" Starter Pack.


From that day in September 2007 every step I took drew me closer to my goal of getting rid of my belly flap (which was causing concerning skin issues) and the rewards continued to surprise me.


I applied the supportive nutrition and it helped to tweak my nutrition and the Fat Blasting Holiday Workout opened a WHOLE new world for me.


I was hooked!

The DB swings are still my favorite. I felt energized and able! I could do it and it didn't hurt me!


The excitement I experienced from the efficiency of it all was my motivation to apply as Holly described it. I put in the full length of the video with pure intensity, giving my boys no time to jump on me and I was done!


Now had I read the full page at fityummymummy.com I would have seen the basic package for an affordable price, but it forced me to be resourceful and tap into the resources I was provided with to gain the tips and knowledge to put into a workout of my own and also to continue to try and encourage hubby's desire to workout as well .


After a short time, I was surprised by the results.


I was ready to make the plunge and get the full Fit Yummy Mummy e-book and also join in on the Summer transformation challenge. I really had no other goal, but to continue to be pleasantly surprised by applying the FYM workouts and the supportive nutrition and continuing to grow in my relationships at ClubFYM.




My Results


Age 34, Height: 5'6 April 2008 to November 2009


Weight: 187 lbs to 140
Waist: 34" to 29"
Mommy Belly: 39" to 30.5”
Hips: 44" to 36"


47 pounds lost -- 8.5 inches off Mommy Belly


As I look back, I would even say that I rocked it!


From all this I learned that going for the upgrade- the full package, continuing to give yourself little challenges and LOVING what it is you are doing will yield greater results than you have aimed for.


This is a wonderful foundation for life lived healthy, and fruitful.


There are many times in our lives when we are faced with things we don't want to do or feel like doing, but we know it's for the best. Set the folly of fear aside and step out confidently to "Just do it" when you know it's a good thing that you are doing. Have faith that you will not only benefit from making that step, but you WILL succeed; in either gaining knowledge and wisdom or in moving closer towards achieving your goals.


The Fit Yummy Mummy system is not just a diet plan or workouts, but knowledge gained through resources and experiences.....a springboard for living well and living fit...emotionally, physically, and mentally."


~ Elisa Sterling-Cowan, Age 34, Mom of Two Boys, Edmonton, AB, Canada




"I am so thankful that the beginning of this challenge for me began the weekend of the FYM live event in Kentucky, April 2009. WHAT A BLESSING! I was surrounded by people who were like-minded and focused on a similar goal, being the best that they could be and not willing to give up on living and loving in life. It was amazing…..I cannot express how pinnacle a moment it was for me to have that to look back to for encouragement…..thank you ladies and thank you Holly." ~ Elisa


~~~~


I am so thankful for your friendship Elisa and words cannot express how very proud I am of all the success you have achieved! I look forward to our next FYM Meet up! ~ Holly


Holly Joi Rigsby is a Lifestyle Design Coach for Moms and the author of Fit Yummy Mummy. You can find her at her new website,HollyJoiRigsby.com , as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

We can just decide to do a thing...

 Good morning!

Have you ever imagined waking up, expecting to being greeted by the sun beaming through rustling gauze curtains, with the smell of the warm air and the waves splashing against the beach....and then rolling over and seeing that breakfast is waiting for you, for when you are ready to enjoy it ...with no plans or expectations on your time....BEEP, BEEP, BEEEP!!!
HELLOOOOOO!!! Time to wake up!!! 😅😂😂 Honestly, for ALL the mornings I have watched, for almost 20 years, my hubby struggle to get out of bed, I often wondered if it was because he was hoping all his mornings would be like what I just described. 😉 The struggle was real folks! He helped to define, for me, that I AM a morning person, and that there was definitely another side to what that looked like (aside from what my sister shared growing up 😉 )
But the other day, really not too long ago, he decided he would start waking up early. This is the same guy that spent a week making a plan, making schedule posters, posting on the wall....all for him to get up earlier and start a new routine (which didn't last long). After ALL THESE YEARS this is the first time he has SO EASILY decided AND executed to just "get up". That's it! 😮 No being dragged out of the fantasy or the "pseudo" embrace of the duvet....No resistance!
I am truly inspired! ❤ That something, that looked so hard for YEARS, now looks effortless and nothing about his circumstances have made it any easier to embrace. He chose, and then he did it, with uninhibited willingness.
SO my question today....WHERE in my life (and yours) have we put up this HUGE resistance to something and where can we just "decide" to make it so simple to apply that it seems effortless?
I'm going to be picking at this one today, because I have to question if the things I am finding "HARD" are just because I have decided them to be...and that we are "naturally" always looking for efficiency and flow in life ....let the pondering commence 😉 ❤

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Clear the "build up" for better flow

 Good morning.

There was something special about that full moon cuz our toilet is now a super low flush toilet. LOL it has new life! Now, I did finish deep cleaning it about a month ago (hard water buildup), and I got the last bit of "extra " out last week, but now this toilet is showing off its stuff and flushing and flowing like a BOSS! 😆😆 It made me think of how much extra water/energy it took for it to work before now...
It makes me think of how much work and energy we have to put in or feel drained of when we are stuck in our own "buildup " and sh***. When we are really built for flow and movement of energy and we get backed up in one way or another. We take on and allow crap to weigh us down....could you imagine how freely and more energetic and joyful you would be if you didn't feel burdened by the stuff that has built up the story pile your boot is caught in?
Today I am feeling a bit "heavy ", but I am still going to remember that I can flow freely too when I clear the muck and move from stuck to sustainable.

Friday, January 18, 2019

“Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!”

 Good morning.

Yup! I messed up! What I intended to happen...well, didn't come through quite that way 😛 .... Honestly, I am making "mistakes" ALL the time! Some times I think it's because I just jump in without thought, but even when I give things a "thought", they don't always turn out in the way that I imagined or expected it to.
Years ago this used to tear me up. It would lead me down a path of some pretty harsh head chatter wondering why I was always messing up...why I JUST couldn't get things right.....why did there always have to be a glitch when I do things?....Perhaps it was from the influence of language around me...many saw me as unlucky and awkward LOL. All I know is, asking those questions took away much of my energy in even giving them consideration...I was drained before I could even THINK about doing anything else. 🙁
And then I had kids MWAHAHAHA!! 😄😂😂😂😌😌 And all my ideas of what "supposed to be" and "perfect" would look like it kinda went out the window...or door...in the middle of the day when it was supposed to be nap time, having me calling the authorities for help....LOL... the stories though 😉 But there was one thing that really chimed in then, and still does today (especially this morning 😉 )....The Magic School Bus!!! “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” If there was anything my children were good at was taking chances....always wanting to learn 😉 . ALWAYS!! And I had to surrender to the power of the gift in learning through their choices instead of the stagnant (and draining) energy of expectations, etc. What I learned most is that in the practicing we "get" to do in this life, there is the unfolding of a Divine intention and a bigger picture and story that we are all a part of. As my kids grew and learned, and learned and grew some more....as we continued to pull lessons from our "experiments" in living, we also grew to bestow compassion on one another in our disappointments, we were growing in our characters and relationships with each other and ourselves. I learned to love and forgive in way that grew faster and faster over time. Especially in hindsight of some BIG "errors" that weigh very little in the way of importance now than it had at the time I was experiencing them. I don't "expect" to make mistakes, but when they do happen, I am reminded of both my journey to where I am now and the lessons and tools I've gained along the way.
Can we even truly forgive without love? Can we do better for next time? Can we not limit ourselves as a "punishment" for not getting it right? Can we learn, adapt, and grow? I'm grateful that in all that I have messed up with, even in just the last month, I am still here. (Words a friend shared with me... ❤ ) We all are...
So, for all those things that can and will still happen, I say this... "Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." 😉 And the process of doing them...might be a little messy 😛