The Number on the Scale is JUST A NUMBER.

Yesterday I had my annual you know what visit, but of course before any matters can be handled they direct you to the scale. Wellllll, life's been a vacation these past 4 weeks and I haven't exactly been in the front row of any group fitness classes so I basically cut the scale an evil eye and almost questioned the need of scribbling my weight into the chart.

I mean, it's just a number...

I've wondered while sipping on a delicious, cold, refreshing Strawberrita if I was gaining any weight. I thought for sure, that certainly, I had gained a pound or two when I caught an unflattering picture of myself at the beach this past weekend. And I was positive that my bikini bottoms were on backwards one of these past pool days. Then I just laugh at myself. It is what it is. This bum is not quite the toned tush I had last summer.

It's evident that not consistently working out, not logging 30+ miles of running each month will effect your appearance and even your mood. But sometimes the trade off seems worth it. I've definitely chosen to spend my time a bit differently over the last four weeks due to the bittersweetness of our move. Relocating to a new duty station brings a whirl of emotions for any soldier, military spouse, and of course children. So to say that I'd rather be at a summer evening cookout than a 5:30 step and body pump class is an understatement.

Back at the doctors office, I stepped on the scale and literally exhaled every last ounce of air. Some time ago, I once laughed at an article stating, "exhaling will lower the number on the scale" yet I was doing it the moment my foot landed on the scale.

In my mind I pictured the digits I've maintained over the last year but in front of me, the flashing LED screen was threatening a new number. Memories of BBQ in heaping amounts, second helpings of donuts for breakfast (breakfast ?? really, Kristine?) and the Dorito salad for dinner (<---- that is devilishly good!)
... I almost laughed to myself for holding any hope of maintaining my weight.

The mirror and our clothes should really be the markers for our image. The number on the scale resembles something but not much. We all know muscle weighs more than fat, we all know that each of our bodies distribute the same amount of weight differently, you might even know the golden rule of 100 pounds for 5 foot women plus 5 pounds for each inch after 5 foot... but really, there is so much more than that number between our feet.

So much more.

The screen settled into a 3 digit number. No higher than it's been over the last year. According to the scale nothing had change. The lady scribbled the digits into my chart and mentioned that it was the same as last year's visits and pointed me to the chair for a blood pressure reading.

Now.I.Could.Really.Exhale.

All that worry over nothing. Well, nothing according to the scale.

If we put too much value on the scale's story we may be fooling ourselves. The scale does lie.
The scale wasn't showing my everyday a Saturday style as of lately. And it definitely wasn't reflecting my lack of hard work in the gym. So this being the case.... why should we weigh that number so heavily during other times when we ARE working hard on our fitness and physical improvements???

Get where I'm going with this?
a little screw the scale attitude

We should always be honest with ourselves regarding our own activities and commitments. Know our weakest links. Set goals custom to our own needs and desires. And, just be all the way strong creating our own little paths within healthy and fit living. Never doubting what is beautiful and beyond measures of a scale.
Because really, a number is just a number. Nothing more and nothing less.

Agree?

Linking with Desire to Inspire, Bloglovin Hop

...happy to have Jordyn with me this month...

What is Beautiful

roll with me...

Beauty is in ones confidence.
Because comparison is hard to deny. Because having everything isn't what life requires. Isn't what makes life grand. Confidence is where backbone meets beauty bag. Confidence is slippery. It can change like the tide but to own it, that's when most shine brightest.



Beauty is in self reflection.
Because not every day is a good day. Because we all have room for improvement. Because there are times we wish we had spoken differently or listened harder. Reflection is a chance to sort through the what ifs and the could have beens. And raise our heads with a bit more sense, a bit more dignity.

Beauty is found in patience.
Because life takes time. Dreams take nights to develop. And reactions are permanent.
Patience is a weak area for some, myself for sure. The drive to want it now, have it now is powerful and hungry but life's precious moments are in the small times too.

Beauty is in sacrifice.
Because the selfless acts are of the highest gift one can give and beauty shines from there. Whether the sacrifice be as selfless as life or as a shirt off your back. Giving to one another is of the most beautiful gifts.

Beauty is in childs play.
Because the time of innocence was when our personalities were truly developed. We can not go back and change time, we can't erase or improve upon whats been done. But in the times we spend at childs level, taking in the wonder of the world we can tweak any harshness that has built up inside.

Beauty is in taking care of yourself.
Because when we lead by example we are helping ourselves and others watching. Our little ones, our friends will see the difference it makes when we try to take better care of our bodies. The energy and satisfaction that comes from a workout and a healthy meal effect all that's around us. And definitely lends to the feeling of pretty. If you ask when I feel prettiest, this is the time. Of all the ways to show any beauty I hold this is the time I don't feel any fault, a time I push hardest and work both inside and out.

Beauty is in you being your best you.
Because there is no one out there who can do you better than you. Because this world, these relationships, your home, your workplace wouldn't be the same without you. Waking up each day with a smile and good attitude make you beautiful, that's all it takes. And, in the moments you're slipping, frustrated or sad checking back into the "real" you will provide the strength to stay true to all that makes you pretty and beautiful.

Beauty is also in laughter.
Because laughter is contagious. Because laughing feels good. Because laughing sounds funny. And funny sounds make you laugh more. Because smiles are the pretty, and even if your laugh is out of control at times, you're still filled with an expression of sheer happiness. And happy girls are the pretty girls.

When I read this post by Kristine I was moved. And inspired to be a part of the I am Beautiful link up, I felt like this topic was important to me. I checked the clock and knew my time was short to develop a post. I chose to pick through my blog, finding pictures that reflected upon times I felt most happy, most pretty and even times I felt conflicted and was working hard inside to stay pretty. Maybe my post isn't exactly what was in mind for the link up but these are POINTS I consider when I'm doubting my own beauty. And points I see in others that hold true beauty. I always, always look within for beauty. I think we are all beautiful. Beauty has no one size, no one brand. That's what makes beautiful - beautiful.

I think these feelings play a part in the Be All The Way Strong challenge too.

I hope when my boys are grown they understand to look deeper for true beauty. I hope they understand that beauty lies within a woman not just within her makeup bag and walk-in closet. I hope they see curves as lure and sex appeal but consistency and composure as beauty.





Linking with On The Heart
Random Wednesdays, I Feel Pretty, Wednesday Walkabout,


...happy to have Max with me this month...

Black on Black - still shining bright

All black? yes!!!
because even when it's lack-luster you can still shine.

There are times I wish I had a rainbow of accessories to pick from.
Outfits that just seem incomplete without the pop of color, touch of sparkle.
Looks that could be more pulled together by coordinating and contrasting elements of bangles and other various jewels.

When wearing black on black it's easy to feel you must accessorize with pops of color. And while a statement piece or layer of color could be considered necessary, I feel mixing textures with lace, did the trick.

In the end...the beauty, the completeness of an outfit, the pop and shine really come from within.
If you're looking for the perfect accessory remember that a smile is truly the best of finishing touches.
And always....Wear Your Confidence.

These things can't be found on a shelf. They wear no price tag.
Even dressed in black from head to toe, you can still walk in and light up a room :)


Let your light shine....stay pretty.

How do you feel about black on black and LBD's?
Ever felt like your outfit was missing something?
What are your must have accessories?



as for yesterdays trick question....
I'm obsessed with Bickram Yoga, love a good sweat session and stretch! ....was a total lie!
I'd love to try it, just haven't yet!

Linking with WIWW, Random Wednesdays, Style Sessions, Walkabout Wednesday, Whatever Whenever Wednesday Blog Hop

Be Bigger Than The Day You're Living In

First off....
Favorite part of the Grammy Awards ----> Carrie Underwood!!
Do you think she gets chill bumps when she sings? Is it possible to give yourself chill bumps?! The woman is amazingly beautiful and the power packed in her vocals is unbelievable! Amazing. Loved it.
Did you like the way they lit up her dress? What was your favorite part of the Grammy's?

Ok, now back to the scheduled post.....



I've shared this quote with many, I feel it's words are powerful and motivating, I adore it and live by it...
We must always have something in mind that's bigger than the day we're living in....

Setting goals for yourself can be exciting but for some it may cause anxiety.
When setting your goals always be realistic. When being realistic always realize there will be times your goals must be re-evaluated. Life never fails at handing us curve balls. There will be times you doubt your abilities, or you doubt your successes. Remember, everyone starts and ends at a different level, cater your goals accordingly. And be sure to give yourself rewards along the way. Also, give yourself the satisfaction of achieving mini goals within your big goal. Mini goals will guarantee your success.

Spinning off of this....into maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle! oh yes, it's happening, time now!
I feel, you must look at these three things....

Before setting your fitness goals take the time to evaluate where you are within the realm of fitness. Are you coming off a year hiatus? Have you had a recent setback keeping you from your routine? Do you have previous injuries to be considered? Once you are comfortable and honest with your current position - look ahead, way ahead - to where you want to be with your personal fitness level and make that your overall goal. Now that the big picture is drawn up lets map the route to include mini goals...these will be like markers, giving you satisfaction and encouragement to keep going. Your first mini goal could be just overcoming a fear of the gym. Another mini goal could be managing a distance equal to a 5K and then moving on to a 10K, eventually hitting a half marathon.  Short term//mini goals can be as simple as pumping out 25 consecutive sit-ups or holding a 30 second plank with an overall goal of 50 sit-ups and 1 minute planks. One of the best ways to challenge yourself and reach your big goal is to simply 'be more than you were yesterday'. It's that easy. It's worked for me, every time. Bringing out the inner competitor we all own is a driving force to keep us on track to our main goals.

I've said it before, the word diet bothers me. I fear it's use because often times it means "slashing certain foods". I don't mean "diet" in this sense. I say diet, because that's what it is...an overall consumption of foods you choose. Your diet is going to dictate how you feel and what you can do. The rule of thumb is simple...Eat Good, Look Good. Your diet must complement your fitness goals. Think about the time you spend finding the perfect earrings, scarf and purse for a certain outfit...now apply that same principal to your diet, it will complement your fitness goals. Again, mini goals will help you get to the big goal. If you wish to loose 25 pounds by bikini season, set mini goals of 4 pounds per month. Sound attainable? It is. Your diet is the finishing touch on your fitness level, or vice versa, however you see it best. Set mini goals such as shopping from only the perimeter of the grocery store, eating out only once a week, making sure your snacks are healthy choices, always having breakfast, adding more fiber through beans, greens, and wheat, having a daily salad, and setting aside time to make healthy meals. These suggested mini goals will help you find rewards along the route to your personalized diet goal and set you up for healthy habits.

Take a look in the mirror. Now what do you hear? Yes, not see but hear. Are there cries of doubt? The mirror should shout beautiful, encouraging words but many hear just the opposite and this dooms us for failure. Set a goal to applaud yourself when you stand before the mirror. Instead of letting your eyes roll to the subject of annoyance let your eyes meet and say, "Yes, I do approve". Hearing yourself in the mirror will help you find the "self" in self-image and your potential. And, focusing on the good will reinforce the beauty in your image. The more aware you are of the beauty you hold, the more value you carry. And the more valuable you are to yourself, the more capable you are of mighty things and achieving your goals (big and small). Being self aware and self confident brings out a force that is hard to defeat. By inserting this goal of healthy self-image you will get the best out of a healthy, fit lifestyle....looks and performance.

Are you overwhelmed by goals you've set for yourself?
Or maybe you need to set a few more, change things up?

I have goals set within my path to being  fit. I have goals for healthy eating/living. Goals within parenting and in my workplace too. Shooooot, I've even made goals for this blog. I search for my weakest link and sometimes the path I'm on receives dead ends or gets an unforeseen detour. It happens, it's part of life. Life changes and we have to change with it. The worst you can do is not set any goals.


And, don't forget to tell me what you thought of the Grammy's!

*Look familiar? I first posted this as a guest on Pursuit of Pink. I've tweaked it a bit since then but had to share with you all too!!

Linked with YOLO Mondays and Miscellany Mondays

Writing in the Morning Frost....making a difference

A message in the frost on Friday morning warmed my cold hands and my heart.
I sent a text to my husband saying "Thank you, I love you too"
...to which he replied, "Thank you for what" ?!?
I smiled and texted for the "I love you" written in the mornings frost.

It wasn't a message from him, it wasn't from a secret admirer, it was from my oldest son.
That morning he had one more thing to do before getting on the school bus.

I shared it on Twitter. I posted it to Facebook.
I loved the thoughtfulness and randomness of it.
I went about my Friday with a brighter smile and thought how sweet it was of him to stop and write
- I love you - to his mom before getting on the bus that day.

I anxiously waited for the workday to end, to get home and hug him. To thank him for his sweetness and thoughtfulness. To tell him just how special that message was to me and how it changed my entire day.

On that same morning many, many, too many parents had their entire lives changed.
Sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and grandparents, bestfriends and cousins, too.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kristine on Pinterest

The "typing away" ceases. My fingers stop. My thoughts jumble.

What do you say to those families affected by the horrific, unimaginable tragedy on that day, in Newtown?
How do you speak of Heroes who gave their lives in a selfless, willful effort to protect others?!

No words can heal a heart defeated by the loss of life. Time doesn't even stand a chance in closing the emptiness now hugely present in their souls.

It's unimaginable, it's surreal that life has twists like these. It earthshaking and bone chilling that hatred exists at this level.

It's unfathomable.
Tragedies like this are heart shattering. Paralyzing.

This is a time to refocus on what the heart holds dear and outreach.  
One blogger (of many, I'm sure) has committed to donate per tweet, to help and honor those affected.
HopeMob knows the drill, they are longstanding in their efforts to collect for those in need. And the Memorial Fund is set and ready to accept for the short and long term. 

It's also a time to think through rights & laws, and of utmost importance...mental illness. A post written by Jessica includes a link to a mother who shares her story with open heart and tongue. She points to the importance and the neglect of mental illness. It's well worth reading - a must share, filled with pleas, despair and hope.

This is a time to forgive, hope, love, and work together. Each one of us can make a difference in the effort to change time from ever repeating any horrible events like these. We can share stories for as long as the day allows, donate as much money as our accounts can give but unless we intentionally make a difference to lead better lives, to outreach those troubled and be patient with ones of unexplained behavior, then the fear of this kind of day will prove real again.

A child's laugh is the sweetest of serenades. With so many taken away that day, we cry with those families.
We take their stories to our own lives and shake in the fear of "what if".

You will never know all of a persons heartaches, trials and challenges.

You may never really know the "reach" of your kindness and the "power" in gifting patience.

You never know just how your day will start and end.

Our family joins you in sending prayers and thoughts to any and all affected by this explainable shooting. I'm immensely grateful that I was able to return home that day to my son and thank him for his sweet message.

I want to be dedicated to finding ways, small or big, to show support. I hope you are too.
Change starts with each one of us.

Do you really understand the word POTENTIAL?

Do you know your full potential?
Have a good understanding of the word potential?

I read this article a few weeks ago which had a profound effect on me, today it was put to use.
It asked, when you encourage someone to use their potential...you explain to them what their potential really is. We adults have a lesson to learn from this.

My oldest son has struggled with the start of 6th grade.
Over the last week we've searched for a better understanding of areas in which he struggles.
Then it hit me, I need to use the word potential.

People, in general, no matter their age respond to encouragement. Many dreams would have faded away, never pursued, if they weren't realized and encouraged.

Encouragement knocks on the door of potential.
But do you really understand your full potential?

For my oldest, we broke it down into 4 simple steps.
We asked him to be a better him, therefore using his potential to reach a higher success at being a student, making the grades expected of him.

Simply telling a child to use their potential is as useless as telling a tree.
Children need their parents guidance in understanding their entire capabilities.

Us adults need it too.
As we helped Lance understand these steps, ie: changing his attitude, focusing, fidgeting less, balancing play with studies, and exercising to release stress and energy, he began to feel real confidence in his ability to be a better him. His potential.

All that time digging into the issues that prevent him from using those simple 4 steps made me think about how many of us don't realize and therefore, aren't using our own potential.

We may seek to be better parents.
So whats distracting us from achieving that?
Is it the dishes or a mess of dirty clothes? A self-imposed deadline? Do those tasks really matter if we weigh it agaisnt the time we could be spending with our children to strengthen our bonds? Making us better parents?! I've always believed the answer to better parenting is held within our own children.

We may seek to more disciplined in our diets and exercise.
What would help us stay strong in those areas?
Maybe, first shopping the perimeter of the store, filling our cart with healthy choices like produce, veggies, fruit and dairy then, when virtually all space is filled, we allow ourselves a few shelf items.
Maybe it's clocking out an hour early from work once a week to hit the gym, or getting up early twice a week to workout in the living room before the house lights up and the day really starts. Or more simply, breaking a 30 minute sweat into incrments of 3. Situps during commercial breaks, squats while the children play, tricep dips off the kitchen chair before cooking dinner.

Are we scared to leave our comfort zone
and venture into the real time of what excites us deep down?
This is a tough one for me. One that I battle. Many a secret thrill wrapped up in this beauty.
I find surrounding myself with positivity helps me keep the confidence to seek new adventures. Anything from, engaging with FRG to promoting new ideas at work, to wearing fashions that seem more trendy than 30'something year old mommy, to running races at distances, I thought I'd never finish.

Whether we dream a little or dream alot. It takes the courage of realizing and applying our potential to reach those dreams and live them.

Tonight I helped my oldest dig inside to find his potential. We outlined them. We discussed the distractions he faces, keeping him from his hidden potential. We noted how life would change if he eliminated those and just relied on the potential he had locked away.

And now, I sit with pride and reassurance that we can make it through 6th grade and all the years that follow. Seems so simple, and I wonder why I haven't dug into this fact before. It's nothing for Lucas or I to push our toddler into his realms of potential but as we grow older and life hands us its stresses, I guess it's easy to forget the keys, locking the box of potential.

*Lucas and I found this box while on a hike at Crabtree Falls. Curiosity got the best of us. What we found inside still touches my heart. A book of notes written by hikers over the years, safely kept in a ziploc, the originator wished us well and asked a handwritten wish be left behind, for those who follow.

Do you live at a fraction of your full potential?
Ever broken it down to your children in hopes they would grow in a new direction?

This week I've linked up with Tell Me about it Tuesday