Regrets SUCK.

I bet you know this, but just in case:
YES, I love fitness and have owned a health business for 9 years. And, since Darren's cancer diagnosis, I had to become the main financial provider for our family. We have had many ups and downs over the past several years but you know it all from my perspective.  So, today, let's hear it from Darren!  And I think some of his answers may surprise you --
Listen HERE to hear directly from Mr. Worldwide!!

You would think that getting a terminal brain cancer diagnosis would crush someone....and I'm not denying that we had our moments of devesitation. BUT, in today's episode Darren explains - in his own words - how his brain cancer gave us the gift to live. And that because of his diagnosis, our lives changed for the better.

There are many deep and serious questions/answered but we also cover more lighthearted moments, too.  But, all in all, it boils down to having no regrets. Right?  Life is too short & beautiful to let anything or anyone stand in your way! Cancer included. Or someone stopping you from whistling your favorite tune in the morning (listen and it'll make sense!).  Darren opens up about his fears, his thoughts about his career, memory loss, and how he handles his cancer diagnosis. And, although his cancer diagnosis is extremely serious - and he knows it - it's his lighthearted and total positive Darren way that keeps him optimistic.

I hope that the questions not only help you learn more about Darren, but US and our passion in helping others. Both in health/fitness but also in knowing our desire to see everyone live their best life. We have learned a lot in our journey and hope our story can help you if you are struggling in any area.  When you listen to these questions, I hope that you also look at YOUR life and answer the questions as they relate to you, too.

Your friends,

Jen & Darren Delvaux

www.jendelvaux.com

What is TRANSFORM 20?

Get ready to transform your body and your mind in just 20 minutes a day. AND IT IS LIVE!! Let's DO THIS! Today is your day!

It’s you, Shaun T, and a step, 6 days a week for 6 weeks.

After 5 minutes, you’ll be breathing hard. At 10 minutes you’ll be sweating and your muscles will be burning. At 15 minutes, you’ll be watching the clock. And by minute 20, you’ll be done, exhausted, and proud of yourself.

And for the first time, Beachbody and Shaun T have created a step program that’s nothing like old-school step aerobics. Less dance and more functional, it will help you sculpt your glutes, chisel your abs, strengthen and define your upper body, and burn fat all over.

It’s hard, but that’s why it works.

Shaun T also created weekly behind-the-scenes videos featuring him and the cast as they discuss their own challenges, with the goal of motivating everyone to stay committed and strong.

The best part is you’ll be doing the program in real time with new workouts every day. No repeats, no excuses.

This is everyone getting to WORK and getting it DONE, together.

Transform :20 launches exclusively on Beachbody On Demand on April 1, 2019, with VIP Early Access starting January 14, 2019. Offers will be available on December 4, 2018.  TO JOIN and get information NOW and workouts starting NOW for this; be sure to message me TODAY for details!

Your friend and coach,

Jen Delvaux

www.jendelvaux.com

Why diets don't work...{revisited}

Did you over do it this weekend??
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I ate a little bit of everything, but I’m happy I didn’t over do it🙌🏻. Do you allow yourself leniency with your nutrition or does your "diet" not allow it?

We come to you with this podcast right after Thanksgiving. And, let's be real here, most times (especially Thanksgiving), we have a tendency to get a bit "off track".  Weekends and holidays really seem to throw our 'diets' off track and that can lead to anger, depression, and overall just poor feelings.

We DON'T NEED to feel this way! Not only believing that it's all or nothing is unhealthy, I believe that diets can be unhealthy, too. 

WHOA! 
What?

Diets can be extremely restricting and, although results may show fast and extreme - is that lifestyle the best for you?  Meaning, are you also going to be able to enjoy life's moments, or holidays, or celebrations, without undo'ing your hard work?  And, if you do get a bit off track, are you feeling okay about it or does it lead to feelings of shame and disappointment in yourself? 

I think life is too beautiful and amazing to allow those feelings creep in. And, yes, there are foods that I LOVE (helllllo popcorn!) that I will allow myself to have...and perhaps get off track with at times...without letting it negatively effective me or making me believe that I have to re-start completely over. It's all about letting that 💩 go and moving on.

Let's break it down...we are all different, uniquely and amazingly different, so why would one diet that works for someone also work for you?  And why, if you do get a bit off track, start to completely limit yourself in order to re-start your diet? Would you believe that you can enjoy a 80/20 rule lifestyle and feel amazingly & wonderfuly happy about it all the while being healthy!? It's a win-win in my books.

If you are interested in learning more - please take a listen to our podcast HERE. And, if you are ready to try this non-diet healthy living (both inside & out!), you should check out my VIRTUAL GYM!

xoxo

Jen & Darren Delvaux

www.jendelvaux.com

Results from the MRI....

 

For those that don’t follow our Instagram stories (p.s. you should be😉) we just wanted to share the results from Darren’s most recent MRI on this blog. 

FIRST OF ALL.... as of my typing this, we feel better about the results. We have now met with our doctor and have a few more answers (but not all that we would hope for). I mean, of course, we would rather have no changes but, stuff like this happens when you have brain cancer. There were some changes since his previous scan 3 months ago. We, and the doctors, are not 100% if it’s tumor yet, but because of his symptoms it’s a strong possibility. So, in the next couple weeks we’re meeting with his surgeon at MD Anderson to get his opinion on everything. He may agree with our local neuro oncologist and do a repeat MRI in 6 weeks or he may want to do something sooner. We’re just waiting to hear back from him. The good news is that if it is in fact tumor regrowth were catching this super early.

We can’t control what happens, but we can control our attitudes!! So, we are remaining super positive about it all.  Thank you all again for the love and support!!!  

This podcast is part 1 of the MRI results before meeting with the Doctor. Again, we have some answers now and a plan of attack which brings us comfort and a battle plan. We hope to have almost a second opinion from his Doctor's at MD Anderson early next week. And we will keep you posted for sure! Take a listen HERE and be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know with the results as we share!  Don't forget to visit www.jendelvaux.com for more on health/fitness, LIVING with cancer, and more!

Your friends,

Jen & Darren Delvaux

Talking with your kids about tough 💩 - like cancer & more

(This picture is a throwback, Drew is actually 13 now!)

I can hardly believe that this podcast marks our 20th one! We truly hope that you are enjoying them and learning a bit more about us, LIVING with cancer, marriage talk, and health/fitness tips.  But, we also hope that you are learning a bit about YOU, too. One of our goals with "Mr. Worldwide & His Bride" to start a discussion; internally and with your friends/family, about real life situations.

Speaking of real life - unfortunately, cancer is one of those real life topics that touches the majority of us. If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer - or is struggling with any other tough thing, we hope that you are able to listen to this episode and start a discussion with your kids about some of life's tough 💩.  Because in this very special #20 podcast, we are interviewing our teenage kiddo; about cancer as well as growing up in today's times.  There is a lot of tough crap that kids muddle thru - but, as I talk about briefly, this time in their life (and, perhaps the tough times that you are going thru), is SHORT in the big picture. 

 I won't go too in depth about the questions that we ask; my hopes is that you listen and hear the questions answered directly by Drew. We cover a LOT of topics; from what he remembers of his dad's diagnosis (he was 4 at the time), to how well we communicated with him about the seriousness of the subject, to the loss our very special family member from the same disease, to bullying and social media. 

It is a tough world out there. For adults alone let alone trying to navigate growing up in these times. We believe in open communication, never sweating the small stuff, keeping a positive mindset, and always holding family close - even if that means sending them far away*.   What about you? What would you do different? How did you talk with your kids/loved ones about tough situations that you have gone thru?

Be sure to listen, subscribe, and SHARE. And for more on LIVING with cancer, health/fitness tips, and more, visit www.jendelvaux.com.   For our interview with Drew, exploring the world thru his eyes, listen HERE!

*"sending them far away" is a bit of a tease of an upcoming (not even released yet!) podcast. But we do talk briefly about having to send away our daughter in order to keep her close & most important, safe. Listen to learn more! 🤗

Tabletray dinner & other 🦃 traditions

Traditions.  I am all about traditions and I am all about the holidays - especially Thanksgiving!!!! Thanksgiving has to be one of my favorite holidays; from the table settings to delicious food to crazy family time...gimme. it. all!!!

I take this holiday so very serious, that I host this holiday every year. Nothing is more fun to me than researching Pinterest and searching around for the best table decorations, recipes, and family entertainment ideas. I love having people over, the buzz and excitement of the house, watching the family talk & laugh, and the smells of all the food cooking!  I embrace all that the day brings - even the sometimes crazy times, and the more the merrier when it comes to sharing this day!!!

Darren, however, thinks Thanksgiving is the #6 best holiday (WHAT!)!  And it may not be for the reason you think!!!  As I savor in the hustle bustle of the day, the filled house, and together time, Darren would rather sit & watch the Cowboys and eat his dinner on a table tray.  That is what he grew up doing, his tradition, and sometimes the crazy, busy, loud togetherness can get to him.

What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Do you and your significant other agree with the traditions? What excites you the most about this holiday? Is it family time? The food? Watching football? Or your table design? (Or table tray design?!?)?  Please share your thougths and what you are thankful for this year! And if you want to watch our video on pea burbling, click here!

Be sure to listen to our podcast for our tips on keeping Thanksgiving in check with food - along with Darren's diet change of going gluten free, listen here! And if you have any great gluten free recipes to share - or any fun Thanksgiving traditions, we would LOVE to hear them! Message me today!

Thanks for reading & listening!

Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share our podcast! And for more on healthy tips and LIVING with cancer, visit www.jendelvaux.com today!

Jen & Darren Delvaux

Self-awareness, Scanxiety, Gender Reveal parties, & apparently some Fantasy Football

How crazy, that almost 10 years ago, my husband knew that he had brain cancer? I mean, seriously....out of all the things that his symptoms could be, he KNEW that it was brain cancer. Even his medical doctor laughed when Darren scheduled his initial check-up appointment, saying, "It is about a 99.9% chance that you DON'T have brain cancer".  But they ran some tests anyway, and....​

Gulp.

Darren has a self-awareness like no other.  I am seriously sometimes blown back by how accurate he is. Of course there have been times when uncertainty and unknowing has crept in but, but for the majority of the time, he has been spot on with his intuition and self-awareness of what is going on with him.

For almost 10 years, then, we have regularly scheduled and Darren has received a MRI. And, for 10 years, the scanxiety has crept in. (Scanxiety is the very real feelings of anxiety and nervousness before a scan).  Sometimes the scanxiety is overwhelming and can send me into a bit of a nervous turmoil. And there have been sometimes when the scanxiety has become almost routine and not as overpowering. But, believe me, there is always some level of scanxiety.  At least for me. Darren has, for the most part, been his normal positive and upbeat self about the most of them.  Maybe it's because he is one of the very rare people who find MRI's relaxing and takes a nap during the procedure.😴

For the caretakers, family members, and patients who experience scanxiety - of any level - we have some tips and our thoughts about how to prepare for the experience of them. With Darren's next MRI being tomorrow, I am experiencing the higher end of scanxiety. There have been things going on with Darren recently which have heightened my nervousness.  Darren, my self-aware guru, is feeling great and even thinks he knows why he is experiencing some of the symptoms. It always makes me feel a little bit better when I know that he isn't as nervous - probably because he is so accurate with his physical awareness.  With MRI's, health, life, relationships, etc. it is always reassuring when you have someone who is able to ease your mind; however that may be, in one way or another, don't you think?

We would love for you to check out our latest podcast on scanxiety.  Click HERE to listen and be sure to share with someone who may need to know that they are not alone in their scanxiety.  Everyone may experience something different - and at different levels of heighteness, but the tips and tricks are helpful to all.  We also talk a bit about Darren's dialed in self-awareness and toss around the idea of sharing the MRI results like a gender reveal party. (Kidding, of course, but only Darren would have that idea!!).   If anything, be sure to take a listen to find out how Darren is doing in his Fantasy Football league.😝

Your friends,

Jen & Darren Delvaux

P.S. Our podcast is Mr. Worldwide & His Bride, available on iTunes - and we so appreciate your listening and the SHARING of it! We also would love to hear from you, please be sure to visit jendelvaux.com for more on LIVING with cancer, health/fitness tips, and so much more!

How brain cancer made my husband look like Pitbull...

Why you think they call me, Mr. Worldwide?

Let's show 'em why they call me Mr. Worldwide 

Why you think they call me, Mr. Worldwide?

Let's show 'em why they call me Mr. Worldwide 

Hold up 'cause I am worldwide

Halloween 2017

IS IT PITBULL or DARREN DELVAUX?

You know who Pitbull is, right?  Or Mr. Worldwide as Pitbull calls himself? Listen, I'm not saying my husband IS Pitbull but, let's be real...there is quite the similiarity in looks between them.  We will let you be the judge of it - take a look at the picture and tell us if you see it?? BUT, before you do, you have to hear how this all came about:

Birthdays are a celebration, right? Who doesn't look forward to their birthday?!  Cake, time with friends and family, gifts, and celebrations!  It's another trip around the sun...it's spending time with loved ones, reflecting upon your life and relishing the opportunity for more fun & memories ahead!  Well, that was me...I used to LOVE my birthday!  Until, however, one fateful birthday changed that for me. It was my birthday, September 19th 2009 that changed my perspectives on this celebration.  It was this day that Darren, my husband, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

Our story, and our journey, with brain cancer has come a long way over the years since that diagnosis. And, thankfully, I've had many less life-altering birthdays since that one several years ago. But, our story and our journey thru this diagnosis has been a wild one.  Believe me, we have many, many stories and many, many ups & downs since he was diagnosed. But, it is his positive attitude that makes this cancer diagnosis even remotely bearable. 

So what does this have to do with Darren looking like Mr. Worldwide?  Well, since the diagnosis, Darren has shaved his head (Stage 1 of Mr. Worldwide transformation complete) and is LIVING his life like Mr. Worldwide. I'm not saying it's been champagne wishes and caviar dreams (...oh wait, that's Robin Leach....not PitBull), but living life to the FULLEST and embracing his inner rockstar has absolutely helped channel Darren's inner Mr. Worldwide, too.  And the fact that he sings incessentaly, knows every song lyric (of any artist) by heart, and rocks the Hugo Boss sunglasses better than anyone I know.

To hear about Darren's diagnosis, what made him buy those Hugo Boss sunglasses, and more about his transformation to Mr. Worldwide, please check out our podcast; Mr. Worldwide & His Bride available on iTunes. You can click HERE to listen! It is episode 1 of our series and can't wait to share more on his cancer diagnosis, how he is LIVING with cancer, parenting tips, marriage advice, and insights on running your own business. With brain cancer, a teenage daughter, young son, and working from home - we have juggled it all & been thru it all.  Join us as we share our tips and tricks on managing it all PLUS living life like --- you guessed it -- Mr. Worldwide and His Bride. 

P.S. And be sure to let us know your decision; does he look like Pitbull? Yea or nah? And when you vote, be sure to introduce yourself and share a little about you!

10 tips for a healthier weekend!

Happy Friday!! 
Here are 10 tips for a healthier weekend!! 👊🏻
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1. DO YOUR WORKOUTS in the morning before you head out for the day.💪🏻
2. SPLURGE in a healthy way.
3. Eat like you do on THE WEEKDAYS.
4. DON'T GO HUNGRY to a party.
5. Schedule some RELAXATION time.
6. Do something active - GET OUTSIDE.🍂
7. Get enough SLEEP.💤
8. Prep for the WEEK AHEAD.
9. Don't have a lazy Sunday, BE PRODUCTIVE!
10. Order WELL while ordering out.

What would you add?? 

Your friend & coach,

Jen Delvaux

www.jendelaux.com

Gratitude every day!

If you have been following me, you will know that I am passionate about practicing gratitude and doing personal development daily!

It didn't come necessarily easy - it was a habit that I had to learn, but once I did, I won't stop! From listening to podcasts to reading different books, it is something that you can incorporate into your daily walks, as you get ready in the morning, as you make dinner, etc.

My challenge groups all incorporate some sort of personal development, I think a mindshift makes a big difference in not just your person but your health/fitness journey, too.  Agree?

I would love to share more and help you in your journey!

And, for our podcasts, Mr. Worldwide & his bride, be sure to subscribe and follow for LIVING with cancer, marriage talk, parenting advice, and so much more!

Your friend and coach,

Jen Delvaux

www.jendelvaux.com

Happy new month! What goals do you have?!

It's that time again!!!! NEW FRESH MONTH!! Grab a pen and paper and write down your monthly goals/dreams!! THIS month is one of my favorites!!!!!! 
.
Here are a few of my goals for this month:
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1. Be present in every moment - need help with this, too? Join my Mindfulness group HERE🙏🏻
2. Less popcorn🍿 (it was getting a little out of control 🙈)
3. Help 5 coaches reach the next level in their business 💎
4. Once a week do random act of kindness❤️
5. Add 10 new coaches to my sisterhood tribe!! Interested? Join the glimpse HERE👯
6. Weekly date nights with Darren💋
7. Focus on what I CAN control (our latest podcast is all about that).
8. Salad a day!! 🥗
9. Record 2 episodes a week on our podcast Mr. Worldwide & His Bride🎧.
10. Help and empower 20 women to become their personal best💃🏼!!

What goals do you have? Interested in learning more about anything? Connect with me today! 

Your friend & coach,

Jen Delvaux

www.jendelvaux.com