How to choose happiness...

Are you feeling stressed and worn down this time of year? Sometimes in the midst of the winter blahs (at least in Michigan! ;) , it can be tough to feel brighter, cheerier, and in a better mood.

Remember this, YOU are enough. Not the gifts or the food you prepare. Love your family and friends - cherish them. They love YOU not your gift or your food.

10 ways happy people choose happiness:

1. Be the best that YOU can be. Don't compare yourself to anyone else.

2. Be around like-minded people. Those that support you for being YOU.

3. Focus on what you have - not what you don't. Appreciate the many things you do have! There is value in gratefulness!

4. Have a good attitude. Life is a journey, every moment is a gift. Enjoy it.

5. Smile often. A genuine smile makes you feel better and those around you!

6. Take care of your body. Studies show physical exercise give you a higher sense of self worth and accomplishment!

7. Be honest. Don't cheat. Be faithful. Be kind. Do the right thing!

8. Help others if you are able. Care about people! If you make a positive impact on others life; you will feel that positivity back on you!

9. Let go when you should. Be strong for yourself. Decide what is best for you and do it!

10. Embrace the next step in your life. You can hold on to the past or you can create your happiness for today!

What will you choose? Who will you choose to be?  Have questions or need help?  Connect with me on Facebook!

What my body has taught me...

My body has taught me

I am stronger than I realize 

And more fragile than I like.

I can endure pain with courage

And be reduced to tears by a virus.

I am marvelous, miraculous, mysterious.

My body has its own deep intelligence.

I carry my memories in my cells.

I am constantly being born anew.

I hold tight to fear and resistance.

I breathe deeply, and let go.

My legs will carry me farther than I think I can walk.

My heart will keep beating even when it's broken.

My mouth will kiss, laugh, drink tea and eat chocolate.

My skin will shiver with pleasure.

My bones will tell the weather.

My feet will find the path.

My hands will soothe a crying child.

And write a story that will make you cry.

And pour you a glass of wine.

And brush your hair.

And stroke your cheek.

And hold your hand.

My body will chop wood.

And carry water.

My body understands the wisdom of rest.

The beauty of stillness.

The power of touch.

The importance of dance.

And that there is only this. Here. Now.

My body understands joy, delight and play.

My body knows what I'm hungry for.

My body has taught me to pay attention to my desires.

To listen to my gut.

To trust my appetites.

My body has taught me I am human.

I am here.

I am beautiful.

I am powerful.

I am brave.

I am scared.

I am alive.

And I am grateful.
~Marianne Elliot

Wednesday #WOD

10 REASONS TO WORKOUT TODAY!

1. I will have more confidence.

2. I will be one step closer to my fitness goal.

3. I will be more mentally alert.

4. I will be happier.

5. I will have a desire to eat healthy foods.

6. I will be more motivated to workout tomorrow.

7. I will burn more calories the rest of the day.

8. I will have an increased amount of energy.

9. I will be doing something for me.

10. I will be healthier.

Are you in the mid-week slump? Already dreaming of the weekend?  Make sure to get that mid-week #wod in!  Not just for the reasons listed above but because SPRING BREAK is rapidly approaching, too!!!  Who is going where for vacation???  Let's get ready to rock those swim suits and shorts/tanks again!!  MESSAGE me for help!  My next accountability group starts February 13th (and I'm still expecting everyone to enjoy Valentine's Day - so don't let that sway you!!).  

My set of daily rules - and WELCOME!

Welcome, officially!, to my new blog!  Although I have been blogging and posting for a while now, doing it 'officially' on a blog site is new with me!  I hope you enjoy the reads -- and I would love to hear from you, so never hesitate to reach out and connect.  My goals with this blog is to inspire, motivate, and SHARE with you.  I plan on posting often about LIVING with cancer; sharing about Darren's story with brain cancer and our story with it, #girlieboss tips, health/fitness motivation and tips, and recipes.  If there is a subject you are interested in, you can find me on Facebook!  I am sure that I'll sneak in information about vertigo (anyone else battle with this!??) and my skin cancer treatments, too.  I have LOTS of stuff to share so I hope you join me in this journey!!!

1.  TAKE CARE OF YOU!: It is SO important to take time for yourself. Mom’s lives can get so busy with cleaning, cooking, running errands and playing, all while trying to deal with finances, kissing boo-boos and singing songs. Do something you love EVERY day.
2. LIFE IS BETTER WHEN YOU’RE LAUGHING: Learn to laugh. Nothing is going to be perfect – there are going to be days where you actually just want to cry! But learn to laugh. We all make mistakes – but everything works out. I find it helpful to laugh in some of the most stressful situations.
3. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SCHEDULE: I find that my most successful days as a mom are the days I wake up early and get going quickly. Find a schedule that works for you!
4. FOCUS ON FAMILY: Family should always come first. Your spouse and your children should be your very first priority. 
5. GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN…AND THAT IS OKAY: Not only is it okay, but it is a good thing! Leave the kids with your husband, mom, friend, babysitter – and have a little Girls Night Out! 
6. CREATE A HAPPY, HEALTHY HOUSE: That sign that says, “Please excuse the mess, my kids are busy making memories.” I LOVE that! Although it is so important to have a clean house, I am a big believer in creating a happy house too.
7. DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE JONESES: Always remember we don’t see EVERYTHING. Just because someone’s life looks flawless on Facebook, doesn’t mean that is truly how it is. Everyone has trials. Everyone has bad days. Stop comparing and just do your best.
8. CALL FOR HELP: I have learned that it is okay to ask for help. In fact, we can’t do it alone. If you don’t have a husband to call – call your mom, call a friend, call a neighbor. We all need support. 
9. LEARN HOW TO SAY “NO”: This is a hard one for me, but I am slowly learning how to say it. I can’t help with everything and be the best Mom to my family. 
10. DO WHAT YOU CAN DO, IN THE BEST WAY YOU KNOW: Lastly, just do your very best! No one is perfect!

And remember;

Be crazy.
Be stupid.🤓
Be silly.😝

Be weird.🤠

Be whatever.🤗

Because life is to short to be anything but happy!🙌🏻

Which of the habits above are you going to incorporate into your daily routine? Share below!

Tips for a healthier weekend!

YAY the weekend is here! Enjoy your family & friends. Just remember all the hard work you've put in this week with your health & fitness. Don't let it get away from you. You don't want to have to start back at square one on Monday!! Here are some tips for you!!  If you have questions or need more advice, be sure to connect with me on Facebook today!

TAG your friends to share tips for a HEALTHIER WEEKEND.

1⃣ Squeeze in a longer workout since you have more fee time.💪🏻
2⃣ Don't go hungry to a party/event.🙌🏻
3⃣ Get enough sleep.😴
4⃣ Use the weekend for healthy meal planning.🍏
5⃣ Plan something relaxing.💅🏻
6⃣ Break the on-again, off-again diet mentality.🚫
7⃣ Unplug from the world!! Enjoy your family!👫
8⃣ Get outdoors.🚴
9⃣ Limit your beverage drinks.🍷
🔟 Be productive! NO lazy Sundays.👊🏻

12 things to always remember!

12 things to always remember!! Please feel free to share this to your page so you can refer back to it!! And tag your bff👭

1. The past cannot be changed
2. Opinions don't define your reality
3. Everyone's journey is different 
4. Things always get better with time
5. Judgements are confessions of character
6. Overthinking will lead to sadness
7. Happiness is found within
8. Positive thoughts create positive things
9. Smiles are contagious
10. Kindness is free
11. You only fail if you quit
12. What goes around, comes around!

Any questions?  Concerns?  Additions?  Connect with me on Facebook and let me know your thoughts!