New Beginnings

Yet again, I have neglected my blogging. Life has a way of getting in the way of this little blog! But fortunately, things seem to be leveling out. Not as much stress these days (or at least, I have begun to deal with the same amount of stress in a healthier way!?), and a lot of personal growth. I am reminded constantly that true personal growth cannot be achieved without a good deal of "growing pains". How true! Needless to say, I have been experiencing some major growing pains for the past few years, but I am finally realizing just how much growth has resulted from them (and how much is still to come!)...and it feels good! =)

I am really going to try to come here more often...I mean, really really try!! Although I know that absolutely no one reads this, it's just as therapeutic for me either way. =) So if you happen to chance upon this post..HELLO! And until next time,

Xo,

MJ

Trucking Along

This week =

Super stressed for various reasons. Trying to stay calm and find the silver lining, which has helped me not go completely crazy...but still...I will be so happy when tomorrow is over and I can enjoy the weekend!!

On a side note, I've been feeling so claustrophobic in Grand Rapids, lately. Feel like getting away to one of these lovely places....

(MAN, I'd love to be in that hammock right about now!!)

(so secluded!)

(perfect.)

(simpler things...)

(so serene!)

(OH my goodness!!)

I could keep posting pictures like this all day...but you get the idea. I need to get away and take a break soon!!! Here's hopin' the office really takes off and I can get a raise and take one of these super secluded vacations!! =)

In the meantime, I will just keep trucking along and trying my hardest!

Have a great weekend, lovelies. Until next time....

Xo,

Molly

Busy, busy, busy!

This past weekend was one filled with wonderful busy-ness! I took Saturday ALL to myself (Michael had an all day bachelor party...) and it was absolutely perfect. I had coffee/tea with a dear friend that I have not seen in months, took myself out for a delicious lunch at The Electric Cheetah (Health Hutt Salad...YUMM!), then relaxed at the office while doing a detox treatment, and lastly took myself out to see a movie (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy ~ great movie if you want to really pay attention and think the whole time)!! More of these days are most definitely in my near future. It was simply perfect to spend some quality time with myself and my thoughts. The past 6 months have been so topsy-turvy...I felt so refreshed and centered after my date-day with myself! =)

Sunday was all about family/boyfriend time and back into my youth group leading routine. I missed these cool kids SO much!! Sometimes you don't realize how much you miss something until you have it back again and are able to enjoy it fully. My youth group kids are so special. I just love em!

Today was super productive in the office, as well. Lots of great stuff happening, I'm so excited!! Once we've got all of our ducks in a row, it's just going to EXPLODE! Look out G.R., we're comin to get'cha!

As far as a workout, I took today off. My plan is to do some light burst training tomorrow and hope it doesn't screw with my low back too much. Michael's been adjusting me differently and helping me with some stretching and light weights, and it's helping so much! I just hope I can get back to being active again soon. I'm going crazy!!

All in all, it's bee a great weekend/start of the week. I could really get used to this! ;)

Night night!

Xo,

Molly

Update!

Ooook. So I had pretty grand expectations of this 30 day workout challenge....with pretty disappointing results. The day after my first "challenge day", I was experiencing some intense low back pain; I'm talking can't-even-walk-right-because-something-is-seriously-wrong kind of pain!! Needless to say, I was unable to continue on schedule with my intended 30 day challenge goal. (boohooo!!) It's a great thing I'm dating a chiropractor though, because he fixed me up in NO time!! We did some cold laser therapy, some active muscle release techniques, some good stretching, and of course some ROCKING adjustments, and my hips were feeling back to normal almost immediately! I knew I loved my chosen field for a damn good reason. ;)

So here's what I've been up to the past couple of days:

Tuesday: Day 1 of the Fitness Challenge

Wednesday: Light stretching, light yoga

Thursday: More light yoga, upper exercises with resistance bands (I did 30 reps of each with light resistance bands)

Today: My plan is to TRY to run my first 5k of the year. It is most definitely my NY resolution and I don't want to be deterred from it! If need be, I will walk some of it, but I have to start somewhere, right? =) So excited that it's GORGEOUS out today! I mean, come on....

This
Afternoon

Partly
Sunny
Hi 50 °F

How often do we have sunny and 50 in January!? I'm taking full advantage and getting OUTside today. Woohoo!

Well, darlings, here's to a beautiful weekend for you all! I will be checking in and updating you on some plans that I'm formulating for my continued fitness/diet success this year! =)

Xo,

Molly

30 Day Fat Loss/Fitness Challenge ~ Day 1

Alright ya'll,

So this year, as you know, is all about getting and staying healthy, and today is my first REAL day of effort! I thought I was starting yesterday (for whatever reason, starting on a Monday always feels more legit to me? ;)) but I was still feeling pretty congested, achy, and sick. So instead? Ohhh, I had a piece of pizza and sat around all night. Uugh, that didn't make me feel very "new year's resolution-y"!! SO! Tonight! Tonight is the night!! I'm starting a 30 day fitness/fat loss challenge by BodyRock.tv to help jump start my new healthy year, and I'm super pumped about it! If you get a chance, check this site out. It's a fantastic resource for anyone else out there who would prefer kick starting their workout at home. All of the exercises on the site are burst exercises designed to produce maximum fat burning potential in a short workout. (See what people are saying about burst training here!) I'll report back after I start and let you know my thoughts....

..........................

As promised, here are the results for my first workout for the 30 Day Fat Loss Challenge :

(Note: I modified just a couple of the exercises slightly due to doctor's orders...no push ups or crunches for me just yet! ;))

Jump Squats – 25

Side Arm Fly - 17

Burpees - 10

Knee Highs - 45

Switch Lunges - 27

Tuck Jumps - 20

Inverse Row - 20 each arm

I must say, at first I was a little disappointed in my results. I have never, in my life, been this out of shape, so it is easy to get upset and disgusted and discouraged with how far I have allowed myself to fall....but then I snapped back to reality. I am doing it NOW! I am fully committed to getting healthy, strong, and fit NOW! And I have nothing to be disappointed in! I was hoping to be able to finish more reps than I did, but I am confident and excited to see just how far I can bring myself over the next 30 days!!! It should be fun and encouraging, don't you think?! =)

It's late, I'm exhausted, and I have GOT to get to bed! Next step for me is improving my time-management skills...or lack there of.

Night lovelies!

Xo,

Molly

p.s. Hooray for the first post of 2011!!! ;)

Cheers to a New Year!

Well...here goes nothing!

I started this blog a few years ago, and as you can see, not much has come of it yet. I have made my life too busy for any sort of internet blogging outlet (or, for that matter, any relaxing outlet at all!) and I've made excuse after excuse as to why I needed to pay more attention to everyone around me instead of myself. But all that is going to change in 2012. Instead of my go-to "get organized, eat better, get fit" resolutions, this year is all about specifics! In years past, my goals have always been too broad. "Get organized"...sure, but how exactly?? "Eat better"...well yeah, who doesn't want to eat better!? Aaand, of course, "get fit"...that oh so cliche and overly general goal of most 20-something women. So as the new year inches ever closer, I am joining the masses and jotting down my list of resolutions. Although they all fit quite nicely under the "Live Healthier" umbrella of a goal, I have started small with the intention of gaining momentum as the year passes.

So here you go...my list for 2012 (thus far):

1. Run 5k EVER Friday

2. No wheat or dairy

3. Eat totally raw at least one day a week

4. Yoga at least twice a week

5. Strength training at least twice a week

6. Run the River Bank Run in May

7. Take 1 entire hour for myself every day (NO interruptions, NO exceptions!)

8. Pray for at least an hour every day (again, NO interruptions, NO exceptions!)

9. Read 1 new book a month

10. No more procrastinating....EVER....NO EXCUSES!!!

And there you have it. 10 seems like a lot to start with, but I feel that they can all work harmoniously without TOO much effort or forgetfulness. =) So anyone who wants to join me and help keep me accountable, I welcome the support with open arms! And I will be happy to help support the resolutions of anyone who wants it, too!!

It's on! 2012 is going to be a year of change and personal growth for me. If it is the end of the world (teehee! ;)) I am going to live it to the fullest this year...NO EXCUSES!! You have to start somewhere, right?! So I am starting here...live and exposed...for everyone to see and hold me accountable! Change is good. It is necessary. It is welcomed by me!! =)

So, without further rambling and stalling, ;)

Cheers to a happier, healthier year in 2012 for you all!

Xo,

MJ