Mindful Monday: Stop Starting Over

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was spent with a little bit of work, dinner with Mike at Blanco, a brief appearance at a Halloween party, a UA Wildcat win (this completely made my Saturday), seeing one of my dear friends that was in town from Chicago, shopping with my best friend, homework and Pure Barre. Notice the word "run" is missing from that last sentence. Well, as soon as I saw this Pin, I had to share it with you all. This week I'm going to be mindful of the following because it's so incredibly true...

Source: fitfabcities.com via Shannon on Pinterest

The only way for me to really get back into running is to do simply that, START RUNNING! Although I won't be able to do so tonight because of my grad class, I hope to lace up my shoes tomorrow. Not to mention, Pure Barre instructor training is this weekend. I am SO excited! This will be an intense week of fitness. HAPPY MONDAY, XO! 

"An Open Letter to Ann Coulter" - WOW!

My words cannot do this letter written to Ann Coulter by John Franklin Stephens justice. Everyone should read and reflect.

http://specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/an-open-letter-to-ann-coulter/

To me, this defines courage, intelligence and passion.

Hitting the Pavement: Day 1

Yesterday I hit the pavement! It's been just over six months since my physician told me to take an extended break from running. If you've been reading for a while, you'll remember that I was not able to compete in the Mount Lemon Half Marathon in April because of this injury, which came about from overuse.

Although I've been sick, my cough finally subsided a few days ago. I figured yesterday was the first day to lace up my shoes and give it a try, since we had an evening work event and I didn't have to be in the office until late. I was very nervous and worried that I'd make it a mile and end up walking home. Regardless, I laced up my Mizunos, started up my Garmin, readied my iPod shuffle and was off!

While it was not easy,  I was still able to keep my regular pace! Yes, I did sound like I could barely breathe, but I made it. Woohoo! And even better news, I haven't felt any pain in the side of my knee. Praise God!

As long as future runs go similiarly, I should be able to run in my fifth P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in January. I made this mental promise to myself that I'd run this race each year, until I was no longer able to run.... So cross your fingers for me! I'm not so sure Mike will be running with me this year like last year, but I love the Chang's race experience so much! Also, another instructor from Pure Barre is planning to run it, so I'm hoping we can be race buddies! If you'll remember, I am a social runner rather than a hardcore competitor.... Although I do have some edge!

I hope I'll be able to give positive running updates within the next week or so! Each time, I'm just going to have to tell myself...

Source: i-just-wannarun.tumblr.com via Shannon on Pinterest

HAPPY HUMP DAY! XO

Mindful Monday: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Before I jump into "Mindful Monday," I have to bring up something I think about frequently. Do you ever feel like you're writing the same post twice? Often, I find myself jotting down ideas on my iPhone, and then wonder if I've already written about the same theme before. Does this happen to anyone else? Sometimes I still feel called to write about the subject, like today, and disregard the fact that a similar message may be tucked away on by blog in a post a few months back...

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Actions speak louder than words. Simple enough, right? My mom started telling me this phrase at such a young age, I feel like it has always been in my repertoire. But just as different items, words and feelings have different meanings with age, so does this important five-word sentence.

As women, many of us struggle to live a healthy lifestyle. As we are commonly compared to the models on TV and in the magazines, we try to eat less, workout more and find motivation to be thin. Am I right?

After many years of body image issues, I'm finally at a place where I feel more confident and happy with who I am. But, I personally believe making goals is positive, so I do have something that I'm working toward. Since starting Pure Barre in July, I truly feel more toned and lean, although I still have my "problem area." Unlike many of my friends, I've never had had a flat (or semi-flat) stomach. Call it my weakness for sweets, pizza and Mexican food, but that little pooch just won't go away.

Although I tell my co-workers, family and closest friends that I'm working so hard to eat healthy, I still continue to overindulge and have far too many "cheat days." Of course I believe in treating yourself every once in a while, but that word has become overused in my diet vocabulary. It's time for me to step up and really pursue my goal.

So consider this my last use of words, as inspiration to make healthy actions my norm.

This week I commit to think about food as fuel rather than a luxury, focusing on the energy it will provide me to get through each day!

Source: Uploaded by user via Shannon on Pinterest

HAPPY MONDAY, XO!

Think About It...

Source: minimalistpretty.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Insta-Updates

As I work may way back into the blogging world, I figure there's no better way than to update you on what's been happening in my life. In a nut shell, I started graduate school, my boyfriend started medical school, I've been juggling two part-time jobs for Arizona universities and have moved into a house with my twin brothers. And I can't forget the fact that my best friend is now a married woman. In between those monumental moments there's been joy, tears, laughter and more!

So here are a few Instagram photos to show you exactly what I've been up to!

My very best friend's wedding! 

Mike's White Coat Ceremony - love my future physician! 

My life in computers: Two jobs & a personal life [sort of]!

I've been striving to live in the moment, instead of planning too far in advance!

And I'm also working to improve my decision-making skills. I'm very indecisive! 

I hope you have a beautiful Wednesday! We're half way through the work week! :) That's something to smile about! XO

Back Again!

It's been a long time since I've posted or signed into Blogger, since August 5 to be exact. I know that I won't be able to catch you up on everything that's happened since then, but I do want to get back into the swing of blogging.

There's something so wonderful about giving yourself twenty minutes a day to express exactly what's on your mind. Working two jobs (I'm adding a third) and going to school leaves me following the demands of others, rather than marching to the beat of my own drum.

I'm not going to promise myself that I'll blog every day, but I'm going to make an effort to spend more time writing and reading everyone's blogs that I love so much.

Speaking of love... Here's something I have to look forward to in 19 days! A better explanation to come soon!

I'm going to Denver for Pure Barre instructor training! I cannot wait!

HAPPY TUESDAY, XO!