Monday Project

Its time for another Monday Project!

Here were our instructions...

I want to know, how would you finish this sentence? Whatever it is that you do. Whether you run, kickbox, yoga, shred, Gilad, tri, swim, cycle, spin, lift weights, etc… enter your exercise and fill in the blank.

I (your preferred exercise) because ____________.
I have a couple of answers to this...

First - 

I RUN because I am passionate about children with cancer; because every step I take is a step of love for my patients and their families; because it makes me feel ALIVE; because it is an accomplishment; because it is the only thing that relieves all of this crazy stress swirling around me; because I am getting a glimpse of all that I am capable; because I am a strong woman; BECAUSE IT MAKES ME FEEL ALIVE!!!

Second - 

I ZUMBA because I love to dance; because I sweat like crazy; because I love the music; because it makes me feel ALIVE; because it makes me laugh and sing and feel like I am back in college; because it makes me feel SEXY; because it makes me feel like a beautiful woman; 

BECAUSE IT MAKES ME FEEL ALIVE!!!

In a nutshell, exercise makes me feel ALIVE and vibrant and beautiful!

 

Monday Project

Its time for another Monday Project!

Here were our instructions...

“What would it be like if I just started this journey two years from now?”

Hmmmm... I am not sure I really want to think about two years from now...

These things I know for sure:

I would likely weigh more than I do now

I would be two years worth more unhappy

I would have even more sore joints and feet!

I would believe my own lies and rationalizations on a much deeper level

My boys would have difficulty believing anything I say.

I have lived the majority of my life dealing with my weight and learning about myself and what is really behind my eating.  I have "patched the symptoms" with quick fix dieting, but I have also had incredible opportunities to learn my triggers, my emotional connections to food, my habits.  My children are on to my rationalizations and more importantly I am on to my rationalizations!  I am at a pivotal time in my life.... NOW is MY time, not tomorrow and certainly NOT two years from now!

The Monday Project #3 - Letter to future self

So, this week's assignment was to write a letter to myself looking back on 2010 chronicling my accomplishments...  WOW - This was a big undertaking, but a very powerful exercise.  So here goes...

Dearest Tiffany,

What a year it has been!  You have accomplished so much and have really made this year a powerful year of change.  Your theme for the year has been "honoring yourself, respecting your body and accomplishing your goals".  You started out the year motivated and excited to see what you were made of and what you were capable of.  You have accomplished so much.  Here is a re-cap:

You ran/walked your first half marathon and exceeded your fundraising goal to benefit the LLS.  You also completed a sprint triathalon in November.  You had difficulty fathoming that at the beginning of the year, but with the accomplishment of the half marathon, you were motivated and hungry for another challenge.  You released 60 pounds and now weigh 150 pounds, well on your way to your goal of 130.  You are a very thoughtful eater and now eat to fuel your body rather than comfort your body.  You have learned to get creative in times of stress to avoid using food as your stress reliever.  Lastly, you have learned to truly respect your body as the amazing, amazing vessel that allows you to live your passions and allows you to serve others and are treating it with honor and respect.

You have made David, Sam and Noah so proud.  Samuel calls you his "Biggest Loser Hero" and is so proud that you are backing up your words with action.  Noah is your biggest fan and your biggest encourager to keep racing and keep challenging yourself physically.  David is so thrilled that the woman he fell in love with and loves deeply, now sees that she is worth that love and sees how beautiful she is.  David trained for the triathalon too and you finished together.  You continue to be more in love than ever.

Thank you for choosing to risk and choosing to make this year amazing!  I love you and love who you have become in 2010.  

Love, Tiffany

The Monday Project #3

So its time for another Monday Project at the Sisterhood...  Here are the instructions we were given...

This week, we’re giving you a license to talk some wonderful talk about yourselves. When we link up on Friday, we want you to list 5 reasons why you totally ROCK.

Any reasons whatsoever. There’s got to be at least five. And you know what? If you want to list more, go ahead! But give yourself some mad props this week and talk about why you are awesome. We want to know and we want to give you some mad props too.

Five Reasons I ROCK:

1.  I followed my passion and am living my higher calling in this life!  

I became a Pediatric Oncology (Childhood Cancer) Nurse eleven years ago and while the dark days are really rough, I spend the majority of my days helping cure children and watching the majority of them go on to live amazing lives.

2.  I am proud to be a working mom!

Contrary to what many of my friends chose, I CHOSE to have a career and raise my children and I have learned to embrace the fact that working has made me an even better mom.

3.  I am BULLHEADED, DETERMINED and very COMPETITIVE!

These character traits have lead me to most if not all of the victories in my life and I know will serve me well as I train for my first half marathon and as I walk forward on my journey to my skinny jeans.

4.  I am a giver!

While I am still learning to give to myself, I spend the majority of my time giving to others and I LOVE the way it makes me feel.

5. I am in my thirties (35 to be exact) and am PROUD of my age!

I feel like I am in my prime and am really coming into my own and am more and more comfortable in my own skin and make less and less apologies for who I am.

Well, there you have it - That wasn't easy...  But is pretty wonderful to look at and let sink in...