It's Too Hard

What do you do when somethings seems too hard?  Or when you feel like you aren't good at it?  Or when it seems you've done your best and it still isn't enough?

On my 2 mile run today, I had many thoughts of quitting running.

I feel like I've lost my passion and excitement for it.

And it's still hard.
So
    hard.

Then I got to thinking - every time I've been pushed or challenged in my life I've given up.

Don't get me wrong, I've been through a lot of hard times that I've really worked through, but that was because there was no other choice.  It was either push through or lose everything.

But, when the stakes aren't that high, I tend to give up.  I wasn't that great at dancing, so I quit.  I wasn't great at music, so I quit that.  I wasn't great at basketball, so I didn't try out when my friends did.

Why didn't I just try harder and enjoy the hard work?

Because then everyone would know I wasn't fabulous.  In my mind, not failing meant succeeding.  It doesn't mean that at all.  Not trying is a bigger failure!

Back to my running...I'm not a fabulous runner.  In fact, I'm a pretty terrible runner.  I'm slow and I'm pretty sure I look like Phoebe from behind.  (Friends fans will get that).
But I'm doing it!  I'm pushing through when it gets too hard.  I won't ever win a marathon.  I won't ever be the best runner on the trail.  But, I'm still a runner.  And I'm better than I was when I started!

So, when my legs are cramping, there's sweat dripping off of me, and it feels like my lungs may pop...I'll keep on running!
I've only got me to prove myself to!

Clean Eating Goals

So, I'm going to become one of those people.

A clean eater.

When I first heard about clean eating, I thought of it as the latest hippie fad.

Honestly, the more research I do, the more I get on board.

Our country is plagued with crap disguised as food and nutrition.  While these things may be food, they contain little to no nutrition.
What they do contain is chemicals, fake colors and flavors, and a whole lot of mystery about what these things really do to our bodies.
I'm guilty of eating packaged foods that claim being health foods for years.  I was proud of myself for bringing "diet" foods for lunch and heating them up in the microwave!  What was in them?  I'm not really sure.

When I first joined Pinterest, I created a board called Mmmmm where I pinned all of the recipes that interested me.  I tried a few of them for dinner and they were tasty!  But, I had no idea what I was actually putting in my body or feeding my family.

Lots of pasta and bread on this board!

Once I got myself in the right frame of mind, I created a new food board called Healthy Yum.  This is where I started pinning low-carb recipes, then low fat recipes, then recipes that included mostly lean protein and veggies.  Sometimes I pinned recipes here just because it said they were healthy - even though I didn't really know what was in it.  It's time for me to weed through this board and get rid of the "crap" recipes.

Some healthy recipes, some not so healthy!

Now that I've done my homework, I understand more about clean eating.  I am in NO way an expert, but I know where my focus needs to be now.  I've created a board called Clean Recipes where I've started pinning not only recipes, but resources on clean cooking.

Anything looking yummy yet?

Here are some resources if you are interested in clean eating yourself (and you should be):
The Gracious Pantry - Most of my pins are her recipes.
Hungry For Change - I watched this documentary on Netflix.  This is where I was convinced!

You may now resume reading...

I've been off the radar for a few weeks.

We've been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY since before Thanksgiving.

I visited one of my girls in Orlando, then went back for a Disney trip after Turkey day, then went back 2 weeks later for her graduation, then drove back a few days later to move her home, then took her to NOLA to learn about the city where she is about to be employed!

Sprinkle in un-decorating for Christmas, some doctor appointments, and a few Etsy orders and I've lost track of all time!

I also lost track of my exercise :(

But, I'm not committed to a half marathon in April.  April 13, to be exact.

I'm pretty excited about it!  Not only am I looking forward to a huge challenge that I never thought I'd even accept, but I'm excited about the mission of this group.  It is called Get There and Share with 413 Ministries.
Their mission is to use the sport of running to spread the Gospel!  I love it when I see people using their natural passion and talents to make a difference!  I'm looking forward to being a part of this race. From what I have read, there will be people from all over the country coming to Homewood, AL for this.  I may finish last, but I do plan to finish!

And if I'm going to finish, I'm going to have to train.  I'm in the middle of week 1 right now.  So far it isn't awful, but I'll be stepping it up real soon!  I've been researching different training plans and this one just spoke to me over the rest.

If you are interested in training, here's my schedule.  A quick google or Pinterest search will help you find others that might work better for you.  If you're able to run a 5k now, I'd suggest giving yourself 12 weeks to train for a half.  If you can run farther than a 5k already, you might need only 8 weeks.  If you have run half marathons before, I have no advice for you :)  I'm interested in training to be able to finish, not to improve my time!

Silhouette Cameo Projects

I'm still completely thrilled to be the owner of a Silhouette Cameo!!!  I am having so much fun learning how to use it. There are so many more things I can do than I had even thought of!
I posted before that I've already been busy with my new toy!  I've even had my first sale on Etsy of an item I made with my SC.
I've been keep a pin board of projects I want to try next.  Here a few projects I plan to tackle soon.

I'm making this one for myself, but I already have several requests from friends for it.

Aimee Weaver Designs

I love this for my husband I, but I think it would be great for memory verses for a child!

KIJSA

geministudios

New Year, New Challenge

Sugar Detox - who doesn't need that after the Holidays?
I ate cookies, cakes, pies, and candies like my life depended on it.  I know I can eat a healthy diet and be satisfied, but now my body is craving sugar on a daily basis.  Every night I feel like I can't survive without ice cream, M&Ms, or bread.
I know this is a result of my eating habits lately.  Time to do something!  My sister-in-law asked me if I wanted to be her buddy on her sugar detox.
First answer - no thank you!
But, I knew it was just what I need to get myself re-started.

Here's how it works:

Most fruits are ok - nothing like bananas, mangoes, or pineapples though - too high in sugar.  Most veggies are ok - no beets - not a problem for me!

After 2 weeks, I will add back sweet potatoes, whole grains, and low carb tortillas.  And I'll have a banana too!  Hopefully, the cravings will be gone and I can enjoy a treat every once in a while without binging for days!

I tried this in September, but didn't take it as seriously as I am this time.

Time to Get Real

Hi my name is Mandee and I'm addicted to The Biggest Loser.  I'v'e been obsessed with this show since it's debut.
This year, they are focusing on childhood obesity.  I wasn't sure how I felt about children competing, but now that I know how they are doing it, I'm excited!  This children have an amazing opportunity to change their lives while they are young while influencing other children and adults like me!

They got me thinking - how can I influence others, right where I am in my journey?  Part of my weight-loss and fitness goal has been to become an influence to others.  These children aren't waiting to be an influence - they are starting that way.

How can I influence anyone now?  How can I inspire anyone else to better their own health?

I started thinking about the kids in my life.

• Do I encourage them to eat treats when they are with me?  
• Do I use unhealthy foods to reward them or show my love for them?
• Do I show them how being active can be fun?
• Do I speak poorly of myself in front of them because of my own body image?
• Do I encourage them to be healthy - physically and emotionally?

I have step-daughters, god-children, nieces, nephews, and close friends who are looking at me more than I realize.
Do you have children watching you?
What are you showing them?

I am taking steps to better my own life.  By taking this steps, I may be planting seeds in these little people that will help them avoid obesity or poor health.

I hope my influence can reach to my peers as well.  It's a new year, the holidays are over, and there is no better time to get started than right now!  I'm done with the excuses.  I'm done with the guilt.  I'm ready to get back to my healthy eating and fun exercise!  I'm ready to start feeling healthy and strong again!

Who's with me?
If you are willing to join me - whatever way you can; if you are willing to influence the children in your life; if you are willing to make a promise to yourself, comment below and tell me what you're doing!  I'll be posting some challenges again very soon!

Go get 'em!