2014 Goals!!!!

Today I am looking back through 2013, just as many of you are! I have to say that I am truly a blessed individual!!! This is been a pretty good year I have to say! My mom is doing well, and her kidney numbers are holding strong, that alone makes this an amazing year. Ten years ago, doctors didn't think she would make it, and today, ten years later I am bring in the new year with her!!!! Miracles do happen!!! I got in the game late this year, but a I started my journey to a new me! It wasn't a scary as I thought it was going to be, each day I just pushed myself a little harder. I even won my first 60 day challenge. Never in a million years did I think I could do that, but I did! This year has been filled with so many incredible memories! I have gotten to know so truly inspiring people, who I know will keep pushing me throughout this new year! But as I look ahead, I asked myself what are some things that I want to really focus on this year?! What's really important to me?! So here's my list.....

1. Run at least one 5K a month! I want to join a 5K each month! I found a great page for this, if this is something you would like to try as well!
2. Hydrate!!! I need to focus on my water intake. I drink way to many sugary drinks. I need to stop this!
3. Improve my Self Confidence- I need to stop thinking of myself as the ugly duckling. I want to be confident in my own skin!
4. Focus on ME- I am a people pleaser. I usually put people's wants and needs before my own. This year, I need to focus on what I want to do! I find a great deal of joy in helping others. This year I plan to help as many people as I can, whether it is donating to a charity, to motivating others to improve themselves. 
5.DO NOT GIVE UP- I started this journey in October and have struggled with my motivation, I do not want to give up! I HAVE to keep pushing forward. This is where I count on those inspiring individuals in my life!
6. Step Out of my Comfort Zone- I tend to stick to what I know and where I am comfortable. But this world has so many things to offer, that I really need to explore everything I can this up coming year.
7. Run my FIRST 10K!!! I want more than anything to complete a 10K this year!

What are some of your goals for this upcoming year? Have you thought about it? It was actually pretty easy. I just started typing and ended up with 7. I am so excited to focus on my goals this up coming year. Just know that I am always here to help you along your journey. Reach out to me, check my contact info!!!

"Success is yours for the taking"

XOXO

My Be Nice Box is Here!!!

I am so excited that my be nice box has arrived!!!! As many of you remember I participated in the elf 4 health challenges this year. I felt that those challenges truly allowed me to focus on myself and improve the person that I am.  The be nice box is filled with challenges to complete throughout the month. They are random acts of kindness that you complete on your own time. The box is filled with all of the materials that you will need. After reviving this month’s box in the mail, I am so excited!! Check out their website and join me next month!! We can complete these challenges together, and brighten someone’s day in the process! 

 

“Those who are the happiest, are those who do the most for others” 

XOXO

Winner....For real?!?!

Hello my fabulous followers! Oh how I have missed you!!! How was your holidays??? Mine were fantastic...but so fast. Where did the time go?! Anyway, I have BIG news to share with you!!! For those of you that don't know....I was one of the WINNERS of my first 60 day challenge!!! I was in total shock when my coach posted the photo!  I was a little disappointed in my first challenge, I always felt like I could've done better. But as I'm typing this I realize I focused a lot on what I didn't do, rather then be proud of everything I did accomplish! Honestly, I went from never working out, to hitting the gym almost everyday and being mindful of what I eat! That in itself is a pretty big accomplishment right?! Why is it so hard to say this...but I am PROUD of myself! I put forth the effort, and stuck to it. That's something I have never done before. I would be motivated for 2-4 weeks, then slowly make excuses and just stop all together. Not this time, I actually accomplished something! I didn't reach my goal, but I did lose 4.2 lbs, and 15 inches! 15 inches?!?! Yes! My clothes fit some much better, and I am truly proud of myself! Learning I was a winner of my first challenge, has given me the motivation I needed to KILL my second 60 challenge! Honestly, you don't have to put in crazy long hours at the gym from the start, just get up and start moving. That's what I did, and you know what.....it's working! Slowly but surely I am making progress! Mark my words, I will have better results at the end of round 2! I'm counting on all of you, to hold me to this!!!!

"It's not easy, but it's worth it. Now repeat everyday!"

XOXO

~Self Love~

Today's Elf 4 Health challenge was SELF LOVE! We had to name 3 physical things we love about ourselves, and 3 non-physcial things. Ok, sounds easy enough right.....not so much! Can you honestly thing of 6 things you love about yourself?!?! I struggled with my list for sure. It's sad that we are so quick to judge and criticize ourselves, but when it comes to loving ourselves it's very difficult. On a daily basis I think of a list of things I want to change about myself, but never focus on the positives. It is a new goal of mine to think of one thing I love about myself for every one thing I want to change about myself. So my SELF LOVE list....

1. My determination-This journey has been one of the toughest challenges of my life. There are so many ups and downs, but I haven't given up. When I put my mind to something, I can accomplish anything!
2.My Passion- I love that I care about and love people way more than I should! I have such a big heart and I wear it on my sleeve. Many times this leaves me hurt and disappointed, but I'm not going to stop being me. I have so much love for the people in my life.
3. My Generosity- I honestly loveeee helping others! I went into teaching because it's my passion. I love donating to charities, or running a 5k for a cause. If I see someone struggling, I'll be the first one to give them the shirt off my back even if it's the last one I had. It makes me happy when I able to brighten someone else's day!
4. My eyes- I get a ton of compliments on my eyes! They are a strange color that changes depending on what I am wearing. I also have crazy long eyelashes which makes them stand out.
5. My lips- I have nice plump lips that I wouldn't change for the world.
6. My hair- I have awesome hair. It's very thick and looks good curly or straight.

Coming up with things I love about my body was much harder than non-physcial. It was a fabulous challenge to remind yourself that you are an amazing person! What's your 6 things??? Share it in my comments! Would love to read them!!!

"Your flaws make you PERFECT! Love YOURSELF! You are BEAUTIFUL!!!"

XOXO

It's Just the Beginning....

As my first 60 day challenge comes to an end, I realized I've learned a lot about myself! I've struggled  a lot with my motivation along the way, but NEVER gave up. This group  kept me completely accountable, and that I loved!!! I've learned this journey is about diet as much as it is about fitness. I honestly didn't change my diet as much as I could have these last 60 days. Honestly for the past two weeks, I've been eating whatever the heck I wanted. I'm not proud to admit that, but it's the truth. I've been asking myself how much better could my results have been if I changed my habits. Let's face it, Christmas is right around the corner and if your house is like mine, it's filled with all kinds of goodies! I know, it's hard to say NO! Trust me....oh how I know! But you don't have  to cut everything out totally. You can reward yourself for your hard work and dedication.

As I finish this challenge, I'm left with mixed emotions. I'm proud that I have achieved some results, but wish I would have reached my goal of losing 20lbs. But believe me, I never thought I would lose15 inches in 60 days! That blows my mind! That's longer than a ruler!!! Today, as my new challenge begins, I'm more determined than ever to have better results. It's going to be hard, especially with all of the holiday parties,. filled with yummy treats, but I need to keep my goals in check!!! I have to remind myself, how far I've come, and how far I still have to go! I know that I can do that, and I will!!!!

In 60 days, I've lost 4.2 pounds, and 15 inches!!! I'm very excited about this, but I do wish I lost more weight. That's ok, I will push harder this next challenge and do better!!! Some progress, is certainly better than no progress!!!!!

So, how close are you to reaching your goals? What are you going to do to get there? It's almost a new year, and that means it's time to stop making excuses and work on YOU! Together we can do this!!!

"Go confidently in the direction of your goals" 

XOXO

December's Progress Pic.....(if that's what you want to call it)

This month I am a little embarrassed to show a comparison pic! I truly did not give it my all this month and it shows BIG time! But nonetheless, I am going to keep posting pics to remind myself to work hard and keep pushing! This is a whole new month, a fresh start, a chance to do the very best that I can! Next month there will be progress......Mark my words!!!!!

"Little by little, a little, becomes A LOT"

XOXO

The Be Nice Box

When's the last time you did a random act of kindness and expected nothing in return?! Now a days they are few and far between. Don't get me wrong, I have my moments, but our lives have become so busy that we are always in a rush trying to get all of our own stuff done that we don't have time to stop and help others. Once I was in a store and the woman in front of me was a few dollars short. The store clerk became rude to her, asking her how much money she had, and telling her to put things back. I could tell the woman was having a hard time understanding the problem. I simply handed the clerk the money she was short. The clerk asked me if I was sure I wanted to help her, and very loudly told me that the woman has not had enough money in the past and by helping her I was setting a bad example. I simply told the clerk that I was sure and I felt she was being very rude. The woman I had given my money to, turned around gave me a hug and she began to cry. She told me that no one has ever been so nice to her before. I left the store with a smile on my face because by one simple gesture, I was able to make this woman's day. I turned an embarrassing situation into a happy one. I challenge you all to pay attention when your out and about, if you see someone struggling, stop and ask how you can help them. Thirty seconds of your day, can make a world of difference in someone else's !

 

The be nice box, is filled with random acts of kindness to perform throughout the month. What's great is that it allows you to plan them out and help those who really need it! The kit includes all the materials you will need. All you have to do is complete them all and have fun! I can not wait to get me box in the mail. I am so excited!! It's such a grate way to have fun and help others. I believe the boxes are $12 and a portion of that goes to charity! I think it's free shipping as well! You can't beat that! For more information, and to subscribe to their awesome newsletter, checkout their Website! So, who's with me?!?! Let's go to work, don't forget to take your pics, and hastag me! #thebulkybitch 

A photo of a Be Nice Box, which can be found on 

their website!

 

"What we do for ourselves, dies with us. What we do for others and the world, remains immortal."

 

XOXO

Operation Beautiful

If you are all like me, up until this week you have never heard of operation beautiful! When I first looked at the list of challenges for Elf for Health I saw operation beautiful listed, but I had no idea what it was. After some research I have learned that Operation Beautiful is a movement across the nation. It's sole goal is to end negative self-talk or fat talk. Have you ever stopped to think how toxic negative self talk is!? We all do it, but why?!?! Why are we so damn hard on ourselves? The idea behind this movement is to leave positive messages on mirrors in public places, in books, in restaurants. For example, "You are amazing just the way you are." It's truly a simple act of random kindness. All you need is a piece of paper and a pen. Think of what a wonderful place it would be if you were constantly reminded of how amazing you are! It would be magical! If you feel the same way I do, you may feel a little strange about leaving notes in random places. But at the end of the day, who cares if you brought a smile to one person's face, you may have changed their whole day around! Let's try it! Post your notes and snap a picture! Don't forget to hashtag me! #thebulkybitch It can be our little way of changing this ugly world!

My notes I left for others!

"Be the change you wish to see in the world"

XOXO

81K Adventures!

My next big adventure is going to be completing an 81K! That's right an 81K! How many miles is that you ask, that is 50 Miles! I found this great site where you can sign up for virtual races and receive a medal for completing them! How awesome is that!  This particular race is 50 miles, but you have 5 weeks to complete it! So, theoretically you can run just 10 miles a week and finish it successfully! I'm so excited my cousin is also participating in this event with me! I figured this event is a great way to keep myself motivated for the next 5 weeks! In the end, you have this awesome medal that you EARNED! Each month offers a different race for a different cause! Check out the site HERE!  I will be sure to keep you updated on our progress on my Facebook Page!

"When someone tells you can't, turn around and say watch me!"

XOXO

#elf4health Update!!!

I have to say that I am so excited about the elf for health experience! I was so lucky to be paired with an awesome buddy! We email each other everyday! She is so supportive and motivational! Next week we get a whole new elf buddy and I have to say that I am a little sad! I am going to really miss the elf I have now! She is amazing! This weeks challenges include, writing a handwritten note to somebody, eating the rainbow (meaning bring a variety of foods into your day), going makeup FREE for a day! I have to admit, this challenge I am most anxious about! Why is it so hard for us to embrace our inner beauty. I think this relates to my idea of hiding behind accessories. Makeup allows us to cover up or hide what we believe to be our flaws! Anyone who is close to me know, that most days I wear fake eyelashes, why....the truth is I have no freakin' clue. My natural ones are crazy long and beautiful already. Why do we do some these crazy things....well the world may never know! I invite you all to embrace your inner beauty with me tomorrow! Thursday's challenge is to workout with a buddy, now this may not always be easy to find someone who is willing. I say if you ever have trouble finding a workout buddy, use a virtual one! My elf buddy and I live very far apart, but we are going to do the same workout and send each other pics! Friday's challenge comes operation beautiful! If you have not heard of this website, you must check it out! Saturday's challenge is to clean out the fridge and pantry. In my opinion this is not the most fun, but come on we all need motivation to take on this task! If you are like me, you accumulate so much junk it's crazy! I think I am going to go through my panty and if there are things my family just won't eat even though they are still good, I'm going to donate them to somebody in need! Lastly, Sunday's challenge is to write a list of 20 things you are grateful for! I am very excited about this! What a great way to remind us all, how truly blessed we are! 

Did I mention that I WON one of the challenges last week? Yes! I won the hydration challenge! I can't even tell you how excited I was!

"Don't give up what you want most, for what you want now"

XOXO

Breaking Down Decemeber's Goals

This month I have decided to revisit some of last month's goals because I didn't quite crush them! I know that I can do better this month, and that's just what I intend to do! This month I intend to focus on T25! For those of you who have not tried this workout, it's great! To be honest, it's tough I mean really tough, but that's why it works right? I think that is part of the reason I don't do it every day! However, if I complete the work outs more often that it will become easier! It's a vicious cycle, but the bottom line is that I need to incorporate this into my daily routine! I would also like to get a handle on my eating. Lately I've pretty much been eating whatever the heck I want, and where is that getting me?! No where! I would also like to start running at least 3 miles a day on the elliptical! Right now I do anywhere from 1-2 miles. So, I would just like to increase that a little and remain consistent. Another goal of mine is to improve my confidence this month. I've been very down on myself lately. I need to decrease the negative self talk and be proud of who I am! A good part of last month I focused on squats! This month I would really like to kick that up a notch! Lastly, I would like to focus on hydration! This is going to be on my goal list for awhile. I really don't like drinking water. However, it is so important to hydrate your body. I have a lot of work ahead of me this month! Have you made you goal list yet? What are some of yours?

"Commitment is the glue that bonds you to your goals"

XOXO

"I'd Rather Be Honest, than Impressive"

Today while I am working on writing my goals for December, I want to take a moment and reflect on how November went! I wish I could sit here and tell you it went fabulous, but the truth of the matter is November was a struggle for me. I didn't give up, I went to the gym but I honestly feel that I didn't push myself as hard as I could. I have been in a funk the past couple weeks, and really down on myself. I know I am not the only one that goes through this, we all do at some point or another. I am disappointed in myself, I have put back on some of the weight I had lost, and got discouraged. I knew this journey wasn't going to be easy, and one of the most important parts of any journey you are on, is to be honest with yourself. Yes, I did workout, and go to the gym, do T25 here and there, but the bottom line is.... I could've done better. I am here to tell you that this month I will ROCK this journey, even if it kills me! This time a year we all get busy preparing for the holidays and we can easily throw ourselves off track. But one thing I have to keep reminding myself is that yes it is important to prepare for the holidays, but is that going to get me closer to my goals? Don't forget to make time for yourself during this season! Heck even schedule it in your planner if you have too! You need to make yourself a priority! If  you don't....no one else will! If I had to give myself a grade I would have to give myself a C at best! To be honest, if it wasn't for my fitness challenges groups, I don't know where I would be. They really kept me accountable this month and forced me to workout. Throughout this journey I am learning so much about myself. I am so excited that it is a new month, I feel I can use it as a fresh start and get back to kicking ass like I was! So, who's with me??? It's that time a year you either need a good drink or to kick some ass.....I say we use that stress to reach our goals!

I truly love each and every one of you who take time out of your day to read this! From the bottom of my heart I thank you, you are what keeps me motivated!

"Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate all that they already have."

XOXO