# 3 continued

Next, clarify your vision of your ideal life...to accomplish this, you have to know 2 things- where you are and where you want to get to. To create a balanced and successful life, your vision needs to include the following 7 areas: work and career, finances, recreation and free time, health and fitness, relationships, personal goals, and contribution to the larger community. It's not necessary to know exactly how you are going to get there. Just figure out where there is. If you get clear on the what, the how will be taken care of.

So this is where I've always had trouble. I've never been able to figure out exactly what I want. There are so many things I kinda want, or places I could imagine being pretty happy that I never settle on one. Or I think of something amazing and get hung up on thinking it's impossible, because I have bills and a family. lol. Jack says not to limit the vision in any way. Robert Fritz said "If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise."

Now for the vision exercise... Today I am just going to do the financial area. Here are the instructions... What is your annual income? What does your cash flow look like? How much money do you have in savings and investments? What is your total net worth? Next what does your home look like? where is it located? Does it have a veiw? What kind of yard and landscaping does it have? Is there a pool or a stable for horses? What color are the walls? What does the furniture look like? Are there paintings hanging in the rooms? What do they look like? Walk through your perfect house filling in all the details. At this point, don't worry about how you'll get that house. Don't say "I can't live in Malibu because I don't make enough money." Once you give your mind's eye the picture, your mind will solve the "not enough money" challenge. Next visualize what kind of car you ar driving and any other important possessions your finances have provided.
Here's my vision... My annual income is between $60,000 - $100,000 yearly. I have no debt (except my house payment). I save for everything and borrow for nothing. I have enough in savings to go 3 months with no work. I have PLENTY of cash but still spend wisely.

Principle 3

I had a shock today at church. Somebody has been reading my blog ;) That was pretty unexpected. The whole time I was doing the exercise ministry at church nobody ever commented or mentioned it or anything so I kind of assumed nobody looked at it. Then I went so long without updating it, I figured if anyone had been, surely they'd stopped. It was a nice surprise.

We talked a lot at church today about none of us being perfect. I am going to be honest right now with the fact that I quit doing the exercise ministry because I felt like a fraud and a failure. Also, I like I was using up time in the church that could've been used for something that people actually wanted to come to. A fraud because in over a year, I personally didn't get to my goal weight even though I was working out 9x a week. A failure because I don't think anybody else did either. However, I've recently had a couple people tell me they missed it and it had made a difference to them... and in a way it made me feel better and in a way it made me feel like a quitter. Putting it all in writing is making me feel like I am sort of a big baby. hahahaha

But anyway, there will be a 4 week class in January. Details will be in the bulletin, since there is only one person reading this and I already told her.

Now about Principle 3 ... Decide What You Want.
It talks about how early childhood programming often gets in the way of what you want. It says you shouldn't live someone else's dreams and you should stop settling for less than you want. You have to stop saying "I don't know or I don't care or it doesn't matter to me". When you are confronted with a choice, no matter how small or insgnificant, act as if you have a preference.

I do this all the time when somebody asks me where I want to eat or what movie I want to watch. I let them pick unless it is something I absolutely hate. I am about to go on a business trip this week with Teresa Daniels and a partner in our company. I am going to try this out this week anyway. Somehow I seem to think that it's not nice to say what I think in case everyone else doesn't think that way too. I mean, in conversation, intellectually... I don't think that. But in reality, in life... I want people to think that I am nice and easy going so I let them choose. But also sometimes I just don't care where we eat. I like everything.

David talked today about God wanting us to be ourselves and not trying to be someone else. So I am going to give this principle a go.

It says to make a list of 30 things you want to do, 30 things you want to have and 30 things you want to be before you die.

30 things I want to do

1. backpack/ bike across Europe
2. triathalon
3. stay vegetarian
4. swim w/dog & dolphins in FL Keys
5. climb a mountain
6. hang glide
7. make a difference
8. find a career I am passionate about
9. learn Spanish
10. take ballroom dance lessons
11. go on a mission trip w/my kids
12. be more "green"
13. write something and get paid for it
14. ride my bike to work everyday from April-Sept one year
15. see the Grand Canyon
16. take an RV across the country
17. get my kicks on Route 66
18. read the whole Bible
19. give a seminar
20. see the Great Wall of China
21. get completely out of debt
22. write a living will
23. scuba dive or snorkel in a tropical place
24. go on a cruise
25. get a tatoo
26. learn to surf
27. kayak
28. take a martial arts class
29. see a broadway play
30. get a college degree

30 things I want to have

1. a bunch of clothes that I love
2. cat door in my house
3. lots of running shoes
4. red Kia Soul
5. the lot next to mine
6. fit body
7. sunroom
8. $50,000 -$100,000 yearly salary
9. 3 days off a week
10. finished attic
11. respect
12. new ceiling fan
13. a boat
14. a horse
15. hammock
16. a greater sense of self
17. an exercise ministry full of people
18. more fun
19. more confidence in my job skills
20. continued good health
21. wisdom
22. ????????

Seriously... I can't think of anymore. Maybe more will come to me over the next few days. Weird, 30 didn't seem like a big number until I started. And the things I want to do are also the things I want to do before I die so I'm not going to make another list. There's more in this chapter. But I think that's all I can do at one time.

The more I thought about it

The better the "camp counselor" idea sounded. I went online a little and tried to find something like Outward Bound only locally. On the way home from work that night I hear about the Mustard Seed Ranch in Cookeville! So I email them asking if they have any job openings. No word yet. I really expected an answer. Even if it was "no we don't have any openings" or maybe "have you tried these people...." or "there might be something in the future if you get ____ certificate or take ____ class." But instead it's been nothing. I guess since I'd never heard of the place until the day I decide I want to be a camp counselor I thought it would lead somewhere. Seemed so perfect, ya know?

Anyway, the second thing in this chapter is to write your life purpose statement.

You list two of your unique personal qualities... strength and energy.

Then list one or two ways you enjoy expressing those qualities when interacting with others... encourage and inspire.

Then you assume the world is a perfect place. What does the world look like, how is everyone interacting? Write your answer as a statement describing the ultimate condition, the perfect world as you see it... Everyone is happy and full of life and love.

Last, you combine all three into a single statement. My purpose is to use my strength and energy to encourage and inspire others to get the most out of life and love each other.

Principle 2 Be Clear Why You're Here

This one is fairly simple to understand. You are supposed to figure out your life purpose. Hooray, I've been trying to do that for 25 years. Apparently we are all born with an inner guidance system that tells us when we are on or off purpose... it's joy. So now you are supposed to make a list of the things that bring you the most joy...

my kids
other kids
dogs
all animals
swimming
writing
rowing
painting (whole walls, not pictures)
planting stuff
building stuff
anything that has me moving and I can see improvement when I'm done.
chasing lightning bugs
riding a horse
riding a 4-wheeler in the snow, pulling a sledder

sounds like I should work at a summer camp.

9/17 principle 1

I am trying. The hardest part is to stop complaining. Honestly, I didn't think I was a complainer. I asked my husband to point it out to me if he caught me complaining and he said I wasn't really a complainer. But I am. Everyday I come home and complain about work. Everyday when someone is complaining about their husband I join in.

So I made some decisions. I may have mentioned this before but I have a great job, with a great company where I am treated fantastically. I love the family that owns the company. I still don't think it's what I am meant to do. As the bible says I need to get.... about my Father's business. I should do what I think I am supposed to do. I am starting back to college in January. I plan to get an associate's degree and become a physical therapist assistant. I am also writing... here. As I tell people these plans, they give me great input on how to achieve my goals. Yay and more yay! You'd think I'd stop complaining.

But some of the people I work with drive me a little nuts. I let them because I don't want to hurt their feelings. Because maybe that would be more stressful to know every time I saw them that they didn't like me and I hurt their feelings than it is to put up with their behavior that I don't like. What if I try to say something to them and get so mad I say something crazy and I get fired. (When you write it down that sounds really dumb). But I had been thinking while I worked my plan to get out of here I could still complain about the people that annoy me. Why not? I'm also taking action and that was what I was supposed to do right?

Sigh, no, I don't think that's how it works. I am still going to have to address the behavior that bothers me instead of just running from it or God will keep trying to teach me that lesson. And I am tired of working on this lesson.

As for my husband, I think he's great. Although, since he lives with me and we spend gobs of time together... sometimes he gets on my nerves. I am trying to not just go around dogging him because he doesn't deserve that. Sometimes when other women tell me they feel the same way about their husbands I feel better. It's not just us. It's normal. All of this makes me think there is too much gray area. If I just talk about him to help someone else feel better, does that count as complaining? I think I will just have to stop and examine my motives. If I am just sharing life experience with someone and it's not really an issue anymore... that's probably ok. If I am mad and haven't talked to him and am talking to someone else instead... that's probably not ok.

Chapter 1 Take 100% Responsiblilty for Your Life

The book's title is The Success Principles. Underneath that it says How to Get from Where you Are to Where You Want to Be. Who doesn't want to know how to do that? The thing is the book is HUGE. 64 Chapters, over 450 pages... not a big print on those pages either. If you want to do this thing you are really going to have to invest yourself in it.
The book starts out with an inspirational introduction. It explains how the principles always work if you work them. It gives you a few little tips... underline & highlight stuff, make notes, get an accountability partner, truly change your behavior, don't get too frustrated if it doesn't happen on your schedule. Then the quote "It's time to start living the life you've imagined." Which is awesome, thank you very much Henry James.
Now... on to Principle 1... sounds easy enough doesn't it? It's not. He says You are responsible for the quality of life you live. Yup, I knew that. You can't blame the economy, your friends, your spouse, your parents, etc. Yup, I knew that too. Here's where it got hard for me. You can no longer blame, complain, or make excuses.
To change your life, you change your negative thoughts to positive ones, change what you daydream about, change your habits, change what you read, change your friends, change how you talk. Because if you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got.
Give up blaming... so when I say "It was easy for me to quit college because I didn't go where I really wanted to". That's crap. I was the one that chose not to go there. Nobody could make that choice but me. My parents and boyfriend wanted me to go to a community college and I let myself be talked into that. I have to own that. It's not anybody's fault but mine. I have struggled with my weight all my life because I over eat and under exercise. Not because my family eats bad. They can't make me eat what they are eating. I choose to do it.
Give up complaining...know why? It's useless. We usually complain to the wrong person. You come home and complain about work. At work you complain about home. Sure it's easier, but it's stupid. And THAT'S the one I am going to have trouble with this week. Replace complaining with making requests and taking action that will achieve your desired outcomes. Wow, it's that simple.
Time to take inventory... whenever I want to complain, instead I will take action. Starting now.

New Plan

So far, my blog is very, very lame. I have decided I need a project. I'm either not in tune enough with my own thoughts for this or just not interesting enough. I thought about working the 12 steps here and quite frankly I decided I am not brave enough for it. I just talked to a friend of mine about going through Jack Canfield's book The Success Principles... one principle a week so we can really focus on it. Then it came to me... that could be what I blog about. Starting Monday, that will be my focus until I get through all the Principles. Maybe after that I will just be able to write stuff. Maybe.

Gavin Fritz Cagle

I have a new dog. You may not know this about me (if you don't know me at all) but I love animals. All animals. I think dogs may be my favorite. I know it's cheesy to say they are "man's best friend" but I was an only child and not very cool as a kid and my dog Jake really was my best friend. Mom had to put him up to spank me. He followed me everywhere and protected me. He slept in my bed. He listened to me all day long. He did goofy things that made me laugh. When I was sad he was just there. He was awesome.

My husband has never had a dog in the house, so he doesn't really get how awesome they can be. We have 2 outdoor dogs. They are great dogs. But it's not the same as when one lives with you like you are family. I have just convinced him to let me have one inside after trying for 15 years. WOOHOO!

Yesterday I found the perfect dog for my super anal husband. He's 3 years old (past the age of tearing stuff up for fun). He's a schnauzer so he doesn't shed. He's housebroken. He was free. Also he had a sad story and my husband is a softie that pretends he's not.

Poor Fritz though, he's a little freaked out. His people gave him and his brother up because they are moving. So he lost everything he knows yesterday and is stuck with us. He's terrified. There's me, my husband, my son, my daughter, my cat, my two other dogs and the plethora of people we usually have at the house for him to deal with.

But here's what I know... it's going to work out. The cat may never want to spoon him but they will eventually tolerate each other. The other dogs will accept him once they realize he's ours. My kids and husband will finally know why I cried so hard at Marley and Me. In a week or two we will have our own routine and all will be awesome.

That was not my exact experience last night though. He chased the cat, barked at the other dogs, shot out of bed at 5:30 clearly excited about something and wouldn't eat at all.

Turns out I am not center of the Universe

So a couple months after my daughter was born I picked out her husband. Lovely boy, good family, good genes... etc. As they've gotten older, I stand by that choice. He's a good-looking, sweetheart of a kid and they are best friends. Naturally, they are not interested in marrying each other.

My daughter keeps picking boys that are borderline juvenile delinquents. Not bad kids necessarily, but not what I have in mind for her. (Naturally, since I believe her to be perfect I have this HUGE checklist of noble qualities & ambitions her boyfriends should all have.) I also kind of think that who she dates is a reflection on me. Like I have raised her to only feel comfortable with these delinquent type kids. So in the midst of one of my lectures to her (which by the way, are kind of never-ending) I drop that statement in. My child looks me in the face and says quite nicely, "You know, sometimes I just do things because I want to. Not everything is about you."

A few days later my best friend gives me a book to read. It's about these two best friends. She says she really relates to one of the characters (Wendy). So I read the book. The whole time I am thinking, well if she's Wendy then she must think I am Daphne. Daphne is a big flake and kind of a pain in Wendy's butt. They "break up" at the end. I am a little offended through the whole thing. "Is this how she sees us? Does she not really want to be my friend anymore? We've been friends since 6th grade what a weird way to tell me."

I finish the book, and as I give it back to her I ask these questions. Guess what? Not about me AT ALL! The stuff about Wendy that she related to had nothing to do with the friendship part. I didn't even notice that stuff because I was so focused on what she might be saying about me.

Last night, we are out to dinner and drinks with a few friends. My husband makes a joke about blowing out his liver... how he wants us all to sit around saying how crazy he was and how much fun we always had with him. I have an absolute fit when we get in the car because all I hear is "I care more about drinking than I do sticking around to be with you. How you will feel when I am gone isn't important." Turns out he was actually just making a joke. He is not trying to drink himself to death. And he likes being with me more than anything in the world... which is something he says EVERY DAY!

So apparently I am a complete egomaniac! I guess I should be grateful to finally have my eyes opened to it. Especially since it is kind of a relief. I can just go ahead and be me instead of worrying how every move I make might affect someone else. Turns out (much to my surprise) they are all doing their best to be themselves... they are not spending near as much time thinking about me as I think they are. Wow. Cool.

ADD

Like seven times today I thought... "oh that's funny, that would be something I could write about in my blog/journal." But I didn't write any of them down and I have ADD so now I've got... well practically nothing again. I only have 700 ways to remember things these days (reminder in my phone, program online, calendar that sends me emails, or good old fashioned paper) clearly I can't be blamed for forgetting every thought I had today.

I did come home and have a glass of champagne today. My dad asked what the occasion was and I said cuz I like champagne. Also, somedays you just need to celebrate life, no REAL occasion, just wow how lucky am I that my life is awesome for awesome? (not my expression, stole it from Homestar http://homestarrunner.com/)

And actually I had half a glass of champagne mixed with half a glass of Diet Mtn Dew because I have a serious Diet Mtn Dew addiction. I add it to anything I possibly can. My fav is Diet Mtn Dew and cherry limeade. Man, that's good stuff. Must write myself a note somewhere to get one tomorrow. I am thinking maybe everyone should have one glass of champagne everyday. Maybe before work. I have been silly. I've laughed REALLY HARD with my kids. I've danced around like an idiot. According to Chip I've made a terrible mess in the kitchen while fixing supper. Wait... I do that stuff everyday. Maybe everyone should have one Diet Mtn Dew a day. hmmm, something to think about.

Hahahaha

Ok so like I said the chick in the movie took on some project so she had something to write about every day. I DEFINITELY can't work my way through a cookbook. Ugh... GROSS! I recently made muffins for a friend of mine for his birthday. Muffins from a mix, no less. They were tiny, burnt and just wrong. They were ridiculed for the entire day. We began to call them "blackened mini muffins" at some point. But hey, I tried. I got up early and did something for a friend. Sure that friend wishes I hadn't but still... I tried. Another friend still talks about my famous tuna casserole with goldfish crackers. I wasn't good at finding things in the grocery store and made some bad substitutions. But I digress.

My point here is... I think I quit keeping a journal because I ran out of things to say. I am hoping eventually it will all come back to me. The ability to write, think deep weird thoughts, entertain people. It seems like I used to be able to do that. Where did it go? We'll see if I have anything tomorrow.

Julie & Julie

Just watched that movie... not something I was interested in at all. But it was Megan's birthday and she picked the movie. In case you haven't seen the previews it's about Julia Childs and a chick named Julie that makes all the recipes in Julia's cookbook in a year and blogs about it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjvJHsJD8ic

First of all, I just want to say, surprisingly great movie. I was on the verge of tears the whole time. But it wasn't sad. You just get to see these two women (both real by the way, based on two true stories) living great lives.

Julia is just completely freaking joyful. She talked about leaping out of bed while she was going to this cooking class and I turned 5 shades of green with envy. She has a great marriage. She lives this awesome life, seeming to embrace every moment until her 90's.

Julie just became the person she'd been trying to become... in a year. Also, had a great marriage.

I am very happy in my life. I have a great marriage. Fantastic kids. Nice job. Awesome church. Lovely house. Really, truly blessed in every way. Yet, I do no leap out of bed. I have not figured myself out, been trying way longer than a year. I don't think there is anyway possible I could blog everyday for a year and hold ANYONE'S interest.

I am actually only "blogging" tonight because I have been thinking about starting to keep a journal. Only I seem to have developed this one "old woman hand" that hurts when I do various things (like straighten my hair, squeeze out shampoo, open soda bottles, normal stuff that I should be able to do) and I think writing something this long would hurt said "old woman hand". Also, I am pretty sure nobody reads this. So seems to be the perfect place to break down my thoughts. lol.

Ok, it's a start. See ya tomorrow.

Goodness

So far I am not doing better. lol. I am thinking of doing a class for the month of July. This will give you someplace to tone up for summer without being in the heat and without signing up for a six month gym membership. Then you spend August swimming to keep your new muscles. ;-) What do you think???

Your Great Opportunity

I know it's been almost two months since I posted... I am going to do better though. ;-) Check back here each week there will be at least one new thing. Like this thought for the day.


Your present problem is your great opportunity. Your own mind- the Secret Place, as Jesus called it- is the council chamber where the arrangements and decisions for your whole life are made; it is also the drafting room where the plans for your destiny are formed. Your life is your laboratory. The world is your workshop.

The reason that you are here is that you may develop spiritually; and the way to do that is to meet the challenge of practical life. You do no develop spiritually by running away from life into some sheltered retreat. Nor do you grow in spiritual stature by gaining your point through will power.

It is the law that any difficulties that can come to you at any time, must be exactly what you need most at the moment to enable you to take the next step forward by overcoming them. The only real misfortune, the only real tragedy, comes when we suffer without learning the lesson.

I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil. John 17:15

Your Love Prescription: Take Care of Your Body! by Rick Warren

Many of us are just too tired to love. We want to build deep relationships with those we care about, like family and friends. We want to love people in our community who are hurting. But we're just too tired. You can't love when you're tired.

What happens to your relationships when you're out of energy? Little issues become big problems and love withers. It takes physical energy to listen to people and put their needs first. I'm convinced that many married couples could avoid spending time with a divorce lawyer if they spent a little more time with a mattress salesman or a personal trainer.

The Bible mentions three habits that will refresh you physically and give you the strength to love others.

1. Get regular rest. "It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest" (Psalm 127:2 LB). Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. Too tired to love your spouse and kids? Your problem isn't spiritual, it's physical. Get some sleep!

2. Eat a balanced diet. "You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws" (Psalm 119:73 LB). God made your body to use a certain combination of foods as its energy source. Eating right will help give you the energy you need to love more faithfully.

3. Exercise regularly. "...Honor the Lord with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV). Our bodies were made for activity. In biblical times they didn't have to exercise. People walked everywhere. They did physical work. But we have a sedentary life and drive everywhere we go. We need to exercise regularly.

Secret # 9: Get Enough Protein

Decide which kinds of lean protein you enjoy most and have them available in a convenient form at all times. Try some new kinds of protein, like protein powder, protein bars and hummus. Remember that one ounce of protein is about the size of one-third of a deck of cards. If you like fish, make it your new best friend. If you don't, find other lean protein sources to love. Package chicken, turkey and other frozen meats in single-serving bags in the freezer. Always have some hard boiled eggs in the fridge for a nice, filling, healthy snack.

Canfield

Jack Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com

Daily Disciplines for Effortless Success
by Jack Canfield

Hand’s down, one of the most popular questions I’m asked by students is this… “Jack, what are your most important daily actions that you correlate with your success.”

In fact, Oprah Winfrey asked me a similar question just days before appearing on her show. She asked me to come up with some easy-to-apply steps for her viewers to start applying The Law of Attraction in their lives.

One of the basic first steps is to determine, write down and talk about what you do want, not what you don’t want. Be as specific as possible. Once you have clarified what you want, do the following each and every day.

1. Morning Intention, Visualization and Releasing

As soon as you wake up in the morning, take about 5 minutes to focus your mind on your desires, goals and intentions. Start by sitting in a comfortable position, closing your eyes and visualizing your desires and goals as already being fulfilled. Spend 30 seconds to a minute on each of your core desires and goals. You can also take a few moments to visualize your day going exactly as you would like it to.

When you do this, you will often find negative limiting beliefs that are the result of negative programming from your childhood will come up. You may hear thoughts like “I could never afford that,”“there’s no way I’ll ever get that,” or “who am I kidding?” coming up. If you do, use one of the many releasing techniques that are available (see the list below) to release the negative thought. Don’t fight or argue with the thought; just release it.

Remember to also spend several moments feeling the feelings you would feel if you had already manifested your desire in your life. The intensity of the feeling is what fuels the intensity of the attraction.

If you're interested in learning a powerful releasing technique, check out the new documentary movie about the emotional freedom technique (EFT) I use, Try it On Everything; I highly recommend it.

2. Use External Images to Keep you Focused on Your Desires and Goals

Keep yourself focused on what you want to manifest by surrounding yourself with visual images of the things and experiences you want to create in your life. There are many tools you can use for this, including creating a Vision Book from our Dream Big Collection

Cut out pictures of the things you wish to own (like your ideal car or home) and pictures that represent the experiences you want to have (like the perfect relationship, your ideal job, perfect health, being at your ideal weight, more joy, inner peace or balance in your life) to remind yourself of how you want it to be. Put them somewhere where you will see them every day—on the mirror, the refrigerator, or in your Vision Book.

For even greater impact, combine your pictures with words that reflect your desired outcome, such as abundance, romance, fun, vitality, etc. I think you get the picture.
When you look at any of these pictures, do what Bob Doyle, who is featured in The Secret teaches— think the thought, “THIS IS MINE NOW! THIS IS WHO I AM!”

3. Think a Better Feeling Thought

Start paying attention to the many times during the day that you have emotional responses (to other people, experiences, or your own thoughts) that are not in alignment with having or producing your desires. Pay special attention to when you feel disappointment, resentment, frustration or anger about your experiences and circumstances.

Remember, it’s your feelings (which are created by your thoughts, opinions, and beliefs) that are creating your current circumstances. You must make a shift by changing your thoughts to ones that make you feel better (i.e., raise your vibration). Remember that you must become a vibrational match for the things and experiences that you want to attract into your life.

It is especially important to focus your thoughts and behaviors on things that cause you to feel joy. Focus your thoughts on thoughts that bring you joy (your lover, your best friend, your grandchildren, your favorite vacation spot) and your actions on doing the things you love to do (pet your cat, work in your garden, listen to your favorite music).

4. Have an Attitude of Gratitude

It is critical to take time each and every day to focus on what you are grateful for! Some people do this in the morning before or after they visualize their desires; others prefer to do it in the evening. Focus on all of the things in your life (most of which you take for granted) that you are grateful for—your health, your children, your job, the nice weather, electricity, running water, a nice stereo system, your flower garden, your pets, your friends).

No matter what your situation, there are always things to be grateful for. The more you focus on what you are grateful for, the more things and experiences you will attract to be grateful for. You may wish to log your findings in a Gratitude Journal.

5. Take Action

There are two kinds of actions you can take. Obvious actions are things like, if you want a better car, going to test drive all of the models you are interested in and choosing the exact car you want to have, and saving 10% of your income in a “car account.” If you want to be a doctor, apply to medical school.

There is also what I call “inspired actions.” Once you begin to do the things described above, people, resources and opportunities you need to manifest your desired result will start showing up. You are going to find that you have inspired ideas; you must act on them. You must follow those gentle proddings from your intuition. Often these intuitive impulses will have no seeming connection to achieving your goal, but if you follow them, they will lead you down a path of wonderful fulfillment.

Here’s a quick way to know if the actions you’re taking are taking you closer to the fulfillment of your dreams and desires.

If you are feeling joy while you are doing them, then you are on the right path. Remember, joy is your internal guidance system, just like the GPS system in a car, telling you are taking the right actions. Follow your joy.

6. Acknowledge That it's Working

If you start to see something change for the better, acknowledge that it is happening. Appreciate it. When you find the perfect parking space, acknowledge it. When you get the table you want in the restaurant, acknowledge it. When you receive unexpected income, acknowledge it. When you meet someone who can help you achieve your goal, acknowledge that Law of Attraction is working. The more you acknowledge that it’s working, the more it will work. It’s that simple.

If you are attracting things into your life that you don’t want, remember that the Law of Attraction is still working. Instead of thinking or saying, “It’s not working,” ask your self, “What am I focusing on, thinking about, talking about, feeling or doing that is bringing this into my life?”

If you want to know what you are thinking about, notice the results you are producing in your life. To change those results, you will first have to change your vibration by changing your thoughts and feelings.

When you make a commitment to take these actions each day, you’ll start to move forward, with confidence, in the direction of your dreams. Believe that they are not only possible, but that they are already in progress.

See if you can discover ways to immediately implement what you discovered from today's message into your life.

New Lift

Hey guys,

I am changing the way we do LIFT. Attendance has been low for some time now, and after speaking with Dennis we decided to go another way with it. It will no longer be a 6 day a week class. For the time being at least, we are going to do a couple six week series a year. Probably one at the first of the year, maybe spring, maybe fall. We will see. But when we are doing them they will be in the bulletin and I will send an email to you all. I will keep the blog going all the time. So keep checking it for tips on food and exercise and other info. I am available for hire if you want to work out one on one. :-) I am a certified Christian counselor and as soon as the right class comes up I plan to get my personal trainer certification renewed... so we will work on the whole package.

If you have any questions, you know how to reach me.

Love you all,
Jessi

Jesus Encouraged People by Rick Warren

In our Devotionals series, Pastor Rick Warren discusses the Bible passages that inspire him the most. Today's Devotional is based on this passage: "We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak in order to build them up in the faith" (Romans 15:1).
Jesus encouraged people, and he told those who are strong in faith to make a point of encouraging others in their faith (Romans 15:1). We all need confidence. When you know that someone believes in you, it brings out your best. Jesus did this with the Apostle Peter. "Petros," Peter's name, meant pebble. But Jesus said, "Pebble, you're going to be a rock. I'm giving you a new name." When Jesus said that to Peter, the apostle was anything but a rock. He was Mr. Impulsive, Mr. Foot-in-Mouth. But Jesus didn't tell him what he was—he told him what he could be. He gave Peter confidence to live up to his potential. We all need encouragement. Over the years, I've kept an Encouragement File. Every time anybody writes me a note, a card, or a letter, I file it. Even if it's mildly encouraging, like "Better luck next time," or "You tried on that sermon—good try," it still gets filed. Then on days when I'm discouraged, down, and tired, I get out the Encouragement File and read through all the letters and cards that I've collected. When you give encouragement, it needs to be genuine. So, give from the heart and with sincerity. Encouragement also needs to be regular—don't be stingy with your encouragement. And encouragement needs to be specific. Instead of saying, "I enjoyed the meal," say, "I can tell you put a lot of effort into this meal and the seasoning you chose was perfect." Instead of saying, "You did a good job," say, "I noticed you handled that angry member with tact and you maintained your cool under pressure."

Skinny Chick Secret #8

Don't Make Unplanned Food Stops

This may be a hard one for people who have really made a habit of this. (I am unfortunately in this group.) If there is something you really can't live without, you should plan for it and work the rest of your daily calories around it. These treats can be quite high in calories and will likely make the rest of your day quite restrictive, so I wouldn't advise doing it often. Think about the unplanned food stops you tend to make. Where are the high-risk food vendors in your life? Can you change your routes to avoid them? Resolve to stop stopping. Realize this is not something skinny chicks do, at least not the gals who have to work at it. Resolve to be like the skinny chicks and feel inspired by their willpower. Remind yourself that if you had that treat you wouldn't feel as good about yourself, you'd feel sluggish afterward, and you'd pay for it in the end with weight gain, more exercise, or less real food later on. Add up the amount of money you save each time you don't buy the snack and use the money toward something terrific-like skinny jeans. ;-)

12th 5k workout

This is it! walk 5 min to warm up. jog 30 min. walk 5 min to cool down. WOOHOO!! You did it!! You are officially a "jogger". :-) Now keep it up. If your joints start bothering you, mix it up with some bicycling or other low impact exercise. Always listen to your body.

11th 5k workout

walk 5 min to warm up. jog 25. walk 5 min to cool off. actually a shorter workout than yesterday. YOU CAN DO IT!

10th 5k workout

walk 5 min to warm up, walk fast 1 min, jog 15 min, walk 2, jog 15, walk 5 to cool down.... no problem!

Skinny Chick Secret #7

Eat High-Bulk, Low-Calorie Foods

Buying food that is as close to it's natural state as possible is the best way to incorporate this secret into your life. Shopping in the outside aisles at the grocery store is a great way to keep refined, processed purchases to a minimum. Only if you find products with 3 grams of fiber or more in those inner aisles should you be pausing to shop there. Think about what veggies you love and make a point of picking some up on a regular basis. Make sure to have some of your favorite fruits on hand, particularly the more fibrous fruits like oranges, mango, and pineapple. Beware of canned fruits and vegetables that come packed in sugar and/or salt. Take a look at the breads and other baked goods you eat and shop around for some whole-grain versions. Make a point of planning meals that are as high bulk but low calorie as possible, such as stir-fries, vegetable casseroles, and fruit salads. When you are eating out, select the whole-grain options and pick meals with vegetables on the side instead of pastas or rice.

9th 5k workout

Walk 5 min at a moderate pace to warm up. Walk fast 1 min; jog 12 min. Tired? Slow down. Walk for 1 min; jog for 12. Stroll for 5 min to cool down. You made it 36 min! Susyn Davis is my hero, she never stops!!

Saturday 2/28

NO CLASS... too cold outside, too much stuff in gym... maybe next week. :)

See ya soon!

8th 5k workout

Walk for 5 min to warm up. Walk fast for 1 min; jog for 8 min. Keep alternating for 36 min. Stroll for 5 min to cool down. 46 min workout woohoo!

SATURDAY 2/21/09

We will not be having any class this Saturday. It's too cold to be outside and too much furniture in the gym... see you Monday!

Friday Full Body Workout

5 minute warmup, plus stretching

Ab Exercises

25 regular crunches

20 reverse crunches - lie on your back. Raise your legs, feet flat, raise your butt up off the ground and pulse your heels toward the ceiling

15 oblique V-ups - lie on your side, stretch the arm on which you are lying straight out from your shoulder. Place the other arm behind your head. Lift your upper body up off the ground while raising you legs off the ground (keeping your legs together) like a V. Repeat on the other side

30 second plank

Repeat ab exercises

24 walking lunges

1 minute wall squat

12 pushups

12 overhead tricep extensions - Stand, feet hip-width apart, arms raised above your head holding dumbbell securely with both hands.  Slowly lower dumbbell behind your head, bending your arms at the elbows and keeping your elbows close to your ears. Repeat 12 times.

12 chest flys - Lie on your back with your arms extended out from your shoulders, holding a weight in each arm. Raise arms over your chest as if you were hugging a tree. 

12 skull crushers - Lie on your back a weight in each hand. Raise arms up straight, fingers facing each other. Lower arms toward your head, bending at the elbow,keeping your upper arms straight and your elbows stationary, the weights should stop next to your ears. Raise arms to straight again.

12 back rows - Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Bend at the waist, keeping your back flat, your spine should always remain in line. Arms should be hanging down toward the ground, palms facing each other. Bring the weights up toward your armpits, bending at the elbows. Remember you should feel like your shoulder blades are trying to touch.

12 shoulder extensions - Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Holding a weight in each hand. Raise your arms out straight to the side. Lower then, raise your arms up straight out in front of you. The two moves equals one rep.

12 back extensions - Lie on your stomach with your arms and legs stretched out (like Superman flying). At the same time, raise your arms and legs. Remember to keep your spine in line, so you should still be looking at the floor not at the wall in front of you.

12 bicep curls

Repeat the above exercises if you have time.

Cool down and stretch.

7th 5k workout

Walk moderately for 5 min to warm up. Then walk fast for 1 min; jog for 6. Continue alternating walk/jog intervals for 28 min. Stroll 5 min to cool down.

6th 5k workout

Do some other form of cardio (not walking or running... try biking, aerobics class, basketball, etc)for 30-45 min.

New Orleans

Hey guys,

I am off to New Orleans for business. Megan will be running the workouts. So check with her if you have any questions. Her email address is mkironside@tappublishing.com.

See ya soon!
Jessi

5th 5k workout

Walk for 5 min to warm up. Walk fast for the next minute; break into a jog for 5 min. Alternate walking and jogging for 24 minutes. Walk slowly for 5 minutes to cool down. You made it 34 min (jogging 20 of them...woohoo!)

Evening classes

Hey guys,

Just wanted to let you all know that due to lack of participants, there will be no more evening classes. The February schedule looks like this...

LUNCH CLASSES
Mon-strength training
Tues-train for 5k
Wed- strength training
Thurs-train for 5k
Fri-strength training


SAT MORNING CARDIO
TBA times and locations will alternate depending on weather
check here http://lift-your-spirit.blogspot.com/ or contact me each week (200-0089)

See you there!

4th 5k workout

Walk 5 min at a moderate pace to warm up. Walk fast for 2 min; break into a light jog for 3 min. Alternate for 25 min. Walk slowly for 5 min to cool down. 35 min total cardio!!

Skinny Chick Secret #6

Drink Water Like There's No Tomorrow

It's important if you exercise because you lose a lot of liquid when you sweat. Dehydration causes the body to hold on to unnecessary sodium stores, which in turn makes the body hold on to up to 10 POUNDS of unneeded fluids. That will make you quite puffy and bloated. Water is also a natural appetite suppressant and it helps the body to metabolize fat. Also, you sweat out sodium and potassium, which can make you feel sick or in extreme cases, can actually cause death. It is recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. You should drink one cup an hour before you exercise and drink another half cup of water for every fifteen minutes of exercise. Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate you, which means for every cup of these beverages you drink you have to drink another cup of nonalcoholic or noncaffeinated beverage to replace what you lost. If you are not a big fan of plain water sprinkle in some Crystal Light or similar low or no-calorie tasty mix and give your water a yummy splash. Buy a funky water bottle that you can refill and carry with you throughout the day... make sure to fill it up and drink it... don't just carry it. :-)

I'm back for a bit

And I have a lot of stuff to say...first I had a great trip but I missed our workouts! Thank you Megan for taking care of everything.

The weather looks kinda nice tomorrow and the church is under construction so we will be meeting tomorrow at the park (by the paddle boats)at 7:30 for a little hike.

Thursday's running workout went like this... walk 5 min to warm up. Walk fast for 2 min; break into a light jog for 3 min. Alternate these walk/jog stretches for 25 min. Walk slowly for 5 min to cool down. Big 35 min workout. woohoo!

I will post another secret of Skinny Chicks tomorrow.

Love you all!!

3rd 5k workout

Warm up 5 min...walk fast for 2 min; jog 2 min. Continue, alternating, for 20 min. Cool down with a 5 min stroll.

February

hey guys,

I am in Vegas this week with work but Megan or someone is covering each class. the schedule for Feb will be the same as January. If you have any questions you can reach me at 931-200-0089.

See you soon!
Jessi

Saturday 1/31/09

Meet at the church at 7:30 AM for 30 min jogging/walking intervals and 30 min playing.

2nd workout for 5k

Walk 5 minutes at a moderate pace to warm up. Walk fast for 90 seconds; jog for 90 seconds. Alternate walking and jogging for 18 minutes. Stroll for 5 minutes to cool down. You logged 28 minutes! Great job!

Prayer requests

from Ike & Colleen-pray that his scan will come back GOOD.

from Jacqui-just to be open more to the Spirit.

Secret # 5: (my fav) Exercise More Days than Not

Feeling fit and fabulous requires exercise, period. The human being was not meant to spend the amount of time sitting on it's buns that we do these days. So we've got to add movement. Just to increase your health and well being you've got to exercise at a moderate intensity for an accumulated total of 30 min on most days. The skinny chicks in the book workout at least an hour, six days a week. In some cases it's two hours or more. Exercise speeds up your metabolism, builds muscle and makes you feel terrific. It's important to balance the types of exercises you do, with cardio, weights and stretching all working together. Now, how to fit it in...take a look at your daily schedule and see where you can add some. Can you walk, run or cycle to work? Bring your running shoes to work and walk or run at lunch or break, then eat at your desk. (Keep deodorant and some facial cleansing wipes and make up at your desk to make a quick fix when you get back.) Set up a weekly exercise plan and post it on your refrigerator or in some other highly visible place. Set up a no-fail plan of exercise that fits around your life. Resolve to make exercising more days than not just a fact of your new life. Stick to your plan and DON'T LET EXCUSES START TO INTERFERE WITH YOUR EXERCISE PLANS. When you have to miss a workout, find a way to replace it.

Running the 5k

Hello wonderful people!

Today we REALLY started training for a 5k. We have been moving pretty slow up until now. So the good news is...if you want to be a part of it, you can start to day and be ready by March 5th with the rest of us. I will post on here every Tues & Thurs what we have done in the lunch class. (In case you miss for some reason or just don't like getting sweaty at lunch.) Here's what we did today...

Walk 5 minutes at a moderate pace to warm up. Walk fast (on the verge of a jog) for 1 minute: jog for 1 minute. Alternate walking and jogging for 15 minutes. Stroll for 5 minutes to cool down.

That gives you 25 min of great cardio. Running is the quickest calorie cruncher around.

What 5k will we participate in? The TAP Publishing 5k to benefit the Relay for Life that I am going to organize sometime in March. So get your good shoes on and get moving.

:-)

FRIDAY FUN DAY

From now on the last Friday of the month is going to be something fun. (but we will still sweat) Come on the 30th and see what we do.

Secret #4 Stop Seeing It As "Dieting"

You have to find something you can live with all the time. You have to shake the whole idea of being on a diet. If you think what you are doing is too strict to stick to forever... then ease things up a bit. Replace the word "diet" with the phrase "healthy lifestyle". Correct people when they refer to your healthy lifestyle as a diet. Add more calories if you are feeling too deprived to stick with your plan for life. But be sure to try choosing healthier options first. Seriously consider taking off one day a week so you can enjoy the foods you love. Repeat to yourself, "I am eating this way as part of a healthy life, for my whole life." Resist any temptation to buckle down too hard for short periods of time. This can throw you off course completely. If you fall off the horse, get right back on again. Figure out what made you fall off and come up with ways to avoid that in the future.

Secret #3 Rejoice in Fresh New Tastes

If you are writing down your foods now, you'll probably notice that you tend to eat the same foods over and over. That's pretty typical of most people. But if you try new things you'll soon find eating well isn't so hard after all. Here's how... every time you go to the grocery, try a new vegetable, look up some recipes & see if you like it. Next try out some new whole grain or healthier grain products, like spinach pasta and old-fashioned oatmeal. For virtually every fatty, sugary, high-calorie meal or food item, there is a healthier, lower-calorie option. you just have to shop around and not be afraid to try new things. Don't let one bad veggie turn you off, keep trying new ones. Try new fruits too. Try different cuts and kinds of chicken and fish. Try replacing beef-centered meals with leaner cuts of meat. Test out lower-fat versions of milk and cheese. Try soy milks as well. As you find new meals and foods you love, drop old standards that are less healthy from your meat rotation.

PS come do Pilates tonight with Megan at 5:00!

with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)

From Around the Year with Emmet Fox

Study and research are well in their own time and place, but no amount of either will get you out of a concrete difficulty. Nothing but practical work in your own consciousness will do that.

Scientific prayer is the Golden Key to harmony and happiness. You need to take no one's word for it, and you should not. Simply try it for yourself and see.

Whoever you are, where ever yo may be, the Golden Key to harmony is in your hand now. This is because it is God who works, and not you, and so your particular limitations or weaknesses are of no account in the process. you are only the channel through which the divine action takes place, and your part is first to get yourself out of the way.

The actual method of working is simplicity itself. All that you have to do is this: Stop thinking about the difficulty, whatever it is, and think about God instead. This is the complete rule, and if only you will do this, the trouble, whatever it is, will presently disappear, It may be big or little, it may concern health, finance, a lawsuit, a quarrel, an accident, or anything else conceivable; but whatever it is, just stop thinking about it, and think of God instead- that is all you have to do.

The thing could not be simpler, could it? And yet it never fails to work when given a fair trial.
...with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)

Secret #2 Add Weight Training to Your Regime

For the longest time, fitness experts warned women not to weight train for fear they would bulk up. The thing is it's actually difficult for most women to do that, we don't have the hormones for it. Plus, when you build muscle you speed up your metabolism. You don't need a lot of weight to make a difference. Start with a couple of 3, 5 or 8 pound hand weights or an exercise band. If you are not sure what to do with them, come to LIFT Mon, Wed & Fri and we will show you. :)

The Secrets of Skinny Chicks

Hey guys,

First of all, we will be having classes today. If you can't get out, that is totally cool. But I will be there.

Second, I have been reading this book... The Secrets of Skinny Chicks... and I am going to start sharing their secrets with you.

Secret Number 1: Burn All the Calories You Eat

One pound of fat equals 3500 calories. Eat that much more than you need and you will gain a pound. Cut down the number of calories you eat -down to what you really need- and the pounds come off. The very active skinny chicks usually don't consume more than 1600 calories a day so start there and see how it works for you. Now to figure out what you are eating you are going to have to track everything you put in your mouth. Even the milk in your coffee...no cheating! You may be surprised at how much you are eating and exercising compared to what you think you are doing. You will soon see where you need to make adjustments, then plan ahead. Tracking AFTER you eat often gets you in trouble. The website below has a place you can track your food. If you don't like that one email me, I know some more. Research the calorie-burning value of various exercises http://www.selfcheckup.com/cgi-bin/calc/calc.cgi?calc=men
Set up a weekly exercise plan. Find some good low-cal choices at the restaurants you like to dine in.

another website

ok these daily tips will not all be websites... but there are some really good ones out there. keep checking them out and then use the one that you like best. :)

http://www.livestrong.com/

:-)

Hey everybody,

One of the things I heard from you all in response to my email requesting feedback was that you guys don't know what to eat. (Other feedback to follow)So I am going to start putting helpful links here and little tips and stuff. So keep checking the blog! Let's start with... http://www.hungry-girl.com.

Love ya, see you tonight!

Prayer requests

Hey guys,

Please remember Jeff, Lois and Carol in your prayers.

Thanks!

Feedback

Hey guys,

I am looking for a little feedback from the people that used to come exercise at Grace but don't anymore. Why don't you come anymore? Was it too hard, too easy, not enough equipment, not long enough, too long, no results or were you just too busy??? Also if there were things you liked but we didn't do enough or things you would like to see added... please let me know. I really would like to hear from you. I want this program to be the best it possibly can be and you all would be a valuable source of info for me.

Thank you all for your time and input. I appreciate it!
Jessi

Jan Schedule

January

LUNCH CLASSES
Mon-strength training
Tues-train for 5k
Wed- strength training
Thurs-train for 5k
Fri-strength training


EVENING CLASSES
Mon-workout with me
Tues-Martial arts with Alan
Thurs- workout with Megan

SAT MORNING CARDIO
TBA times and locations will alternate depending on weather
check here or contact me each week (200-0089)


The strength training will not be with heavy weights so it shouldn't cause anyone to bulk up. And most of the time we will move very quickly so you will keep your heart rate up while we build muscle. The 5k training is going to be very gradual, so anyone can do it... you can even just come and walk if you want, everyone goes at their own pace. With the strength training and the 5k training it can be as hard or as easy as you want. I always give options because most of us are at different fitness levels.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step.

It’s the first of the year. I wrote out my four goals for the year and had my kids write out their goals too. My husband thinks this makes me dorky. ;-) But he’s wrong… statistics show that people who write down their goals have a greater chance of reaching them. That was my first step. The next step was to “chunk it down” as Jack Canfield says. I figured out what I would need to do to reach my goals and then scheduled it in my planner.

If you have a goal of … “I would like to be healthier” or “I am going to read the Bible more”...those are good goals, but kind of vague. Make it more specific like… “I am going to eat at least 5 fruits and/or vegetables daily and exercise 30 minutes 4x a week.” Or “I am going to read my bible from 9:30 to 10:00 every morning.” Then put that stuff in writing and track it somewhere. There are lots of online programs where you can track your food intake. Or buy a little planner and write in it everyday. Schedule your goals and mark it off when you do it. At the end of the year, you will be able to see how well you did.

Sometimes we fool ourselves. For instance, I wanted to be on time to work last year. I tracked it. I thought I did a pretty good job. Then I crunched the numbers! I was on time 42% of the time. That’s ridiculous!! I made up the time everyday so it wasn’t stealing from the company but still that is not succeeding at being on time by any stretch of the imagination. I had set the goal but didn’t decide how I would do it. Now I am showering and putting out my clothes for the next day, the night before and making the kids do that too. I still get up at the same time, but so far have been ready WAY earlier than before. When you make your goals specific and keep track of them it really lets you see your progress (or lack of).

So that is why Monday we will be doing our fitness test and setting goals in class. Woohoo! See you there!