Bucket List Towards a More Positive Mindset

When most people think of what is on their bucket list, they think of things they’d like to do before they pass on to whatever other realm they may believe in.  I’ve been thinking lately about my own bucket list.  The difference however between my bucket list and what most would think of as a bucket list is that the list I’m about to show you contains things to do or try to lead you out of a negative place plagued by stress, anxiety and worry and into a happier more positive self.  Instead of the saying “you are what you eat,” I believe that “you are what you think.”  Changing your thought patterns is super challenging and takes lots of practice.  But once you get started, you will see and FEEL a huge difference within your own self and what you are putting out and receiving back from your own universe.  Like any bucket list, you do not need to do ALL of the items on this list, nor do you have to complete them in order.  Pick one or two to focus on daily, weekly, or whatever works for you.  But know that the more often you are focused, the faster you will start to see changes.  There are times I find myself getting caught up in the day to day grind and happenings around me.  When I lose focus on the positive, I can actually feel myself in that negative zone.  Changing my thoughts from negative to positive has been an ongoing practice for me for the last two years.  It’s a continual part of my evolution as an individual.  This list is not meant to be final, it can be added to as needed.  I have started with seven items of focus.  You may see future posts with numbers that indicate adding to the list as other things pop into mind.  Happy trails….

1.       Positive Affirmations – Pick one, two or in my case 5 positives to focus on.  Post–it notes are your best friends when placing these affirmations in convenient spots to read on a daily basis.  You can stick them on your fridge, inside cabinets, on the bathroom mirror, etc.  Mine are strategically placed in my cubicle area at work where I will see them and read them regularly.  Although I will admit that I have not been very committed to reading them lately.  I think it’s time to rewrite them on new post-its and replace to refresh my brain.  Here’s an example of a couple that I have.  “My body is getting stronger, slimmer and healthier every day.”  “I am ready to release the past.”  “I gratefully accept all the health, wealth and happiness that the universe pours into me every day.”   If you are unsure of what affirmations you’d like, google/bing “affirmations about _______” and you will find tons of examples.

2.       Do one thing that makes you feel good EVERY day.  Whether it is a nice hot shower for some peace and quiet, or 20 minutes of quiet reading before bed.  Whatever it is, the focus is time for you.  

3.       Move regularly.  Getting those endorphins going on a daily basis helps you battle illness and stress.  If you are one who rarely exercises or has difficulty doing certain exercises, start small.  Even if it’s for 5 minutes at first and you can work your way up to ten minutes, then 20 and so on.  Fitting in just 30 minutes of exercise every day is great for your heart, lungs, immunity and brain function. 

4.       Eat healthier.  I’m not saying throw away every bag of chips, cookies, and junk in your cabinet and go on a diet.  Diets usually fail.  Let’s face it.  Fall is here and all the delicious seasonal baking has officially started and won’t end until everyone starts making their new year’s resolutions for January.  My weakness is pumpkin ANYTHING!!  My suggestion is to start being more aware of what you are choosing to eat.  Put more whole/raw foods rather than processed foods into your body.  You will love how you feel and how you begin to look as those clothes start fitting better or even become too big to wear!  And then you grow to appreciate the treats once in a while in moderation.

5.       Fill buckets.  I suggest reading the book How Full is Your Bucket? By Tom Rath and Donald D. Clifton.  The general description of this book is that we all carry around our own invisible buckets.  When someone does or says something negative towards us it empties our buckets.  But when we feel good and positive and are positive towards others our buckets are full!  So when I say “Fill buckets,” I’m saying – go out and spread positivity and fill other people’s invisible buckets, because in turn, you will be filling your own and will feel good!

6.       Spend time with positive people. When you are around negative people and those who are constantly complaining, it begins to wear you down.  It then sends you into a negative frame of mind.  By surrounding yourself with positive friends and family members you will feel good about yourself and those around you.

7.       Be grateful.  Part of changing thoughts from negative to positive is focusing on what you do have and what you can be grateful for.  We all have many blessings to be thankful for.  By concentrating on what is good in your life, you will think less about what you don’t have and will be able to obtain more happiness and more of what you want as you appreciate what you’ve already got.  Wake up each morning and go to sleep each night concentrating on what you are thankful for.  This will not only be sure to start your day off on a positive note, but will also help you get to sleep more quickly and soundly with happy thoughts on your mind.  I know I am infamous for letting my mind wander about my daily stresses/worries. 

What Inspires You?

Everyone is able to find inspiration from somewhere.  Whether it is a picture, a person, an event, or a story.  For myself, inspiration comes from others.  I recently wrote about my friend Ashley and her story, and how it inspired me to get my butt moving and get into shape.  I have all usable body parts, so why wasn't I putting more effort into it for myself.  Since that time, I run anywhere from 10-15 miles a week, and I've never felt better. :-)

Tonight however, I'd like to write about the bravest little boy I know.  Dylan Flinchum is a 3 year old with MLD.  MLD stands for metachromatic leukodystrophy.  Being that I want to ensure that no misinformation is given, to find out more about MLD PLEASE be sure to go to the MLD Foundation website to learn more about this rare genetic condition and help spread awareness.   

First off, I'd like to share Dylan's story... and then I will tell you why I find him and his parents so inspiring.  Aside from attending high school with Dylan's parents, Mike and Melissa, they are not part of my closer circle of friends.  However, with fantastic vehicles such as Facebook, I along with hundreds of others am able to stay in touch and follow their journey on a daily basis.  I encourage anyone and everyone reading this to find and "like" the page The Dylan Flinchum Rock On Foundation on Facebook.  It is important to me that Dylan's story is correct, so to write in my own words how this diagnosis came about would be unjust.  I'm sharing Dylan's story from his Facebook page.  

Dylan's Story:

Shortly after Dylan’s second birthday in January of last year, he began to experience difficulty walking. After being referred to several medical specialists (including some of the top neurosurgeons in the country at Cornell Medical Center in NYC) it was determined that Dylan had a condition known as Chiari malformation. Dylan underwent surgery in the spring and was expected to make a full recovery.

After several weeks of physical therapy, Dylan was not progressing as expected and began to show symptoms that were unrelated to the malformation. A follow up MRI was completed and doctors were shocked to significant change in Dylan's white brain matter. After getting the initial diagnosis from Cornell, Mike and Melissa traveled to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where it was confirmed that Dylan is suffering from a degenerative disease known as metachromatic leukodystrophy, often referred to as MLD.

As they all prepare to cope with this horrible disease, everyone is focused on one thing, Dylan. Their goal is to make Dylan as happy and as comfortable as possible while bringing as many smiles to his face as they can.

Now... you may be wondering why I have chosen to write about Dylan and his story.  Well, I will tell you.  Tonight, Melissa posted a video of Dylan using his voice.  It has been quite some time since Dylan has lost his ability to speak.  So tonight when I got to see this video of him finding his voice and then acknowledging Mommy when she asked him, was enough for me to watch over and over with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.  Here is this child who unfortunately has no choice in what cards he has been dealt in this life time.  Dylan deals with discomfort and pain on a daily basis.  He is unable to do what a three year old should be doing like running and playing, or throwing a tantrum because he's not happy about having to eat his broccoli.  But yet, those big brown eyes and gorgeous little mouth, still find ways to curve upwards into a smile.  This child TRULY amazes me.  Everyone including myself, takes what we have for granted.  Our mobility, our ability to speak, to work, to eat with a fork and spoon, are all things we do naturally without even thinking about it.  What would you do if one of those were taken from you?  

And I'm CONFIDENT in saying that 95% of what it is that keeps Dylan going like he does is the love and support that surrounds him.  Mike and Melissa continue to balance a work life, marriage and family life all while ensuring Dylan has hands down the best possible care.  There are days when I read about Dylan and I think to myself, "Gosh, how do they seriously stay so put together on a daily basis?"  Now don't get me wrong.  I know they have their days where they don't feel like facing the world.  But they have their moments and then they get right back to doing what they do best, and that's being Mommy and Daddy to Dylan.  And I'm sure any loving parent would step up to the plate and do what they had to do for the sake of their child.  I know I would.  But I truly find this family to be so inspiring.  They show perseverance that I don't see often in so many others around me on a day to day basis.

My point for this whole post tonight is this:  We spend so much time focused on what we don't have,  wishing we had more emotionally, physically, financially.  Before you know it, you'll be in your middle aged years before you realize you've spent half your life wishing/wanting more.  Please... take a moment and really be thankful for all that you are, all that you have, and everyone you love.  Because all it takes is one phone call...one moment, to change all that you've known in the blink of an eye.

God Bless and Good Night.

   

Wow... It Actually Works!

Although I'm not nearly the fitness buff I'd like to be, I really do enjoy reading about fitness, working out, and taking on new challenges.  I have a new found love for running and the way it makes me feel.  I am proud of myself for losing 45 pounds (27 pounds of baby weight + 18 pounds extra weight) since my daughter was born 15 1/2 months ago.  I was terrified of the weight I'd gain and how I would lose it all afterwards because I've always been one to so easily put on weight and not be able to get rid of it.

It's not always so easy to be motivated to get out there and run.  I also go to Zumba once or twice a week.  I'm not always in the mood to go to Zumba when I'd much rather spend the evening in my pajamas after a long day at work.  However, I read something a week or so ago that I had never really thought about before.  I've been trying this little tactic and let me tell you... it REALLY works!! 

I read in one of my Fitness magazines what to do for a little motivation when you know you've got to workout but aren't really in the mood.  This article (and I wish I could remember exactly where I read it because I definitely believe in giving credit where credit is due) said when you don't feel motivated to work out, to change into your workout clothes anyway and once you have your clothes on, your mindset changes and you get an urge to finish what you've started.

I have used this tip at least 3 times in the last week or so.  For instance, this morning I was expecting rain.  I didn't sleep the greatest last night (up every hour) and when my alarm went off, I contemplated just ignoring it.  But I got up, and my hopes of a downpour which would give me the chance to go back to bed for another half hour were diminished, when the ground was dry.  I decided to go ahead and get dressed.  Sure enough, once I was dressed, I figured, "Well, I'm dressed, might as well give it a go."  So with dark, stormy clouds above me and a chilly breeze, I ran a quick 1.71 miles to get home just before the skies opened up.  Just the act of getting dressed puts just the little bit of umph you need into your mind to get you moving. 

So the next time you know you really need to get yourself moving to go for that run or get to the gym, remember this little tip to get dressed into your workout clothes.  I bet it will give you the start you need!

Another thing I'd like to share with everyone is my love for Pinterest.  I plan to do a separate post soon all about Pinterest another day, but for right now, I'd like to say how much I appreciate the convenience of signing on to Pinterest from my IPad and pulling up my "Fitness" board and just randomly picking a workout to do.  Here are links to some of my favorite workouts that I've stored on Pinterest. 

Something else you might not be aware of, are the digital subscriptions you can get on your IPad to Fitness Magazine.  I love the digital version of the magazine and although it's free with my mailing subscription and I can get back issues prior to my subcription started which is great, but the cost of the digital subscription itself is not bad.  There are great videos of work outs that you can bookmark and go back to at least until the issue is no longer available on the tablet. 

Workouts I've tried/stored on Pinterest:

I did this ab workout last night and I was definitely a bit sore today!

Here also is the link for Fitness Magazine Workouts.  I really do love them all, and personally appreciate the fact that there are videos that accompany the workouts to ensure you're doing the moves correctly, rather than just reading and trying to figure out the move. 

Fitness Magazine Workouts

I hope I have given someone just the littlest bit of motivation to check out these workouts and to give you a bit of a jump start in these beginning summer days.  There's still plenty of time to get your body going in a healthier direction.  Even just a little bit here and there is better than doing absolutely nothing.  Happy Exercising! :-)

Shape Bikini Belly Bootcamp

Stronger Arms Workout - I do this one at least 3 times a week.

A Little Motivation Can Go a Long Way

It has been quite some time since I last wrote, however, I love writing and someone recently motivated me to start back up again.  I absolutely love reading positive and inspirational quotes.  I enjoy focusing on the good things going on and although there are some days where it can prove to be a big challenge to be so positive, there's always a fresh start waiting to try again.  I hope to begin writing again to send positive vibes back out into the universe for anyone to pick up and use for themselves! :-)

A month ago, a friend of mine was in a terrible car accident.  She spent two weeks in the hospital and two weeks in a rehabilitation center.  I recently visited her before she was sent home, and although she still has a LONG road to recovery, I am so proud of her for the progress she has made thus far.  She was zipping around in her wheelchair and the energy she put out was enlightening.  When I first heard about her accident, I was determined to help her get through the worst of this SOMEHOW, even in the littlest way.  I would send her positive text messages each day, and be there for her if she needed to cry or talk.  Most people in her situation would let it get the best of them. NOT Ashley.  Even when she was feeling her worst and in the beginning when she was in unbearable pain, she still fought through it all and would be able to turn her thoughts around the next day and focus on recovery.  In turn, Ashley motivated me to get moving and really focus on the next step of my goal to get fit.  I have been working out more, but finding it difficult to find the proper time of day to focus on workouts.  I realized after what my friend had been through that I really don't have room for excuses.  I have these legs that I can use and was not taking advantage of that.  In the past week, I have begun waking up at 5:30-5:45 and going for a morning run.  I am officially signed up for my first 5K which I will complete this Saturday, the 30th. 

I am currently in my best shape since my wedding almost 4 years ago and am determined to hit my mid thirties in even BETTER shape!  I plan to post workouts, quotes, food ideas, etc here moving forward, and I hope others will join me on my journey and I hope that if you are in need of some positive thoughts/vibes, you will be able to come here and walk away feeling a bit better.

Tonight I leave you with a quote I recently found and absolutely loved....  May you go to sleep tonight with sweet dreams and wake up tomorrow with a new positive outlook on the day ahead. 

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step" -Lao Tzu

Wow How Time Flies!

It has been 11 1/2 months since I last wrote a blog.  So much has changed in this time and I hope to be able to continue writing again.  Writing about things I create, things that inspire me, and of course, writing about my sweet, precious baby girl!  Please stay tuned.... because I definitely plan on posting again REAL soon!  I think I will start with the Halloween tu tu I'm making for Emily for pumpkin picking and the matching one I'm making for her "Cousin Kailey."

Giving Thanks

Today is a day for giving thanks.  It's also the official start to the holiday season and the end of the year.  Every day when I get in my car, I say my daily prayer.  I always start with the Our Father, and continue on with thanking God for all that I am, all that I have, and everyone I love.  I then continue on with any special prayers needed and then head off to work.  So for me, what does it mean to be thankful for all that I am, all that I have, and everyone I love??

It means I am proud of the woman I've become.  I am a true combination of my parents personalities however, I am a woman of my own strength.  Each challenge I have faced over the last 3 or so years has made me that much stronger.  I may not have my dream job, however, I still dedicate 100% of myself to what I do.  I believe that I love with all of my heart and truly enjoy helping others, whether human or animal.  I believe in good causes.  Do I have negative feelings at times about things?  Of course... I'm only human.  But I do truly believe that God guides me every day to be the best me I can be.

I am thankful for all that I have:  The roof over my head, the job that helps pay the bills, this beautifuly precious girl growing inside me when I wasn't sure whether or not I would ever know what it is like to be pregnant, my precious furbabies Spike and Roxy who are my world.  I am thankful to be able to enjoy things in life and to have a wonderful marriage.

I am thankful for everyone I love.  I have the most amazing family, friends and husband.  Ed has been such a support through our just over 2 year marriage, and it only gets stronger every day.  My mother though we have our ups and downs (which is expected in any mother-daughter relationship) is truly amazing and I don't know what I would do without her in my life.  She will be taking care of our baby girl when I have to go back to work next year and I couldn't be leaving her in better hands.  My brothers though I may not see them as often as I'd like, would drop their worlds for me if needed.  And my father who is now a non smoker after 40 years has shown us what it means to be strong and peservere through major surgery and making changes.  I have a wonderful family of in-laws who made me feel as though I had been part of the family for years from day 1.  They are supportive and loving and I couldn't ask for more.  I am SOOO grateful for my grandfather's health and presence in my life.  He turned 86 this week and I pray every day that he is around to see his great grand baby in March. 

There is so much to be thankful for.  It's amazing how much one really has when you truly stop to think about the things you are thankful for.  My message for today is to tell everyone to be sure to count your blessings.... today and every day.  You wouldn't be who you are today without them.  Even if you have suffered recent losses, are lonely, or feel that things just haven't gone your way... I"m sure you have plenty to be thankful for and if you can focus on just those things, perhaps the negative you're dealing with in your life won't seem so bad after all and the strength you pull from those things you are grateful for will help you get through these challenges.  God Bless. 

A Tribute to the Warriors

On Sunday, October 17th, I volunteered with my mom in the survivor tent for the Making Strides Walk for Breast Cancer.  Usually, three to four thousand women shuffle through the survivor tent where I stand handing out schedule pamphlets for the Look Good, Feel Better Program.  A little bit about the program.  LGFB is a community program designed to help women deal with the physical affects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  The program is free for these women.  Licensed cosmotologists and estheticians volunteer time to helping female cancer patients feel good about their physical appearances again.  Here, women are shown how to apply make up and even receive a free make up kit to take home.  I am confident that the LGFB program is achieving the goals it set out to do.   Mostly because many of the suvivors that pass by our table tell us what an amazing program it was for them during their journey. 

For some reason on this particular morning, women seemed as though they wanted to share their journeys.  One woman in particular really touched my heart forever.  I don't know her name, but I will never forget her face or her spirit.  She stopped by the tent and I asked her if she was familiar with the LGFB program.  She explained to me that she was in between treatments at the moment.  She told me how she's been fighting breast cancer for 4 1/2 years.  This time though it has metastasized to her bones.  My heart sank to my feet.  I looked at her and told her how amazing she looked.  Looking at her, you would NEVER even know that an evil beast was eating her up inside.  She was in such great spirit and told me "I'm not ready to go anywhere yet.  He doesn't want me yet.  He knows I'd be too much of a bitch up there." And we both exchanged a giggle.  She continued to tell me how her oncologist can't believe how she is doing as well.  I asked her how she feels on a day to day basis.  Her answer: "Some days are bad.  It has spread to my spine and my hips, so there are some days where I can't even walk.  But I don't tell anybody about it."  She also said that she has allergic reactions to regular chemo treatments and one time even had an outer body experience with it.  So she's waiting for a new type of treatment to try at the moment.  She continued to tell me how a team was there walking for her.  And that her son is leaving for Afghanistan so she is going to take a trip to see him to say goodbye.  I told her to keep up that spirit. And we hugged.  She went about her day, and on my way out of the walk I saw her sitting by her husband in chairs by the entrance way so she could see her support system/team walking back.  I waved to her and she waved back.  But something made me stop in my tracks.  I ran up to her and said... "I just need to give you a hug.  You are truly amazing!  You keep doing what you're doing!"  She said "Thank you.  You make sure you take care of that baby."  As I walked away from that woman, the realization that I didn't know her name, or that I may never see her again put me into tears, I broke... because chances of her making it to next year's Making Strides Walk are not likely.  I pray for her strength.  I pray for her family's strength to take on the road that awaits them in the coming weeks and months.

Overall, the morning was an emotional one for me.  Perhaps more so due to pregnancy hormones.  Or it could've just been due to thoughts of past memories and journeys of those we've loved and lost.  It's an amazing feeling though to look out into the huge crowd of walkers and supporters and to see all the pink that takes over for that bit of time.  It's one time a year that I don't mind getting up before dawn, because I know that I am going out there to provide information that helps those who are battling this evil bitch feel good even just for a little bit.  I would love to work with the cancer society and be a family consultant.  However, I don't have the strength in me that I did when helping Jess and her family.  I think that's largely in part because after using up all that strength, what followed tore me apart.  And when I see other families going through the same battle, I know what they are potentially facing and it all floods back to me.  But those women are TRUE Warriors.  They fight and they battle for freedom... their own freedom.  Freedom from the masses that try to take over their bodies.  But I also realize that they aren't the only warriors.  They have their army marching behind them every step of the way.  This army consists of sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, husbands, friends... you name it, the list goes on and on.  These armies stand strong and hold up their warrior.  So I dedicate this post to the Warriors and the armies that stand up behind them.  The women who battle every day and beat that evil bitch called breast cancer.  The women who I couldn't even begin to fathom how they might feel inside both physically and emotionally on their march through the battlefield.  I will always do what I can to be a part of making some sort of difference. Donating is one thing and always helps, but DOING and helping others is in my blood and holds no greater feeling.  I may not be that warrior (though one never knows what the future may hold).  However, I will always be a part of that army.  God Bless...