New Normal - Let's Do This June!

Hello June!  It's a new week AND a new month so Hello Fresh Start!  It's been too long since I've posted but I thought what better month to get my blogging groove back?!  June is typically the month I reflect on my goals for the year (see this post).  Plus this is perfect timing to talk about the new normal I've allowed!

So a few weeks ago, I got my hair done- nothing new because I'm always changing up my hair!  This time I thought I'd try a new color and that color is BLONDE {yikes}!  It was so funny the first two days I would literally get startled when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror lol.  The second day this happened I just said to myself 'this color will be normal to me soon'.  This statement to myself resonated with me and prompted me to reflect on other 'new normals' in my life!

The hair that made me reflect!

New Normal: A  previously unfamiliar or atypical situation that has become standard, usual, or expected

As I thought the fact that my new hair color would soon become normal for me it prompted me to think about other unwanted things that have become normal like my eating habits.  I started to think about how I've been eating my emotions (literally) like I used to do when I ballooned to weighing over 200lbs.  As I reflected on this I knew if I didn't refocus I would be back in the same situation I was in a few years ago!  It will not be standard, usual or expected for me to use food for comfort.  My Heavenly Father is the only one who can truly comfort me and satisfy me- not food.  I know this all too well right?!?!  Right!!  

So you must live as God's obedient children.  Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires.   You didn't know any better then. - 1 Peter 1:14

Left pic was March this year, right pic was Memorial Day weekend.

More often than not, people find themselves in unwanted situations they would have never imagined themselves in because they've accepted it as normal.  Don't let this be you!  As you reflect with gratefulness on the first half of 2015 I encourage you to take inventory of your habits.  Have you developed an unwanted habit?  Start replacing those unwanted habits today.  We know that 'we become what we repeatedly do so watch what you're becoming!  I know for me my eating habits will change (along with this hair color lol).  I'm committed to using food for fuel not for comfort.  I'm committed to being a great steward of the temple God blessed me with.

What are you committed to?  If you haven't been consistent with your commitments just recommit!  Let's finish the last month in the first half of 2015 strong!  Let's do this June!

#MotivationMonday
#HelloJune

Seasoned with Grace,

QueenZadia

Just Take a Step

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Pic on the left December 18th, 2014 - my son's first day at Trinity Fitness!

Happy Monday ya'll!!  Look at my baby:))  Okay let me stop, I don't want to embarrass him lol!  My 'baby' is actually an official adult who is a full time college student (in his junior year) & part time employee (whom I am so proud of:)!

As you know I'm participating in a team challenge with my gym, Trinity Fitness Riverside (Trinity Fitness is a non-profit organization made possible through charitable giving) to raise money and to compete in an obstacle course on May 2nd.  My gym's mission is to help people get in the best spiritual and physical shape of their lives with no financial obligation and that is exactly what the gym is accomplishing!  Trinity Fitness has helped my son grow spiritual and physical muscles!  Watching my son grow these past few months has been such a blessing.    It all started with him taking one step.

It literally took me months to convince my son to try a battle plan (aka workout) at TFR!!  For the longest, he refused to come because he was so intimidated by the exercises that were included in the battle plan.  The reality that he was not athletic and the fact that he never participated in sports in school made him think he wasn't capable of completing TFR battle plans.  It was crazy to me that he was afraid of trying because he had already lost about 50lbs by changing his eating habits so why not try this?  But to him this looked like a huge mountain he couldn't get over and he was nervous of trying then potentially failing!  I kept encouraging him to just take a step and try one class!  He finally took that step on December 18th, 2014. That one step led to another step and to another step... and those steps changed his life!

Prior to coming to TFR my son could not do one push-up let alone lift weights!  He went from only doing push-ups on a box to being able to do some from the floor and each time he works out he increase the amount of weight he uses!  In the beginning his form was so horrible on squats (thank you Anthony, Greg, & Scott M for helping him improve his form:) but now it's great!  Also prior to coming to TFR he was questioning his faith!  The seeds that have been sown in him during the devotions at TFR has grown and he is trusting God again.  His confidence has skyrocketed not only in himself but in God!  The gains he has made would not have happened if he did not take that step.  

The left pic shows him at his heaviest weight.

During his weight loss journey last year.

One step took Trinity Fitness from one location (in a garage) to six locations!  That step has changed lives, including my son's life!  One step from my son increased his spiritual and physical muscles.  What step do you need to take in your life?  I encourage you to take it today!  If you don't take that step you will end up in a rut, be complacent, and/or stuck in a comfort zone.  There is no growth in those places.  What's stopping you?  Just take a step and watch how you grow!

I want to be a blessing to Trinity Fitness just like it has been a blessing to me and my family.  Will you help me be a blessing and donate here?  Your donation will help Trinity Fitness grow and continue to impact lives!  Thank you for taking a step support.

#MotivationMonday

Seasoned with Grace,

QueenZadia

Strengthen Your Core

A lot of people immediately associate core strength with abs however core strength is so much more than that!  Our core is made up of 29 muscles!!  A strong core can help us with everyday activities and protect us from injuries.  Fitness experts say our arms, legs, and head all rely on our core for support and balance which is why most believe these muscles are probably the most important muscle group in our bodies! (source)  

I started researching this topic last week after doing L-sits (which I have to modify) during a workout at my gym.  I thought to myself I am not good with any core exercises!  I mean, I literally struggle with any core exercise...  I thought about the 'rock and roll squat' exercise in one of Jillian Michaels DVDs that I could not get (SN: I tried to do a couple while writing this and could only do one without almost falling)!!  While doing this research I've found that building a strong core is important for everyone, not just for those who workout.  Simply put, everything we do- sitting, standing, tying our shoes and more activates our core!  We should all aim to strengthen our core.

There are many exercises that can be performed daily to build our core.  We have to think beyond crunches which really is not a core building exercise!  A good area to start on is your posture.  If you don't already, always hold your stomach in!  This is actually something I think all women learn at an early age but doing this actually helps our posture and strengthen our core.  Planks, hollow holds, and supermans (as pictured above) are all great core strengthening exercises that can be performed daily.  You can probably tell from my form how much I struggle with these!  In addition to these, push-ups, bridges, & v-ups are also great exercises that strengthen our core.  Consistently performing these exercises will work our entire core and will lead to a strong core.  Having a strong core will help prevent injuries when we perform other exercises like running as it will act as a shock absorber (source)!

"The Central Most Important Part of Something"

First natural then spiritual (in my Bishop's voice)!  As you strengthen the core of your body also strengthen the core of your faith. If you exercise often you know to always stay aware of your core because it helps your form.  It is the same spiritually!  Engage your core by praying, reading the Bible, spending quiet time with God!  As we strengthen our physical core we have better stability when performing exercises and as we strengthen our spiritual core, we'll have greater stability in life; allowing us not to be blown around with every wind!!  

#WorkoutWednesday

Seasoned with Grace,

QueenZadia

Beat Post Holiday Blues

Winter break has come to an end which means all of the time I've been spending with my sons is over for a while...  All of my Christmas decorations that made my home brighter are down.  I'm literally looking at my muffin top hanging over my pants so reality has set in of how much fun I've been having during the holidays... The most wonderful time of the year is over!!! *sighs*  I've been wondering why I've been feeling down since the new year!  It's like I knew all of this was coming to an end and I wasn't looking forward to it so I diagnosed myself with post holidays blues!  What's crazy is I thought I came up with that term then I googled it to see this is real.  I was so surprised to find so many articles!  I had never experienced this before...

As the new year approached I noticed myself getting very anxious about winter break ending. At first I didn't think anything of it but the feeling started to get overwhelming!  I kept saying why am I feeling so down.. is it because the reality of me not eating healthy is showing in my belly or is it because I no longer have my mother or father here with me, is it because the house will be empty again during the day?!  I'm not positive as to why I'm experiencing this for the first time but I am positive that I will beat the post holiday blues!!  How will I do that you ask?  By the only way I know how to beat anything- through the Word of God!

This is the very day God acted- let's celebrate and be festive! 

(Psalms 118:24, MSG)

The fact of the matter is the most wonderful time of the year is the whole year.  Every single day is a wonderful day!  We don't need a special holiday or a special occasion to be merry.  It is up to us to put the extra in the ordinary!  It is up to us to put the special in any occasion.  It is our choice.  I'm choosing to enjoy today, to celebrate today, and to be merry TODAY.

Choose to enjoy TODAY!

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. (Psalm 16:8, 9 NLT)

I love having family over and during the winter break my house was never empty!  I had so many sleepovers...  But the blessing is that God is ALWAYS with me!  I don't have to fell lonely when I'm alone.  Anyone who knows me knows how important family is to me..  I've often made the mistake of putting my family before God and even trying to find joy in my family.  The only certain person in our lives is our Heavenly Father.  He alone can make our hearts glad.  We can overcome any fear, hurt, challenge because He is right with us.

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

Get up and get to doing what God called you to do!  Refocus on your vision, your goals, your dreams that God has given you.  This year I wasn't going to do a vision board because my theme is simple, "Serve Others More' and I had that printed out back in November.  But yesterday I started cutting out goals from magazines to add to my vision journal then decided to go ahead and do a vision board.  You have to take some kind of action to beat any type of blues!  In most cases, when you do something for someone else you forget about being down!!  God did not create us so that we can be happy and accomplish personal goals for ourselves.. He created us to serve!  Are you doing the good things He planned for you? It's not too late to set goals or to change up your goals!  When you're setting your goals remember Philippians 2:4: Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. 

Items I cut for my vision journal and 2015 vision board.

I used this template found here for my 2015 goals. I love this format

I don't want to downplay depression because based on the suicide rate I know it's very real.  If you need to, seek professional help {here is the National Suicide Prevention line phone number:  1-800-273-TALK (8255)}.  In the meantime replace the lies with the truth of God's Word.  You can overcome anything relying on the promises of God!

Seasoned with Grace,

QueenZadia

WorkINout

Work.IN.out

There's a gospel song that says 'something on the inside is working on the outside, oh what a change in my life..'  Real change starts from within.  Lasting change starts from within.  This is so true with making a choice to live a healthier lifestyle.  Most people who aim to lose weight automatically think I need to go on a diet and I need to workout.  However, if you want to make permanent changes your first step is to workIN.  

Living a healthy lifestyle does not start in a gym, with a special nutrition plan, or on a scale.  It all starts withIN your mind and spirit!  Think about it, if living a healthy lifestyle was all about a gym or a perfect nutrition program most people would be healthy!  People would not only lose weight but keep it off.  That is not the case.  According to an article in Shape Magazine, "More than 95 percent of people who lose weight - no matter how they lose it - put most or all of the pounds back on and more than 65 percent of Americans are currently considered overweight or obese."  That article could not answer why so many people regain weight or why so many people are obese but I believe it is because people do not start the real workout or the real nutrition plan that all starts on the inside.  I use this concept of work.IN.out in my ebook where it's all about working on the inside and applying it to the outside.

Today let's just focus on workIN the mind.

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think..." - Romans 12:2

Work.In.Out - Mind

We've all read it or heard it before, 'you are what you think'!  I know this first hand!!  When you exercise your mind (daily) & get rid of cant's & doubt (daily) living a healthy lifestyle will become natural.  You have to start with your mind.  When I first started working out every time I felt tired or when a workout was hard I used to say to myself 'I can do all things through Christ' so that I would not stop.  I had to talk to my mind and convince it to keep going otherwise I would have stopped well before taking my body to its limit.  So many people do not go to the gym because of their thinking, are not eating healthy because of their thinking, and so many people are limiting their workouts because of their thinking.  Think yourself healthy!

When you fall, convince your mind to try again!

When Your Mind Says Can't

In the pic above I tried this higher plyo box (I believe it's 24inches).  It took me what seemed to be a long time to convince myself to just jump.  Once I finally convinced myself I was able to do it 14 times!  On the 15th time my foot hit the box and I almost fell on my face! During a later workout there were box jumps included and I used the box I normally use with no issues but guess what?!  I had to convince myself to jump on that box!! When we fail or make a mistake our mind might try to convince us that we cannot achieve it but we have to tell it we CAN do it.

Unhealthy thinking is dangerous!

When Your Mind Plays Tricks on You

Someone I know who lost a significant amount of weight still sometimes refer to themselves as fat!  It is crazy how healthy people who workout hard view themselves differently.  This is directly attached to how we think!  If we do not workIN our mind daily it takes a while for it to catch up with what's going on outside of us.  If we never address it could lead to giving up and other unhealthy behaviors.  I recently experienced this because I was so focused on my outer appearance.  Last year I had a huge transformation and I thought by now I'd be this lean chick but I'm no where near the picture I had in mind of myself!  Realizing the road I was heading down and had to regroup and remember the purpose of why I even started this healthy lifestyle journey.  Regrouping has helped me to appreciate where I am!  Although the progress I've made this year is not visual like last year's progress, it is still progress!

Before starting a healthy lifestyle remind yourself everyday that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  It doesn't matter if you are considered obese by society, focus on the truth of who you are.

When Your Mind Says it's Hard, Start Later

The perfect time to start a healthy lifestyle is n:ow!  The perfect time to increase your run or use heavier weight is now.  Everyday we should challenge ourselves.  Of course it will be hard but we are stronger than we think.  You see me quote it all the time, 'When you change the way you  look at things, the things you lQQk at change.  Everyday workIN your mind and get rid of thoughts that does not belong.  Take action on those new thoughts now knowing that God will give you the strength you need!

This post is dedicated to my sister who is thinking her way healthy!

There is no workout, meal plan, or any healthy choice that is more challenging than the mind workIN!  That is where the real work takes place.  Each day affirm who you are and what you can do according to the Word!  Do not let your current situation or any failures define who you are or what you can do.  Your life can change if you believe!  Let's experience true health by work.IN.out!

Seasoned with Grace,

QueenZadia