2013 Spiritual Goals

About a month ago in Relief Society we had a lesson about being good moms.  And the teacher referenced a talk that said "be brilliant at the basics".  Just that one little quote struck something in me and it has helped me decide what my spiritual goal is for this year.  

So I got out my notebook and I started making a list of the basic things in my life.   I kind of got overwhelmed.  Because under each basic thing is a million things to do to be brilliant at that one simple thing!  And next thing I knew, my list wasn't basic anymore. It was something like this.  

Be a brilliant mom

 -dont do that

 - do more of this

- teach her this

- a

-b

-c

-d

all the way to z.

And it was that way with each thing I thought I wanted to be brilliant at!  So I had to take a step back and decide what were the most important things to be brilliant at.  I want to be a brilliant mom, wife and friend/sister/daughter.  The tricky part seemed to be figuring out how to be brilliant at those things without having 1000 things on my to do list every day.  

Then I was reading in the Book of Mormon when Alma is talking to his sons.  And a scripture leaped out at me.  Its Alma 37:44 and it says...

O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it was with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so is it with us.  The way is prepared and if we will look we might live forever.

I've thought a lot about this and it is how I came up with what I need to be brilliant at.  Every week at church there are those Sunday School answers to just about every question -- read your scriptures and say your prayers. It sure sounds easy but I'll be honest I've gotten pretty lazy about those things.   I was counting reading those picture scriptures with Ivy before bed as scripture study.  And family prayer, plus little prayers here or there in my head counts as personal prayer right?   Uh, not so much.  

SO, long story short.  My spiritual goal this year is to become brilliant at personal scripture study and personal prayer. I really feel that doing these to things will help me be the kind of mom, wife, and friend that I want to be.  It will help me make better decisions every day to bring me and those around me closer to Heavenly Father.   I've pulled out my actual scriptures and I read and I ponder.  I try and take notes.  It is keeping me so much more focused.  I'm trying to say my prayers before I get in to bed, actually saying them out loud so my mind doesn't wander.  I'm not perfect at it every day thats for sure, but hopefully by the end of the year I can be kind of brilliant at it.  

Arise and Shine Forth

We needed a new mutual theme poster! Each year our church picks a theme for the youth to focus on.  We loved having a poster of last years theme up in our young women's room so I made a fun and sparkly one for this year.  It is available in the Ruffled Sunshine Shop in several different sizes.  It is also comes in black.   

I hadn't really picked a "word" for this year but after putting this together I think I am going to go with SHINE.   It makes me smile and think of the sun, sparkly things and being a shining light to those around me.  Maybe even help me go out on a limb every now and then.   How about you.  Have you picked a "word" for this year?

Have a fabulous weekend!

The Effect of BE

This challenge to BE this year has been really good for me so far. But its turning out to be not so good for you. Well, not good for you if you live and breathe to read this blog for your daily craft fix. Fortunately, I'm pretty sure that is NOT the case for anyone, but let me try to explain my thoughts. . .


I  go to the gym 3-4 days a week. That takes at least 2 + hours with getting myself and Ivy ready to go, load up, drive there, exercise, load up, drive home and showering after. I like it though. I'm happier. My jeans fit better. So I'm not complaining.
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Part of my BE+ing is to Be Present. Try as I might, I just can't get Ivy to stop growing up. We are staring down 4 years old. AUGGH! I tear up just thinking about it. The funny thing is that as much as I don't want her to grow up, her being 3 1/2 is a much better place for us than 2 or 3. And in my heart I know its time to get going on some things which means it won't be just her and I for {hopefully} too much longer. So I'm spending my days with just me and her. Enjoying her every minute.
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We have 4 businesses. I know right? It takes up a lot of time. If Darin and I aren't careful they would take over our lives and we would never spend any time together. So we are being more careful to spend time together. Its good for us. I like us. :)


Ummm, where did my day just go?

{image with permission from the sweet Katie of  thewheatfield}

I love this print {and everything else from The Wheatfield but thats a story for another day}. It is exactly how I feel. That even though my day are busier, it is much simpler. My BEing is important to me, so it makes my choices easier. So while I am still "crafting" I'm realizing thats its ok if I don't blog about it so much. And even though I said I don't like writing personal things or sharing too much, its growing on me. Its stretching me, and even though stretching hurts, it also feels really good. So can this space of mine shift a bit? Who knows, maybe it won't, but I think it already has. And thats ok with me too.


You still like me anyways right?

Wednesday Letters

Dear Sarah,
Thank you for coming and spending the evening with us last night.  Live shows are never what you expect, and  yours of course exceeded my expectations.  I'm glad that you knew to have the lights down low so that I wasn't quite so self conscious of my tears through Mercy Me.  I don't remember quite what you said to introduce that song, but it is exactly what I've been picking myself up from.  So thanks for knowing this girls heart, even though we don't know each other at all.  Oh, and please come back soon so my husband won't be mad  at me anymore that I didn't invite him to go to your show.  I know he would have loved it.  And you can bring your three year old, cuz my three year old would love it too.
Love, Jenn

Marilyn,
Thanks again for another perfect evening.  I can't wait for the next one, and the next one and any one after that.   Just the other day I was wondering about your pillow you were working on a couple of months ago. I'll have to see it another time, since I totally forgot to ask you about it last night!
Love, Jenn

Dear Me,
You can do it this time.  You are doing girl pushups after all.  ; )
Love, Jenn

To LKP...
I've been meaning to say thank you for that one comment, that one time.  Its rare that someone really gets it.  And you do, even more so than I probably do.  So thank you.  For that one comment that one time.  {and all of your other comments, you have such a kind heart and are a truly gracious person.}

Love, Jenn

Dear Spring,
I wouldn't mind if you came early and stuck around.  But eh, if you wanted to skip the wind this year that would be fabulous.  Hope to see you soon!
Love, Jenn

{Getting Started} with Celeste

My oh my.  Can I just say that in many aspects of this New Years challenge I am doing really well.  But uh my no candy one?  Not so much.  I'm actually doing good at not eating candy.  Its the finding something like "Hey Ivy lets make cookies" {again} thats getting to me! 

Well today is a new day and I've got Celeste here with her tips for getting started on your exercise routine and tips to stick with it.  Take it away Celeste!

Hey guys!  Here's my list of  6 Tips to get you started on your Fitness Journey

1) Determine your goals - Maybe you want to walk/run your first 5k, do a marathon, maybe you want to eat healthier, lose weight or gain muscle strength, maybe you just want to feel better climbing 5 flights of stairs!

2) Baby Steps. Make short realistic goals at first if you need to. - If you haven't been exercising...gradually get back into it.  Tell yourself, 2x this week, 3x next month.  If eating healthier is your goal, start by decreasing portion size. 

2) Write it, Write it, Write it! -in a journal, post it note on the mirror or in your calendar.

3) Make a General Plan - How are you going to achieve your goal?  Morning workouts? Be specific as you can. Weekly Grocery list? Plan weekly meals if you want to eat out less.  If you don't buy the junk food, you won't eat it. 

4) Be Accountable. Schedule workouts with a spouse or friend.  Even if it is only 1x week or 2x month. Commit to it on calendar! Personal Training works because you have scheduled appointments and trainers know how to push you farther than you may push yourself. It is not going to happen if you aren't accountable in some way.  Maybe you give yourself some "reward" if you accomplish weekly or monthly goals.  Whether its money, spa time, new exercise outfit.  Reward yourself along the way somehow.  Tell a friend, co-worker or spouse to check in on you certain days.  Maybe you just ask for a weekly email.

5) Set an "End Date" - of course this isn't a permanent end date, but an tangible end date to look forward to and be accountable for...then start a new goal.

5) Don't fall for an "ALL OR NOTHING" attitude. Don't go on a crazy diet!  If you aren't working out 4x week like you said you would, revamp your goals, be okay with 2xweek. Something is better than nothing!  Don't beat yourself up! Make it doable for you at the time.  Don't quit all together because you can't keep up with your original plan.

"I don’t know if I continue, even today, always liking myself. But what I learned to do many years ago was to forgive myself. It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself because if you live, you will make mistakes- it is inevitable. But once you do and you see the mistake, then you forgive yourself and say, ‘Well, if I’d known better I’d have done better,’ that’s all. If we don’t do that we never grow, we never learn, and sure as hell we should never teach."-Maya Angelou
So don't be afraid of failing your goal.  Set it, work on it, make some progress.  Even if that goal is not achieved, you are one step closer to doing it next time! Failing something is just more reason to be smarter about doing it better the next time.  And if you really want to do something then it is possible.  It may not come easily but can be learned.
 

These are my 2011 Fitness Goals:
1 Sprint Triathlon
1 1/2 Marathon (under 1:45)
1 5k (under 21:00)
Get my son and daughter in a Kids Fun Run
Bike rides with the family
I'll be able to pick races once we know our permanent living situation.
End date: Dec 31, 2011

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Thanks so much Celeste.  Its nice to be reminded of the right way to do this.  I've set some short term goals, but I like the idea of having an event later in the year to look forward to.  So peeps, here's my goals, hope it gives you a good place to start...

FOR JANUARY

Health:  Gym 3 days a week and 100 push up challenge. So far, so good.  I finally stopped feeling guilty and got a pass for the child care.  And guess what.  I'm pretty sure Ivy is more excited to go to the gym than I am.   And the pushups are killing me, but I love that my arms are already looking better.  Plus its a great thing to do on your day off from the gym.  ps.  I picked 3 days a week to get me going then I'm going to ramp it up in February so be ready. 

No candy.  Um, maybe I need to cut out treats all together!  Otherwise, going to the gym isn't gonna do me any good. 

Spiritual:  Read my scriptures every day.  I've already noticed a difference in my thoughts and actions if I start the day out right.  I recently got called to work with Young Women at Church, specifically 14-15 year olds, and it has been a big motivator for me, to be a better example, and actually be doing the things that I teach them they should be doing!

Better Mom/Wife/Friend:  Get organized.  I mentioned it already but I'm going room by room through our house and cleaning out and organizing.  Just a tip.  If you find yourself being too sentimental, or not getting rid of stuff you haven't used in 2 years, quit and wait for the right mood. 

My longer term goals are more like benchmarks I guess, but I did decide to pick a 5k and a bike ride after reading Celeste's tips.  There is a bike ride of the local bike trail {a 26 mile loop} in May that I am going to do and the Spring in to Summer 5k is April 24th.  Eh, I better get on that one.  Running is NOT my thing.  But hey, this is my year right?! 

I hope that we've given you a little boost to really focus on what it is you are trying to accomplish.  I think that's the problem with Resolutions is that they can be so broad.  Narrowing them down to specific goals will help us to not give up or forget so easily.

How about you?   We'd love to hear your goals, fitness or otherwise!  And don't forget to enter the CORE 4 giveaway!  We'll be picking a winner on Friday the 14th so you better hop to it! 

...be.

Umm, I hope you haven't been waiting for me to say GO!  Because I have been so busy going that I haven't reminded you to.  {Not that you need my help, its kind of a given to start with the New Year right?}  And with lofty aspirations like mine, these next oh, six weeks are gonna keep this lady running full steam ahead.  

I  feel it in my toes that 2011 can be my year.  And while I was trying to decide between two words to be MY word I saw this...

 

via her, who found it here

Isn't it perfect?   I was deciding between DO and BE and this helped me choose.  This year I am going to BE.  Be my best self.  Be the one that does.  Be who I want to be, without doubting who I am. 

And even though I chose between the two I think BE and DO go hand in hand.  So many times I think of something I want to BE, but I don't DO it.  Instead of saying I wish I .... I'm going to BE what I wish.  

 Here are my BE's for 2011. 

Here's to the new year.  Make it yours, its going to be the best ever.

Get set...

Ugh, too many late nights has caught up to me and no vitamins and water  or positive thinking are gonna save me this time.  I have the aches and chills, you know of the flu variety.  My mom defenses let me down.  Double ugh.  It really is the worst.  I'm hoping I'll be better to ring in the New Year.  The biggest bummer is now I'm going to start out behind on my big New Years Challenge.  Will you forgive me if I start a couple of days late?  

You are going to need a few things for this year long challenge, so its time to get set. Here's what you are going to need...

1.  Some way of exercising. It can be anything you want, or are already doing.  I'm going to be heading to the gym more, and doing some pilates at home.   You don't need to go out and spend money to exercise, I promise.  Getting outside is my favorite thing  and I  love love love  the 100 Pushup Challenge.  They also have a 200 situps and 200 squats challenge.  Crazy good and you'll be as tough as nails.  Hmmm, maybe I should do that one again.

{click here for free printable}

2. Some resolutions.  This isn't going to be just about exercising, but being better. Being the person that you want to be.   Healthier, happier, nicer, more organized, whatever you want it to be about.    Mique at 30 Days has a great free printable to get you started!  Also check out Karen at Karina Ink for a great post on making your list.  I highly recommend getting a journal or a notebook so you can keep track of your journey this year. 

3. Mostly,  resolve.  Time to stock up on some reserves.  Like I said this is going to be a year long thing, and if you don't have any resolve than its probably not going to work.  I'm planning on picking three things a month to work on.  One spiritual, one physical and one to help me be a better mom/wife/friend.   I'm hoping you'll join me so we can do it together.  Cuz whats better than having your friends help you along?   

So what do you say?  Are you with me?! 
{sorry if I'm not a very good motivator when i have the flu}

  Well of course I had to sweeten the deal!  Because I love you and like to give you bribes, uh I mean presents!

I've got ten 2 week passes to Golds Gym here in Kennewick.  So if you are local and want to get a good start on your fitness goals,  be one of the first ten people to email me at makingitmyown@gmail.com to snag yours!

I know,I know but I'm not leaving everyone else out.    

Meet my friend Celeste.  She is one of my greatest friends and fitness guru extraordinaire.  Yes is a Boston Marathon qualifier , and is developing her own product, and is featured on running blogs, but she is also the best girl to have around.  Her laugh is fab, and I'm so happy to be working with her on this.  She is going to be doing some guest posts on fitness and helping us stay motivated.  {And if you are going to be pregnant, are pregnant,  or have been pregnant, than you definitely want to check out her blog, Due Fit.}  Celeste is giving away her CORE 4 Program.  And here she is to tell you exactly what that entails!  

Hello everyone!  I'm Celeste and I'm thrilled that Jenn has asked me to be here and with you all over the next year.  And to start the new year off right, I'm going to give away  a free 6 week session for my new program - CORE 4 ($79 value)   It is for any woman who wants to reform their abs, while strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, low back and improve posture all at the same time.  Typically women who do the CORE 4 Program improve their waistline by 3-4" in just 6 weeks.

I've finally put this program together because I have found that most women (especially those that have given childbirth) tend to have several of the following: weak pelvic floor muscles which contributes to stress incontinence, low back pain, poor posture and the dreaded "Mommy Tummy" caused by either abdominal separation or stretched out transverse abs. I create custom programs with progressive transverse abdominal exercises that help pull the belly back in...which is why inches can be taken off the waist in 6 weeks. 

The 6 week program includes:
CORE 4 Assesment Form (Clients fill this out before I design the 6 week program for them.  By Video instruction they measure the waistline and check for Diastasis Recti)
Videos for each exercise
Weekly Emails with new progressive exercises each week
CORE 4 Assesment Form
Expert Advice
Skype Session if needed
NO CRUNCHES!
NOT TIME CONSUMING!

**If the winner has Diastasis Recti (abdominal separation) They'll need to wear the splint ($35 VALUE) for 6 weeks.  This along with exercises helps bring the abs together fast! They will know after watching the video and filling out the assessment form)

This is the BEST thing a woman can do to take care of their body!  When the inner core is strong...the spine is aligned correctly, and it prevents a host of problems such as slipped discs, further abdominal separation, prolapsed uterus, sciatica, posture and neck pain...etc!

Ummm, who doesn't want that kind of help with their abs?

Celeste is  also offering all Making It My Own readers a discount on her CORE 4 program.  Sign up by January 15th and get a 10% discount.  Just mention me, her favorite friend Jenn! ; )

 + DETAILS +

To win you must be a follower of Making It My Own.  Then leave me a comment  about your New Years Resolutions.  

You can also get an extra entry just leave some comment love for Celeste at Due Fit, just leave another comment telling me that you did. 

And if you are down for my challenge, then leave one more comment telling me you are going to join me. 

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I would really love it if you did.  Join me that is. Whatever your goal is.  Pretty please?!

 {I'm pleading which according to Fancy Nancy is a nicer, fancier way of begging!}

oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!