Don't stress, Rest.

DAY 2

Good morning! How many times do we tend to use "stress" as an excuse to be negative? This can easily occur especially in the fast pace, high demand society we live in. Today I want to bring attention to the impact of stress on us. The dictionary defines stress as “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.” The main thing I want to point out is that it is the “mental”, that means we have control over how we respond in our mental space. How can we create a positive mental space if we are viewing stress as a barrier/excuse? I encourage you to rest your stress upon the Lord. You aren’t and never have been in control of certain stressors, so why not release the mental/emotional strain. How much more effective can you be today if you put that stress to rest. The Lord tells all of us whoever is weary and burdened to come to Him and he will give us rest (Matt 11:28-30). Also read John 14:27 & James 1:2-4. 

Today I encourage you not to stress but to REST. Have a blessed, Positive day!! - Monica

Designing a life you love.

 Hello loves! It's been a while since I've written a blog post. Life has been happening, and keeping me quite busy... All great things! I'm finally done with my academic studies (insert excessive cheering), I'm also working on a few HUGE projects (more details to come - I can't wait to share!). Overall I have to say that life is good.

Life is Good

I'm excited about this summer season, it's one of my favorite seasons (because I adore the beach), and I love warm weather. I'd say that this #Summer16 has had it's share of challenges, but it's also proven to be a season of fruit bearing; meaning seeds that I've sown in past years have began to come to fruition. One vital thing I've been embracing is to be p-a-t-i-e-n-t. Things don't grow (happen) over night, but they will grow in a healthy way with planning, discipline and proper pruning. I encourage you in this summer season to do the same, be patient and make sure you are disciplining yourself and only take on the things that are in line with your life purpose.

If you fail to plan, 

you plan to fail.

In addition to being patient, I'm also learning to appreciate the gift of "No". Purposefully making a conscious effort to not invest my time in things that are consistent with goals and plans during this season of my life. This gift of "No", will be the best thing that you've ever treated yourself to... Trust me! Everything may be a great idea, but if they're not God ideas... Meaning if they have no purpose in your life, you'll be wasting your time and ultimately be consumed with regret and feeling unaccomplished. Do yourself and others a favor, and only engage in projects, events etc. that you know are adding to the purpose of your life. There is a time to assist others in proper balance, however when we are busybodies, we can miss out on God's plan for our lives and cause others to miss their opportunities as well. We all have been blessed with gifts from God to use for ourselves and to help others - stay in your lane!(1 Corinthians 12-27)

Purpose

This weekend I had the privilege of tuning in to an insightful FREE webinar which was hosted by Chrystal Hurst entitled "Living A Life You Love". This event was AWESOME, no seriously, it was reallllly awesome. I took notes and wanted to share some of the nuggets with you, as the webinar has been taken down and you won't be able to view it (sad face). I pray that you're blessed by these practical points which almost anyone can implement, and that you decide today to design a life you love! XO.

Living a life you love 

• Purposefully surround yourself with people that are embracing and encouraging you to be the best you - Those who love and inspire you.
• It's okay to have desires, but don't allow desires to rule you. Be honest about what you want out of life and your means to achieve those desires.
• Give yourself margin to say no - and margin for you time
• Intentionally think about what your end goal is and what you need to do to accomplish it and make adjustments.
• Protect your time & prioritize your commitments 
• Just because you can do it, doesn't mean  you should - (In any area of life, financially, activities etc.) 
• Don't base your actions on your feelings - feelings change like the wind. Your actions should be based on your desired outcome,
• Figure out how to merge the life you want with the life you have. 
• Don't wait for the next day, month or season to do things you love - do them today! 
• SPEAK LIFE: write positive affirmation on sticky notes, write in a journal, mediate on God's word, choose to be optimistic. Don't just think it, speak it! Philippians 4:8
• Choose one thing a day that makes you happy, and do it! 

                              Remember the joy of the Lord is your strength

 Make time to be in His presence daily

Psalm  91

FYI - Chrystal is hosting another webinar "Living a Life you Love - Online Class" in a few weeks!

 Sign up by clicking here!!! 

Work it out!

Good morning Journey Mates!!

Happy Thursday! I had a late start this morning and was unable to head to the gym... (insert sad face).
However, I found a some great workouts from Pop Sugar to do at home! NO excuses!!!

Ain't nothing to it, but to do it! Enjoy! XO


Core Workout Blast The Belly Fat with Jeanette Jenkins Tone your Arms Resistance Band Workout for anywhere

We are women of a different status.

I stumbled across this video today. It's pretty awesome!!! Check it out!

Change. Grow. Inspire.

Finish Strong

Hello Journey Mates,

As the month of September winds down, I wanted to encourage everyone to stay focused with your fitness goals. The summer is officially over and many of us are looking forward to the holiday season! We will spend precious time with family and friends that we hold dear, and while we're creating all of those lasting memories many of us will be stuffing our faces with all of the homemade goodies!

While it's wonderful to gather with our loved ones, we must acknowledge the fact that all of those extra goodies will lead to extra pounds if we're not careful. Every year many of us eat until our hearts are more than content; pies, cakes, baked macaroni & cheese and everything in between.

Then, just like a vapor the holiday season is over and spring will knock at our doors, and we'll answer, but with an additional 5-10 pounds...

This season do something different! CHANGE!!!

Let's purpose to stay on track with our fitness goals, Let's choose to cook and eat a little healthier. When spring knocks at our doors, not only we will open them with joy, but we won't have any feelings of regret because we need to lose weight, due to our extra yummy holiday season.

Here are a few tips to help keep you on track :)

1. Set Goals: Setting specific goals to accomplish specific eating and exercise habits are an important first step because they establish the direction and outcomes you want.
2. Select Activities: Plan specific activities and fitness programs that you will engage in throughout the rest of the year to keep yourself fit. Plan to take walks during lunch or small breaks, park at the end of the parking lot at the grocery store, schedule workout/fitness times for yourself throughout the week .
3. Plan Meals: Plan your meals and find ways to modify your existing recipes to make them healthier! Small changes have huge results. Use less sugar, salt or butter. Drink water instead of soda, snack on fruit instead of chips, or bake or broil meats instead of frying them etc.

If you make the smallest of changes, I can guarantee that you'll have an outcome that is reward worthy; a healthier you! Spring 2012 can be spent thinking about how wonderful the summer will be and what you'll be wearing to the beach!