Work it out!

This past Monday we started a *NEW workout plan! I was excited about this until we started, then I thought... maybe I can just run away... and that will be my work out.

I don't know why I put a * in front of that all caps new... but it makes it look fun and important.

And by WE, I actually mean I. I started a new workout plan! With my trainer of course. This one is much harder than my last, but I've decided to believe her (my PT) when she says that's a good thing. As being someone who has never done this much working out before, I gotta say... it feels good. I like the way I feel after a good solid work out. I like that I feel happier, like I've accomplished something, like the day will be a good one. It's a good change from another groggy wake up followed by sitting on my couch checking Facebook. This happens much to often.

Today we did not have our morning together, but I look forward to Friday to do it all again. Of course when I say "look forward to" It loosely translates to "It can stay as far away from now as it wants".. but you know... whatever. :)

All in all- I am very much enjoying putting my body to work. I am also currently debating on some major dietary changes as well! But I am still doing some research before I just jump into something! So I shall keep you posted.

I think you are all pretty lovely. Be Blessed!

Julia

Music from the heart

      The last few days I've decided "why stay at home and watch Netflix, when I could go to work early and play a grand piano?". So, when I have successfully gotten myself out of bed, showered and ready to go... I head over to the chruch, drop everything in the office, and go sing/play for an hour +. It's becoming the best part of my day.
     There is something about just sitting down and letting it go to God. I love it. I am also finding it's easy to write in the mornings, which is a new concept for me. This morning I wrote a song which is still untitled, but it was such a blessing. I feel like God gave the words straight to me in order to proclaim His goodness in my life. And as a reminder to call upon His name at all times. He is always right there, waiting for me. Never letting go, always pursuing and always loving. He is good. There is power in the name of Jesus.
       If you would like to hear the new song, please feel free to head over to my facebook page and take a listen! I hope you find yourself in joy as you go about your day. You are loved. You are close to His heart. <3

Cheers!

Cover it up!

         Last night we decided to go through our million (actual number: 22, 24 including the ones on our beds) blankets and sheets and sleeping bags and things we just don't need!! As I collected blankets from EVERY room and closet in the house I realized quite quickly how much space these were taking up! We kept 4 for sentimental reasons, gave some to MCC, some went in the trash, and the rest went in a bin we have for blankets, and the top of 1 closet that STILL has room for other stuff. It feels so good to go through things and simplify our life! I am happy to say we now only have 9 blankets! Still sounds like a lot, but for now... I think we did pretty good :)

I will Rejoice!

       Just here to say Good morning/ Afternoon/ Evening wherever you are, however you found me! I am glad you are here. Welcome. You are very loved you know, yes you! You're made for great and powerful things! I challenge you to speak life over yourself and find the beautiful difference it makes in your life. Shut those voices up that pull you down and change them to words of empowerment. Words of wisdom. Words of encouragement! You can do whatever you set your mind to, you can become anyone you want to be (as long as you're still YOU) and you can go anywhere you think of! Why? Because in this life God can do great things through you, in you and with you!  I will not be held down by my imperfections, I will be discouraged by my flaws! I will rejoice that I am special and made for a purpose! I will rejoice in the freedom the LORD has given me! I WILL REJOICE! Today IS a new day. Make it count. Live life now, don't wait for later to come.

Cheers! 

My thoughts at 6:00am

 We must live simply so others can simply live.

To grow old is a privilege denied by many. 

{Be thankful}

It is better to be hated for what you are, than to be loved for something you're not.  

{Be yourself}

Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs. 

{Be courageous}

Think positively. Find the light. 

{Be that light}

Be the change you want to see in the world. It starts with you. 

{Be greater}

We have been given the choice of how to live, where to live, what to do, how to do it and who to do it with. Yet so many of us feel weak, beaten down, unhappy. Change that. If you are unhappy or feeling stuck... change something. You aren't on this earth to live a miserable life... you are here for so much more.  Believe in yourself, do great things.
       

VBS Dance Dare.

This week is VBS (Vacation Bible School) for our church! Grades 1-6 are coming from 9-12 everyday and hanging out with us! It is SO much fun, but man is it hard work!!  I have sadly cancelled my PT (personal trainer) this week because I would have to do that at 600am, and lets face is. That's just not... Going to happen. I get UP at 6am. Not work out for an hour at 6am. Okay, anyway I'm finding that I don't even need it this week! 

I am leading a station that all the kids come through where we go over the verse, ask a few questions, and then we sing and dance!! It's a lot of fun, but it's also great exercise! Who knew? 

On the topic of healthy lifestyle- I also just got Zumba in the mail!! So excited! If you don't already know, Zumba is an exercise program that is basically just dance! It takes all sorts of dances from around the world and puts them into a workout routine. The classes are taught with signals so it doesn't matter what language you speak, you can participate. And it's incredibly fun! So that's exciting. 

Just thought I would update you and let you know how things are going. Love you all! 

Day 1 of protein shake: mixed my chocolate powder with a scoop of peanut butter and water... Good. But couldn't drink it all. Ill get better. 

Pun status to end the day from fb: I was going to deliver a pun for the end of the day but I fear I may start getting hate mail if I post too many. At least I have a few stamps of approval.. My husband still loves me. So that's a plus! NIGHT! 

23 1/2 hours.

              I have never been one to "work out", even when I had a gym membership! When I WOULD go, I would run for 30 min... and then maybe do a few stretches and be on my way. But not anymore! Putting the old habits behind me and making new goals to work for! I am excited to say that I have started with a personal trainer 3 times a week and have a list of things to do the days I don't see her.
              Monday, Wednesday and Friday I meet her in the park by my house at 7:00am and we do a 1 hour work out that works my cardio, strength and core.

I have never been so aware of every muscle in my legs... ow. 

               But I am super excited for this journey! I can already feel that I feel better throughout the day, which is a good sign! I'm also starting protein shakes, first thing in the morning to boost my metabolism and get a healthy start that way since I don't eat breakfast. I ordered the shake powder from Arbonne, a company that sells many things like Make-up, health bars and shakes, shampoo, lotions etc. My cousins just started their own business with Arbonne so if I can support them, I will!


Here are my thoughts for a healthy lifestyle.  

         Life is short, too short. But we were put here for a purpose and I want to fulfill that purpose with everything I've got for as long as I've got. So I'm going to get my body where it should be; healthy. I'm going to work at eating better, walking more, smiling lots and listening to my body when somethings up. You know they've done studies and eating right and exercising can save you from a LOT of health problems... crazy I know. :) But just for kicks, let me give you an example. Take a look at this short video called 23 1/2 hours.. it changed the way  I think about my day to day. 

So far I have met my PT in the park only 2 times, tomorrow will be day 3.  When I wake up I think... bah- I don't want to do this today. But when I'm done the work out.. I am thankful and excited.  What do you do to improve your everyday life? If you aren't doing anything right now, I challenge you to start going for walks around your neighbourhood. The difference it will make! Enough of this excuse.

I wanted to exercise last night but it just didn't work out.

haha *Self high-five*, although I see your play on words, it's not worth it. How hard is it to walk around the block a few times? And that is all I have to say about that!  I am off to get ready for the day!

Cheers!

Blog about what?

           I have decided to change up my life through the simple things and of course, blog about it. Why? Because that's what the cool kids are doing. That and I think blogging is a great simple change to make that will help me keep in the practice of writing and learning as I go.
           WARNING: If you continue to read my blog you are sure to find gramatical errors, misspelled words, a few puns and hopefully some encouragement along the way.


          So let's begin. I have decided to blog about 3 main things but am sure to post a random one here and there as well. Lets face it, my brain doesn't always function the way it should and sometimes it's hard to stick to the layout. I also will probably rabbit trail as I tend to do so in conversation. One thing reminds me of the next and before you know it, we're all lost. But the 3 things I will try to focus in on are these...

Music Lifestyle: What am I up to? Have I written lately? Am I playing any shows in the near future? That kind of thing. If I have an update music-wise, you'll be the first to know! I wil also post any new poetry or spoken word here.

Healthy Lifestyle: I have decided to take the simple step and get myself healthy. This includes a Personal Trainer that I see three very bright and early mornings a week, changing my eating habits slightly to give my body what it actually needs, start drinking more water, and even thinking more positively.

Simple Lifestyle: Neil (my lovely husband) and I have decided to simplify our lives of THINGS. I don't know about you, but our small basement of a house is packed to the ceiling with things we never have used, don't watch and will never need. So we are starting a journey of giving! Giving away these things to places like MCC, Salvation Army, or the Church if they could use it. Maybe you see something YOU would want... you can have it. Just let me know! We are trying to create a healthier, less stuff atmosphere.

So with that, I end my first post. And I will leave you with a thought.

I wonder if tap dancers ever walk into a room, look at the floor and think... "I'd tap that" :)

Cheers!