Motivation, Creativity and Free Flowing Action!

Fitday is on the Way!

2012-01-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday!

Are you looking for ways to stay motivated to become healthier and more fit? Have I got a connection for you!

It's Fitday.com! It has free tools for you to use such as a food journal, activity monitor and it's very easy to use. Fitday offers free articles that will help inspire you to become the best you can be for 2012!

Check it out: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/new-year-new-you-6-easy-ways-to-get-moving.html

Let me know what you think and what type of article would you like to help you to stay on the right track to health and fitness.

Happy running!

Welcome, 2012!

2012-01-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome Back!

I took a look here to see when was the last time I posted...too long ago! So, away we go.

Have you taken a hard look at what you want to change in your life? If you haven't, you need to, for your health, family and friends.

Then once you take a look, put it into action. That particular look could be, you want to workout more, save more money or get more involved in your community. Whatever that "it" is, put it done in writing and post it so, you can see it. Make yourself accountable and include your family in on it and maybe, just maybe, your motivation will rub off on them. It just takes one! Really, make it happen.

I am currently getting together what I want to accomplish this year and I'm aiming high---and when I reach those goals, I will reward myself with a new piece of fitness equipment. Love all the gadgets out there now, it's truly amazing what is out there. If you need some extra motivation, just go to your local sports store and look in the aisle, it's really amazing what is offered out there now. Ipod's applications to track your activity, food and whatever else you want data on. Your phone can do the same thing, you cannot get away from it.

Check back and I'll let you in what else is in store for 2012?

Happy running...!!!!

Spring Break!

2011-03-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

Oh, it's that time of year again, when we get Spring Break! I am grateful for this time with my family, sharing new ideas for the future months ahead. What to plant around the house? What races to enter? And hope and pray that here in the Midwest, it does decide at some point, to be SPRING!

Yes, we still have the lake breezes from Lake Michigan, that gives us more snowfall in the winter and cools us in the summer. But during the spring, that breeze off the lake, has a chilling effect of a northeaster! We take it in stride and just keep bundling up.

During this time, take a moment to reflect, to re-group as it where to focus on where you are heading in life. I know, I have a tendency at times to get going and not stop, but really, it's time to refocus on what you find important in your life. So, stop, take a moment, breathe and then dream away. Write those dreams down, post them where you can see them everyday and then take that leap of faith and plunge right in.

What am I plunging into? At this point, I am focus on using my imagination to set new goals in my career and letting my faith carry me to the next level. That is the fun part, believing in a higher power that will carry you to the next step.

So, my friends, set a goal, write it down, post it and then have faith, believe you will get there. Picture yourself in that spot and enjoy the journey there!

High Fives and Double Backflips!!

What a CREW!!!

2011-02-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

OMG- I attended my first CREW meeting at the Zion Park District last Friday, after school. The room was filled with women, who want to help motivate our entire community to be healthy and have fun racing and training for 5K.

Where have I been? I am so glad that Cheri Ditzig kept me in the loop. What an amazing group of women.

They are organizing 5K races for anyone who wants to run in our communities and beyond. If you need a goal this year-attend one of the races that will be in Zion, IL.

Later on this week, if you've never run a 5K before, I will list a training for you to follow. By May, you'll be ready to enter the Mama's Run.

Running is the most effect way to lose weight, build stronger bones, do marvelous things for our hearts, mind and body. Start out slow and you'll want to go more as the weeks past. Running is free therapy!

Really!!!

High Fives and once again--enjoy the week.

Time to Re-Energize!

2011-02-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

It's February already! The time is flying by and my question to you today is this: What are you doing with your time?

Are you spending it with your family and creating new memories? Are you committed to a cause and doing the leg work to accomplish that task? Or are you vegging on the couch, hoping and wishing that you could do something!!

Well, if you just promise yourself to do one thing that would inspire your family, one thing that would nuture you and one thing that you could do for another person.....you are on your way to a successful, happy day.

I know, may sound simple enough, right? But you have certain circumstances in your life that get in the way? If you don't know this by now, we all do. So, why are some people more productive then others? They set goals, they write them down, they post them either on frig or somewhere where they can see them. Accountability-people. Promises to themselves and when they keep those promises, extraordinary things start to happen in their lives. It's true.

So, just for today...get up one hour early and set your day in motion. You have the choice to set it. Yes, and if an incident happens or someone says something negative, deal with it then, then toss it aside. Keep moving forward with a smile on your face.

If anything, it will drive people nuts wondering what you're so happy about!

Next question-are you working out? Studies show, that people that workout are happier, healthier and can handle life experiences better. This is your year, contact someone if you need a little motivation and get started. You'll be glad you did!

High Fives, everyone and enjoy the week ahead!!!!

Catch me at http://www.fitday.com/

Love writing about fitness, motivation and health!

Time to Get Excited!

2011-01-30T12:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, 2011 is a month old, what have you accomplished lately?

Really, have you kept those promises to yourself about getting back into shape, losing some pounds around your middle or just saving more money? Are you depressed that you've slipped a little on those promises?

Well, if you answer is yes-don't despair...you can start again today. Oh, come on, don't give me that look with your hands on your hips. Don't throw the towel in just yet. You can start anything on any day...I think as adults we forget that. Just renew your goals, post them where you can see them and you'll be back on track before you know it.

If this sounds too simple, it is! We make everything so complicated. Watch how children resolve their problems. If someone hurts them with words or with a push or shove. They forgive them and move on, the fun continues where they left off. We need to take step back and just observe those children. They can teach us so much.

Now is the time to think nothing can hold you back! You can change your lifestyle to a healthier way, you can get back into shape, just one step at at time. Remember, it's a journey, not a sprint.

My spirit has been renewed with running--I can run again. I had two knee surgeries with a year of each other and now, the knees are great and I'm running again. Running gives me time to think, time for my body to move and something extraordinary happens, dreams are created and plans to follow those dreams. Love to run and get inspired every morning. Running clears the mind, heart, body and soul. And all you need is a good pair of running shoes and you're out the door. Nature connects with you and you feel free.....give it a try sometime.

Have you ever run after a snowstorm? It is just so quiet and beautiful---you got to experience this feeling. Even if you cannot run, walk outside after a storm...just so peaceful.

Get unplugged to balance yourself.....enjoy your week. I know I will--two wonderful things will happen---I will run again tomorrow morning and we have a BLIZZARD on the way. YES...what a blessing.

High Fives, Everyone!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

We've been having a great time at my school this year with new activities and encouraging our students to eat healthier.

Our CATCH team is full of individuals that care about what they are doing and share their wonderful ideas with our students. We are truly blessed that our team members take on the extra mile without hesitation, the prize is that our students are benefiting from this experience.

As the year progresses, we are hoping to instill in our students to help their families develop healthier lifestyles. At the end of this month, we'll have a CATCH night at school to show our parents what activities their children participate in their physical education classes.

Being a physical education teacher is more than just throwing out the ball, it's engaging the students to inspire each other to be the best that they can be, through knowledge of why activity will work to help them stay healthier as they age. They don't think about that now, but as they age, I hope they remember their P.E. teacher that told them how to take care of themselves.

It's a CATCH!

2010-04-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

I have be an active all my life! My parents instill in me to be active and since they were both physical education teachers it was easy for my family. My brother and I had the best of both worlds, our parents and our own little imaginations.

We belonged to a fitness club with a membership and we didn't even know it at the time. How? It was our parent's gym with all the physical education equipment any little heart desired. We were blessed! The best part was when we got to go with my Dad to the football lockeroom. We played hide and seek in the lockers, totally fun! Dad worked and we made up our own games on the other side of the lockeroom.

Well, today is a different story for our kids! They have too much technology to keep them busy and engaged. What happen to getting outside and playing old games like "pickle and ghost in the graveyard"? Totally fun and imaginative games that were played outdoors.

This is good news in my school district. We are blessed to have received a grant for CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health). It will not only emcompass the physical but the nutritional value that we must educate our youth to get up and move and eat right. If we, as educators don't take a stand, who will? Parents are busy with either working many jobs or our searching for one. They need our help to educate their children on how to eat right so, they can outlive their parents.

This is the program and I am such a strong believer in it, that I hope to one day be a trainer for CATCH and help spread the word.

What are you doing to help your family, your community? Get up and move to shake things up a bit.

Rock on!

Teachers!

2010-03-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

Teachers, have you ever heard that you have an easy job? I mean, come on, we get three months off a year plus the holidays. I mean, let's face it, you relax during those times, don't you?

Let's tell the public the truth. We need to not only educate our youth, but we have to let their parents know what we do during our down time.

If you're a classroom teacher and you have 25 students, I bet you could have fun figuring out how many papers you grade in the course of 9 months. How many special projects you grade, how many parent contacts you make, phone calls included during the day. Special requirements during the day from your building principal, extra duty either before or after school, organizing them all during the day and take that times 25 times and then some.

Your job isn't finished when you get home, you have a family to take care of , too. Take your kids to practices, lessons, maybe you have meetings to attend because you're involved in your community so, you attend those meetings, then come home to grade more papers and put those grades into the computer.

I can only speak for myself but during my "down time", I am planning for the next lesson, looking for grants, reading new approaches on fantastic games and activities to engage my students during their physical education classes. Put those grades into the computer, did I mention, that is for 500 students with four different areas of grading.

No, I am not complaining, I love my choice of work, I picked it back when I was seven years old! You see, I come from a teaching family. I saw how my parents took interests in other parents kids, I saw the guidance that was happening in my own home, when those "kids" stopped by to talk with them. To this day, I have people stop me on the street to ask how my parents are doing and then they tell me a story about them, back in their school days.

So, take those comments, that teachers have it easy and just remember how many things you do during the day and then some and just remember, how many lives you are touching! Hold your head up high and repeat, I am a teacher, I am a teacher and I love it.

Down time? Good teachers are always looking for new challenges for their students and themselves....down time to us, is creative time for our students.

High Fives, everyone.

What's Next?

2010-02-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

Create a log book! Make it yours, place pictures of yourself doing your fav things! Make notes, write down your dreams, make it colorful -this way it draws you in! You want to do take action to make things happen that are in the log book.

Gather your thoughts, put on some of your favorite music and get started. Find magazine articles, internet articles that inspire you to create your own dream for your log book!

Life experiences are great, go through them, then move on to the next one. Find your "fire", find your passion, I know it's an overused word but it's so true. What makes you get up in the morning, ready to go. You must find that "thing" that makes you exicted, makes you want to create, makes you think, engages you and then takes you away.

Remember when you were a kid and when you were having a great time, that time just flew by. Don't you wish your work was like that? It can be, go out and find it.

Let me know.

High Fives, Everyone.

Motivation!

2010-02-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered how to motivate yourself? Do you get stuck in one place and it seems you cannot move forward?

Well, how do you get out of this mode?

You need to try something new, something that will not only challenge you physically but mentally. Get out of your comfort zone, do it afraid. You'll be amazed at your first step.

But what if you're afraid to take that first step? Then tell a friend, co-worker or your boss what you what to do, then step out. You'll have support and guidance there to help you along the way.

What are you afraid of? If you don't take that first step, you are living your life on the "what if's".

Go ahead, step out and watch what happens!

Go For It!