Finding the Courage to Share

Courage is not an easy thing to find.

My moments of courage often come from sitting behind this computer screen, taking a deep breath, and then pushing the post or share button.

Fear and self doubt; intangible concepts that forever prove to be mountains I must climb. Battles I must win. Obstacles I must surmount.

Fear. That's what it comes down to... fear of judgement. Fear of judgement by people that don't really know me.. who certainly aren't going to contribute to my family's future.

Fear. Fear of failure. Can I really do this? Do I really have what it takes?

Learning how to follow AdvoCare's success system is easy. Finding the courage to SHARE AdvoCare the way it's meant to be shared... that's the hard part. That part requires courage. It requires 30 seconds of BOLD. Like my leaders in AdvoCare have taught me, "30 seconds of BOLD may change someone's life."

As I write this I don't even know if I will have the courage to share this post...

As a mother, as a wife, I have so many hopes and dreams for my family. My dream is to be home with my children... to say goodbye to my J-O-B and be free to live life on my terms... and to answer the calling I feel in my heart to provide hope and inspiration to others.

Although I feel a calling to provide hope an inspiration to others, I often find myself asking, how can I provide hope and inspiration to others during the times when I feel so lost myself?

First I must overcome. Then, I can share. First, I must take the journey, climb the mountain, run the marathon... then, and only then, can I provide hope and inspiration for others to do the same.

At least that is the way it worked with my weight loss journey.

When I turned 30 years old, I made the decision that I was not going to spend my 30's (and 40's and 50's for that matter) being overweight, unhealthy, and exhausted. I knew things had to change and I made the decision to change them. I was not sure how (or if) I would complete the journey, but I knew for things to change, I had to change.

Slowly, I started to change, I worked on me. I didn't have to share that with anyone else... if I failed, no one would be the wiser. Many people set out on the journey to lose weight every day. Some succeed. Many fail. Which would happen to me?

All I knew was that I could take the first step. Then another. And if I continued to put one foot in front of the other that I would eventually reach my destination. I was not prepared for the obstacles and twists and turns and BLESSINGS I would find along the path. But I faced the obstacles, embraced the blessings and kept moving in my journey.

Eventually, I reached my goal. And at that point, I had the courage to provide hope and inspiration for others who were setting out on a similar journey.

Hmmm... so work on me, focus on what I can control, don't put myself "out there" for possible criticism or condemnation from others, and wait until success is mine before sharing the hope and inspiration I've found.

That may work with weight loss, but that's not going to work with AdvoCare.

AdvoCare is a team sport. You can't be successful unless your team is successful. You can't reach your goal unless you help your team reach their goals. And, in order to build a team ...

You must TALK TO PEOPLE.
About AdvoCare.

This is where the courage comes in...

The message of AdvoCare is hope but faith also plays a huge part.

You must have the COURAGE to share the message of HOPE and the FAITH that you can be the leader your team needs to see them through to the end of the marvelous journey.

The end of the journey. THAT, I can picture. I dream big and I can see the destination very clearly. (So clearly, in fact, that I will leave that vision for another blog post.)

What I cannot see, however, is how the journey is going to unfold...

But I do know, that for things to change, I must change.

First I must overcome my fears and find my courage.

30 seconds of BOLD is all it takes to change someone's life...

Just. Click. Share.

Before AdvoCare: My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part II

By the middle of February 2012, I had lost 12 lbs and could comfortably wear size 14 pants. My self-esteem was increasing and I was starting to feel more and more like the self-confident woman I had once been. Weight Watchers was largely to thank for my success. I had been attending weekly meetings and adhering to their Points Plus program, which included the ability to earn Activity Points through weekly exercise. 

Read My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part I 

My weight loss efforts were going well and I was getting into my exercising grove! I felt better than I had felt in a LONG time. And... I was finding that I really enjoyed running! Over the last 6 weeks I had gradually increased my "running minutes" on the treadmill. Now, I was able to run for SIX solid minutes before stopping to walk! That may not sound like much to you, but for me that was a miracle. 

Then, something unexpected happened. 

I was tired. 

I was cranky. 

I was late. 

Yes - that kind of late. But I had struggled with PCOS and infertility for quite some time. We had just had our little miracle baby, Micah, in May of 2011 and we knew we wanted another child. Due to my PCOS and the fact that we needed assistance from a fertility doctor to conceive Micah, we were not using birth control. Instead, we were trusting God that if we were meant to have another child, it would happen in His timing. 

... It was a Saturday afternoon in February. I had just TRIPLED my longest run. Yes, that's right ladies and gentlemen, I had just ran for 18 minutes with no walking breaks! I was on cloud nine. As I left the gym and to headed to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for Micah, I was thinking about how much I was really starting to enjoy running. Then, my mind drifted as I began to think about how tired I had been the last week and that I was late for my period, although that was nothing new due to my PCOS. On a whim, I bought a box of home pregnancy tests. I felt kinda silly for even buying them - it reminded my of when I was taking test after test, month after month, when we were trying to conceive. Well, at least I would know I am not pregnant and the box contained a couple extra tests for when I was late again next month or the month after that...

When I get home, I kissed my kiddos and hopped in the shower. That night was date night for my and hubby and I was looking forward to (comfortably) wearing my new size 14 AE jeans. While I was getting around for the evening, I took a test and set it on the sink to wait the allotted 5 minutes while I continued to get ready. A few minutes later, I glance at the test... 

POSITIVE?! 

WHAT?! That can't be right... but it was. 

Of course, we were elated and I quickly adapted into pregnant mode. 

I quit Weight Watchers.

My nightly gym sessions were traded in for nightly naps. 

And I was SICK. 

The morning sickness was ridiculous. It was every day, seemingly all day. And went I wasn't yacking, my tummy was queasy. No cravings for me. Nothing sounded good. I lost more weight. 

And slept. 

I was EXHAUSTED all the time. 

But my doctor said things were good when she did a 7 week ultra sound. At our 11 week appointment she did not do an ultra sound check, but said the baby's heart was strong and we were "in the clear" meaning our chances of having a miscarriage dropped dramatically at 12 weeks. 

At the end of April 2012, 4 lbs lighter than when I got pregnant, I went in for my 4 month check up. I was 15 weeks pregnant. My husband did not come with me because it was just a routine check. There wouldn't be a need for an ultra sound... 

She couldn't find the heartbeat. 

I couldn't breathe. I was nervous. Anxious. Uncertain. Scared. I tried to concentrate on her words, "The baby's probably just hiding. Let's get you over to the other room for an ultra sound. At least you'll get to see your little peanut today." 

As I wait in the cold, sterile room where the U/S machine is, I had an overwhelming feeling of dread. Something wasn't right. This entire pregnancy didn't seem quite right. The last few weeks I actually had felt like something was very wrong. 

The doctor confirmed my fears. 

The ultrasound showed a little fetus with no heartbeat. 

We came to find out it was a "partial molar" pregnancy. Basically, a genetic abnormality where the baby had inherited an extra set of chromosomes. He or she didn't have a chance from day one. 

On May 6th we celebrated Micah's first birthday. We were determined to focus on the blessings in our lives. Our children. Our families. Our jobs. Our health. We would get up every day and put one foot in front of the other and trust that there is a reason for everything in this life. 

One week after Micah's first birthday, I made the decision that I would go back to the gym. It was mid-May and I had lost 16 pounds since January, leaving me weighing in at 176 lbs - 4 lbs lighter than I was on my wedding day. 

I made up my mind.

Despite my grief.

I would keep on running... 

Stay tuned for My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part III.. 

Product Spotlight: Spark

Ok all you tired wifes and mommies! And all of your equally tired husbands and daddies! And anyone else out there who just needs some extra pep in their step!

This is your magical wake-me-up, pick-me-up, make-me-happy,gimme-that-extra-SPARK-to-get-me-through-the-day drink!


What it is: A sugar-free, 45 calorie, healthy, vitamin-packed, energy drink with 8 amazing flavors to choose from. It wakes up your head and not your heart so it doesn't make you feel jittery like other energy drinks.

What it does: Provides 4-6 hours of energy and mental focus without the "crash" you may experience with other energy drinks.

Who it' for: Do have kids? Do you work out? Go to school? Play sports? Have a job? Drink caffeinated beverages? Spark is pretty much for everyone!

Why I LOVE it: This is a healthy and sugar free alternative to pop, juice, and other high sugar, high caffeine beverages many people rely on to make it through the day. It's delicious! With 8 yummy flavors to choose from there is something for everyone to love!

Nickname: Happy Mommy Juice :) :) :) (seriously, Spark makes mommy happy!)

Note: While I am not a nutritionist, pharmacist, or doctor; AdvoCare does have an awesome Scientific and Medical Advisory Board that ensures our products are safe, effective, and formulated using cutting-edge science. Product descriptions listed on this page are directly summarized from AdvoCare's website and product pages.

The Bucket

Belief. Courage. Determination. Perseverance. Dedication. Purpose. Focus. Passion. Commitment.

These words describe intangible concepts one must posses in order to realize a goal.

Fear. Doubt. Shame. Uncertainty.

These words describe intangible concepts one must let go of in order to realize a goal.

Imagine yourself walking down a rocky path that ultimately leads to the achievement of your goal. Not just any goal, but THE goal. The life-long dream you dare to dream. The thing that, if you should accomplish it, represents the pinnacle of achievement in your life.

As you traverse this path you carry a bucket.

It's up to you to choose what you place in the bucket.

Will you let the heavy rocks of fear, doubt, shame, and uncertainty weigh you down?

Or, will you let go of those heavy burdens and leave them behind you on the path? Instead, choosing to pick up the shining gems of belief, courage, determination, perseverance, dedication, focus, passion, and commitment?

Before AdvoCare: My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part I

Long before AdvoCare found me, I had already set out on a path that would ultimately lead me towards a new and better future. You see, I did not know it at the time, but finding AdvoCare would not only be a turning point in my running and weight loss journey but also a turning point in my life. It's probably best understood from the beginning...

My 2012 New Year's Resolution was to lose weight. At 30 years old I weighed in at 192 lbs. Having recently given birth to my second child, instead of "losing the baby weight" I had just continued to pack on the pounds. I didn't like the way I looked. I didn't like the way I felt. So on the evening of January 1, 2012, I found myself attending my first-ever Weight Watchers meeting. 

Before Picture: 11-11-11 Size 16 - 18

The Points Plus Program assigned me thirty-some "points" a day and allowed for unlimited "free" fruits and veggies. The first meeting was fun and I liked the idea of being held accountable with weekly weigh-ins. The program structure seemed very supportive and conducive to my weight loss needs. One of my favorites tenets of the program was that you didn't HAVE to EXERCISE! 

This appealed to me because I was not a big fan of exercising. Over the course of my adult life, there have been a few brief periods of time where I have gotten on an 'exercising kick' and I probably even lost a few pounds here and there. Still, I despised exercising. It was hard. It made my body sore. It took a lot of effort. It was expensive. I didn't have the time. And, at the end of a long work day, I certainly didn't have the energy. (Sound familiar?)

It didn't take me long to realize that I was WAY off-base with the whole "no exercise" thing. While it wasn't required as part of the WW program, participants could earn extra Points, called Activity Points, for exercising. And extra Points = extra FOOD. I may have not been motivated to exercise for the sake of exercise, but the idea of having extra Points to splurge on that slice of pizza on Friday nights was sure motivating!

I decided it wouldn't hurt to exercise for 15-30 minutes 2 or 3 times a week. But, I was NOT going to RUN. Running was not my thing. No way. 

When I was in middle school some of my friends got the bright idea to join cross country. They did great. They loved gossiping back and forth as we traversed the trail behind the school. They held full conversations during those runs. Meanwhile I was red-faced and panting and praying I wouldn't trip and fall flat on my face. Eventually I would have to stop and walk while they ran on. In middle school cross country the races were only 2 miles but it took me the entire season to be able to run the full race without taking walking breaks. While my friends were running 7 minute miles, mine were 13 minutes. Needless to say that was the first and only season I participated in cross country. 

My only other running experience ever was a 5k race that I ran/walked with no prior training or conditioning. The race was sponsored by an agency I used to work for so I felt obligated by my role in the agency to participate in the race. Yeah. Probably the sorest I have ever been in my LIFE. 

No running for me. I would use the elliptical machine or walk on the treadmill to earn my Activity Points.

My husband was very supportive of my weight loss efforts. We stopping buying soda pop and began buying more fruits and vegetables. I would plan my meals in advance and log my Points prior to each meal. (I found it helpful to log the Points before I ate so I would be less tempted to overeat.) I started setting aside two or three nights a week to go to the gym. My husband would 'pick up the slack' by making dinner on those nights - and so we developed a new daily routine.

And, slowly, I began losing weight. 

12-18-12 Weight Loss 12 lbs. - Size 14

One day - a few weeks into my new exercising routine - I decided to run for one minute at the end of my treadmill session. Then next day I broke my 20 minute treadmill session into two, 10 minute halves, and I walked for 9 minutes and ran for the other minute. By February I was able to run for 6 minutes straight. It had been about 6 weeks since I started WW and I had lost about 12 pounds and I was feeling GOOD! 

Then, something unexpected happened and my Weight Watchers journey and my newly founded exercise routine came to a screeching halt... 

**Stay tuned for the next installment - My Running and Weight Loss Journey Part II**

Product Spotlight: Catalyst

Occasionally, I am going to post a product spotlight to highlight some of my favorite AdvoCare products. So I might as well start with my very favorite product - Catalyst of course!

What it is:  Branch-chain amino acids and L-Glutamine

What it does: Helps to protect and repair muscles while reducing fat

Who it's for: Anyone trying to slim down, boost strength and endurance, or preserve & protect lean muscle mass while restricting calories

Why I LOVE it: It promotes that "toned" and "defined" look many strive for!

Nickname: Lipo In A Bottle 

Note: While I am not a nutritionist, pharmacist, or doctor; AdvoCare does have an awesome Scientific and Medical Advisory Board that ensures our products are safe, effective, and formulated using cutting-edge science. Product descriptions listed on this page are directly summarized from AdvoCare's website and product pages. 

Belief

Beliefs are simply filters through which we see the world. Is the glass half full or half empty? I know it's an old cliche, but it's true. There is something to be said for thinking positive thoughts.

When you focus on the good things in your life the world around you seems to shift and twist in order to bring you more good things. So be grateful for the blessings in your life!

Believe in yourself and your ability to make your dreams a reality.

Whether it's losing weight, changing jobs, starting a new business, or finding that one special person to spend the rest of your life with - believing that you can do it is half the battle!

Spring Build Your Team Challenge

The Build Your Team Challenge is for anyone who wants to earn CASH while GETTING FIT and HELPING OTHERS!

AdvoCare products are for Everyone!

BUT... the business side of AdvoCare may not be for everyone. I am looking for ambitious team players who have a positive attitude about life and a desire to change their circumstances and become a Difference-Maker!

Are you someone who is starting a journey towards better health and wanting to help others do the same?

Are you someone who is looking for more energy and wants to help others do the same?

Are you someone who would like to earn an extra $500 or more a month part time and wants to help others do the same?

Are you someone who dreams big and desires time and financial freedom?

Or, maybe you are someone who is already living a healthy lifestyle and who sees the benefits of taking safe and effective supplements? Would you like to receive a 40% discount and earn extra cash by promoting your favorite products?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, we should talk!

This Spring I challenge you to Build Your Team! Complete the following 3 steps and you will automatically be entered to win a $100 CASH bonus!

1. Email me at AdvoCarewithLindsay@gmail.com to set up a business opportunity call. During this call we will determine if AdvoCare may be right for you as business - remember the products & discount are right for everyone!

2. Sign up to be an Advisor on my team www.advocare.com/130341739  and order your first 24 Day Challenge to start experiencing the benefits of AdvoCare products! You'll become a "product of the product"!

3. Link arms with me and start building your team by HELPING OTHERS! Sponsor 3 or more distributors to join your team - we'll work together to help them help others too!

Once the above three steps have been completed, you are automatically be entered to win a $100 CASH bonus in addition to the Rookie Bonus you may earn through AdvoCare! The winner will be drawn on May 31, 2014.

Comfort Zones

Why is it that people chose to live a mediocre life in their comfort zone instead of taking a risk and chasing their dreams?

John & I were talking about this the other day. We are at a point in our life where we keep on forging ahead, mainly within the confines of our comfort zone, struggling, as we continue to live a mediocre life.

Don't get me wrong. Our life is full of love. We're content. Happy even.

We laugh. We cry. We savor the good. Manage the bad.

Our children bring us great joy. And frustration. Life's a balancing act.  It goes with the territory.  It's part of the deal when you're living in the comfort zone.

We do feel blessed. No, strike that, we ARE blessed.

We are grateful.

But... I often find myself wanting more!

There has got to be more to life than both of us working full time,  living month to month, pay check to paycheck,  just trying to "get by".

We get ahead a little.

Then,  we get behind a little.

We save a little.

Then, we spend a little.

And we seem to be fighting a never ending battle with the clock. 24 hours in a day. 7 days in a week.

We spend our days pushing through til the evening. "Family time." In the evenings we rush around to get dinner, baths, and homework done before hitting the couch to "relax" for a few minutes before retiring to bed because we must do it all over again the next day.

We spend our weekdays waiting for the weekend and our weekends preparing for our weekdays.

The thing is, I know that this is how most families operate. And, like us, they're content. They find joy in the little things. They find comfort in the familiarity of their routines. That's the essence of the comfort zone.

And I'm sick of it!

We keep repeating the same routines and hoping things change. Expecting different results. Hoping we'll one day have more time with our kids. More money. Less stress.

But the thing is, if you want things to change... YOU have to change.

That's why AdvoCare is so appealing to me. AdvoCare promotes chasing your dreams. AdvoCare is a company that attracts the kindest, most caring, ambitious people - dreamers!

AdvoCare promotes a lifestyle that I want to have. A lifestyle I plan to achieve. The leaders in AdvoCare are ordinary people daring to step outside of their comfort zones in order to live an extraordinary life.
And they want to help others do the same.

After a year of dabbling in this business,  I am ready to commit to building something extraordinary. I am ready to help others break out of the chains of their comfort zones.

Whether that is getting off the couch and to the gym for the first time in years or purposely planning to get out from underneath the weight of your credit card debt or deciding that your dreams are worth chasing; I want to achieve my goals by helping you achieve yours!

Let's link arms and BE the change we are wanting to see in this world! Let's join hands and walk out of the comfort zone!

Reflection: What would you do if you knew you could not fail? 

My First Post - What this Blog is All About!

Hello! :) Welcome to my new blog! I decided to start this blog as a place to share my thoughts, feelings, pictures, successes, positive outlooks, revelations, and all thing AdvoCare and fitness related!

Oh, and RUNNING!

There will be lots of posts about running and my challenges, triumphs, training plan, supplements, etc. as I train for the Indy Mini-Marathon (aka half marathon aka 13.1) that I am running in May. This will be my second half and I am super-excited to run it with my sister, McKenzie! Woot-woot!

Here is the training plan I will be following -------->>>> MY HaLf MaRaThoN TrAiNinG PlaN ---->>>> So EXCITED!!

This is MEEE!!! :))

Yeppers! Before&After. I've come a long way baby! And I am still on my JOURNEY to BETTER HEALTH --- every day is a new day! One step at a time! I will share more in future posts about my journey up to this point (boy, what a journey it has been!!!) but this is my 1st post in this new blog and my goal here is to provide a snapshot of my life and why YOU want to FOLLOW this blog! 

We will have lots of fun together!

Sharing stories, recipes, healthy eating tips fitness successes and challenges, workout plans, the BEST AdvoCare products for YOU to take, how to reach YOUR goals (baby steps!! all about those baby steps!! :)  and much, MUCH more! 

Here's me showing off my guns today! #BabyMuscles --->>> #gettingStroNger (someday I will be posting pictures of my ABS!) Most definately --- that't the plan ---- #futureGoal (:

SOoo...

ARe you ready to make thisYOUR best year yet? ARe you READY for a change?! If so then this blog's for YoU!!

More about me:) I am a wife (my hubby rocks!) and a mother of 3 -- my sons are 11 & 2 AND my stepson is 11 also -- yes, almost like having twins, but not quite! ;) I work FULL TIME.

My point is I am a buSy girl -- like so many of you!!! -- and there is no way to "find" time to exercise. It's IMPOSSIBLE! But I maKe time!

WHY???? Because....

----->>>>

<<<<---------

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE food!!!

It tastes good.
It smells good.
It makes me feel hAppY!

I had to learn (and I am STILL learning) how to eat to live instead of living to eat. I am learning how to eat health foods. I am learning how to use food to FUEL my BODY instead of to relieve my anxiety.

Exercise + Healthy Foods + Proper Supplement = Weight Loss. SUCCESS! Balance.

And really... that's what this blog is all about - it's about finding the BALANCE in YOUR life.

Finding that SWEET SPOT where you look and feel Your veRy best!

This blog is about happiness -- SMILE  :-) -- Don't worry, BE happy!

And peace. It's definitely about allowing for those peaceful moments in our daily lives.

And...

It's about finding your SeXy!

Think back to that time in your life where you were Living -- I mean ReAlly LIVING -- waking up in the morning excited for what the day would bring! You felt powerful. And STRONG. Empowered. BeAutiful.

Life just FLOWED.

And, that, my friends is what this blog is ReAlly about...

This blog is about rediscovering YOU.

**Reflection Moment: What makes YOU tick??? <<please comment below and ShAre! What? Makes You? Tick?>>**

Thanks for reading : ) Stop Back ToMoRRoW for another post!