Source: Google Images
In life, there will be plenty of things that will happen that you may not be proud of. Things that you’d give anything to take back or to do over. There will be moments where you’re embarrassed or ashamed. But it won’t all be bad…these are just the things that may interrupt your seasons of happiness and joy. Continue reading
Everyday we see so many advertisements for losing weight without working out or slimming your waist within days by popping a pill…both of which seem highly unhealthy. It’s rare to see someone who actually takes the necessary steps in eating right and exercising to lose weight. I struggle daily with my weight and my body image. I went from being an extremely healthy athlete to overweight when I started college in 2001. I haven’t been able to get back to my old self since then. I walk around with weight that I’m not used to and actually motivating myself to get in the gym and stick with it is really hard. So, one day I was on the computer and saw a post from one of my Facebook friends. The post read:
Don’t chase your dreams CATCH THEM! If you would have told me 10 months ago that I would make a career out of helping others get in shape and that I would be a CERTIFIED INSANITY INSTRUCTOR, I would have laughed in your face! It still seems so surreal to me that I, Crystal Hughey, am a successful Beachbody Coach. I’m just a girl who struggled with fitness but finally decided to anchor down and get serious about getting healthy.
This year is all about stepping outside of my comfort zone. Last year I stepped out of my comfort zone by becoming a Coach. That decision was the best decision of the year so I decided to do more things that scare me. My 2014 Vision Board is full of things that scare me (like getting Insanity Certified and paying off my student loans in one year). I like to set my goals high and give myself huge challenges.
“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” ~Brian Tracy
In reading this, I got chills…like serious chills. Maybe if I show you all a timeline of Crystal’s journey you may understand why her story hits home. Check out her transformation:
Now, do you see why I look upon Crystal with such admiration?! She and I don’t interact with one another on a daily basis, but I did reach out to her and ask if she’d be alright with me sharing her story. There was no interview conducted, no heart to heart, no exchanging of life stories, just pure and organic respect for someone who worked their butt off to get to where they are now. When you are at a low point in life and the cards seem to be stacked against you, seeing someone take hold of their life is sometimes the best antidote to fixing something with yourself. She barely knows me and vice versa, but seeing her journey unfold on Facebook, of all places, has really shown me that it is possible. Hopefully, Crystal can spark something in you like she did for me! Thanks, Crystal and congrats on becoming a Certified Insanity Instructor!
If you want to follow more of Crystal Hughey’s journey, check out her site: Fitness With Chris
I find it fitting to address the ladies out there, especially on Independence Day. Being a woman isn’t easy; we are naturally emotional creatures, take many things personal and often put up with a lot of crap that we must take on with grace. Being a woman is a responsibility. WE, far too often, compromise our self worth, our integrity and our life, for men and for petty female drama. It’s time to take back our self appreciation and begin to realize just how special we really are. The second we allow and except disrespect, mental or physical abuse or anything less than high standards, is the second we give up the very thing that makes us great! Love is not mean. Love is not ignorant. Love doesn’t call you “bitch” or “hoe” or anything outside of our name that is degrading. People will only treat you as badly as you allow them. It’s never too late to make a change or set the bar a little higher than yesterday. Love yourself more than anyone else can and you’ll be just fine.
Sincerely,
DaniTheDreamgirl
It’s been a while since I’ve written an inspirational post and I am definitely in need of one, so this is not only for you…it’s also for me! Here goes nothing:
This month has been CRAZY! The word “stress” is definitely an understatement. I’ve been so stressed that I can feel it in my shoulders, in my back, my head…just everywhere. I will spare you the details and focus on the lessons of said stress. For starters, I’m learning not to put my faith in man and when I say “man” I mean people in general. I’m almost forced to only rely on God and prayer and I think that’s what I’m supposed to be doing because it’s helping. I’m finding myself being super sensitive with just about everything, so prayer offers some solid alone time with just me and the big guy upstairs. I need to refocus, set up a game plan and work towards certain goals within the upcoming months.
Is that enough of a pity party for you all? Ok, it is for me so that’s where it ends (lol). All I’m saying is, just go through the motions of whatever you may be experiencing and start praying hard. When you feel yourself getting angry or frustrated at the world then it’s time to take a step back and just relax. As the saying goes, it could always be worse so search for perspective. That’s what I’m trying to do.
I’d just like to start by saying that I’m not sorry for what you are about to read. This is my blog, this is my mind and it’s every bit of my prerogative to share what I want with the world. Call it a last straw, call it the straw that broke the camel’s back, call it what you want, but that moment of clarity has arrived. When you get to the point when all you want is total and complete happiness, you are willing to do any and everything to get it, including being selfish! YUP, selfish! It’s all about me, me and me…me.
I’m at the point where I just don’t give a hoot about certain things such as:
-People who walk out of my life
-Judgmental people
-Misplaced blame
-Ungratefulness
-Being taken for granted
-DISrespect
-Immaturity
-Stupidity
I learned a very valuable lesson this past week and that is to not allow myself to be treated anything less than what I am worth, by anyone…family included. If you choose to not support me, that’s fine…different strokes for different folks, but please step aside and let’s do away with the fake smiles. If you can’t be genuinely happy for me, pack your bags, your belongings, your space, your breath and exit the building. Sometimes people put up with more than they should and they keep negativity around and they fight for something that hmmm…wouldn’t fight for them. I’m taking back control of my life, my circle, my bubble! I’m so focused, I can taste the success. I will not allow myself to be derailed. My dreams are being protected!
Thanks for reading luvs!
Danithedreamgirl 