Faith and Sweat: The Awakening

I began my coaching journey after losing 40lbs with 21 Day Fix and Shakeology and feeling like a brand new me. I wanted to shout from the roof tops what I had learned and had a passion ignited in me to help as many people as I could. That's where our team was born! Dream Big Tribe grew and grew and together we were building a community of women who had a judgement free zone, a safe place they could check in daily to share their achievements and struggles, and anything else on their heart.

(Before I started making healthy changes/Me as a new Coach)

Then I hit a personal road block that felt like continued hurdles one after the next. Only a few months into my coaching journey I was hit on the freeway in an accident that literally rocked my world. Months of Physical Theraphy/Dr. Apts and a diagnosis of PTSD left me feeling a wave of emotions of  feeling defeated and determined to come out of this stronger than ever. A shorter version? I was in a glass case of emotions (yep I just made an Anchorman reference).

Anxiety, forgetfulness, feeling like Luna Lovegood with my mind jumping all over the place. I really struggled with focusing on one task and getting it done 100%. My workouts, my nutrition struggled as I attempted to put myself back to the person I was, the results I worked so hard for before the accident.

I'd get close, then something else would come up. Another hurdle, another obstacle. I'd find myself thinking "Why? What this now?" And feeling like a failure, a fraud of a coach because I couldn't get my self together.

Fast forward to present day, I want to tell you something that I realized. All this time I've spent trying to get BACK to the person I was pre-accident wasn't what I needed at all. Why do I say that?

Because I'm not that person anymore. And that's 100% ok.

God gives us events, seasons in our life to help mold us and shape us into the person He has planned for us to be. All these's hurdles, obstacles happening that have left me wondering "why?!" are examples of this. I needed to stop going backwards, to stop trying to be a person I wasn't any longer.

Taking a breath here for a second.. this is really hard to put out there.

While I've been going through these struggles being the scenes, on the outside I was trying to act like I was comfortable with who I was. I would share sprinkles of my anxiety, struggles, and did my best at the time to try to show the "whole" journey. But I was still afraid of what others would think, that I was coming across as a walking billboard for products and felt like I wasn't truly worthy enough to be a coach for other people when I couldn't get my own stuff together. In all honesty? The workout programs I've been doing these past almost 2 years, drinking my daily Shakeology has blessed my life in so many ways. I have more energy, my health is better for it and it's been a natural stress reliever for me. It's why I became a coach, because I truly believe Beachbody's products/programs are one of a kind and offer the ability to make this a lifestyle change and not a "quick fix, magic pill" that won't last. I also know that I'm not good to myself or others, if I'm not being authentically my self, the person God has designed me to be.

I've been pretty open with sharing that part of my journey with others. The part I haven't been sharing as much.. Me as a person. The Jesus loving, absent minded, anxiety filled, coffee drinking, arts and crafts addict, pumpkin fanatic, country living, mommy, wife, friend, daughter, sister, person.. that I am. I'm ready to embrace that and be that kinda coach, and stop trying to be the coach I used to be. Now more than ever I have a passion ignited in me to help others find peace, love, and confidence in their own skin. To be authentically you.

(Me now: No make up, post workout, Faith, Sweat and all. Ready embracing this new season)

That's where this new season has begun. 3 words that have been ringing in my ears for weeks now.

Faith and Sweat.

Typically when I come up with a new challenge group... new blog series... new coach training, etc.. I spend weeks and sometimes months behind the scenes building it up before I launch it.

I'm doing things differently this time. I'm going to be sharing with you from the very beginning.

What is Faith and Sweat?

Faith is crucial. Faith in God's timing, in His plan. Also, having faith in the process of making healthy lifestyle habits. Knowing that things take time, that this is a journey and not something that will happen over night. A daily choice to have faith in that journey and knowing that God is good all the time. Even when the season seems foggy or dreary.

"Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will be moved. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:21

Sweat. I believe with all my heart that God gives us opportunities and gifts/life experiences to put to work, as tools to make things happen. You have big dreams? You have goals planted so deep in your heart that you want to make a reality? You gotta put in the sweat, the hard work to make it happen. It can be scary, sometimes it may feel like your feet are glued to the floor because you are afraid of failing. The truth? You will never truly fail with the Lord God on your side.

Have faith in the process, sweat your hearts hopes and dreams... Together, Faith and Sweat. Mountains will be moved.

Whether you have health and fitness goals you have started and stopped more times than you can count, have financial goals you want to reach, or whatever it is that's been planted in your heart to make a reality... I would love for you to join me from the beginning of this new project. This new season.

What will be a part of this project?

Honestly? I'm not 100% sure yet (see I told you this is starting from square one). There will Mon- Fri daily FB lives here: https://www.facebook.com/lifelightup/

There will be daily tips, and sharing my own personal journey as I dig into my own faith and sweat.

There will be blog posts.

There will be me here to encourage you, fellowship with you either in our Dream Big Tribe community and/or privately as your coach.

I'm done trying to be the coach I think I should be, and ready to be the coach/person that God has planned for me to be in this season of time.

Will you join me?

FB Live Access: www.FB.com/LifeLightUp

Fill out my online form.

The easy to use Wufoo form builder helps you make forms easy, fast, and fun.

Take a Spring Break from Bad Eating habits

Committing to a healthy lifestyle change is a daily choice it's not something you can commit to for a day and then "poof you are the healthiest person of all time" (being a little extreme here, lol). Like all things, it takes consistency, will power and determination. 

Have you started and stopped eating clean more than you can count? Do great for a day or so and then fall back into old habits? 

I have a 3 Day Plan that will help you spring clean those bad eating habits and jump start your towards your health and fitness goals!

Join me in a private group for 3 days as we reset our eating habits, following simple delicious eating plan, daily inspiration, motivation and accountability. A few days before we begin I will be sharing daily video messages giving you tips on how get prepped for this 3 Day Refresh, and posture your heart and mind to make this healthy lifestyle change.

Interested in joining us? Fill out the form below and I'll get in touch with you asap to get you fired up and ready to begin!

Fill out my online form.

Online contact and registration forms from Wufoo.

Getting Back on the Wagon - It's a Choice.

For those of you that know me personally or have been following my pics on social media know my family and I just moved from the city to the country side. We up rooted our family from a townhome with no yard to 38 acres of Homestead. Some would say extreme (including me, lol) but we also say it's an adventure! We are very excited to create our forever home on this land and make it something for our kids to grow up on full of memories and life experiences.

Tonight's blog isn't about that though, it's about the choice we can make to recommit and get back on the wagon. 

I will admit right here and now that Jenny, the coach, the one that works out daily, eats clean has fallen off course. These past couple weeks have been lots of moving, repairs, getting our house ready to sell, escrow, packing, more packing, etc. Our routine has been off and it's been hard for me to stick with my current program 22 Min Hard Corp and give it the best effort that I want too give it. We still have lots of work a head of us as we are preparing to build our new house, adjusting to living in a cabin, repairs on the land, and so on. I could keep eating sporadic meals and slice of pizza because it's convenient, or I can make the choice to begin again and get back on the wagon.

I don't mean "band wagon" I mean lacing those shoes back up, getting my meal prep on and jumping back into a routine again. 

Life can be messy, we have seasons, chapters and events in our life that can take us off course from our goals. That's a reality. But we have a choice whether or not we are going to let that get us back into old unhealthy habits or not. 

When I became a coach I promised myself that I wouldn't just show the "high light reel" of a healthy lifestyle. I wanted to be candid, and share the whole story, not just the "after pics". So here it is, my public pledge that I am officially "back on the wagon" and ready to rock this 8 week round of 22 Min Hard Corp. 

Are you ready to get back on the wagon with your healthy lifestyle changes? Here are 5 things you can do starting right now to get back on track.

1. Calendar/Schedule out your workouts. What ever program you are following print out a copy of that calendar (you can find them in pdf form on your Beachbody On Demand or type/write out your own) and post it on your fridge. Each day you will check off that workout once it's been done. This will help keep you motivated because you'll feel accomplished each time you get to check off another box.

2. Meal Prep Time! Pick a day each week as your designated meal prep day. For my family it's Sunday afternoons. I'm able to prep out lunches and snacks for the whole week ahead. You can read how I go about this HERE

3. Drink your Shakeology everyday. Seriously this stuff is my jam. It's delicious, tastes like a chocolate milkshake but I'm really getting a ton of super foods, probiotics, protein, my daily vitamin, energy boost (bye bye afternoon coffee fix) and it curbs my sweet tooth. Need I say more?

4. Accountability Partner/Group: I run challenge groups because I know from personal experience how beneficial they are to this journey. I became a coach because I fell in love with the aspect of a challenge group. You get daily accountability, inspiration, motivation and you make friends that are there right along side you cheering you on.

5. Consistency. Sounds easy enough right? Whether you were on point with your eating all day or not, you show up again tomorrow and put your best effort in again. And again and again. this isn't a quick fix. This is a lifestyle change. 

I hope these 5 tips will help you get back on the wagon as you start to work towards those health and fitness goals you've set for yourself! I would LOVE to be that person in the corner for you helping you stay accountable, inspired and excited to reach your goals. 

If you are ready to do this fill out the items below and let's get to moving together! :)

Fill out my online form.

Use Wufoo integrations and get your data to your favorite apps.

First Weekend at R&M Ranch

Last weekend we had the blessing to go out and spend 2 nights in the Cabin we will be living in the next few months while our house is built. Our plan for the weekend was to get as much prep work done around there as we can. And to bring up a large load of tools and other items we'll need to do some repairs on the land before we move in 2 weeks later. 

Carson was a "tiny" bit excited to say the least. It was pretty cute, I had already packed all the clothes we'd need (and then some) for the weekend. He came upstairs when it was time to go with his backpack stuffed with 2 pairs of jammies for him and Lily, and he packed snacks. Love that boy so much and his heart.

One of the things I love about our land is that it's only about 5 minutes off the freeway. But once you hit that dirt road leading into our property it feels like you are out in the middle of no where. So quiet, beautiful, and peaceful. 

(Pic on the Left: Back road in/ Pic on Right: Front side in)

The kids "loft" in the cabin. I'm really excited to make this room extra special for them while our house is being built. First night sleep up there was a little rough for Lily. New place, excitement, she just didn't want to go to sleep! I ended up sleeping up there with them this weekend. I think they enjoyed that :)

First morning up there was my favorite. Carson and I were the first to be awake and we quietly went downstairs, snuggled up under a blanket, read a train book and watched the sun rise over the mountains together. I'll never forget that moment, it's something I'll always treasure. Thank you Jesus!

Breakfast on the porch, it was so beautiful outside!

While Hubby and the Grandparents worked hard, my job was to keep these kiddos busy and we worked on organizing the cabin. We even took a few trips hauling material in the golf cart, the kids loved that.

That's our girl. She's totally in her element.

Carson calls this "rock climbing" and he'd do it all day if I let him.

An old Fire pit ring we found on the land. Grandpa used it to make us a new fire pit.

How we ended night #2. Our campfire was literally the only light past the cabin, the stars are so bright out there. It's amazing to see God's canvas like that.

(Board games with Grandma)

Lily checking out the pantry/solar panel conex box.

I shot a gun for the first time this weekend on our shooting range! Never thought that would happen.

This was a major proud mama moment for me. We were all working hard on Sunday to finish up chores so we could head back down the mountain to town. Carson said he wanted to help, got a broom and went and swept every step leading up to cabin without being asked. He said "Mom I made it safe for everyone to walk on!" (tears) I'm so thankful for this boys heart, his desire to help and he's excitement for this new chapter of our lives.

Our first weekend was a success! Great weather, no problems, lots of team work and memories made. I can't believe that in less than 2 weeks this land will be our forever home. Stay tuned for many blog post and updates on the journey to building our homestead, house and adventures. 

With love,

10 Reasons Why Taking 30 minutes a Day to Exercise is Worth Your Time

Having a hard time convincing yourself to get a workout in today? Well I have 10 reasons that will help you get off the couch and get your body moving!

1. It lifts your mood! Yep, not only will you feel accomplished for completing your workout. You will also feel a boost in your mood! 

2. It helps you lose weight and strengthen your body

3. Boosts your mental health! 

4. Let's get real. We spend more time scrolling through social media each day than the time it takes to get a 30 minute workout in. Let's all commit to putting our phone down and taking charge of our health!

5. Improves Sleeping Patterns: Hello sweet dreams! I'm all for a good night sleep :)

6. Strengthens your heart and bones!

7. Leading by example for your loved ones. Spouse, kids, co-workers, friends... the list goes on and on. By leading a healthier lifestyle you will start a ripple effect to others around you encouraging them to do the same.

8. Because it's ONLY 30 minutes (sorry I had to say it).

9. Helps improve your eating habits. On those days you've put in a workout you'll think extra hard about what you choose to eat. Why waste the hard work you just put in?

10. Getting 30 minutes of exercise each day will overall help improve your quality of life. You will be more motivated to go after your dreams, you will improve your physical and mental health and will take more opportunities to seize the day! We only get one body to live in, want to help and bless others? Take better care of your body! You will have more energy to be present in all areas of your life. 

So are you ready to get moving and get that workout in? You can do this! And I would love to be there to help encourage and support you. If you are looking for an accountability partner/Coach fill out the quick form below and I will get back to you asap!

Fill out my online form.

Have a blessed day!