Stitch Fix Anticipation

Stitch Fix Anticipation

I have always loved clothes.  I can remember getting my very first fashion magazine.  I was mesmerized—the pretty colors, the way the clothes and accessories were put together, the hope that one day those items might be mine.

Fast forward to my first day of Pinterest… wardrobes of every style, variety, color, season at the touch of my fingers.  LOVE!  If only I could get my hands on those clothes, just to try them on, see them once, and send them back.  I even journaled this idea once:

2/9/13
Wouldn't it be awesome if all of the items I have pinned on “Wardrobe Wishes” on Pinterest were right here & I could try them on & keep the ones I love. That would make today an awesome day. And I would look super fantastic! Woo.

That was before Stitch Fix.  Today IS that awesome day! If you love clothes, if you have no time to shop like you want, or if you just really like getting packages in the mail, you have got to check this out!  Stitch Fix is a clothing subscription!  I just thought I loved getting that magazine in the mail.  Talk about interactive!  Stitch Fix can come as often as you want.  I have chosen to receive a monthly fix.  Five items come, based on a profile I have filled out and a Pinterest Board I made.  YAY!  I get to try on the items, keep what I love, and send back what I can live without.  I get to tell my personal stylist what I loved, what I didn’t, and why.  And did I mention the return is super easy and free. 
I have had 4 fixes.  My first was in July.  I don't always keep all the items, but there is always at least one item that I love.  The items are very high quality(at least the ones that I've kept so far have been), and they are unique to my area, so I won't see someone else dressed as my "twinkie" as we used to call it in junior high.  By the way, I did keep all 5 items once and received the bonus 25% discount.  Woo!

Today is my StitchFix day!  I can't wait to see what that delivery truck brings down my RED DIRT drive. It feels kind of like Christmas!  Stayed tuned.  I’ll show you what I got.  In the meantime GRACE and peace to you and yours.

How to get motivated Part 3: Recruit a workout partner

Part 3

Recruit a workout partner

One thing is for sure, accountability works…whether it's in exercise, eating right, or even Bible study. When I know someone is counting on me, I am more likely to try hard.  I just can’t stand the idea of letting them down.  Having a friend to workout with you makes it easier to get to the trail or the mat or wherever you choose to get your sweat on. 

First of all, a friend will cheer you on when you don't really want to finish. And there are plenty of times that I didn't want to finish but I kept going simply because someone was watching. 

Sometimes a partner creates a little friendly competition.  There are many people who thrive on this kind of motivation.  If that’s you, use it to get going!

Another thing to consider... there are so many cool partner workouts on Pinterest and in fitness magazines that look like so much fun.  I don’t know about you, but I love to try fun new workouts, and how can I do that without a workout buddy?

It’s been proven time and time again that we become like the people we hang around.  So grab hold of a purpose-driven encourager and lift each other up! God has given me the GRACE to work next to a beautiful and like-minded friend who encourages me and often joins me in my fitness journey.  We coach each other and cheer for each other.  I don’t know what I’d do without her. 

I have also had the opportunity to work out with an amazing group of ladies at Texas Fit Chicks.  I love these ladies of all ages and fitness levels.  And our trainer, Jessica… well, it would take another post entirely to tell you how much she has meant to me.  If you’re in Texas and have the opportunity, check out Texas Fit Chicks… the first class is always free. 

You will make new friends, be inspired by real, motivated, hardworking women, and your overall health will thank you.

Whatever your workout plan, don’t go alone.  My good friends cheer me on, count on me, and keep me motivated. They inspire me to inspire others. 

How to Get Motivated: Part 2: Get something new

Part 2: Get something new

This week, I'm talking about motivation, especially in fitness. You see, I took some time off... And then some more time off... And then some more... It's been awhile since I was consistently working out. Not good.  I needed to get up & get movin'!

So I got something new.

Now don't worry. You don't have to break the bank. In fact, I got my something new for free.
You may need something different, but here are some ideas...

1. Get a new workout
Today's technology makes choosing a workout so easy. There are tons of apps that will help get you motivated. There are about a million Pinterest challenges to choose from. Or you can go old-school with a DVD. My recent fix: I found 2 free apps for my phone. A running app that I can set to whatever challenge level  I want (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) and a 7-minute workout app which challenges my full body. Yes, I said 7 minutes!  It's hard to talk yourself out of that.  But you have to choose what works for you. Whatever gets you going.

2. Buy New shoes.
Since I was a kid, getting a new pair of comfy athletic shoes makes me feel a bit like running. Nothing's changed. New shoes and/or new workout clothes could be the inspiration you are looking for. Get dressed, feel good & rock on.

3. Make a New playlist.
Buying a couple of new hits on iTunes (May I recommend a tune from RockingP Genuine album? J)or just re-vamping your workout list could get you out the door easier. I know downloading something new onto my song list just makes me want to hit the RED DIRT trail.

4. Remember each day is a New day.
Each day has its own troubles... Rain falls on your trail, family crises ring out on your phone, time melts off your schedule. You may regret what didn't happen yesterday, but you don't have to regret today.

I pray God gives you the GRACE you need to work up a sweat & to feel proud of your hard work. Try something new today. It may be just what you need to start a fire

How to Get Motivated

 PART 1
Lately, I haven’t been as motivated in some areas as I need to be.  You might have noticed that.  I can’t remember the last time I posted something on this blog.

My workouts have not been as consistent as needed either.  I’m surprised the scale and the fit of my jeans hasn’t called this out louder.  Change is always subtle, but it will produce results, positive or negative.

So it was about time I got this crazy train headed back in the right direction.

There are miles to be run, songs to be written, encouragement to pass on.  No time for crying.  I had to get moving.  Here’s how I got motivated to start working out again.

I GOT MAD.

ANGER --Sometimes it works for me.  I just get flat-out ticked off at my circumstances and go after them with a vengeance.  Nothing fuels desire better than a little righteous anger.

Believe me when I say there is nothing wrong with getting angry at Weakness and knocking it down.  WEAKNESS certainly creeps up and attacks us at any given moment, but we don’t have to be defeated.  Instead we can use WEAKNESS as a catalyst for change, a starting point to gain strength.  Get ANGRY at what’s holding you back and defeat it through hard, sweaty WORK.

Like the old saying about hitting rock bottom... there's no place to go but up. So push off, and let FAILURE be an opportunity to rise. Only when we recognize and acknowledge areas that need improving, can we act on making them better. Sometimes the revealing of our weaknesses gives us clarity and persistence to reach for our strengths.

This is not the end.  Get your hands up and get in the fight.  Your struggle may not be about fitness, but something else.  We all have so many battles to face in our lives, and once we get one opponent knocked down for a moment, another is swinging from the other side.  

I hope that no matter who you are or what your struggle, you can find a little GRACE and encouragement in this series of posts.  I’m not done yet, but the GUITARS and RED DIRT are calling my name. So I’ve got to get in the FIGHT, but I’ll see you tomorrow, and I’ll be stronger.  Will you?