New Year... Dare, I say "Resolutions?!"

Most of us struggle with weight and our own body images... and New Year's resolutions typically involve eating better or eating healthier or some combination of both.  I'm not one to make resolutions, but I think this is my year that I have to do so. I've been slacking way too much!

After years of fitness, I admit I am battling a fluctuation of about ten extra pounds, and snuggling in versus hitting the treadmill at 5 a.m. has been a lot more appealing to me.  HOWEVER, I am just not happy with how I feel... which is thick. And not in the good way!

I was injured in September 2020 and am still suffering pain in my left side and just under my heart, so I know that I need to be gentle with myself.  This acceptance made me want to re-boot my blog here and invite you to do the same.  Or, if you don't share these goals, offer my advice and guidance to anyone you know facing this right now.

You don't need to "go hard" or thrust 200% to each workout.  Yes - there are times and places for boot camp style workouts, but if you are your own coach, I suggest being a team and supporting yourself. We all beat ourselves up far too much each day - don't let fitness be your tough love time.

I used to run about 1.5 miles three times a week in addition to my other workouts.  Today, I barely did one full mile.  It takes time and patience to get back... neither of which I am known for having! This is very important to me, though, so it's going to have to work.  

My 2022 bloom planner has an entire intro section for goals.  I have a lot of goals - too many, in fact.  But they are all important to me, so I need to figure out how to meet them.  Even if I don't accomplish them all within a year from now, progress is key.  And that is my point to my getting-back-to-Marni fitness stats.

Feel free to join me - and please offer comments and your experiences, if you can.  #strongertogether!

As the Saying Goes...

Yes, Change IS constant.

When my daughter was graduating and moving out in the super memorable year of 2020, we agreed that my downsizing to a one-bedroom apartment, *with a sleeper sofa*, made far more sense than staying in a two-bedroom apartment that I wasn't exactly delighted with living.  She was, after all, holding aspirations to move across the country if not out of the United States.

However, I didn't have a plan.  I moved. That was that... one day at a time, right?  Finding my new role as a single, empty-nest working woman pursuing a side gig of fitness.

I continue to be grateful for my first job in Texas, I have been so blessed to find communities focused on fitness, and I still enjoy going to places all around the state.  As far as where to call home though, my new chapter expanded outside the city limits.  My time living alone had challenges and benefits, and then my boyfriend and I decided to combine households this past summer.  So now, this Midwest girl from a small town in Illinois is now calling Lago Vista, Texas her new home.  I've learned a lot about myself the past few years and plan to continue to do so while I have been invited to a new community. 

The people I have met already are so encouraging and supportive... and frankly, downright welcoming, genuine and all around great friends. With the much longer commute, I needed to find employment closer to home, so even more changes continue!

Still needing to step out of my comfort zone, I trust further growth and development exist.  Tomorrow is never known, so you need to take the steps that make you happy today. This moment, and trust yourself.

With a new calendar year approaching already, I have many To-Dos and need to take some time to reflect on the Want-To-Dos. If I have been taught anything in all the paths of my history, it takes faith and patience... and remembering that "Change is Always Constant."

Years of Change...

The year 2020... so much for the visions of flying cars and teleporting. This particular calendar year provided more challenges, grief and frustration for the world than any other that I can recall in my somewhat-short lifetime.

My daughter finished her high school career taking her courses on-line. Those of us able to continue our jobs all began working remotely.  Travel was limited.  Socializing with friends came to an abrupt halt. Life changed completely for most of us. Hope's relocation to New York City was put on hold... then put on hold a couple more times. As December marked the end of the year, I looked back at how much changed in those twelve months.

In December 2019, I had dropped to the lowest low I remember in decades. Through meditation, fitness and the aid of two life coaches, I found my way back to myself just as the COVID-19 quarantines began and limited all my therapeutic outlets and support network.

Surprisingly, as well, however, I met an incredible man during this pandemic. We met online and then in person outside at a park, which isn't unconventional in a beautiful city like Austin that has an amazing amount of hiking trails, water activities and outdoor venues, but it was definitely one of the few options of meeting during quarantine. It was the flexibility of his personality that led me to meet him in person, social-distanced.  As we talked and learned about one another, I found a soul connection that I did not expect.  As we continue to discover differences, we gravitate to a similar core of beliefs, values and desires.

My exercise classes stopping affecting me drastically.  My fitness community is such a lifeline for me, especially being solo in a new city!  Luckily, we began virtual sessions, which aren't ideal - it's the social aspect and feeling their energy that motivates me! But we have made the best of it, and it has pushed me further out of my comfort zone while showing me new challenges to overcome.

Looking at the New Year, I can't say that my path is clearly set ahead of me - which after the challenges raised in 2020, I think we all share this period of unknown but yet are still hopeful and driven.  I feel so much stronger than I did just a few months ago and definitely better than just thirteen months ago.

Living fully in the present is the key and not an easy task for a personality that is always looking at what the next goal and improvement is going to be.  I have goals and missions, but taking things one day at a time and remaining open to possibilities is the best approach for me.  As one of my wonderful friends reminded me last week, most things in life are not "emergencies." I'm working on perspective... and I am grateful. Always, always grateful.