Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Manual Mind Clearing


Just like our computers, iPads, and all other forms of electronic devices need clearing, so does our mind.  And, like those things, our mind doesn't do it automatically.  In fact, without manually clearing our minds, it can easily get crowded with negativity, clouded with depression, and consumed by dangerous "cookies" causing us to eventually...crumble.

By manually, I mean physically.  In order to clear our minds we must get outside, move, sweat, live.  Leave the monotony of work or the chores of dishes and laundry for a few hours each week to decompress and clear our minds.

It is very easy to get caught up in what should be done, what needs to be done, and what is actually necessary.  So often, our mental and physical health take the back burner to household duties, work responsibilities, or family demands.  I'm not saying these things aren't important, but they can't be completed properly if we aren't, first, taking care of ourselves.

Moving does so much for our physical fitness, but what we often don't realize is how much it does for our mental and emotional fitness as well.  Clearing our mind allows us to de-stress, gain perspective, and have quiet time with ourselves.  It is necessary.  Necessary in order for us to be patient, kind, loving, and connected.  It gives us the clarity to focus our attention on the things in life that truly matter.

You can sweat out anything: anger, frustration, excitement, anxiety, fear, depression, hurt, sadness.  There is nothing a good run or walk or sweaty gym session can't help.  You're not just burning calories!

What do you do to clear your mind?

Monday, May 13, 2013

Lessons from my Mother


I've learned so many valuable lessons from my mother...
~to laugh with my mouth wide open allowing snorts to escape~never to litter and to pick up litter when possible~to work hard and diligently at everything I do~the value of a good pair of shoes~to prep food ahead of time so that meals are easier throughout the week~that classic and simple equates elegance~
to write thank you notes~the importance of making time for friends~to try new things~to dig deep for the thrifted gems~to scream and run from rodents~to find a man to take care of those rodents~that its okay to be emotional~tears don't mean weakness~less is more~makeup should be used to accentuate beauty not cover it up~modest is hottest~the way we treat others speaks volumes about ourselves~everyone needs someone to love them~patience~unconditional love~forgiveness~how to hold my head up and smile when things are hard~to kill people with kindness~to take the high road~
not to change something if it doesn't need it~to appreciate my hair just the way it is~to be silly and make time to laugh~the importance of a good night's rest~the beauty in a Disney movie~the value of spending time with loved ones~how to care for another human being~to get dirty and allow messes to happen~to bake cookies~to make up games~to build snow angels~to finish what you start

I'm so blessed to have the mom I have.  On Mother's Day I found myself sad that I couldn't spend the day with her and then I realized how lucky I am that I could talk to her.  I can talk to my mom every single day, hear her voice, and lean on her for support.  I'm so lucky to have an amazing mom and an even more amazing best friend.

I love you, mom!
stillbeingmolly

Friday, May 10, 2013

Bows over Bros


If you follow me on Instagram (domesticatedwwoman), you see things like this at least once a week.  Sometimes I post pictures of my shoes on the road, rehydrating after a run, or my sweaty face after making a PR.  You're not going to see me apologize for any of it.

I've heard people complaining about the number of pictures posted or the "unnecessary" sharing of pictures.  And it always irritates me a little bit.  For one, no one is making you look at those pictures.  You are choosing to follow the person whose picture is on your screen.  If you don't like what they're sharing, don't follow!  For two, people share what they want or sometimes need to share.

I need to share pictures like this.  It keeps my goals in front of my face where I need to see them.  It motivates me to keep going.  It motivates others.  It holds me accountable.

I need motivation.  I need someone in my corner cheering for me.  I need to know that if I fail to run not only am I letting myself down, but I'm letting someone else down as well.  Maybe it's only one person, but that person is helping me to reach my goals.

Whatever happened to sisterhood, bows over bros, and loving support?  I can't really understand why seeing images like this would make someone upset unless their upset stems from jealousy.  If anything, when I see images like this on other people's feeds, I'm motivated to go do the same thing!

Recently a friend texted me saying, "I just wanted you to know I've started running because I see you posting about your 50 miles all the time."  That is why I post my pictures.

I love the community that social networking provides.  There are people I would have never met if not for Instagram or blogging and I'm so grateful to have them in my corner.  Kristine is a fantastic motivator and friend.  She is uplifting and positive and leads the lifestyle I lead.  I co-host Fitness Friday with Kelly and she always shares great recipe ideas.  Ashley is the sweetest, most supportive person ever.  She is constantly encouraging me on MyFitnessPal and Twitter.  Nikki and Manda are always encouraging me and inspiring me to push harder and stay on track.  Check them out and stick around if you're in need of some fitness motivation and inspiration!

I say let's stop with the jealousy, stop tearing each other apart
and start building one another up and working toward our goals together!

You with me?!

Here is what I accomplished this week for my May miles:
Saturday: 5k (PR = 28:20) = 3.1 miles
Sunday: 1 with dogs
Monday: off
Tuesday: 3 miles, 1 with dogs
Wednesday: 4 miles, 1 with dogs
Thursday: 2 miles with dogs

Total: 15 for a total of 19 miles so far!

Link up your fitness achievements/goals below!



Honor Courage Commitment

Honor Courage Commitment