Choose... You.

Often times we believe that if we put ourselves first, we are being selfish, in fact aren’t we raised to believe that? That is not the type of selfish I mean here; I am not talking about being so selfish that you neglect family and responsibilities or being just a jerk that won’t do for others. I am talking about putting some things aside, so that You can have me time. Yes, the elusive Me time, who ever really has it? Between work, children, errands, did I say work?! Me time has become an urban legend, something people talk about in whispers and dark rooms, no, seriously! Who gets Me time? I’ll tell you who; Smart People.  Yup, that’s what I said: Smart People! Smart people know that without Me time, they get sick from overwork and stress. Smart people know that they have to find the time to exercise to keep healthy, even if it’s five in the morning( I know, that’s painful). Most importantly; Smart people know that Me time is just that, ME TIME! and it is whatever makes you happy: a manicure, sitting in front of your computer, reading a book, or just sitting doing nothing, it is your time. Time for you to get your thoughts in order, or not have a thought at all. Make time for Me time and recharge your mind and spirit. 

Bloom

"Bloom where you're planted", I have heard this my whole life and never really "got" it, until now.
When in situations that we think we can't deal with, we usually can, but it takes changing our perspective. No! I know it's not easy, and it sounds so simplistic, but it WORKS!  Prime example;  I didn't like the apartment I was in, it was small, I couldn't stand the landlords, shall I go on? I didn't even realize I was complaining out loud to people! Then one day ( I guess I was sighing and complaining AGAIN!) and my friend looked at me and said "Dawn, bloom where you are planted" she channeled my mama! I was shocked and she was right. I shut my mouth and changed my thinking; instead of saying " I can't stand living here!" I started decorating, I painted, I started buying myself flowers for my table, I started falling in love with my space. I used the same technique with losing weight, I don't know why I forgot( but we Do!) I started loving my body, I started taking in healthy food and positive knowledge that would help me love my body AND mind. I changed my perspective, and I bloomed. I stopped making my weight ( excuse my pun) bigger than me, I realized that perspective, attitude, whatever you want to call it, plays such a huge role in everything we do. Don't believe? Try it... I'm just sayin' :)
Peace!

43

When I look back on my 43 years on this beautiful Earth, I like to go over, review if you will, all the myths and untruths that have been passed down.  Some very funny, some just out right silly!
1. Men don't care if women shave. Really?! Who are these men? So, I guess when summer comes and you are out with your man wearing a tank, looking as if you have a short person with a BIG afro in a headlock! You think your man won't be a little embarrassed? Okay, test it Little Sasquatch! :)

2. Men don't care if you get a Mani/Pedi ( This means manicure and pedicure for those that Don't get them!)  Really?! Who are these people?! Okay, so in your world cracked, steel-wool heels are sexy? When you walk on linoleum and your toes make that clicking sound on the floor this is okay?  OR when you have ruined multiple sets of sheets; due to your toes slashing them, don't you think it is time to file those knives down?

3. When you are in Love, weight doesn't matter anymore.
 Ahhh.... the Lies. Let's face it together; we are all shallow to a certain degree. We think about looks before health ( high heels prove that! Poor back!) Most of us want to look our very best , so why is it, when we get into a relationship, or become a certain age, we let it all go?  Then we blame love, career, children, etc. for our inability to love ourselves. Yes! I SAID: For our inability to Love ourself enough to keep heart healthy, spiritually happy,or mentally happy; they are all tied together.  Yup, Dawn is on her soapbox , but, how much time do you dedicate, per week, to being loving to.... You?  Not for a man or woman, just for you.  Exercise, meditate, approve of yourself, affirm who you are, be in LOVE with you! It took me 43years to learn it.... I'm just sayin'
Peace :)

Fit2bFree!: Self-Motivation

Fit2bFree!: Self-Motivation: "Though everyone has the right to their opinion... (disclaimer), it bugs me a little when I read things like this: ' It doesn't take Self-Mot..."

Self-Motivation

Though everyone has the right to their opinion... (disclaimer), it bugs me a little when I read things like this: " It doesn't take Self-Motivation to lose weight!" REALLY!?  It takes self-motivation to get out of bed sometimes! I wonder when people make these statements do they THINK first? Have they ever been over weight? Have they ever had their thighs rub!? Shall I NOT go there? Seriously, when I was heavy and I couldn't afford the gym or the Trainer and all of the accouterments that go with, it was my self-motivation that made me get up at five am, eighty - five pounds over the limit and move it till I was crying! Self-motivation is what kept me from eating things.... really good, hot, sticky things( you know those things!), that were bad for me. Self-motivation is what keeps you exercising, food journaling; writing down ALL that you ate, every day ( tedious, but it works) Self-motivation helps you stay focused, it helps you block out the negative, because you know that what you are doing, all the hard work, all the tears, all the ups and downs of that darn scale are going to lead to one of The best sounds in the world: The sound of the zipper on your favorite pair of jeans going up nice and easy... aaaahhhh!  So don't talk to me about how losing weight doesn't take self-motivation unless you have been there with thighs rubbin' :)
Peace!

OBSESSED! ( scary music playing )

I am totally obsessed with working my obliques.... ( your sides people! lol) You know; Love handles (why do they call them that? There is NO love there!) Muffin Top( Why connect something as Lovely as a muffin with something so evil is beyond me!), Jean overhang, Mid - tire... Shall I go on? Anyway, I am really hitting them HARD! So hard by the way that I can barely turn! What is the matter with me? Do you remember that commercial, where they ask can you pinch more than an inch? I HATE THAT COMMERCIAL! It is in my head... I have pinched myself raw! I know what your thinking... She is crazy! Yes, I know! LOL! But seriously; I think that we all do this, where we focus on one part of our body ( mine this month just happens to be obliques) and we get crazy. Make sure to remember that it probably isn't as bad as you think it is, keep the positive thoughts going and tell the negative thoughts to SHUT-UP! Really! Say it out loud if you need to to, and the Most important point: Be able to laugh at yourself and call Youself... CRAZY! 
PEACE EZ!
D.