Gilly Anne Smith

Growth and Change

2012-02-03T10:34:00.000-06:00

There's a correlation between the two: Growth & Change

‎Transformation is not five minutes from now; it's a present activity. In this moment you can make a different choice, and it's these small choices and successes that build up over time to help cultivate a healthy self-image and self esteem.

It takes a deep commitment to change and an even deeper commitment to grow.

“Only repentance leads to the sunlit uplands of a better life... Repentance is a divine gift, and there should be a smile on our faces when we speak of it. It points us to freedom, confidence, and peace. Rather than interrupting the celebration, the gift of repentance is the cause for true celebration.”
(D. Todd Christofferson, ‘Divine Gift of Repentance’, Ensign, Nov 2011)

5 Aspects of Repentance
1. The invitation to repent is an expression of love.
2. Repentance means striving to change.
3. Repentance means committing to obedience.
4. Repentence requires a willingness to persevere, even through pain.
5. Whatever the cost, repentence is swallowed up in the joy of forgiveness.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” -Aristotle

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving.”
-Dale Carnegie

“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.” -Earl Nightingale

“Life isn’t as serious as the mind makes it out to be.” -Eckhart Tolle

“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.” -James Allen

STOP

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-06:00

being lame... follow your passions & dreams.

noun. 1. the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

2012-01-20T10:24:00.004-06:00

I have numerous vision books, and journals of just mumbo jumbo ideas. But until recently I've been in a rut on actually committing to any of my dreams. I've been hesitant to set new goals. But the reality is I'm a goal driven person.. when I actually do commit myself to someone or something it's game over. I won't stop until it's complete. I'm currently mastering how to be content and happy with where I'm currently at. I 100% feel like a stronger, happier person because I've let go of things I cannot control. But with that I still have the drive to reach for more.

“Be happy, but never satisfied.”
― Bruce Lee

This picture reminds me of a grounded reminder to "Chill the F out"

I think it's a nice reality check to be surrounded by others who can call you out... I know I appreciate it. With that being said, here are my goals I promised 2 blog posts ago.

Here we go...

I've always been a goal setter, dreamer, planner, love making to do lists and especially talking about what my life looks in 10 years. This plays into two of my strengths achiever and activator.

Achiever explains my drive, constant need for achievement, everyday I feel as I must do something productive even if it's just putting the clean dishes away. I love making to-do lists and being able to check off tasks. This can also bring a feeling of discontent, which isn't necessarily the case. I've learned that I need to have direction on which I'm going; Therefore, I can see the bigger picture of what my daily tasks will amount to.

Activator being my other strength also plays another pivotal role in my goal setting. I know once I actually do commit myself to my goals it will consume me and I won't stop until I get it. I know once I speak my goals out loud I will be held accountable and will only have the choice of ACTION.

Only action can make things happen.
Only action leads to performance.
Once my decision is made, I cannot not act.
Actions speak louder than words. ( I can actually hear/visualize myself saying this to another in a past situation. Because I knew what I wanted, and to me the words being said to me were empty because there was NO ACTION behind it.)

GOALS FOR 2012

Moki Fit- Create, develop, and launch my children's clothing line before summer. This includes having a mission statement, vision, and logo. On top of actual merchandise for sale. Be international recognized brand.

Develop a program for children to have an outlet to create, develop, inspire and grow through goal setting, vision boards and positive daily practices. This will include seminars, a website forum, group activities and an outlet for like minded young ones to connect.

Be a competitive, respected athlete. Committed to my workouts, diet, and lifestyle as an athlete. Consistency, purpose and intent with my everyday lifestyle I live. Under 14% Body Fat.

Take my Coaching from good to GREAT. Committed to my athletes, bettering my knowledge and gaining creditability. Expand the Kids program, and be a head coach. Share the passion I have for helping others achieve their goals/dreams/aspirations.

Facility Director @ CrossFit Central the Burnet Location. Streamline communication, have a seamless strategy, and strong team. Be a consultant on how to properly use MBO. Increase expose of CrossFit Central through apparel.

Kids Summer Camps @ the JCC and @ CrossFit Central.

Having a positive impact on the children enrolled physically, mentally, and emotionally. Creating visionboards, goal setting, and inspiring them through CrossFit.

Zero debt by end of March 2012. Cut out the FAT as Dani Johnson would say. Increase my income to live the lifestyle I desire. To be grateful.

Attend the Olympic Lifting Certification taught by Coach Bergner in Wisconsin on May 12-13th.

Travel to Costa Rica before the July of 2012.

Tattoo on my forearm incorporating this design..

2012 Motto: Face my fears, Live my dreams, Make sh*t happen.

Love and Live Free

For some reason, when thinking of my goals Bruce Lee comes to mind. Possibly because he carries this calm and collected poise. Which I sometimes feel like a spazz when it comes to my goals or anything I'm passionate about.

“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you'll never get it done.”

― Bruce Lee

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.”

― Bruce Lee

“Don't fear failure. — Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”

― Bruce Lee

Tomorrow's Future.

2012-01-18T20:55:00.003-06:00

I love working, coaching, styling, creating, teaching, learning, playing, and just having FUN all things with kids.

Why? Because I can relate to them. Plus they think I'm funny. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day tasks and your own personal issues. Kids no, they don't have REAL issues.. maybe that their parents grounded them from the playstation because they didn't eat their vegetables or do their homework. Or their siblings called them names. Now I understand some kids come from broken homes and do have to deal with issues that they should not have to face a young age. But given the right support and encouragement they can come out stronger than the rest.

Today's youth needs to be surrounded with adults or role models who CARE, and who want a successful future for the youth. Every child should have the option to be involved or exposed to a better and brighter future. Not just the children who have parents with the financial means. ALL kids need to be exposed to the secrets of life at young age, even if it's just how to maintain and live a healthy lifestyle. That's the foundation to EVERYTHING.. If you don't take care of yourself and the body you have the rest isn't as enjoyable. A healthy body, mind, and spirit is a vital factor to ALL aspects of life.

As much as I learn from the kids, they still need to be taught the importance of being adaptable, flexible, resourceful and creative. How to have good communication skills and self development tactics. If children today want to be successful they most do more than the school work required of them.

I want to be a positive influence on the kids I work with. Not only physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I want them to have the confidence to make their dreams come true, take failures as a grain of salt. Just a bump in the road. Continue to grow, learn, experience. To have DRIVE, motivation, and confidence.

But reality is I DO have an impact on children, and it's by default. I have the possibility to take my current expose with today's youth to the next level, from good to great. Am I up for the challenge... Yes. Why? because the youth has an equal if not greater impact on me.

I not only want to be a CrossFit Coach to children but I want to allow them to have a creative outlet and be able to express themselves. Set their futures up for SUCCESS, a positive, meaningful journey.

With in the next six months I will be launching my own children's line called Moki which I indeed to inspire kids through their clothing. Develop and create a line that not only can kids wear but a lifestyle they will want to create.

Watch out BIG things on the horizon.

To be a kid again....

INSPIRATION

2012-01-05T10:31:00.001-06:00

Powerful Words of Truth..

Here's the thing that makes life so interesting: The Theory of Evolution claims that "only the strong shall survive".

Maybe so, maybe so.

But the Theory of Competition says "just because they're the strong doesn't mean they can't get their asses kicked".

That's right.

See, what every long shot come from behind underdog will tell you is this: The other guy may in fact be the favorite, the odds may be turned against you.

Fair enough... But what the odds don't know is this isn't a math test.

This is a completely different kind of test. One where passion has a funny way of trumping logic.

So before you step up to the starting line, before the whistle blows and the clock starts ticking, just remember: out here, the results don't always add up.

No matter what the stats may say and the experts may think and the commentators may have predicted, when the race is on, all bets are off.

Don't be surprised if someone decides to flip the script and take a pass on yelling "Uncle".

And then suddenly, as the old saying goes, "We got ourselves a game".

GAME ON!

Reflection.... Big things in 2012.

2012-01-04T20:07:00.001-06:00

I can already say the 2012 is going to be the MOST unforgettable year yet and it's only the fourth day in.

I don't feel that the new year is a time to make resolutions that you're going to keep for the first two weeks. Some may say.. New Year's Resolutions are for fat kids... which I may agree to disagree but you get the point. They aren't committed to seeing results. However, yes reflect on your goals, and what you aspire to become! I believe you should be working on bettering yourself throughout the entire year. I do believe it is a good time for reflection on what the past year has taught, yielded, un-yielded. and the experience as a whole.

Last year I was in such a cross-roads and well miserable start to 2011. I hated my job, would literally sit on my lunch break, cry and eat my feelings it was HORRIBLE. It got to the point where I needed to make a change. I finally decided that I need to make a change because I couldn't dwell in my misery any longer. I was so desperate that I just wanted OUT. I knew I hadn't truly given Austin a chance but at that point it didn't matter. After I quit my job, had a housing situation lined up in Weho, u-haul rented, and job lined up in Los Angeles.. two days too soon fate came knocking on my door. Carey Kepler had wanted me to come start an internship at CrossFit Central. Even though I had already pissed off my roommate due to my desperate attempt to find peace and happiness I decided to stick around and give Austin one more try. It is by far the biggest life changing choice I have ever made and quite possibly the BEST one I've ever made.

Long story short, come this February I will have officially been working at Central for entire year. For the longest time I've had one foot in, one foot out. Typical, for me. Commit, yikes SCARY!! Did that once and got burned.

"Where am I truly suppose to be?" was always running through my head constantly . "I am suppose to be in California, back in Wisconsin to take care of my Dad, or here in Austin in the unknown, the what-ifs this has got to be too good to be true?" I was learning to be content and work through the uncomfortableness something I've never done before. I've always lived in the future, what's next, how do I get there and why I am I not there yet. It wasn't until August when I had a meeting, which basically called me out on all my Bullshit. Most of which I believe was fabricated, but enough to slander my character and intention. From that day forward I sucked it up and put my "personal issues" aside and stepped into a career with a light that I will not be told I'm not good enough. How dare that be said.. it sure was a bit of motivation. Because no matter how down one can be, you still know your self worth.

2011 was a year of learning. Stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the SUCK of life. But reality is until you can truly except the way things are sometimes you can't truly live to your fullest potential. Every day was a challenge... I could have easily given up and ran from my problems as I usually do or at least that's what my track record would have proven (that's how I ended up in Austin to start with and that's why I wanted out... ). Instead I decided to face my issues, difficulties and insecurities. All of which I have embraced and taken steps to rid. I can honestly say I haven't paid that much attention to my self appearance but the root of the issue... the inner self. I've been giving to others, trying to satisfying others around me, proving my worth. All of which has happened even while I've been completely uncomfortable, and not feeling on top of my game. But hopefully put on a great front... except to the few. Because I WILL not disappoint in 2012 with the REAL GILLY. No more of this emotional babble. I can happily say I am putting 2011 to rest. Lessons learned, emotions had, and has been quite the humbling year.

2012 is going to be HUGE. Extraordinary. Unforgettable. Existence. Present. Powerful. Strong.

2012 is going to be the revival of the true and real Gilly. No more bruised, broken, or unsure. Someone who is rather close to me, has said time and time again the qualities that once were my shinning grace have been dimmed. Not any longer. I am so ready to focus on my PASSIONS, what drives me, pick up my hobbies that make me inspired. Truly help others, because that is what I am passionate about. Finding balancing. Finally, committing to the goals I've had for the past three years. No excuses. There are just some things in life you CAN'T change.. accepting this is a great relief. I'm well aware of what it takes to make every single one of my goals come true. Passion, persistence, and dedication. This is the year that they are all coming true.. because I'm going to commit, and not use them as excuses or self sabotage myself from the true potential and the life I want to life.

FACE YOUR FEARS. LIVE YOUR DREAMS. MAKE SH*T HAPPEN.

LOVE AND LIVE FREE.

xoxo-

Gilly

ps. my next post will be the goals for 2012.. so you can all call me out on my BS... Sometimes it's a good kick in the arse.

Superficial

2011-11-22T18:12:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite movies is Shallow Hal.. Hal who is a completely superficial man and friends with an equally as shallow friend (Birds of a feather flock together) only are attracted to beautiful women and have a very pretentious presence on the dating scene. But really the women think they are rather obnoxious and want nothing to do with them. Hal's co-workers call him shallow for only caring about nothing but physical appearance. Hal then bumps into Tony Robbins... just by chance.. FATE. Tony Robbins hypnotizes Hal in seeing people's inner beauty and not their external selves. So even if the girls were absolutely breathe taking... they would appear ugly to Hal because on the inside they were shallow or had poor traits and vice versa.

Soon enough he falls in love with Rosemary... who in reality is quite a big lady.. but Hal sees her as the slim and sexy Gwyneth Paltrow physique. Moral of the story is... Just because someone is pretty on the outside doesn't mean they are on the inside.

Beauty starts on the inside... it doesn't matter how many sit ups you do in day or the number of your max rep pull-ups. Beauty is how you treat others, your morals, values, and character. Staying fit is more than just being physical fit it is mentally and emotionally staying fit as well. Having a fit body is just one of the perks of staying FIT.

Just ONE of the perks of my job is being able to see the transformation of wonderful people regain their confidence. I've become pretty close to one of the clients at Central who is currently undergoing a life changing journey. He is absolutely hilarious!!! He has the best personality and would do anything for anyone. Just a humble great guy. He cracked a joke the other day about how he was happy he was the "fat kid' it made him have tough skin, gave him character and how he had to have a great personality because people weren't friends with him simply because he was "HOTT" or attractive. Now that he's lost the weight of a 7th grader and has no plan of stopping! He's not only has his GREAT personality but he's looking more and more fit as he continues on this new health regime.

Another reason why I love what I do is because being healthy is a life style... making healthy choices, moving shaking keeping your body active! A convo I over heard today was between two amazing girls who are powerful badass women who could run circles around any of the fitness gurus. They were arguing who was bigger. YES BIGGER!!! By no means are these ladies BIG but they are strong, athletic women. To them strength and power is beautiful. Both who just ooze positivity and all around greatness. Makes other around them want to push themselves harder, and live life to the fullest.

Moral of my story is... Don't judge a book by it's cover. It's the person's character and who they are not what they look like.

Be healthy. Be you. Don't compare yourself to others. Stay true to your self.

It drives me crazy when people solely judge others upon their looks. Partly because I know I can be guilty of it. In most cases I make an assumption, instead of fully getting to know the other person. I've learned that I need to get to know the person before I make or pass judgement on their character. Sometimes, the person I've passed judgement on turns out completely different, and of course other times it gives me clarity and confirmation of my assumption. Either way I have the choice to stay friends or move along.

I'm very thankful for growing up in Wisconsin as well because it taught me not to judge others on who or what they looked like. But more upon their character. If I was superficial I don't think I could claimed half of my family especially my Uncle. Bless his heart.. the man would wear denim shorts in winter with white athletic socks and loafers with a clean shirt if we were lucky! However, while working at his camp my Uncle taught me a lot about work ethic, and responsibility. If it wasn't for my crazy Uncle I wouldn't have been able to endure some of the hardship/learning curves that has brought me to this point in my life.

You aren't the jeans you wear, shoes, or bag.

You aren't the number on the scale, the color of your hair, size of your designer or non-designer jeans.

You aren't the car you drive, you aren't the house you live in.

All those things are just that... THINGS. Things don't make people. PEOPLE make people.

One of my favorite tunes... Reminds me of the summer in Wisco

And a little bit of chicken fried
Cold beer on a Friday night
A pair of jeans that fit just right
And the radio up

Well, I?ve seen the sunrise
See the love in my woman?s eyes
Feel the touch of a precious child
And know a mother?s love

It's funny how it?s the little things in life
That mean the most
Not where you live or what you drive
Or the price tag on your clothes
There?s no dollar sign on a piece of mind
This I?ve come to know

So if you agree, have a drink with me
Raise your glasses for a toast

http://youtu.be/e4ujS1er1r0

Hold on.. it's gonna be a bumpy RIDE!

2011-11-16T18:12:00.005-06:00

Joking around the other day with a girlfriend I said... "Wow.. I can't believe I'm already 25.. I thought life would be different.. "

Truthfully, what's the rush?? What's wrong with where you are RIGHT NOW in your life... NOTHING so make the most of it!!

Attitude is everything, if you CAN except, move forward and grow with life's situations you are choosing HAPPINESS.

There's no experience good or bad, heartache or love, work load or vacation, excitement or frustration, worry or happiness, blessing or mishap that you should regret or look at and say wow I wish that never happened that way or wishing that things turned out differently. Because they didn't and as corny as it sounds EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT IN THE END. If things aren't good yet, well then it's not the end. LOVE is all around you.

Because every moment in the past molds you into who you are TODAY. You have a choice of how you want to live in the future. Those past experiences give you the tools, knowledge, passion to make your future one you want to LIVE.

Take those experiences and make CHOICES, healthy choices. If it wasn't for past relationships, friends, family, experiences who would you be? You're FREE to be whomever you wish. Make CHANGES.

If things were easy, and there wasn't any bumps in the road... is that the road you want to be traveling down? How boring... I personally LOVE an adventure.

If everything just fit into place without any difficulty/stress/anxiety would it be worth it? When you are living in that moment and it seems like your life is coming to an end... guess what it's NOT.

You pick yourself up and dust yourself off and carry on that same road, or take a change of course, because you've had a CHANGE of HEART.

Pick up a roadmap along the way. Yes... ask for help. Not always the easiest thing, but there ARE people who want to help you. And those people whom want to help you are the people that want to see you GROW. Not only do you want to surround yourself with people who nurture you, but YOU NEED them as they need you. Because the ones offering you directions or guidance help you MOVE through the problem not around it. Maybe it's building a bridge to get over a difficult situation.... why waste time on a detour?

Now think about your life, and the road you've traveled down.... is it dull and boring the same thing over and over again?? Do you keep coming to the same bumps, pot holes and dead ends?

Then make a CHANGE... take the fork in the road... explore the unknown. Because when you arrive at your destination do you want to have an adventure to share or a flat tire and barely make out alive??

LOVE your life.
LIVE in the moment.
Be FREE.

This is what my road looks like.. and what I plan for my FUTURE roads to look like... Boring.. I think NOT.

Just around the corner...

Destination Unknown....

Directions Please....

Nature, Serenity...

Fast, Exciting, Momentum...

Roller coaster... Is always worth the ride.

Build a bridge... and get OVER IT.

2011-11-11T13:47:00.001-06:00

I've been faced with many similar situations repeatedly in the last year and a half. I always seem to be on the losing end. So I have to ask myself how are my actions effecting the outcome. The more I've tried to understand, I feel the more I've gotten hurt. The more I've tried, the more I've lost.

Regardless, the end result is I need to change my attitude, actions and thoughts. I know I can not nor do I feel it is my responsibility to change another person. They must do it on their own. The only way to have an outcome that benefits my needs and wants is to change my outlook on the situation. Because clearly the way I have handled the situation in the past hasn't been working...

I know this will not be an easy mindset to change but in the long run only good things can come. Otherwise, I will continue to keep fighting the same issue repeatly without ever making any progress. By looking at the problem from a different angle, perhaps I will be able to move past the reoccurring problems. By reevaluating my point of view I can understand why the outcome has continually been the same.

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts... We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

-Charles R. Swindoll

Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill.

-W. C. Fields

Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude. -William James

Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. -Kahlil Gibran

There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. -W. Clement Stone

You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you. -Brian Tracy

Happiness.

2011-11-04T00:54:00.000-05:00

Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not material wealth... Happiness comes from giving, not getting. If we try hard to bring happiness to others, we cannot stop it from coming to us also. To get joy, we must give it, and to keep joy, we must scatter it. .-John Templeton

2011-10-27T23:32:00.000-05:00

Higher Power

2011-10-20T20:23:00.000-05:00

Believe.

Faith.

Trust.

It wasn't until recently that I have turned to a spiritual guidance. After having a conversation with my grandma, she had told me I've sacrificed and done more than enough in the past year and it was no longer in my control. That I need to let it go, because "it is now in God's hands". At that moment I agreed with her, but in reality I haven't been good at practicing and/or believing in God. Shortly after our conversation I had been invited to a Tuesday night bible study. Normally I wouldn't have even hesitated on politely declining. I decided to give it a chance, and I am thankful that I did.

I will admit, I'm not on the full blown jesus train. But I do believe in a higher power, and I do know there are valuable lessons, practices to learn from the bible. I need to put aside the judgmental bible punching stereotypical judgments, and continue to learn and grow as a spiritual individual.

Looking back, I know there is a higher power. I know this because after moving home this last summer, I had found a note (I do not remember writing) to the Higher Power, asking for help/guidance for myself and my family. In some way or another everything on that note, had happened. I more than ever believe in the Higher Power out there... plus this crazy 65 year old millionaire with the cutest cackle/giggle told me so!

I would also like to say how unbelievable BEYOND blessed I am to have the W.W.G.B. in my life.

Muse/Inspiration

2011-10-10T17:59:00.000-05:00

Finding MY real life purpose.

2011-10-06T23:40:00.000-05:00

I've got that burning feeling that something big is going to happen. Action. Change. Momentum. Commitment. Happiness. Discovery.

It's that itch of buckling down and setting my heart/mind on that one thing, that one goal/vision that is going to change the rest of my life. That leap of faith

Over the last couple of weeks, I've had this overwhelming feeling that I can't even put into words. Lost, but I know the direction I want to be going. Empty, but fulfilled with responsibilities Stressed, but I'm happy and enjoying my life. Lonely, but I'm surrounded by wonderful people.

Found this blog post, and it really is helping me pin point MY purpose. Because lately, I've been questioning what it is I REALLY want. Not willing to fully set goals, or commit to my purpose.

This moment is a microcosm of your entire life.

If you are . . .

waiting for something better,

waiting to decide,

waiting until the time is right,

waiting for enlightenment,

waiting until you feel better,

waiting until you are sure,

. . . you are wasting your life.

In any given moment, we have an infinite number of choices about what to do. Our choices either serve our life purpose or they do not. If you make enough choices that do not serve your purpose, you are living an unfulfilled, purposeless life.

What is your life purpose?

Your life purpose is to be who you are authentically — the real true self under all of the facades, hurts, expectations, and social conditioning. And then you must strive to live that self in every moment, every day. If you aren’t in touch with who that person is, then it is nearly impossible to live a purposeful life.

Sometimes to get in touch with your real true self, you have to ask yourself, “Who do I want to be?” You have to define the characteristics, behavior, beliefs, actions, and lifestyle of your ideal self. Most of us aren’t in touch with that person. We aren’t proactive about finding out who we are. Instead, we are reactive and confused, seeking something outside of ourselves to give us direction and purpose.

However, purpose arises naturally from authentic living. It is a gift of grace that accompanies self-actualization.

So how do you find that “real self”? How do you become authentic and certain about who you are so that you can live out your life purpose?

I have learned four essential steps to help you realize your life purpose right now:

Self-questioning;

Listening to your intuition;

Learning from past experience;

Managing your time.

1. Self Questioning

Without clear direction, your life and life choices can be entirely at the mercy of circumstances and other people.

To get that direction, you must clear away the “noise” of the world around you and go inside to identify what is most important to you. Self-questioning will focus you on what you deeply want, who you want to be, and how you get there.

You can try this right now by answering these questions for yourself. Write down the answers so you don’t forget.

What kind of person do you want to be? Describe the top 10 most important characteristics of this person (ie: creative, honest, loving, healthy, adventurous, etc.).

Whose life do you admire and want to emulate? What is it about their life that inspires you?

What activities (in work and life in general) make you feel most fulfilled and happy?

If you could divide your time exactly the way you wanted between work, family, hobbies, leisure, and life maintenance activities (chores, paperwork, errands, etc.), how would you divide your time?

How are you dividing your time now? How close is it to the ideal you described above?

Are you passionate about your work? If not, what would you rather be doing?

Are you happy in your relationships? If not, how are you contributing to the difficulty and what could you do to change it?

Are there any ways you are living outside of your integrity? If so, what could you do to restore your integrity?

Do you have needs or desires that you are suppressing or putting on the back burner? What are they?

Are you spending a lot of time doing things that feel empty and meaningless?

Do you have emotions that get in the way of taking action toward being true to yourself? Why do you have these feeling?

If you could re-design your life from scratch, what would be the first thing you would change?

What is the most obvious place in your life where you are living outside of your authentic, ideal self?

Once you have answered these questions, you have an outline for who you want to be.

Becoming that person is your life purpose. All other meaning and purpose in life arises from being a fully functioning, self-realized, authentic human being.

It is the moment by moment “becoming” that is your life purpose — not the arrival at some final destination. And when you define your authentic self, you have a blueprint against which to measure all of your actions and choices.

But even within the parameters of that blueprint, there are a myriad of choices and options. What should you do first? What actions will result in positive change? What if I make the wrong choice or decision?

That’s where intuition comes in.

Posted Blog from:
http://liveboldandbloom.com/10/self-improvement/4-prerequisites-for-living-your-life-purpose-right-now?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=4-prerequisites-for-living-your-life-purpose-right-now

Just breathe...

2011-09-29T22:05:00.000-05:00

"The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment." -Pema Chodron

"What matters is the value we've created in our lives, the people we've made happy and how much we've grown as people." -Daisaku Ikeda

Do you know your own strength?

2011-09-15T08:30:00.001-05:00

Being surrounded in the Crossfit community anyone you ask will know their PR on their deadlift, back squat, or clean and jerk. Over the past couple of months, I know I have gotten stronger. I've been moving weights that I never thought I would be able to lift. I still have a long ways to go to be consider "strong" in the CrossFit world, but how do you determine how strong you are mentally or emotionally?

Never did I think at the age of 25 would I be faced with my current situation. As much as I want to shut down and be angry/sad/deny/guilty/fearful, I know that is not an option. I actually have no idea how to feel, all I do know is that I have to remain strong. I have to keep on MY journey, live my life and follow my heart on what is going to make me happy.

I've always enjoyed being active and living a healthy lifestyle but never before have I had this much desire and urge to let it complete consume me. I have no desire to put anything in my body that would be deemed un-healthy, I want to run for miles, lift heavy weights and just move. I want to be a living testimony of a healthy lifestyle.I want to educate others on the importance of staying active and enjoying everything in moderation.

I'm so thankful for everything my parents have taught me or exposed me to. They've let me live my life and make my own decisions. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be who I am today. Even though my family is going through some tough times at the moment, if I look at the big picture, I have an infinite number of things to be grateful for. Even if these things/memories that made me happy in the past are gone, there's so much more to appreciate still. I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for back in Wisconsin, a great family and strong roots. I am surrounded everyday by the most inspiring and uplifting people in the world. My community/family that I belong to in Austin is the energy that is pushing me through these hard times, I'm so thankful to be apart of the CrossFit Central family.

For the Love of Crossfit

2011-08-09T11:11:00.003-05:00

It's been just a week since returning back to Austin from the Los Angeles CrossFit Games. Just like everyone else whose blogged about their experiences, up lifting and how inspiring it was to watch such amazing athletes... which is ALL very true. For me I think it was so much more than just the athletes, but an over all huge life experience. I couldn't put my finger on what it was but last night while pondering what I wanted to write about a post popped up on my twitter feed..

and... this is what CrossFit is really all about.

I don't know this couple very well, but it is very clear and unspoken the love and support they have for each other. It's real and raw. It's the true spirit of CrossFit.

Crossfit teaches us to believe, support, elevate, the ones we love and care about. Not only must we believe in ourselves. But it's when we are capable of having the ability to believe in someone else, believing they have the capacity to be something bigger than they actually may see themselves. I believe having the support and love of a significant other can take your performance to the next level. We all can get down on ourselves, but when you have the unconditional encouragement from someone who truly believes in you no matter the end result, it gives the feeling of confidence, purpose, determination, and devotion.

Sylvia and Cesar are good friends of mine I use to Crossfit with in Los Angeles. I had the chance to catch up and congratulate her on their team's success (Brick CrossFit 5th overall). One of the things she had said to me was, "I never thought I'd be competing at the 2011 CF games, I'm so glad Cesar forced me to do this. This is one of the best days of my life." It just goes to show how when you have someone believing in you and pushing you to the next level anything is possible.

I LOVE this picture because it captures so much energy, emotion, and love this couple shares. Carey is our People's Champ, she's a driven, life changing, inspiration to us all. With the support of her biggest fan, she's completely capable of world domination. WATCH OUT, you've been warned.

CrossFit Central Family

When you have an entire community supporting, believing in you, now that can be a game changer.

That's Next Level right there.

Old School CFHW

It's been a minute..

2011-07-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

Time is an interesting concept to me.. honestly what is time? The last "time" I was on my blog... was May 3rd.. It's now July...

Then I started thinking what have I done in the past two months.. where did this preconceived notion of time go? I feel as though I've been on full speed, constantly on the go go go. But where am I going..

I must end the delusion of time.

"The compulsion to live through memory and anticipation. Creating an endless preoccupation with the past & future & an unwillingness to honor & acknowledge the present moment and allow it to be. The compulsion arises because the past gives you an identity and the future holds the promise of salvation, of fulfillment in whatever from. Both are illusions."

I need to learn to be content with where I'm at in life. Because I am truly happy where I am today. I need to cherish the NOW. Instead of looking forward to the future or what/whom I potential could be. I am me NOW. Growing and learning everyday. The how I am making these advances in my life/career/self is more important than the what I am doing. I should be paying more attention to the actual doing then the end result I am trying to achieve.

I know what I want.. I know what it is going to take, and what I'm going to have to do. Therefore, I must take ACTION NOW, by living in the NOW.

This was the post I had started writing back in May.. I believe it is still relevant to the NOW. So I'll post what I wrote while in California.

"It seems crazy how fast "time" has been passing.. it is already May, wasn't it New Years eve 2 weeks ago. In these past six months, I have gone through some major life changing revolutions.

Being back in Los Angeles, has completely solidified that my decision on staying in ATX was the right one. I love LA, I do, I miss it, but at the end of the day it isn't home. It was never home, I was always trying to make it feel like it was something it wasn't but it was a constant battle and always felt empty inside.

I'm looking forward to getting back to Austin, I'm actually living, I have a life. Now that may seem like an odd statement to some but the truth is I'm actually living with purpose and intent. I love the people in my life and every day to day task that I guess would be called work."

2011-04-29T20:34:00.002-05:00

Traveling to Los Angeles this weekend with the Form 3 ladies to literally change the world. Each one of them has a message to deliver wither it be empowering others to live the life you want or setting goals and making things happen. The importantance of nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. Promoting strength n' beautiful and positive self esteem. These ladies are inspiring to not only myself but women everywhere. They are having a positive influence on women creating vision and drive for others to succeed. How rad is that?

As I'm on the plane I was jamming out to my iPod, head in my book writing my vision/goals for this weekend's event. I was in my own world until the little girl sitting next to me tapped me and asked if I was writing a book. I was taken back for a moment because clearly what I was doing she wanted to know more about. That my vision and pictures were not only something that intrigued me but her too. Her young eager eyes lit up when I told her what I was doing and what some of my goals were and why I cut out certain pictures. She was so curious asking so many questions. This little girl was F.O.R.M-ing me as Dani Johnson would say. So I wanted to get to know her. She was 14 and into horse back riding, learning to figure skate and liked to decorate clothes. Her brother just got a job at the disney park in France and her dad was one of the pilots. She lived outside of Denver and was in 4-H club, and liked to listen to frank sintra. I told her she should start a vision book and find pictures that inspire her.

After the whole conversation I gave her a business card told her she should follow my blog... And keep me posted on her vision book. I hope she reads this and knows that even after we parted ways she made me realize that our conversation was a vision and or goal I have, and clearly I'm taking steps in the right direction.

One of my goals in my vision book is starting a teens program that correlates with what the Form 3 ladies do. To support teenage girls in promoting healthy lifestyles and positive self esteem for teenagers.

I'm always looking to others for inspiration and or using muses. Taking bits and pieces and making them my own. Until that conversation did I not realize that I too am an inspiration to others. Who am I not to be inspiring ?! It's pretty empowering to be apart of something bigger than yourself and working with women who are invested in making others dreams come true.

This weekend is more than just flying out to LA to visit old friends and hang out with new friends. It's so much more than I can even put into words. But hopefully this post inspires others to be bigger than themselves.

I love my life. And everyone in it.

Ignite the Fire Within

2011-04-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

Passion is the fuel that ignites the flames of transformation and burns in the hearts of those who live authentically.

Whatever the cause or effort, those who live with passion don’t stand by and do “nothing”; they live authentically and give the gift of self. They become the difference they want to see in the world.

Living from the “CORE” means embracing:

Competence – Knowing and developing what you’re really good at, taking your talents to a new level of mastery.
Originality – This is your essence, the combination of your personal traits, core values, and passion.
Renewal – Is to live in a state of openness and willingness to adapt in the moment.
Emotional Consciousness – Is to have both the awareness and the ability to choose the emotional response that best serves your desired outcome.

today. not tomorrow.

2011-03-29T10:12:00.002-05:00

Focusing on today not tomorrow.

I have a tendency to look forward to the future than focusing on today. But the truth is… what I do today.. will effect the outcome of my future. I have several big events in the next six months.

April: Sectionals & Los Angeles at the end of the month with the FORM3 ladies.

May: Habitat for Humanity & CAP TEX TRIathlon.

June: CrossFit Central’s kids camp start & Brandon’s Wedding.

July: 25th Birthday & CrossFit Games 2011.

August: ….. Relax n’ enjoy summer!

September: Jens’s Wedding & Los Angeles Triathlon.

Starting today, NOW.

Am I going to push myself to work harder in my workouts? Yes.

Am I going to make sure I’m doing the little day to day tasks? Staying on top of my responsibilities? Yes.

Am I going to stay true to my word? Am I going to be held responsible for my actions?

Practice skill sets that will make me stronger so I can get my first muscle up.

Eat clean or let it slide just this ONE time? NO MORE EXCUSES. JUST RESULTS.

INTEGRITY.

Weak is he who permits his thoughts to control his actions, STRONG is he who forces his actions to control his thoughts. - Scroll VI

Ellie Goulding - Every Time You Go

2011-03-25T09:53:00.001-05:00

Saw her at SXSW last week, simply amazing. Love her voice, her style and presence.

the girl can sing.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Sa&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Little Miss Hazel

2011-02-24T09:32:00.000-06:00

Little Miss Hazel doing a one handed KART WHEEL (even though I called them one armed handstands.. oops)!! She's our little gymnastics star, watch out Nastia Liukin!!

Where do I want to be?

2011-02-10T19:29:00.002-06:00

Holding on to the past, prevents us from evolving to the next stage of growth... and has clearly inhibited me from moving forward in my life course. I've had this sense of drowning for the past six months or so, that I was only going through the motions, making it through another day. That's not what life is about, it's about experiencing and making things happen.

I up and quit my job because I dreaded going into work, it was mindless, the passion wasn't there, painfully under challenging and I wasn't excelling or growing. I had my bags packed to go back to Los Angeles, because I missed my old lifestyle. I missed the ocean and my friends, plus more job opportunity is there. Then fate came knocking on my door. CrossFit Central, wanting me to start their mentor program, and assist with their kids program. Faced with a life changing decision to stay here in Austin and learn from the greatest CrossFit trainers and really start a NEW, fresh life. Well... I'd be a fool to pass up this opportunity.

Everything we see in our lives, be it daily routine, our habits, our quirky traits, our past, our beliefs, our experiences, our family, our passions, our relationships, our attitude, our attachments, or detachments, the environment we surround ourselves in, our thought patterns, the way we react to change have all brought me to where and who I AM today. I cannot focus on the past any longer.

Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, from living in Milwaukee, or West Palm Beach, moving to Los Angeles all on my own, and not knowing a single soul. From leaving my life in LA after four years to be with family for the summer. Road tripping for 52+ hours across country by myself to live in Austin, all on a whim. As all made me who I am. Every choice and path I've taken has directed to exactly where I am today.

All my previous jobs, have lead me to become a CrossFit trainer, kids especially. It's my passion, to change and encourage kids to be active and live a healthy lifestyle. Working with kids athletics for over 7 years, teaching swim lessons, referring, coaching, working at globo-gyms, children's boutiques, being a competitive athlete myself, being passionate about fitness and healthy lifestyles. All brought me to where I am today.

All of the friendships, mistakes, life lessons and experiences have made me who I am. There's a reason why some people make it into the future with you and others don't. You build friendships and relationships with those you value. Over the last six months I have really reconnected with my family and re-established old friendships who were the foundations of what and who I am today. I've been blessed to have meet some of the most interesting, amazing, and genuine folks, now not everyone has been super awesome totally fantastic.. but it's all about the journey.

The truth is, in my journey of growth, change is the only constant. I've been on a roller coaster ride of different life situations, emotions, and experiences. I've meet new people and shed away from relationships that no longer support who I am are or who I want to be. I let go of certain beliefs or small minded jibber jabber and have taken on empowering values and self worth. I'm working on changing old thought patterns and embracing new ones that support me in this new stage of life. Being present in the NOW. LIVING FOR TODAY. Setting goals and making my dreams come true. And then once all that’s done, the whole cycle continues again, as I move to the next level in growth. It never stops. All it takes is baby steps day by day, but over the years it adds up to leaps and bounds. I started out as a carefree kid, teenager growing through self discovery then a young adult in Los Angeles. I've just started my journey as becoming an adult which comes career... and way way down the line.. marriage, major life purchases, children of my own. That’s why they say growth is a journey, because it’s a process, and not an end point. To be able to grow endlessly, a student of life, we’ve got to be open minded and ready for change.

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you." - Sri Ram

"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change." - Jim Rohn

CrossFit Central Kids

2011-02-07T21:10:00.000-06:00

CrossFit Baseball

-Up to bat = Forward Roll

-1st Base = 10 Air Squats

-2nd Base = Most throw 2 balls into the basket before advancing

-3rd base = 5 burpees

These kiddos rocked it today!

With a combined effort 670 air squats, 134 completed baskets, 335 burpees, and 67 forward rolls! And they're all smiles!

Mom! Mom! Mom! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Momma! Momma! Momma! Ma! Ma! Ma! Ma! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mommy! Mommy! Momma! Momma! Momma!

2011-02-07T21:02:00.000-06:00

This goes out to my mom, a best friend, and a woman who

has impacted my life more than she'll ever know.

Being the oldest of three girls, I knew how to push my mom to the limit. We often butted heads, because of our stubborn tendencies but she never kept me from being who I was or wanted to be. No matter how many stray animals I brought home, running me to and from practices, or the aftermath of Kyle's stunts, or supporting me on all my adventures, she has ALWAYS been there for me. My mom knows me the best, and I can count on her no matter the time or distance.

Thanks for being a great mom, I'm truly blessed to have you as my mom.

The mother-child relationship is paradoxical and, in a sense, tragic. It requires the most intense love on the mother's side, yet this very love must help the child grow away from the mother, and to become fully independent. -Erich Fromm

Everyone's alive but not everyone lives.

2011-02-06T13:05:00.000-06:00

Life. Live it to the fullest!

2011-02-06T11:23:00.001-06:00

I Am A CrossFit Woman.

2011-02-04T09:22:00.004-06:00

CrossFit Women's Creed from CrossFit Ramstein (Germany)

I am a CrossFit Woman.

I do not wear makeup to the gym. I wear chalk.

I do not get manicures. I scrub the calluses off my hands.

I do not glisten or smile while I'm working out. I sweat, grunt, and curse.

I am a CrossFit Woman.

I am as proud of my muscles as I am of my scars.

They are the evidence of my hard work and dedication.

I am a CrossFit Woman.

Student. Trainer. Coach.

Increased work capacity is my mission.

Elite fitness is my goal.

I am a CrossFit Woman.

I may scale a WOD, but I will never quit or give up.

I do what others won't and I excel where others can't.

I am stronger mentally and physically because of it.

I am a CrossFit Woman.

I am invincible.

And you could be too.