Sunday..let's make it about family!!

     Happy Sunday, I hope this day finds you full of blessings! Sunday used to be the day of rest, a day to give rejoice to God, and a day to unwind with friends and family. Now it is like every other day in many households! I do not go to church very often but I do take a few moments each day to read a quick verse and say a prayer. Also during football season Sunday is spent watching NFL games, Saturdays are devoted to my college teams! Go K-state...I may be in Iowa but I am a Wildcat by heart! We our a house divided team--I love the Packers and can you believe it I fell in love with a Vikings fan! Never a dull moment in our house during these games!!

     Now that I am off track and apparently ready for football season-I wanted to take a few minutes to discuss why we should take care of ourselves! I am a mom and I spend around 90% of my day focusing on my family, I spend another 9-10 hours a day at work, and then maybe 1-2 hours a day on my It Works business. That doesn't leave me enough time to do the things I love to do, but time to do the things I have to do. I love my family, and both of my jobs, in fact I wouldn't change a thing. We do though all need time to unwind! This goes for men, women, and children. Spend some time doing things you love, reading a book, walking, fishing, taking the family to the beach or lake. This is so important in the world we live in. To unplug from the internet, and our phones, and really focus on our families.

     I also believe in spa days, we also have pajama days! No, this isn't just for women! I found an article this morning that really describes this well! Visit http://rhagan.itworks.com/or send me a message for more information about facials and skin care products.

Read the article here-- http://beautysouthafrica.com/healthy-living/why-you-should-pamper-yourself

"Do you take as much care of yourself as you do of others? If you don’t, you could be heading for burn-out. Chances are, at the very least, you’re not experiencing much abundance and joy in your life.
So why is it so hard to pamper ourselves? Do we think of pampering as indulgent, selfish, or narcissistic? Do we feel guilty because it’s a ‘luxury’? Many of us, consciously or subconsciously, believe it’s a waste of time and money, that we should be doing something useful instead, that being stressed is ‘normal’, or – most insidious of all – that we somehow don’t quite deserve to be pampered.
Yet taking proper care of ourselves is essential for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The better we feel, the more we’re able to engage fully with our lives and the richer our relationships with other people become. A good pampering session can balance us from the inside out, refreshing, relaxing and rejuvenating us, making us happier and saner, all of which we’ll carry with us into our dealings with the wider world.
The demands of our fast-paced lives take a toll on our bodies in many ways. Stress increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer. When we’re stressed we don’t sleep well, we don’t eat sensibly, and we certainly don’t take the time to stop and smell the roses. We begin to feel exhausted, discouraged, bored, resentful and frustrated. Our relationships suffer, creativity dries up, productivity falls, and quality of life becomes a distant memory. We need all our energy just to get through the day, we have little left to give to anyone else, and taking care of ourselves comes last on the list."

Fitness Walking!

     Good morning!! I wanted to bring up some helpful tips about walking. I originally started out just going for a nice walk every day. The past 2 weeks I have started kicking up my pace. Let me tell you, I can tell a difference! My legs feel the burn by the end, and trying to hold your abdomen in the correct position is definitely a challenge! These are two great sites with tons of fitness advice. I also love Map My Walk! You can do this!

http://thewalkingsite.com/beginner.html


"The hurry-up pace will be the one that demands more oxygen to working muscles, and that’s how fitness walking gets you big results.
Here’s my most important tip for walkers. It’s not the foot strike. It’s not the arm swing. It’s the “belly-button-to-spine” action that will make the walk more effective, protect your back, and get your abs in on the action. I call it a “tummy tuck.” Draw the belly button toward the spine. That deep layer of muscle is key to supporting your back. It stabilizes the middle of the body so that the legs can move with much more power."
https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/so-you-want-to-start-fitness-walking/?utm_source=silverpop&utm_medium=email&utm_content=walking_button&utm_campaign=newsletter

Why do we judge?

     Why are we always the first to judge our own decisions? Or judge someone else's decisions? I don't mean just about our looks, we judge each other on race, religion, skin color, and sexual preference. This weekend we watched Free State of Jones, this movie is incredible. One man stood up and helped change history, and he didn't let anyone stop him. I don't know how many times I cried while watching this. I firmly believe it isn't our place to judge others for their decisions.
    
     I don't understand the attraction to another woman but I have many friends who are in same sex marriages. They are completely happy and that makes me happy. Do I have to understand their attraction to the same sex? No, I see two people in love and that is what matters. This applies to all things that the world seems to be fighting about. We are all unique but we have one thing in common; we all bleed red. We are all fathers, mothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and family.

     My picture says " look in the mirror, that's your competition." This is so very true. My challenge from now on is to be a better version of me. If you start judging yourself or someone else, stop and look in the mirror! How do you see yourself?  We all have our own battles, there is no reason to add to anyone else's battle.

     I found another blog today that inspired me for when I am doubting myself, great advice! Check out the whole blog at the link below!

---Blogger Lynn Newman http://tinybuddha.com/blog/5-immediate-and-easy-ways-to-silence-your-inner-critic/
     "If you’re working on something and all of a sudden you start questioning yourself, if you feel your energy decreasing, if you’re getting stuck, bored, or tired, recognize the judge is speaking to you.
     Listen, but don’t take his words to heart. See him so that he doesn’t hang out in a distant corner manipulating you from above.
     Identify him with presence rather than pushing him way. Because what we resist will persist!
     Once you see him, here are 5 immediate and easy ways to respond to your inner critic. It’s so simple that it may seem unrealistic, but it works. Memorize it and keep it close like a mantra.




When your inner critic acts out, say:

1. So what?

So what if you think that? That doesn’t mean it’s true.

2. Who cares?

You think your judgments means something to me? They don’t!

3. Big deal!

Oh seriously, big deal! Really, big f’n deal!

4. Why not?

Why shouldn’t I do this? You’re telling me I can’t? I won’t? I’m not worthy of it? Why not? I’m going to continue doing this anyway, because I can! No matter what you say, I’m going to just keep diving in.

5. What if it doesn’t matter if I am __________________ or not?

     Fill in the critic’s judgment here. For example, what if it doesn’t matter if it’s good enough or not? If it’s weird and people might find me strange?
     What if it doesn’t matter if it shows my talent and I will be recognized by others for it or not?
And even, “What if it doesn’t matter if it’s beautiful or not, because I’m going to keep giving myself permission to keep on painting anyway no matter what you say!”
     Feel how these questions empower you, and whatever you are doing, keep doing it anyway. Keep meeting the dream, the project, your creative expression.
     Keep going, forging ahead, building one block at a time.
The inner judge rarely goes away. As long as we have minds, he will continue to find ways to torture us. But we can identify him and say: “I see you, judge!”
When we identify the inner critic like this, we take away his power and regain our own."

My Journey is my choice :)

     Yesterday was a long day, maybe because it was Wednesday? Maybe it was because I woke up to a rainy, windy view out my window and I couldn't walk? Or maybe it was a text I got shortly after I woke up. All day I sat and thought about this, I never sent a text back. I had no idea what to say. Later I logged on to Facebook to see post about how It Works Fat Fighters were a scam, from the same person. I still didn't say a word. I took this to bed and woke up with an answer.
     The text basically told me I had to show proof with tape measures, exact places measured on my body, and a video in the same clothes to show weight loss, that they couldn't tell  much difference in my before and after photos etc. I also had to take criticism for "being trapped" into a 3 month deal as a LC to get the BOGO wrap deal. I don't set up the business side of It Works, I sell it but the company makes it's own policies. So after feeling so great for weeks, this kind of hurt because it was from someone I respect.
     Here is my answer----I do not have to prove myself to anyone. I like the wraps and decided to sign up as a DT. This was my choice and I stand by it. I researched this for a few days before I signed up, and I have already read all of the scam reviews etc. Do these products work if you aren't trying to get healthier? I believe they work in conjunction with a healthier lifestyle. I try to drink more water and eat healthier choices. I limit my desserts now, but I still love frozen yogurt!
Do I diet, nope!
Do I walk more, yes!
Do I take the fat fighters everyday, no!
Do I believe the greens help me, yes!
Do I love Thermofit, yes!
Do I believe the wraps work, yes!

     The only person I have to prove myself to is me. I have to prove I can do this, it's my choice. I like who I am starting to see in the mirror . Do I still have a long ways to go, you bet! I have always had a weight problem and I have lost before but I always gain it back. I don't want that to happen this time, it is MY choice to take these products.

This was the beginning of May and I was 208!

 
 
 

This is this morning and I am 201!

 

I don't feel the need to prove myself to others, but to prove myself to myself Monica Bellucci. IMG

 

Wednesday and role models :)

 

Good morning!! It is Wednesday and that means we are 1/2 way through the week! Today made me think about role models. We all have them, those people who inspire us to be better. My #1 role model was my grandpa. I talked about him on Father's Day, he was an amazing man. I have many friends who inspire me, each in their own way. I find myself blessed in so many ways. Am I a role model? I hope so, I hope that I teach my kids right from wrong everyday. That I inspire them to reach for the stars, and that nothing is impossible.

     Now for famous ladies....I have 3 who I just absolutely love. Melissa McCarthy, Lucille Ball, and Betty White. Not only are these ladies hilarious, they are all very beautiful. I love to laugh and these girls are great at that! They have all made it in a world where age and beauty are a huge factor. Lucy made it to TV in the 50's with an interracial marriage (not common then) and her show was a success. Melissa McCarthy is so funny and a great role model! She is beautiful at any size but she looks fantastic!! And Betty, well she is just amazing! She goes for great causes, and even has an older actress she is a hoot! Plus she makes old age look fantastic! Who are your role models?

If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.

- Catherine Aird

 
 

  

Facing a fear!

     Today I faced one of my biggest fears---I had to talk myself into it but I did it! What did I do?? I wore my first 2 piece bathing suit in public, on a beach. This may sound like a silly fear but for me, it was a huge step! Did anyone laugh at me or point in my direction? Not that I noticed. I was more self conscious than everyone around me. Until a month ago I would have never dreamed my mid section was sexy. Is it completely toned and fit? Nope, and I am ok with that. Why? Because I know I am working on my goals and that it will take time.  I am down almost 10 pounds!! Is this easy, no way but it is so worth it!

     On another positive note, my boyfriend is getting up and walking with me! He also started using Berry Greens every morning! I love that my partner in life is being motivated by me! He is also my motivation. He tells me "Good Morning Beautiful" everyday! 
    
     What are your fears? Do you have personal body images? I want you on my team, the extra money is nice but that's not my goal. I want to help people feel the way I am feeling, to be the better you, healthy! Let's get you there!! I also made me a Facebook page that has more product info @wrappedupindreams or https://rhagan.itworks.com/ 

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Life is one crazy ride, make it amazing!

So many changes…..new adventures…..

     A year ago if someone told me my life was going to change so dramatically,  I would have laughed. Things needed to change a long time ago! First off, Conner is medication and seizure free! I count my blessings every day that he no longer suffers. I am now divorced and I feel like 1000 pounds have been lifted off of my shoulder. This whole process didn't come without a lot of critical input from others.

     In the beginning everyone that I was around every day knew how tired and stressed I was. It’s no fun coming home to a house when you no longer consider it your home, when you are there and you feel like you don’t know the person you married anymore. Things change and people change. I tried as  long as I could and then when he was ready to try, I gave up and I know now that I made the right decision. If actions speak louder than words than his actions say a lot! Now I wake up and I can breathe, and although I am faced with many challenges, my day always begins with a smile. They say you always take away something from each situation in life, this time I have my kids, and the knowledge of what both of us did wrong. It wasn't a one-sided problem, it takes both people realizing their mistakes and being able to face them together.

     In a couple of weeks I leave Kansas to start a new chapter in my life. I am terrified, excited, nervous, and extremely happy! My kids are also excited which makes the whole process so much easier!  You think you know what love is….and then you meet that one person who makes you realize you had the whole concept wrong! (Maybe I am learning with age J) It’s amazing how one person can make you feel so incredibly loved, like you are the most important person to them. I don't know how many times a day I see something and I think that I wish he was here to share this with me. How he just accepts my kids and is amazingly wonderful with them. All of those small thoughtful things add up to be something incredibly special. When it was raining and he switched me sides on the bleachers so I wouldn't get so wet, pulling over in crazy city traffic because I was a nervous wreck, and leaving my car parked, 8 hour phone conversations, long distance date nights….so many things! If you hadn't guessed it I am head-over-heels in love………….life is definitely a journey!


Update: I have been Iowa for 2 years and I love it! I miss my old friends but I am making new friends. I am still head over heels with that crazy boy, and our relationship has never been stronger! We have had a few rough patches but we talk. I admit when I am wrong, that becomes less painful each time! He is amazing with the boys and I love our little family!