Day 8 - Bearing Fruit in Season

Being productive is something I always strive for. I am a motivated and determined woman and that I am proud of, although that sometimes comes with an exhausting price. I read today that just like a fruit tree our bodies are not always meant to bear fruit; throughout our life there are times of producing and times of resting and being rejuvenated. So with that thought, our lives were not made to always be "ON" the " Rest" phase is just if not more important than the producing phase. When we take the time to "Rest" things calm down and we are more focused inwardly and preparing the fruit we are producing. I used both my family and wellness center as my examples My children are my fruit that I am preparing to be harvested one day and I am taking the time to nurture them and give them the care they need to grow strong and Godly independent adults Althought the physical fruit of them living in this world as grown adults will not be for years to come and therefore they are my product of taking the time to "Rest". The other is my wellness center a place that if I continue to plan always full force and in the "On" mode will have me wilting before the doors even open. So I take the time to "Rest" and remember I am not only rejuvenating and nurturing myself, I am also giving the proper attention to my future fruit and in due season it will be beautiful.

I had lots of ideas in my head tonight so my husband and I spent some time in the bookstore; a place I would visit everyday if I could. enjoying a skinny latte and browsing the isles is one of the best kind of nights for me.

There are many or hundreds to be correct of diets, health programs and a "cure" for every ailment on most shelves in Amercia. So I am for sure climbing an uphill battle trying to find and connect my thoughts and determine my niche in this quick fix crazed world we live in. I have ideas that I know can and would change lives, but I am praying hard for my thoughts and ideas to come together to create lasting changes not just a "Best Seller for the month" I want real changes I read if you create a product worth selling, worth advertising and worth the money to use it; then the rest is easy you spend the rest of your life enjoying and building more and more great success stories. That is what I want, I want real life success stories to be retold with the bases of The Well-Watered Garden changed my life.

Oh and the Bikini Bootcamp, you would never believe it was shopping day and yes, I did not go so I repeated some recipes I still had fresh items for I am shopping tomorrow because first I love the cooking part, I love the family dinners already planned out, I love the feeling of eating delicious healthy food and not wanting anything extra and I miss all of that. So I will shop and continue onward.

I bought myself an idea journal to continue to take the thoughts from my head to the paper and clear the clutter that keeps filling my head and keeping me from the grocery store. Just kidding that's all me.

Day 7 - Interruptions Turned into Blessings

This week as you know has not been great for outings but it has been amazing for home and family exploration. We have enjoyed the time together, the kids and I have played, started the new school year, shared many new books and movies and had endless tea parties. We also have gotten many home projects done. So what I would have called interruptions turned into many blessings.
Another is I have been able to cook every meal at home, we have eaten dinner every night as a family. I also have been able to workout everyday since I began the program. I am using the free exercise TV programs, today I tried a new yoga routine and a Pilate's abs, so for one hour it was about me it hasn't mattered that it varies between 6am and 5pm I still get that time and I feel great.
So my thought today is our greatness or dreams may never happen unless we allow ourselves to pause and either enjoy the pause or take a detour and let it throw you off tract. I'm grateful for my paused week.
I'm feeling more empowered and confident in being able to journey onward into the next step of The Well-Watered Garden, I envisioned my open house the other day.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Day 6 - Keeping your work joyful

Today I'm focused on the simple thought that, yes! my job right now is important and I have to continue to find joy in my everyday work. I have read so many comments of mothers that dread the daily chores and responsibilities of a homemaker, I actually love it and I pray I continue to think of it more of a blessing to stay home than a burden.

When it comes to this venture of envisioning and opening a wellness center I continue to ask God to be my guide and also that every decision I make be a spiritual one each and everyday. I pray the choices I make today will positively impact generations after me, even if it is just my children and my grandchildren. My job today is important because the futures of a world I will never see are sitting at my dining-room table eating my soba noodles and ginger dressing and my prayer is for them to see a God fearing mother that not only works hard but sees that I place my life and dreams in Jesus Christ my Savior and only with Him can I do all things.

I am continuing on day 6 of my modified bikini bootcamp. I love the food for sure in addition to the quiet time of devotions and journal writing and I am feeling great from trying the yoga.
I will list pros and cons at the end of the 14 days but since this is all for research for my own unique plan I am enjoying this program.

Day 5 - Re-invent the "Stuck" You

OK, so going on 8 days at home with sick kids I know stuck. OK not that kind.
The stuck I mean is when you look in the mirror and say who am I and what am I doing in my life? No a makeover for outward appearance is not going to fix those questions, a real makeover or re-invention of yourself is to find the You again. Some get stuck in a marriage, a job, a family situation or a location. All these feelings of stuck leads to a loss of who the real you is and wants to be. Don't go change who you are it's there someone so look hard and write that list of things you want to see come to life again in the present and in your future.

I know this is a deeper thought from me today, but I want to never feel like I'm not the person I'm supposed to be. I'm focused on the present and this stage in my life I don't feel stuck I feel this is my place today; I am a mother and a teacher to them, soon they will be grown and I will have more hours in my day than I will now what to do with so Today I look in the mirror and say good morning to the mother and wife I feel I'm supposed to be right now.

I also love to have my children in the room when I workout and cook. Today they smelled all the ingredients in tonight's soup it's showing them cooking, eating and family dinners are fun, we are making memories. Another thing today; I was in a warrior pose and my 10 mo. old was climbing up my leg while I'm balancing I enjoyed every moment of her attempting to crawl and climb up on me. Priceless moments not "stuck" ones.

Day 4 - Celebrate the Small Things

Today I will list 5 things in which I am celebrating; just celebrating the smallest things will impact your attitude and gratitude for what you are and what you have.

1 - I am sore from working out, it feels great

2 - My children are feeling better

3- The determination God has given me

4 - My relationship with my husband

5 - Being able to stay home with me children

Try this and take every day as a new day that gives you a fresh start of things to be grateful for.

Today the food was so good and I was proud of myself to be able to present my family with such a healthy delicious meal, my goal is to help them stop eating with their eyes.

#1 picture is my chicken taco salad with raspberry iced tea

#2 Picture is Grilled fish with soba noodles drizzled with Ginger dressing and Carrot Ginger Soup

Day 3 - Look Deeper for the Beauty Within

Today was rough, sick baby = no sleep and definitely not a 6am wake up call. So I ended up starting at 8am . I was able to get in my lemon water, devotion and journal writing. Then I was joined by the other kids so exercise went on the back burner.
I chose today to be my "yes" day with the kids we cut and glued papers and then play-doh we had lots of fun and I was focused on my children something I need to continue to do during my long days.
I'm looking within for beauty and strengths and the one that comes to mind is self-control there are some enticing foods in my home yet I walk right past them (besides couscous and 1 cup of fiber one cereal) I have not had a processed food in any meal since I began and I'm feeling great, even my desserts are amazing and satisfy my sweet tooth. tonight's was blueberry, mango & mint sorbet I created it myself.

As far as Well-Watered Garden goes, I worked on getting Incorporated today, I was a little down when I started searching the name and continued getting more and more sites using that name, but I felt that was the verse and name God gave me to use so I continue on with planning and yes, dreaming a little. I am in search of a logo, something I can create that sparks curiosity and makes a lasting impression.

I did get a workout in this afternoon I chose yogaworks slim on TV it was 50 minutes and I enjoyed it immensely, I thought I would rest afterwards, but I was charged up and decided to cook dinner instead I had lots of energy.

An overall great day and I'm feeling very empowered with both cooking and increased energy. So as I leave today I will remember to look for beauty in the small things and enjoy my life in the now and present.

Day 2 - Celebrate Today

Today was about celebration, first that I made it through day one, although I did cut out a few things from the program. But nonetheless I did complete my goals so yes, I'm celebrating. I'm also celebrating life itself so often I wake up and just beg for 5-10 minutes by myself before I hear the little feet running down the hall asking for apple juice and eggs, not today. I do cherish my "new" morning routine but I was happy to have my children wake up with smiles on (of course I not only have one sick child but all three are down with whatever the first had) but it did not get in the way of our plans today (yes, we stayed home and they took several baths) but we painted and watched movies and played it was enjoying them no matter the circumstance.

So as I continue into day 2, I did my devotional and it was on recapturing Joy and learning to appreciate and celebrate in the tough times because in these times we become stronger & closer personally, with your spouse and with your family. It's in these times too that God shows Himself faithful, not just in times of happy celebrations. I have lots of doubt if I even know what to do with tomorrow but I know that will handle itself. So I am thankful He is there to hold me today tomorrow and forever.

I did the Zen yoga and then off for a 30 minute walk (I know after today I need music, but I was working hard for sure) and enjoyed every minute of that time. I think I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow morning.

The menu today was once again, delicious and filling, I did have a snack a handful of raisins yummy, and I made a big jug of green tea and that was a nice treat during the day. So I'm off to eat my Curry Chicken and Veggies with Couscous.

I will continue to celebrate and I hope I can share with someone that yes, we must celebrate even the smallest blessings in life. It makes us stronger and we learn to lean on Jesus more and more.

The real Day One - Savoring each Moment!

Today was the day that my alarm actually went of at 6am and I was ready to start my new day.

Now prior to that I will talk about my shopping again I have included pictures of the beautiful and plentiful array of foods on this Bikini Bootcamp diet, I did make it to the store, I actually shopped at the local fresh market for the veggies and fruits and also the seeds and grain this was cheaper buying only what I needed this week it was a 1/2 lbs. of each, so I saved money on that, but I did buy organic when I could on almost everything. I also shopped at publix for my staple items and a few extras for the family. I took the shopping day as a day out alone and enjoyed the time I had to focus on choosing new foods and trying to find napa cabbage. (thanks produce man)

Ok back to this morning. I was ready to begin, I have my devotional and journal out and ready. I am reading and then I wrote out anything that came to mind for today or future but the main focus was on today. After journal and prayer I choose a Zen Yoga from free exercise T.V. the book I am following has a Sun Salutation plan written out but I am better when I follow someone and they already have the music and remind me to breath. This routine was 22 minutes and from there I went on my 30 minute walk today I did not bring music along (something I will do after I get a play list that is motivating and encouraging), but today I used the treadmill and just focused on my goals for the day and my breathing, at the 27 minute mark I was ready to go another 30 minutes but I heard the kids getting up. Note: I have not worked out since June almost a full 2 months ago so getting back into a routine will be great for me. Also I am not looking to drop 10 lbs maybe 1-3 but with this I am more concerned with trying new foods and feeling like everything I put into my body has a purpose and will fuel and energize me to be the person I need to be for that day. So I continue on and will note this program does have another workout later in the day more cardio and some core. ( I will incorporate these programs into my week but I know I will not be able to do them everyday).

The Menu for the day, I enjoyed warm water with fresh lemon while I fixed breakfast for my children then I prepared my blueberry smoothie with added flax seed to fill me up. It was refreshing after my morning routine.

We had a late lunch and today was amansala salad with ginger-sesame dressing (oh my goodness this was so good and I made it) and grilled Fish. My plate was overflowing and I did not even finish all the food. I skipped the snack today but did drink lots of water. for dinner I made the Tortilla-less soup Tortilla soup very good and Chicken Fajitas with black beans. All of these items were delicious and I will make them again.

My opinion so far of this program, yes great idea to spend time for yourself and eating the fresh foods and hardly any extra spices is nice. But I will add I enjoy cooking so I do not mind spending time in the kitchen but it it's not your thing this menu will be hard to complete. I am looking forward to tomorrow.

My prayer for today is with all the diets, exercise, & health programs out there, I ask God to guide me in making a difference in the wellness world and real life situations, by me implementing these small changes in my life I hope to be an example to others that balanced lifestyle comes with thought but it is well worth it.

Supposed to be Day 1

Yes, today was the day I had planned to begin a new routine and meals. But...after having my 2 yr old with a fever all day and night, my grocery shopping did not get done. I did however spend time in my journal and in devotional & prayer. I keep repeated the song I need You I need You I need You. Because once again I made the plans about this and God had other plans first, so we spent the day organizing my gym (garage) and cleaning out the refrigerator again. I do this weekly it gives me a chance to clean out leftovers, but also throw out any junk even half full bags of whatever that we have brought into the house during the week. I have no problem throwing out any junk foods, so if this an issue in your home decide today that it is OK to celebrate a birthday or have a BBQ but you do not need to continue eating the junk food for a week. Enjoy eating out once in a while then the food does not even come home with you.
OK back to my thoughts I now know I have a big problem with completing my grocery shopping, I have a tendency to print shopping lists, cut coupons, get menus for the week, then never ever get to the store it could be days before I even think about it, the sales are over, coupons expired etc. So during these few weeks of Bikini Boot camp I have to shop once a week with a pre-made list. easy right! Not so much, I will let you know after tomorrow how the shopping went. I will also explain more about the Bikini Bootcamp as I go along it is very extensive with taking time for yourself. Something I tend to forget to do so join me on learning how to take care of your family but also how to take care of yourself and be a strong healthy you.

I end my day with a thankful heart for knowing that I do need help and I will continue to turn to Jesus everyday.

Reflection: Asking God to Guide me

In my life I am a goal setter and I have always worked hard at attaining my goals, whether it be a family situation, my education, a business opportunity or just traveling to a new place. When I put my mind to something and commit to it I tend to go all the way. I have tried to sit down and plan out my ideas for a new business but every time I did over the last 10 years I got stuck I had the ideas, the vision, but I was missing the most important part I kept forgetting to ask God to guide me. In my head I knew I needed Him, but as my mind and pen wandered the paper I did not take Him along with the ideas or thoughts. So over the past few weeks I continue to ask God to be my guide on my next journey and I pray He allows me to continue as He leads me forward into the plan He has for me.

During the next two weeks I am starting a new approach to a healthy well-balanced lifestyle and although I am not used to practicing meditation or yoga I will start this week. I will allow my time of both meditation and yoga to be my time of prayer and a chance to remember that I'm only a follower in my life and God is my Guide. God has blessed me with an abundant amount of ideas for the present and future and I pray through this journey I will become more of the Godly Women He created me to be. I will also be journaling both as a reflection of my thoughts and ideas, but also to have a chance to write down how faithful God is day after day in my life and in the lives of others.

If you choose to join me during any part of these lifestyle changes please let me know I would love to add you and your family to my prayer list.