UGH! I don't know about you but that is a word that I DREAD! I used to be an "gym addict" - going every day, working out for an hour or more then classes - okay, so I was in my 20's. Then life happened and some where along the way, the desire or excitement died.
Now, at 55 (yes, I told my age and am proud of it) - the gym is the last place I want to go. I could walk miles (I know that is exercise) but go to the gym with all those tiny little, young bodies - UGH! I joined Planet Fitness in Brick back in January. It is now April and I think I have been about 4 times. Not bad, once a month. I now have accountability partners from my Weight Watchers' meetings that go too - they are a little bit more faithful. My goal - three times a week. Mondays are easy and I get there with no trouble. Wednesday is a little shakey and by Friday, I have a million reasons why I can't make the gym not to mention the help that I get for NOT going when my accountability partners cancel on me. They aren't going, why should I.
So as the weather warms, the walkers head to the reservoir in Brick, so will I. The die hard walkers are twice a day, I will be glad to make it once a day (walking twice around). Short walks with hubby on his days off help but it is time to kick it into high gear - summer is coming and I am close to my goal weight. BIGGEST goal - walking across stage at National Conference in July without my thighs jiggling underneath my dress as I receive my award for promoting to Director. Who wants to have their picture taken with the Owner of the Company who looks like a 10 when underneath your dress, the thighs are rubbing together.
If you are a reservoir walker and you see someone huffing and puffing, please lend a word of encouragement - I could surely use it. Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Memories of Being a Rainbow Girl
The International Order of Rainbow for Girls turns 91 years old today! Rainbow is a non-profit service organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 20. Rev. W. Mark Sexson founded our order in McAlester, Oklahoma in April of 1922. Rev. W Mark Sexson sought to develop an organization where young women could build self confidence and leadership skills, all while serving their community. The organization promotes community service, as well as love and service to their schools, their homes and to each other. Our order prepares the girls of today to be the leaders of tomorrow. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls teaches leadership skills and public speaking. It builds self-respect, confidence, poise, patriotism, fidelity, integrity and character, all while providing a fun and safe environment for girls to meet other girls their age and to build friendships that will last a lifetime. Rainbow also teaches girls to be a part of a team, to successfully communicate with each other and to trust members. We want our girls to have positive role models and mentors, so that younger girls can continue to influence the new members of the assembly, as they grow older.
I joined Iris Assembly #31 when I was 12 years old, that awkward age when you aren't sure who you are was made easier with the friends that I met through Rainbow. We weren't from the same schools, nor would we probably have been friends if is wasn't for Rainbow. We laughed together, cried together, traveled through the State of NJ visiting other assemblies, did charity projects, endless sleepless nights with sleep overs and the best part was the lasting friendships.
Over the years, my life took many turns (not always positive ones) but the basic lessons that I learned in Rainbow of love, religion, nature, immortality, fidelity, patriotism and service have stuck with me, guiding me through the rough patches. Although my daughter never had the desire to be part of Rainbow, the lessons were taught to her while she was growing up and have become part of who she is today - a strong, successful woman.
Now, that I have moved back to my hometown area and with the help of Facebook, I am reconnecting with old friends. Re-kindling some of those connections that were lost of the years.
Happy 91st Birthday to the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. May you prosper and grow in the coming years.
I joined Iris Assembly #31 when I was 12 years old, that awkward age when you aren't sure who you are was made easier with the friends that I met through Rainbow. We weren't from the same schools, nor would we probably have been friends if is wasn't for Rainbow. We laughed together, cried together, traveled through the State of NJ visiting other assemblies, did charity projects, endless sleepless nights with sleep overs and the best part was the lasting friendships.
Over the years, my life took many turns (not always positive ones) but the basic lessons that I learned in Rainbow of love, religion, nature, immortality, fidelity, patriotism and service have stuck with me, guiding me through the rough patches. Although my daughter never had the desire to be part of Rainbow, the lessons were taught to her while she was growing up and have become part of who she is today - a strong, successful woman.
Now, that I have moved back to my hometown area and with the help of Facebook, I am reconnecting with old friends. Re-kindling some of those connections that were lost of the years.
Happy 91st Birthday to the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. May you prosper and grow in the coming years.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Blogging Week 1 Complete
WOW! I did it - a whole week of blogging completed and I actually am enjoying it. Who would have thought that this technically challenged woman would be able to accomplish such a thing.
I just wanted to share a few thoughts:
I just wanted to share a few thoughts:
- Blogging is not as hard as it seemed if you talk about what you know. Thank you +Vanessa Coppes and Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Moms for helping me to see that.
- Be yourself!
- People actually read what I write. I know this sounds crazy because why else would you blog, right? I didn't think I had anything to say - SURPRISE! I love sharing about things that mean something to me. Who knows somewhere along the way, it might actually help someone else that is struggling.
- Along with this goes the fact that if people read it, you may be asked to step out of the realm of cyber space and actually share in person about what you have written about in your blog. Welcome to "stepping out of your comfort zone"!
- Lastly, the easiest way for me to keep up with the blogging (since Vanessa said do it for 30 days - EVERY DAY) is to make a list of things as I think of them. Then in the morning I can look at the list if I can't think of anything to write about, and I have a list of topics or ideas to get me going.
I will share more of my life's journey - the good, the bad and the not so pretty - as time goes on.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Girl Talk
No, we are not going to "dish" about friends or family... what I want to share about is another GREAT program that is attacking "bullying" in a unique way.....
Girl Talk is an international non-profit program with a very simple premise..high school girls mentor middle school girls to help them deal with the triumphs and trails of the early teenage years. I first found out about this program at our National Conference last year when they were presented with a check to help with their efforts. In February of this year, they became a National partner with Thirty One and part of the Thirty One Gives Foundation. As a result, they received an additional $50,000 to help them in growing from their current 43 States with programs to all 50 States.
Girl Talk's mission is to help young teenage girls build self-esteem, develop leadership skills and recognize the value of community service. Since 2002, the organization has served more than 40,000 girls in 43 states and 7 countries. Girl Talk's program is twofold: high school leaders have the opportunity to share their experiences as positive role models. And middle school girls have the chance to learn that they are not alone in the issue they face and that understanding, kindness and compassion can be the foundation for better relationships with others. Research consistently reveals that grades 5-8 are the most formative years of a young person's life. We believe that the lessons learned in Girl Talk contribute to girls becoming more confident, service-minded women with better relationships. Girl Talk also helps women become stronger leaders in the work place and more effective as parents. I found only one chapter in my immediate area of Girl Talk - Toms River East.
Bullying comes in many forms - visible and invisible. Those who are bullied are not just from low income or single parent households - they come from all walks of life, even adults in the workplace. Your support of these programs is vital to the development of our future generations....
Check out these anti-bullying programs: Girl Talk ; Kickin' It, and Ringside Resue. You can hear all about Kickin' It at the Family Wellness and Beauty Day hosted by Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Moms on April 13th. Tickets are still available with all proceeds going to Kickin' It.
Girl Talk is an international non-profit program with a very simple premise..high school girls mentor middle school girls to help them deal with the triumphs and trails of the early teenage years. I first found out about this program at our National Conference last year when they were presented with a check to help with their efforts. In February of this year, they became a National partner with Thirty One and part of the Thirty One Gives Foundation. As a result, they received an additional $50,000 to help them in growing from their current 43 States with programs to all 50 States.
Girl Talk's mission is to help young teenage girls build self-esteem, develop leadership skills and recognize the value of community service. Since 2002, the organization has served more than 40,000 girls in 43 states and 7 countries. Girl Talk's program is twofold: high school leaders have the opportunity to share their experiences as positive role models. And middle school girls have the chance to learn that they are not alone in the issue they face and that understanding, kindness and compassion can be the foundation for better relationships with others. Research consistently reveals that grades 5-8 are the most formative years of a young person's life. We believe that the lessons learned in Girl Talk contribute to girls becoming more confident, service-minded women with better relationships. Girl Talk also helps women become stronger leaders in the work place and more effective as parents. I found only one chapter in my immediate area of Girl Talk - Toms River East.
Bullying comes in many forms - visible and invisible. Those who are bullied are not just from low income or single parent households - they come from all walks of life, even adults in the workplace. Your support of these programs is vital to the development of our future generations....
Check out these anti-bullying programs: Girl Talk ; Kickin' It, and Ringside Resue. You can hear all about Kickin' It at the Family Wellness and Beauty Day hosted by Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Moms on April 13th. Tickets are still available with all proceeds going to Kickin' It.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Comfort Zone
Comfort Zone is defined as "a situation or position in which a person feels secure, comfortable or in control" and most of the time, we are encouraged to "step out of our comfort zone".
For me, I believed that my "comfort zone" was there because I lacked self-confidence. I know for those that know me, this may surprise them! On the outside, when I am talking about my passions (my family, my direct selling business, the causes that I believe in - HIV/AIDS education, bullying, Breast Cancer Awareness), I may be nervous on the inside but on the outside I exude confidence. Stepping out of my comfort zone includes - going some place (a meeting or event) where I don't know anyone or talking in public to groups of people. I have learned a few tricks from some wise women that have helped me to tackle this "stepping out of my comfort zone" thing.
Here are just a few people who have helped me out:
Deb Bixler talks about the 10 second rule. When you are out, ask questions of other people. For example, I attend a lot of vendor events (as an exhibitor & a guest) so I always stop and talk to people. It isn't about "selling" my product, it is about building relationships with people. Hence, you know longer "don't know anyone". If you find yourself talking for longer than 10 seconds, the focus turns from learning about your "new" acquaintance to you. I have met some amazing people who are now not only customers but other business women that I refer my customers to with confidence. In addition, check out her Tuesday tidbit on "Step Out of Your Comfort Zone"
Julie Anne Jones, (my favorite trainer) as many of you know, shares lots of tips about getting business and customer service. By focusing on the "customer", their needs, solving their organizational problem, I am able to step out of my comfort zone.
Hope Shortt - Not only is she my director in my direct sales business, she is an amazing woman who inspires me (and lots of others) to make small steps in stepping out of our comfort zone.
Lastly, but actually above all else, is my faith. Faith to believe when the going gets tough.
What is your comfort zone? Are you willing to step out of it so that you can achieve your dreams? It doesn't have to be a HUGE step, baby steps are fine. Your dreams can become reality if you are willing to take that step of faith out of your comfort zone.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
For me, I believed that my "comfort zone" was there because I lacked self-confidence. I know for those that know me, this may surprise them! On the outside, when I am talking about my passions (my family, my direct selling business, the causes that I believe in - HIV/AIDS education, bullying, Breast Cancer Awareness), I may be nervous on the inside but on the outside I exude confidence. Stepping out of my comfort zone includes - going some place (a meeting or event) where I don't know anyone or talking in public to groups of people. I have learned a few tricks from some wise women that have helped me to tackle this "stepping out of my comfort zone" thing.
Here are just a few people who have helped me out:
Deb Bixler talks about the 10 second rule. When you are out, ask questions of other people. For example, I attend a lot of vendor events (as an exhibitor & a guest) so I always stop and talk to people. It isn't about "selling" my product, it is about building relationships with people. Hence, you know longer "don't know anyone". If you find yourself talking for longer than 10 seconds, the focus turns from learning about your "new" acquaintance to you. I have met some amazing people who are now not only customers but other business women that I refer my customers to with confidence. In addition, check out her Tuesday tidbit on "Step Out of Your Comfort Zone"
Julie Anne Jones, (my favorite trainer) as many of you know, shares lots of tips about getting business and customer service. By focusing on the "customer", their needs, solving their organizational problem, I am able to step out of my comfort zone.
Hope Shortt - Not only is she my director in my direct sales business, she is an amazing woman who inspires me (and lots of others) to make small steps in stepping out of our comfort zone.
Lastly, but actually above all else, is my faith. Faith to believe when the going gets tough.
What is your comfort zone? Are you willing to step out of it so that you can achieve your dreams? It doesn't have to be a HUGE step, baby steps are fine. Your dreams can become reality if you are willing to take that step of faith out of your comfort zone.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Magic Wand of Weight Loss
Have I got your attention? Okay, so I don't have a magic wand - believe me if I did I would have used it by now. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a magic wand that we could wave, and suddenly the pounds would melt from our flesh and we would be the perfect weight? I know of no one who would choose the rigors and demands of a diet over a magic wand.
I just wanted to share that the journey for some is long - it has been 8 years of working towards my weight loss goal and I am not there yet. When I had my daughter, 24 years ago, I was a hefty 295 pounds. Those that didn't know me in my "previous life" would be shocked and actually think I am kidding until I show them pictures. Mind you there aren't many of them but the few there are, at that time, I didn't see how heavy I was. No, I didn't have rose colored glasses but it was just who I was. When I went into recovery (a story for another time) I was probably the only person to loose 11 pounds. Still, I didn't see a problem. I guess it finally hit me when I saw a picture of myself and my daughter at my niece's wedding. WOW! That is the picture that I carry with me as my "before" shot.
I joined Weight Watchers and things began to happen. I was not one of those people who got it right away. Eat less was easy, move more - not so easy for I disliked exercise. See it has been a process for me as I am now only about 11 pounds from my goal weight. NOW, I am starting to move more - not always easy but definitely better now that I have an accountability partner (actually a few of them) who I meet at the gym (more on this in future postings). Working together has definitely helped - the goal is 3 times a week - do I always achieve it - NO! I keep trying...
Whether your goal is 10 pounds or 100 plus pounds, it can be done. Slow and steady wins the race. Don't think because you don't reach goal in "x" amount of time, it isn't worth it. Look at me - 8 years, 104 pounds and still 11 pounds to go. For me, it was Weight Watchers - sensible eating, a GREAT leader - Nicole Dibella-Belo and the many friends that I have now made at the meetings. Yes, I attend the weekly meetings because for me - it works. Then on those days when I seem at my wit's end I ask God for help, that I might remain committed to the task no matter how long it takes. When I call on the Lord, He grants me the patience I so desperately need.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.
Check out Weight Watchers at http://www.weightwatchers.com/
I just wanted to share that the journey for some is long - it has been 8 years of working towards my weight loss goal and I am not there yet. When I had my daughter, 24 years ago, I was a hefty 295 pounds. Those that didn't know me in my "previous life" would be shocked and actually think I am kidding until I show them pictures. Mind you there aren't many of them but the few there are, at that time, I didn't see how heavy I was. No, I didn't have rose colored glasses but it was just who I was. When I went into recovery (a story for another time) I was probably the only person to loose 11 pounds. Still, I didn't see a problem. I guess it finally hit me when I saw a picture of myself and my daughter at my niece's wedding. WOW! That is the picture that I carry with me as my "before" shot.
I joined Weight Watchers and things began to happen. I was not one of those people who got it right away. Eat less was easy, move more - not so easy for I disliked exercise. See it has been a process for me as I am now only about 11 pounds from my goal weight. NOW, I am starting to move more - not always easy but definitely better now that I have an accountability partner (actually a few of them) who I meet at the gym (more on this in future postings). Working together has definitely helped - the goal is 3 times a week - do I always achieve it - NO! I keep trying...
Whether your goal is 10 pounds or 100 plus pounds, it can be done. Slow and steady wins the race. Don't think because you don't reach goal in "x" amount of time, it isn't worth it. Look at me - 8 years, 104 pounds and still 11 pounds to go. For me, it was Weight Watchers - sensible eating, a GREAT leader - Nicole Dibella-Belo and the many friends that I have now made at the meetings. Yes, I attend the weekly meetings because for me - it works. Then on those days when I seem at my wit's end I ask God for help, that I might remain committed to the task no matter how long it takes. When I call on the Lord, He grants me the patience I so desperately need.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.
Check out Weight Watchers at http://www.weightwatchers.com/
Monday, April 1, 2013
The Gift of Giving
I was blessed this past weekend to be part of "Operation Spring Child" in conjunction with HK Missions. HK Missions is all about Healing through Kindness!
With the help of some of my Thirty One customers, friends and family from around the country, we were able to provide six filled zipper pouches to Ocean Medical Center in Brick,NJ. The Administration were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone. Thank you to: Brandi Angus , Debbie Ventriello, LaQuitea Vaughn; Joan Heldreth , Stephanie Loder, Nicole Borato of Jersey Cookie Girl and the MOMS Club of Jackson for their wonderful get well cards.
This is from the HK Mission Facebook Page - is named after two kids, Hunter and Kendra. Their mom writes this: Both of my children were in the hospital several times throughout their young lives. They were each given an activity bag during their stay, and they were able to bring the bag home, as well. This helped keep them busy and made them feel REALLY special while they were there! These activity bags were donated by local groups such as churches and other organizations.
From a Parents Perspective: It really touched my heart to know that someone I never met, who didn't know me or my child, could care enough to take the time, the financial burden and the love to put together a care package to make my child happy during such a difficult time. It brought tears to my eyes then and even now. I vowed one day, when my kids where healthy enough, to give back to children who are now in the position they once were. That day is now.
With the help of some of my Thirty One customers, friends and family from around the country, we were able to provide six filled zipper pouches to Ocean Medical Center in Brick,NJ. The Administration were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone. Thank you to: Brandi Angus , Debbie Ventriello, LaQuitea Vaughn; Joan Heldreth , Stephanie Loder, Nicole Borato of Jersey Cookie Girl and the MOMS Club of Jackson for their wonderful get well cards.
This is from the HK Mission Facebook Page - is named after two kids, Hunter and Kendra. Their mom writes this: Both of my children were in the hospital several times throughout their young lives. They were each given an activity bag during their stay, and they were able to bring the bag home, as well. This helped keep them busy and made them feel REALLY special while they were there! These activity bags were donated by local groups such as churches and other organizations.
From a Parents Perspective: It really touched my heart to know that someone I never met, who didn't know me or my child, could care enough to take the time, the financial burden and the love to put together a care package to make my child happy during such a difficult time. It brought tears to my eyes then and even now. I vowed one day, when my kids where healthy enough, to give back to children who are now in the position they once were. That day is now.
As a mom, I was blessed that despite my unhealthy lifestyle when I was pregnant with my daughter, Belinda Heldreth, she was born a healthy baby. Kids, especially sick or disadvantaged have always had my heart - from my days at the South Jersey AIDS Alliance working with HIV+ families to Bethel Development Corporation where we ministered to underserved families - my focus has been on helping kids.
In addition to the toys and activities for the kids, I included an inspirational book for the moms who spend many hours waiting by their children's side. There is also a card with a prayer for the parents and a note asking them to pass it on when they are able to another child.
Random acts of kindness can change the world, one small step at a time. I challenge each of you to do one random act of kindness - bring a smile to not only someone else but see how your life is blessed by that simple act of kindness.
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