Google life

I just got off the phone with a lifelong friend, Katina (we’re both entrepreneurs). We were talking about work and life while we both were lying on our beds relishing in the fact that we could start our days a little later and to our own beat. She's tired after a long weekend. I’m just tired. The 9-5 business world would say that we should gear up and start the week with a bang, it's Monday after all.

We hung up the phone: She decided she wasn’t going to fight it, but instead was going back to sleep. I headed to the kitchen, made coffee, checked email, and started this FB status, which turned into a blog post. By us starting our days later does that mean that we aren't hard workers? Heck, no! Quite the contrary, we give 200 percent because when we work we are all there.

During our phone call we talked about companies like Google that embrace life, family, and a non-traditional 9-5 workday. It seems to me the 9-5 work day is antiquated and boxes us in. Some folks biologically just do better in the afternoon, some do better with their dog near by, and some do better if they can break away for a power nap in the middle of the day. My point is we all are wired different. We need more companies to recognize that, to embrace that.

One day soon when I come into a position of hiring folks I will embrace differences and look for those who are looking outside of the traditional 9-5 game. I’ll start with a non-traditional method of hiring: an application with only a few questions – core questions, no standard interview either.  My method will seek out those who are willing to work hard and think, really think. Recognizing that some of us aren’t able to work or think innovatively in a standard 9-5 office environment. I say this as I’m sitting on a stability ball at 11:00 a.m. at my home drinking coffee.

While I realize that certain professions will always be 9-5. I also recognize that there will always be folks that are looking to change the game and move us closer to a work style that embraces our everyday lives and that’s where I want to be.

On my path to a healthy, happy life: Mind, Body, and Spirit. I’m always thinking, learning, and growing. Most of the time I move to my own beat even when others looks down on me for doing so.  I’m sure most people would have thrown in the towel long ago.  But, for me I want more than a standard 9-5. Someday when I get to a place where I can, I will bring others along with me that want the same.

The late Steve Jobs said: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition….”

Life happens

It was nice to see that I'm still on the Wall of Success @ 24 Hour

A hiatus. A bump in the road.

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months. Now, I'm looking at my calendar, realizing -- I haven't worked out at a gym since November. I know. That's insane! Since I started my bid to weight loss and fitness three and a half years ago, working out had become like breathing air for me. But somehow everything else in my life became a priority and time slipped away.

Here's what I know:

- Life happens. When it does we make adjustments. We grow. We move on. It was a bump in the road, but nothing that I can't overcome. Heck, I'm the gal who lost 15 pounds while rehabbing a broken leg. This ain't NOTHING.

- This isn't a fad. I want to be healthy forever. I don't measure my success in the span of days, weeks, or months -- see previous blog post. This is my life. My entire life. I'll keep working at being healthy and fit.

- We all need folks in our lives to keep us on track, keep us accountable, and help us be the best we can be. I'm fortunate to have an awesome support system.

Fitness and optimal health require a commitment. I'm committed. I was off track a little bit, but now I'm ready to get back on course. I've re-enrolled at 24-Hour Fitness and am ready to get back in action! Plenty of workout updates forthcoming...

I'll miss my friends at Northwest Personal Training, but this is the best choice for me, right now.

Ebb and flow

I seem to be flyin' on high and then boom! I hit a brick wall. Up. Down. In. Out. I guess, it's the natural ebb and flow of life. I truly, don't know why I feel sad. I just kinda do. So rather than read too much into it or try to talk myself out of feeling blue.  I'm just embracing my sadness as it lets me know I'm human. I know how to feel and emote. Don't worry no chocolate chip cookies are needed.

**Afterthought:

I guess maybe the term sad, blue, or melancholy may be to extreme of words. Perhaps somedays I'm just lower energy than others. Heck, there's no possible way to fly high everyday, right? Now, if I go days feeling kinda low then maybe I need to re-evaluate but otherwise I'll just chock it up to the normal ebb and flow of life.

Scared and a little stupid

Yesterday, I really stupidly pushed my limits. I mean, I woke up faint and dizzy – but still proceeded to get dressed to go to the gym. Not only did I force myself to go the gym, but since I was running late I decided to skip breakfast too. Huh? Really? Is it that serious?

Yes, it is kind of that serious. Here’s why…I’m scared. I’m scared if I miss a day at the gym. One day missed may turn into two days and then who knows I may just not ever go back.

I’m scared that if I start making excuses about why I can’t make it to the gym. Everyday there’ll be a new excuse and eventually I’ll stop going.

I’m scared that one slice of pumpkin loaf will turn into two slices, or worse the whole loaf, and then I’ll be right back into my old gross eating habits.

I’m scared. And my fears are getting the best of me.

Throughout this journey to overcome obesity, I’ve endured a lot emotionally, physically, and mentally. Suffice it to say, battling obesity is the HARDEST thing I’ve ever done. This isn’t just about me loosing a few pounds after giving birth to a child. Nor is it about me loosing just a few pounds. To date, I’ve lost 148 lbs. and still would like to loose 70 more. So…this is about me breaking through a lifetime of barriers. This is about me saying goodbye to a ton of bad habits and replacing them with new ones. This is about me changing my ENTIRE lifestyle. This is all so new to me. I’m trying to figure out how to live a healthy, active lifestyle. And, not withstanding all my enthusiasm I need to learn to be more realistic. An old and dear friend of mine gave me some good advice. She told me I need to stop and listen to my body. She went on to say that, I’ve made some tremendous changes and I need to learn and embrace my new body. I need to learn the new Chrisetta. My new body has different needs and just because I’m more fit than I once was this new body still needs rest. She knows me really well and she feels that I’m going at it a little bit too hard. And, perhaps I’m becoming obsessed with this new lifestyle and maybe just, maybe I should back down a little and not to take it so serious. It is after all a lifestyle change. Hmm…

This is uncharted territory for me. I’m figuring this all out by trial and error. Here’s what I know for sure:

• I love myself and I will never ever return to that dark, miserable, lonely place where food is my only comfort.
• I have to learn to be patient with myself and listen to my body.
• I need to find a way to balance my life, diet, exercise, work, family, and friends.

Lastly, I’m scared and sometimes a little stupid, but no doubt I will figure this all out. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!