Looks Who's Back!!

Long time, no see, Friends.

Balance. It's a tough word. For me it often means sacrifice, coping with challenges, and admitting that I'm not Super Woman (at least not all the time) and that there are only 24 hours in every day.

You'll notice that I've taken a break since my last post. It's not because I've given up on my Whole Life or because I've abandoned my Five Pillars philosophy. No, it's because sometimes, you have to prioritize what's important and what you have time for.

This fall, I started back at the University of Nebraska (Omaha) to continue my education, with a new focus. This is something about 18

years in the making and my employer has made excuses obsolete. It's something I've wanted for some time, but felt that time and money were holding me back. Well, tuition reimbursement has made the money part manageable, and let's face it, if it's important we don't FIND time we MAKE time.

This is important. So, I make time. You know what else is important? Family time. Dog time. Workout time. Work (well, it's not AS important, but it is required!) time. Chore time.  Side job time. What gets placed at the bottom of the pile? Blog time.

I wanted to share with you how I've refocused my efforts on nutrition after a slippery summer of eating out - see, it's OK to start over. Heck, start over EVERY DAY if you have to! I've kicked the soda habit again...(ugh!) and have renewed my joy of clean eating!

I continue to enjoy my workouts with Ben at Compete Personal Fitness. With my demanding schedule, I try and get in Monday mornings for Spin at 5am, Wednesday mornings at 5am for TRX, Thursday night marathon sessions made up of circuits, TRX and Spin, and then Saturday morning workouts. I enjoy the workout and the mood boost I get, plus I feel stronger! I'm not a paper thin super model, or a crazy-ripped athlete, but I'm a 30-something, working mom who feels strong and able to take on just about anything!

Since my IT Band issues, I've not been running, but I'm working my way back with the help of my chiropractor, therapeutic masseuse and trainer. I feel like the Lincoln Half Marathon may see me again, to settle an old score.  I've also recently registered for the Trek the Tower event here in Omaha. Climb up the city's tallest building (40+ floors) - sure! That sounds fun! My employer has a team registered and I'm excited to take on this challenge and get to know more of my coworkers.

So - in a nutshell, I've been wicked busy. But in all the best ways - a full juggling act with lots of balancing! What are my key take aways:

• It's OK to admit defeat and START OVER.
• It's important to set your PRIORITIES. 
• It's vital to set GOALS.

and, most importantly....

• LOVE THE LIFE YOU'RE LIVING. 

Until next time, 

<3 Jen