Daily Ways to ENGAGE

During a very snowy and cold week, the last one in this ENGAGE month, I was thinking about how engaged I really am in my life. This month I've come up with a few tasks that I'm working on, or have implemented, to really connect and ENGAGE every day.
Building daily habits is key for me - until I do it on repeat, it doesn't really stick. So - I've made notes in my planner and a commitment to myself to do the following, every day!

Reach Out.  Pick up the phone, send the text, approach someone new. A smile and "hello" can open so many doors. I've set a target for the number of reaches per week.

Follow Up.  I send myself messages, texts, and have post its all over my calendar. Following up is more than being engaged - it's showing people you care. Yes, I was listening, I didn't forget,  you are important. It may also be showing yourself you care enough to go after that which is most important, and not giving up after the first try.

Dig In.  Don't just show up - get into it! Get into the process, the information, the people on the team. Know names, understand the big picture even if your part is small. Understanding the machine will help you determine how your skills can make a better cog in that machine!  If you observe a process that could be improved, share your feedback and ideas with the team. You may be responsible for improving the process and making the job better for everyone! We all benefit when we work smarter, not harder. So, go ahead and DIG IN!


Make Notes.  I carry a notebook and pen everywhere. Or use my phone to make notes. Winning is in the details, so make note of those details.

Be Prepared. You're not going to fall into the next greatest job, project or whatever you're ENGAGING in. You have to prepare. Mentally - think through the process and be aware of potential challenges. Have the tools you need. Do the research. Ask questions. Look up best practice. Research takes time now, and saves time (and frustration!) later.

Be Mindful. This encompasses so many things! I've been using a guided meditation app to help me build my mindfulness practice. It's so helpful, but it really requires focus and patience. I'm not really a "sit still" kind of gal, and so being still for 10-15 minutes every day, focusing on breathing and being in the present is a challenge!  I recommend Calm and 10% Happier - both have free guided meditations with the option for a subscription to gain access to more content.  Often, there are local studios that offer mediation practice and workshops, so be sure to check around in your community for options. Or, just spend a few minutes focusing on easy breathing exercises, or tune into an intention or mantra. A few minutes can really impact your day.

Mindfulness doesn't have to mean meditation, though.  Sitting down to have tea or breakfast, without music, TV or other noise has really been a great practice for me. Walking my pups without headphones in, just listening to the sounds around me, watching the pups, and focusing on how my body is feeling is a wonderful way to connect with myself, and engage mentally, physically and emotionally. I've had more than one day when I enjoyed a good ugly cry while walking the pups. Recognizing and acknowledging my thoughts and feelings have helped me process my way through some issues.

Put It Away. There are times when technology keeps us connected to projects, business and people, and that is a wonderful addition to life. And sometimes, it isn't. I'm working on blocking time when I can disconnect from my phone. Put on "do not disturb" and enjoy an afternoon with friends or family. Leave the cell phone in the car or  your purse during a dinner out. Even when hiking or walking, I'll turn my phone to airplane mode and have it just in case. No alerts. No noise. Just me and whatever/whoever I'm there for.

Rest.  I've really been listening to my body on this one. No longer one to brag about "I can get by on 5 hours of sleep" (yes, that was me!) - this girl needs 7.5 hours or MORE to be my best. Sure, I can function on less, but it's not (and can't be) my norm. 

Rest also applies to my time in the gym. I have in the not-so-distant past really over done it. Mornings and evenings, 5-6 days a week of full body and cardio.  When I started feeling it catch up to me, I basically just fell off the wagon.  I'm finding a better balance for me - 4 days of varied training, alternating with more forgiving long walks with my pups. Sure there's more I could do and when the weather gets nice, more outdoors things that will happen. After all, I'm training to love my life, not for a bikini contest. I want to be able to hike longer and higher, bike longer, play with my pups, party at a trampoline park, and move loads of dirt and mulch into my garden and flower beds without being sore or exhausted. I'm training for life, and in life, you need to rest to be your best!

What are some of the ways that you ENGAGE daily? Do you use an online community? Bullet journal?  I'd love to hear about what is working for you! 

I've got my February ENGAGE project drying in the garage - I'll post pics when it's ready. How do you keep your focus on your One Word? I like to have something in front of me, a visual reminder. LEAP is on the shelf above my office desk. Engage will be more, uh, mobile.  Stay tuned to see!

Just 2 days until I reveal my March One Word! I'd love to hear about your projects and focuses. What tools do you use to find and develop your best habits?  Leave a comment below, or hit me up on the socials!

Ciao for now!
Jen

How Do You ENGAGE to accomplish your GOALS?

Hello Friends!

It's a beautiful (read: cold, blustery, snow covered) day!  I started out dark and early, taught 2 classes (Cycle & TRX and Mobility), got my own yoga practice in (can you say TIGHT hips?) and continued with my daily meditation practice.  I'm home now, snuggled in with hot Chai tea and cozy leggings and sweater.

Now what?

TIME to ENGAGE, DUH!

Today's task is to set small goals. These are the beginning steps that will help me achieve my larger targets.  I'm a list maker and need to have structure and a schedule to stay on task, especially when there are multiple paths moving forward at the same time. I'm also a visual person, so charts, vision boards and post-its are king! So, considering each large goal, what are the stepping stones  (there may be a hundred!) to get there?


Staying engaged for me is taking time and care in the little steps, appreciating the importance of building a foundation for success and moving forward when steps are complete. Not only does it keep me present (which is something I'm working on!) - it also allows me to recognize the steps where I may need help. Maybe I need to make a contact or network in order to move forward. Maybe I need help with tech. Maybe I need to read and research to make a decision.  Maybe I need to switch it up and try something else because I've been on the wrong track (happens to the best of us).  Engagement isn't just actively working on a project (or projects). It's also visualizing, dreaming, getting excited about possibilities, and sharing that vision with others. It is being mentally, emotionally, and physically invested in that which I have set out to complete. It's breathing life into what breathes life into me.

Some small goals I've completed this week include setting meetings and calls for projects or events I'm working toward, following up on previous contacts who are potential teammates and customers, reading and researching, daily writing (just to get in the habit) and working on content for my online presence (coming soon!), keeping my space tidy so I don't feel over whelmed, and moving my body so that my mind can be settled.

When you're working on a project - what are some of the tools you use to get organized and stay focused and engaged?  I'd love to hear about them - let's share and maybe we'll both be more productive!

Today it is my hope that you take a step, ANY step, to reach your goals!  Cheers to making this life the life you love, one step at a time!

Ciao for now!

~jen

One Word Challenge - February 2019: ENGAGE

How is it already February 1st? I mean, I feel like I just started really dialing into LEAP, I've leapt into new environments, new partnerships, a new schedule, and so far, so good!

Thanks to  my pal Karla for finding this
graphic for me. Truly it's been my motto
for the month of January!

I've enjoyed the process of saying to myself, "it's going to be fine, risk is part of the plan. Some folks will say 'no', but don't let that discourage you."  Coming from a lifetime people pleaser, wouldn't it just be easier to be what everyone else needs? No. No it wouldn't. The time is now. Leap, dammit. LEAP! 

So, I've leapt. 

Shit. Now what?

Well, the ball is rolling. While leaping in January (and I will continue to leap forward beyond January!) I've made some valuable connections, put systems in place, and started working on forward progress. 

The next step is to ...

                                   ...  ENGAGE!


Maybe you're a Star Trek nerd like me. If so, come with me on this thought...

You know when the Captain Picard says, "ENGAGE," they'd laid a course, they already discussed where they were going and why, they'd talked about challenges they may face. The Captain listened, processed and decided it was time to act. He'd given orders, but now it was time to  ENGAGE.  And no one questioned him after that order. Hold on tight. We're goin' in.


Here's the Merriam Webster definition:

engage

 verb

en·​gage | \ in-ˈgāj  , en-\  engaged; engaging 

intransitive verb

1a: to pledge oneself : PROMISE

b: to make a guaranteehe engages for the honesty of his brother

2a: to begin and carry on an enterprise or activity —used with inengaged in trade for many years

b: to do or take part in something —used with inengage in healthy activitiesengage in bad conduct

c: to give attention to something : DEALfailing to engage with the problem

3: to enter into conflict or battle

4: to come together and interlockthe gears engaged

Wow... that's a lot of information. But I find it so interesting how a word can embody all of these aspects. In this way, ENGAGE is really quite perfect for me.  Here's how I relate:

I want to pledge to myself to put in the work, to not give up on myself.

I want to make a guarantee to myself and my family that I'm working for our best future.

I want to be active in an enterprise of health, wellness and community support through event management.

I want to take part in my life actively, not as a bystander waiting to see what's going to come my way.  Some of you may have seen my shoulder tat that translates to 'If the wind doesn't serve, take to the oars."  It's time to start rowing!

I want to give my attention to the areas of my life I've deemed most important.

I anticipate that there will be conflict, battles even, and I'm ready to engage those challenges with vigor and vim!

It's time for the gears to interlock, friends! It's time for everything in my life to work together towards common goals, and not in opposition of one another.

ENGAGE is really growing on me. I mean, it's like a One Word Mission Statement!

While I continue to work towards (ENGAGE) my goals this month, I'll share with you how this One Word continues to inspire action and attitude.

How's your One Word challenge going?  Have you chosen a new word for February? Or will you have the same word all year? I'd love to hear your prospective on your word, or mine!

Life's short, friends. Isn't it time we all ENGAGED?!

Ciao for now!
~Jen

Leaping and My Why

Greetings Friends!

It's a beautiful day in some one's neighborhood! It's frigid and only getting colder here at home. But the sun is out, I've put on my "productive pants" today, and decided to spend a little time meditating on "leap" and how it will (and has) evolved over the last 3+ weeks, and how it will transition into the months to come.

"Leap" is the action that has followed a long time introspection on my Why. 
My Why is simple. To help myself, my family and others live their healthiest and happiest lives.  The details of the How and What have changed over the years, depending on my particular set of circumstances at the time, but the why has been constant. 

I know that I can't take good care of others if I've neglected myself. I learned this lesson from my mother, who over the years always worked, sometimes two jobs, always made sure we were provided for, made dinner, taught us the value of hard work, and so many other valuable lessons. But here's the thing...I don't remember many times when she did for herself. He glass was empty. Everyone and everything wanted/needed something. The most self-loving thing I can remember her doing when I was growing up was sneaking time to read occasionally, or have an entire sleeve of girl scout cookies to herself. She was tired, stressed and trying to hold a blended family together on a tight budget while dealing with the things all families struggle with and a few things extra piled on. I saw her struggle with all of it.

It's hard to look back and realize that someone I love needed more, from me and others, and I was oblivious to how I could help or encourage her to do for herself instead of trying to keep up with the never ending to-do for others list. Sure, she found happiness in the little things, and later in life through an extended family and some travel, but I could see, deep down, that nothing had changed with how she valued her own care and keeping.

When I lost my mom in 2017 to Cancer, I struggled with (and continue to struggle - pay no attention to the tears in my eyes as I type this) the grief of knowing that her whole life, she tried to pour from an empty cup. During the toughest time in her life, she couldn't let go and relax and had trouble asking for and receiving help. Would her treatment have had a different result? Who knows. But it weighs on my mind.

Learning the lesson of self care and happiness in reverse has affected my career path. From retail to non-profit, corporate America, local small business, and now freelance/contractor, I've found that the What has changed over the years, and as I've gained skills and knowledge the How has evolved, but the Why has endured.

I'm happiest with friends and family, being healthy, active and outdoors, using my organizational skills and analytical thinking to find the best practice in all areas of my life, and helping others reach their goals.

Leap has led me to putting the Why first and the How into action. The What in January has been diverse!  I've been in the gym coaching and building strength in myself and others, online and in person nutritional coaching, and traveling to events where people have set a goal of completing a race (half marathon, full marathon) and I'm able to support them through organizational on site work.

I am in a position to learn more about myself and the risks I'm willing to take to find and prioritize my happiest self.  Long term vision weighs heavier than short term challenges.  Happiness is the goal and Happy is who I want to be when I grow up.

I started with a Leap, but you ain't seen nothin' yet!

I'd love to know how your One Word for January has been guiding you! Or, how LEAP has inspired you!  Leave a comment or find me on the socials!

Ciao for now!
Jen

SAY YES to the LEAP!

Here I am, a whole 11 days into this new "me" thingy. After a super early day at the gym with classes and clients (my part time gig),  I'm in ath-leisure apparel (duh), have just walked my pups the extra long route, am sipping a delicious Mint Chocolate protein shake for lunch (ala Isagenix, yes I use a mason jar for my shakes. It's just easy and pretty!) and have thought about this week and the immediate changes in my life - the ways in which I have chosen to LEAP.

I don't have a full time job. (GASP!) Oh, I could get one, or have kept one, or whatever. But the fact remains that I need to get something DONE in order to support my share of the family budget. That FREAKS. ME. OUT. What if I fail. What if I suck. What if I don't finish everything on the to-do list. What if I can't get to where I want to go professionally? What if my book sucks? What if, what if, what if? I've always been mostly risk adverse. Take the safe road, get the desk job, get the homework done, don't procrastinate, don't rock the boat.

Man, this boat is rockin' in 2019!

Through my work with various events, talking with friends, networking, and a glowing recommendation from a dear friend, an opportunity has presented itself to me - I've been asked to take a role with a large race in Texas. The voice in my head says, WHOA - you're not ready!
A louder voice:
SAY YES. 

It's really far away and you've never been there.
SAY YES.

You only know one soul in all of Austin.
SAY YES.

You are going to get lost.
SAY YES... and use GPS.

What if you fail?!
SAY YES and do your best. It's what got you the invite, isn't it?

Not only is this an opportunity for me to do what I love, and have been doing for 20+ years (event & volunteer management), but it's a chance to see a new city, to build new relationships, to prove myself against bigger challenges and struggles, to get lost, to try new food, to laugh, to be exhausted.

I said YES.  I am LEAPING. I'll be in Austin next weekend to meet the crew at a smaller race, and back again in February for the main event. I'm so excited (and nervous) I can hardly sit. I hope y'all will send me some positive vibes for a good first showing with this event.

Yes, I've already started with the "y'all"... I'm in trouble. ;)

Not to mention, isn't it flip-flop weather in Austin? That's something I can definitely SAY YES to.


Personally, another yes in my life was YES to sharing my health and wellness journey with my hubster and encouraging him to join me. He's a bit of a picky eater, and fitness has always been my thing, but I'm so proud of his efforts. He's been following the program I've set out for him, he's been walking with me and the pups, he even let me beat up on him in the gym yesterday (partner workout, static & active work). I can tell he's feeling better, he's looking great, and I'm just so stinkin' happy for him.  Did you know your body was meant to feel THIS good?! I mean, seriously! I'm so glad that he said YES!

I continue to offer what I'm experiencing through this product line to my friends and family, because I honestly love it. Because helping others, and feeding others, is what I do. Because it makes me smile to know that I've helped someone realize how good they are designed to feel.

{Pipe Dream: If I could work an event where I got to lead a boot camp style workout followed by whipping up delicious Isa Shakes for everyone before tackling race day activities or Expo shenanigans? WHOA NELLY! HEAVEN!}

For those of you who want to know more, I'd love to hear from you! Use the comments below, find me on Social Media, or check out the system HERE. 

Perhaps it's time for you to SAY YES to your health and wellness, too. ;)

I want to hear if you've been LEAPING, or how your One Word has been guiding your efforts to live your best life.  Won't you share with me?

Ciao for now,
Jen

"LEAP"

Happy Day, everyone!

As I mentioned in my previous post, my One Word for the month of January is "leap." I prefer my meditation to be moving meditation - tying the physical with the mental - and started mulling over and really setting my mind to ponder on what LEAP means to me during a busy to-do list day.

During my 2.5 mile walk with the pups. While waiting for my kiddo at the dentist. While working on my One Word craft project.  The more tedious, the better I focus. Stringing embroidery floss around tiny nails is just mindless enough to all for good thinking!  And here's where I'm at:

Leap in to something new.
It's true, while this isn't all completely new, the list of uncertainties (mental, physical, and financial) is long.
Do I believe in who I am and what I'm capable of? Most days, yes. Realizing my worth is something I'm working on, through reading, watching and learning from people I consider mentors (even if they don't know it), and irregular (as in not every day, not as in strange - though, to be fair I'm pretty strange!) meditations. This really is the beginning of my journey - understanding I'm both capable AND deserving of success.
Leap for joy.
I really am finding Joy in the small tasks that lead to bigger plans. Getting giddy when I place a business card order, or finding a smile on my face when thinking about how different things will look in a year, two years. Allowing Joy to guide the order of my to do list based on my mood and focus. Am I ready to sit still at the computer? No. So let's tackle something active: work with my hands, go for a walk (with pups, of course). Joy is not allowing self doubt (which I will inevitably feel, I mean, I'm human) seep into my doer thoughts. That pesky doubt leads to paralysis by analysis - over thinking to the point that nothing gets done. Instead, Joy. Excited to be who I am and put my best foot forward. Joyful to have the opportunity to try. LEAP for Joy!

Leap over obstacles.
They are out there. Staring at me. The to-do list is just the beginning. There are a million daily obstacles when starting any new venture ranging from financial to emotional.  But you know what? LEAP. Yup, with plenty of help from others I'm going to leap. I'm going to parkour style bounce from wall to wall, up and around, until I'm on solid ground. Just keep leaping, right? (For the purpose of this entry, we'll change Dori's swimming to leaping.) Sure, I'll trip up. But I'm ready to attempt the leap.

Understanding that the line of success is almost NEVER straight, and that obstacles are a normal part of growing into something new, I think I'll be ready to leap the small puddles, or grab a stick and pole vault over the big ones.  Just know, I may ask to borrow your stick. :)

Leap because you can.
There are so many factors that lead me to this place. There are relationships, challenges, fortunate circumstances, and planning that has led me here. Feeling that this LEAP is getting me closer to who I am and the kind of life I want to live is what has given me the courage to leap in the first place.  Because I have the support of my family and the circumstances to take the risk, it would be irresponsible for me to ignore all the things that SCREAM at me - leap. Leap. LEAP! Just like those who run for a cause, or who dedicate work to someone in their life who isn't able to do it themselves, I feel like this is my chance to show my kids that they don't have to live in society's box. There are choices and options, risks and rewards. And it's OK to LEAP.

I'm sure I'll have more thoughts on LEAP as the month progresses. What does LEAP mean to you? What's your One Word for the month (or year)? I'd love to hear about it - HMU in the comments below and watch out for more!

Ciao for now,

jen

Happy New Year! 2019, Marhenkes On the Move, M3Living and MORE!

Holy cow. I mean, seriously. HOLY. COW.

How is it January 1st, 2019?!  I don't know whether I was zoned out, tuned in, out for lunch, or 'gone fishin'... but time really has flown. As I sit at  my favorite perch in the house (the breakfast bar), I'm reflecting on all that last year brought me, and for the opportunities and challenges that 2019 will bring.

2018:
Mental toughness. Ideas. Excitement. Disappointment. Loss. Love. Nature. Books. Support. More Love.

Those are just off the top of my head.

Finding peace with losses in my life and the relationships and struggles that go along with those losses has been a real test for me. I'm trying to find grace, failing, and trying again. But let it be a reminder to all that grief has no timeline and learning to cope with grief and loss is different for everyone.

But there are silver linings! I've committed to some awesome ideas in the last year. Our family has been spending more of our energy on experiences over things. We have been more active in nature and with our pups. Projects have been started AND completed (!) in our shop (aka garage). Hubster and I have enjoyed the work together, problem solving, compromising, and realizing that a project with imperfections is, in fact, perfect. Benches, the "M", Mountain Art - all the beginning of a growing body of "work" that we can say we did together. Concerts. Oh, there were concerts! Near and far, big names and those just coming up, some solo and some with friends. I love music and will continue to make it a part of my life. Game and movie nights are always fun and with an empty nest on the horizon, I hope that the whole clan will continue to flock to our home to spend time and share a laugh.

2019:
Opportunities. Nervousness. Love. Challenges. Freedom. Partnership and Support. Pride. More Books. Travel. And more Love.

As I build my calendar this year with events and travel I already know about, I'm so thankful for the people I've met and connections I've made over many years. I'm even more thankful for my partnership of 24 years (19 of those married) with the Hubster. I'm sure most people can imagine what a giant PITA I can be - and he just keeps on lovin' me anyway. It's really saying something that one of his loudest requests was that I'd be home for dinner. Not to just cook it, but to BE THERE, so we could share and talk and laugh. I mean, he knows I never shut up, right?! Even more than that, he's offered me his support in a new venture, a new set of challenges that will (hopefully) provide us with a life that we can be comfortable living, enjoying the life we've build and opportunities to live it to the fullest.

As the school year progresses, we are closer and closer to having our youngest Loin Fruit graduate from high school. His plans are still somewhat fluid, but there are options on the table. No matter what mom says, he'll find his own way, and things will work out just fine... but that doesn't keep me from freaking out about it! How is my youngest about to leave home?! You can expect a post about ugly crying several times between March and May 20th.  Empty nesting is approaching. What's that going to look like?

It could look like Marhenkes on the Move. Not just a catchy name for our Vlog, but a literal  move on the horizon. The mountains are calling, and we must go. There will be much more to share on this later, but for now just know that the adventure has just begun, again (it started years ago)!

In 2019, it'll be the first time since I was 18 that I haven't had a "full time" job. I'm scaling back the work for others and ramping up the work for myself and our family.  This new venture is called: M3Living & Events: Movement, Mindfulness, Motivation and Event & Volunteer Management, Fueled by Isagenix. Logo created, domains purchased, business cards ordered. Stickers have been gifted, and website content begun. Proposals have been written and connections are being made. Learning is constant and mistakes will follow, inevitably. (But why do we fall? So we can pick ourselves back up! Thank you Alfred.)  I'm as excited as I am nervous, but if not NOW, when?  More on website launches and other 'firsts' for M3Living SOON.

I'll continue to be vague with the 'MORE' because, quite frankly this entry is too long already.  I'm keeping  my "whole life" blog casual moving forward, too. I'm not putting a topic, task or schedule on it. Maybe if I let myself be free with this, the creative juices will flow and spill over in the other spaces in my life.

So I'll leave you with this:  in 2019 I'm going to have a One Word focus each month. This One Word will guide my tasks, attitude (a mantra, if you will) and intentions (hello meditation!). It will be chosen with goals and feelings considered, and help me to focus on what's ahead, but mostly what's important to me.

January 2019's One Word is....



It's time. Let's go!

Ciao for now!

jen