Bloom Where You're Planted

Spring weather is finally here!

The best part of the warmer temps for me is getting to take my pups out on two walks each day. On  the morning walk, it's just me and them, no music, no conversation, just us walking and listening to the sounds of birds and dogs and cars and the wind. We take the time to sniff, stroll, and wander over the extra loops in the neighborhood and get in a little over 3 miles.  It's my moving meditation.

This past week I've been thinking a lot about BLOOM. Where does a bloom come from? That got me thinking about how I can relate spring time concepts to my personal (and professional) journey this year.

Where does a bloom come from? 

I found this online:

"WHAT MAKES FLOWER BULBS SPECIAL

Flowering bulbs have an important advantage over regular plants: they can store energy from one growing season to the next. When a bulb starts to grow, it uses these stored reserves to develop roots, shoots, leaves and flowers. Being so self-sufficient means that flower bulbs don’t have to wait for perfect weather or ideal soil conditions. By nature, they already have what they need to thrive."

One more time, with feeling: "By NATURE, they already have what they need to THRIVE."

As I'm learning and developing, I'm storing everything I need in my "bulb" - everything that makes me ME, my experiences, my failures and victories, my perspective, my crazy snarky sense of humor, my relationships - everything! - is going to all ow me to BLOOM and THRIVE. 

Wow. That's something to sit with for a second.

I mean, think about it: the most beautiful spring flowers come from cold, hard, seemingly dead soil with only the promise of sun and warmth and success. Beautiful flowering trees spent the entire winter dormant, dark and bare. But in the spring, buds appear, and flowers fill the branches and later still, leaves grow and line each bough beautifully. We aren't so different. The ability to BLOOM is inside of each and every one of us. 

The hubster gave me a gift years ago (when I was changing jobs for the first time in 13 years) - it was a fantastic picture that my daughter took of a field of daisies (my favorite flower) with the phrase, "We are all just one adjustment away from being the person we were meant to be."  Each adjustment gets us closer to our glorious bloom! And then, when this season ends, we'll build up the knowledge and experience and passion and BAM! Bloom again. And again. And again.

I hope that you have considered how you can BLOOM where you're planted, right now. You have what you need to thrive. All you need is to give your bloom water and sunshine (literally and figuratively!) - and see all the wonderful things you're capable of!

Check out these photos from my daily walks with my pups - and don't forget to stop and smell the flowers every now and then (even when your pups want to get that squirrel!).

With hope and love and the promise of spring~

<3 Jen

April One Word Challenge: BLOOM

I don't know how it happened, but it's here. April.

January seemed to hang on for months, and February was cold and snowy. But leap and engage kept me busy. March seemed to fly by, all because I chose to march.

This April I can feel that I'm coming into my own in a way. I'm embracing the challenges, learning to manage all three rings of my circus, doing my best to take care of myself so that I'm better able to take care of others. This April it's time to BLOOM.

April's One Word Challenge just happens to correspond with one of my favorite things - planting and gardening. While I'll likely hold off planting the garden until Mother's Day weekend - I'm starting to get excited about the types of flowers and plants I'll have, wandering through the garden center and scrolling through Pinterest. I feel a smile spread across my lips - the smile you have when you know that you reap what you sow, that your efforts will result in something beautiful that you'll enjoy day after day.

As I consider M3 Living & Events, the clients that I work with and the people I touch, they are just like my garden. I plant seeds and nurture and worry and fuss over them - and with patience, the beautiful blooms remind me of why I was planting seeds to begin with.

I'm excited to dial in on my fitness and nutrition this month as I wrap up a 16 week challenge with the hubster! I started off my Monday April 1st with a fantastic workout, and even had my daughter as a guest (at 5:30am, no less). I walked the pups with a friend/client and got some extra mileage in because it was so beautiful. I enjoyed a veggie filled lunch and am looking forward to a committee meeting tonight for an event that I'm involved with over the summer.  What a fabulous way to kick off this month!

Truly - it's time to BLOOM!

I'd love to hear about your One Word Challenge choices and how they are keeping you motivated. Are these words helping you stay focused, motivated and positive? 

Let's share, connect and BLOOM together!

Ciao for now!
~jen

Get Your Mind Right - Reset to March Forward in a Positive Direction!

Here we are, just about half-way through the month, on Pi Day!

Today I had plans, weather changed those plans, decided to treat myself, came home to a broken garage door and a section of fence blown down. Flooding, crazy wind, mud everywhere. I was feeling the frustration build and I had to stop and reset. Sometimes you need to MARCH - actively move forward in a positive direction.

So, I'm listening to a pod cast about positivity, I'm going to work on my vision board and my MARCH One Word project. Then, I'm going to go to the grocery store for some healthy foods and ingredients for my Pi Day treat. Then, I'll revisit my business to-do list.

I have to get my mind right!

What are some of your favorite 'reset' buttons? Here are a few of mine:

Play with the pups. - If it were nicer today, we would be clicking on the harnesses and heading out for Patrol. Physical activity, fresh air, and my fur buddies always helps me find the positives!

Laugh at funny memes. - Yes, your favorite cat memes, silly memes, bad lip reading, whatever you're in to, can help remind you to laugh, to smile and to let go what has tilted your attitude to the negative and frustrated side.

Get sweaty. - There are lots of way to get sweaty - dancing, getting a tough workout in, doing yard work, getting freaky with your partner, all are great ways to boost those feel good chemicals in your brain and lift your spirits. There are so many benefits to your body and mind, this is one of my all time favorite 'reset buttons!'

Meditate. - I've got a fantastic app that I use, and most of the guided meditations are 10-15 minutes long. That's just long enough to get a good reset going - focus on breathing, and gratitude, and feel more settled and ready to march forward! You can check out the app I use here.

Listen to your favorite song. - We all have a song that makes us smile. Classical, hip hop, pop, country, indie rock, alternative, polka... cue that song up and play it loud! Sing it, dance, toe tap or just close your eyes and let it wash over you.  My current reset song is  Good, by Twin XL. That dang whistle just makes me smile! (It also gets stuck in my head!)

Listen to an audio book or podcast. - I just finished Michelle Obama's book, Becoming and Girl, Wash Your Face, by Rachel Hollis. Both are fantastic reminders of how we CAN overcome challenges in our lives through a positive outlook, hard work, some patience and some self love. I like to listen while I walk, drive long distances, clean the house or do the dishes.

Put away the tech. - Ya, this is a tough one for some of us, but a necessary reset. Put your phone on airplane mode (or turn it off all together), close the lap top, turn off the TV. By simply removing that stimuli, you may feel your nerves sooth and your attitude mellow.

Bake. - I love to bake. There's something soothing about measuring, mixing and timing. Baking has a rhythm, a reason, and an order. I follow recipes, embellishing or substituting occasionally, but within the parameters of the tried and true. And, as many of you have heard before, my love language is FOOD. I enjoy making treats for those I love.

Take the time to do nothing. - There are days in the summer and fall, where I just need to sit. I pull up a chair by the fire pit, no music or books, just me and my thoughts and a fire. Listening to the sounds of the wind, the crackle of the fire, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, or the cool breeze on my skin, the feel of crushed limestone under my feet. This is like meditation, but less structured.

Get out of town. - Sometimes you need a hard reset, a change of scenery, schedule, and maybe people. My family's go to is get-a-ways that involve mountains and hiking. I am better when I'm in nature. But I also enjoy tacking on a day or two when I travel for events to explore the cities I'm in and appreciate the unique activities and scenery they offer!

That's my short list of favorites - did any of them show up on your list, too? I'd love to hear about which ones did - and even hear about some that I didn't list that you love!

Resets are necessary. Success isn't a straight line from start to finish. We have ups and downs, and wrong turns and course corrections. I'm learning ways to help get back on track towards my goals and dreams.

The break has done wonders for my attitude today, and I'm ready to MARCH on with the rest of my afternoon and evening.

Until next time...

Ciao for now!

~jen

Let's MARCH.

I can't believe it's already March 2019!

Despite the prolonged snow and cold here at home, time still seems to fly!  Moving ahead with my One Word challenge, I've been brainstorming words that have come up in my meditations, in my reading and research, or in my action plan. What I've decided on seems simple (and cheesy) enough for me...  it is time to MARCH!

Wait, really? MARCH in March?

YES!

I plan to MARCH forward. It's time to follow the path I've set for myself when I decided to LEAP and ENGAGE. Moving forward with the pieces that are in place right now will help me find where the gaps are and where my challenges may come up, but I will be progressing all the while.

Marching isn't the fastest way to get somewhere - it's often slow, deliberate and measured. But it's consistent, and purposeful. And that's where I need to be right now. I need to build on what I've done, and continue forward. Progress, not perfection. Forward, but not in a hurry.

The month of March is usually about the time I get fed up with winter, can't seem to stay motivated, cave into my cravings (damn the Girl Scouts and their tasty cookies!) and have a tendency to take a step back in progress I've made.


Well, friends, not this year!  I'm here to MARCH forward, to make solid choices that support my goals, to be measured and deliberate in my actions. 

Throughout the month I'll be sharing how MARCH has shaped my intentions, actions and ultimately my results, so stay tuned for that. What is your One Word Challenge for the month? How have you been implementing the challenge into your overall goals? I'd love for you to share and we can help encourage one another!

My Craft project for ENGAGE didn't turn out quite as I'd hoped, but the process provided insight on how to improve. I'll be coming up with something special (and different) for MARCH, so hang tight for that to come, too.

Ciao for now,

Jen

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