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

Fork Meal WIN! Hearty Chicken & Butternut Squash #IsaStrong

Are you guys ready for a #ForkMealWIN ?

Wait, what's a fork meal? Oh, right...

So on this journey I call life, I've decided to take control of my nutrition and am using a line of products that fills in the nutritional gaps in my normal eating. Delicious shakes, which are balanced meals and full of high quality protein, and 1-2 meals for me each day.  For the meals that I'm not having a shake, I call it a "Fork Meal."

So, anyway... you know that feeling when you totally win at dinner? It's delicious, easy, pretty, healthy, and didn't cost a fortune? Ya, I had that the other day. Enter: Hearty Chicken & Butternut Squash

It's fall here, crisp weather and sunshine through the golden leaves. Cool enough that you want something warm in your tummy, but it's not quite 'quilts and soup' weather (though I LOVE soup!). So I flipped open my recipe book from Isagenix "Simple Recipes, Your Best Results" to see what I could see. A warm, hearty, healthy meal - that wasn't soup (yet).

First, the ingredient list:

1 TBSP Olive Oil
2 Cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (you can use sweet potatoes here, too - or combine them both)
2 6oz boneless chicken breasts
1/2 Cup chicken broth (I used chicken bone broth)
1/2 Cup fresh green beans, trimmed
1/2 Cup walnut halves (I didn't do this - texture thing for me)
8-12 cherry tomatoes
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp minced garlic (I used 3 cloves)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Most of this was in my cupboard! Score!

The squash I picked up was HUGE, so I peeled and seeded the whole thing, and set all the extra aside to freeze for a later recipe. I just LOVE the color of butternut squash. It just FEELS warm and cozy.  I grabbed a bag of green beans, the last I could find, from a farm stand along with a big box of heirloom cherry and grape sized tomatoes. if you didn't know that cherry tomatoes can be all sorts of colors - you've been missing out! Deep purples, yellows, reds - they are a feast for the eyes!

Down to the (easy) cooking:

1 Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the butternut squash and saute for 5 minutes.  I like to leave the squash on one side to get a nice golden brown color and then stir/flip the pieces. 

2 Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side. Again, I don't stir around too much - I like a nice crust and golden brown color. You may find that cutting the chicken into strips makes for faster cooking and easier serving. 

3  Add to the skillet the broth, beans, walnuts (if you're into that), tomatoes and spices. Stir to combine, cover and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

That's IT!  I just served this up on a plate and went to town, but you could make a serving or 2 of quinoa or wild rice and serve this over top.

My mouth and tummy were so happy with my lunch that day, and I had plenty of leftovers! I enjoyed this meal reheated almost as much as the first time - the squash does get a little "squishy" upon reheating, but the flavor is more complex as the spices have had time to really mingle.

Nutritional Values per serving (recipe serves 2):

520 Calories
28g Fat
28g Carbs
6g Fiber
7g Sugar
48g Protein

Honestly - I made this into 3 very large servings - I used a generous amount of veggies and 6oz of chicken is a lot for me. My numbers may have been slightly different than this, but geez - look at all that good stuff!

I'm going to keep working through the recipes in the Isagenix guide, but I'm always up for a great recipe that brings my healthy goals and taste buds together happily! I'd love to hear what you thought of this recipe and swap recipes for some of your fall comfort food favorites!

If you want to know more about my #IsaStrong Journey, shoot me a comment with your email or social media handle(s) and I'll reach out, STAT! :)  I'm on a mission to make others feel as great as I do!

Wishing you health and happy full tummies!

Until next time ~
<3 jen

My ISA Story - When Enough is Enough! (20lbs, 22.25 inches!)

Hey everyone! I have awesome news, that's a little embarrassing. I'm a fitness professional, who needed to lose weight and get back to my best self.

Excuses, poor food choices and being "busy" really did a number on my weight, gut health, sleep quality, and stress level. If you've been on my blog for a while, you may have read some of my posts about how I felt when I tried the 30 day system several years ago (feel free to go back and check those out!). I felt great and I knew it worked, but the key to anything in life is consistency. I needed to be consistent to hold on to those improvements in my overall health and weight management. I let excuses get in the way of my success.

"Enough!" I said! "I'm done!" And I reached out and started back into a nutritional cleansing program that I knew already, Isagenix.

So, July 4th (yes, on a holiday), I started a 30 day nutritional cleanse. I was embarrassed - too embarrassed to take before photos and measurements, but I did step on the scale. I was the 2nd heaviest I'd ever been. In. My. Life. HELLO?!?!?! I work in a gym?! How did this happen? More coaching and less doing, not having my workout buddy and using that as an excuse to skip my workouts, and lack of discipline with my food choices. (Looking back, I really wish I would have done measurements!!!)

Now, I won't tell you that I was perfect. I had a golf tournament week, a concert weekend in Chicago, July 4th family gatherings and all sorts events. But, I drank my shakes, had tasty meals and did my weekly cleanses. A month later, I was experiencing all the good things I remember - less bloat and tummy troubles, better sleep, skin clearing up, and looser fitting clothes. So, I decided to take my measurements on August 6th.

Fast forward to today. 3.5 months later....

I'm Down 20 POUNDS and since August 6th I'm down 22.5 INCHES!!!!

(See, that's why I wish I would have gotten those July measurements!)

Now, I've got some more work to do to get to my goal weight/size, and some strength training plans, too. I'm not trying to be LESS. I'm working to become my best me, the strongest me, the happiest me.

Are you ready to say "ENOUGH!" ? I'd love to visit with you about this nutritional cleansing system and all it's benefits. It's not just shakes, it's quality FOOD, guaranteed, and sustainable for a lifetime. There are additional supplements to help you on your path, a TON of online support and local folks who are using the products and making it their lifestyle. Not to mention, it can provide financial opportunities to you, just for using the products and sharing your story. I'm ready to live my best life - who's coming with me?!

More to come - recipes, non-scale victories, workouts and more of my WHOLE life! :) Until next time,

<3 jen

It's Dessert Time! Recipe #5 - Banana Chocolate Mousse!

Hello Friends!

New year, new goals, and without fail, new hiccups. I missed my post last week because of poor planning and am late this week (should have posted yesterday!) for the same reason. Well, better late than never!

After a busy week and feeling more tired than usual, I've managed to stay out of the path of the flu bug and I'd like to credit that to listening to my body and resting to stay strong. So, for that I am NOT sorry for being late!  

In this recipe challenge, we've done a savory breakfast recipe, a full dinner, a side dish, and a snack. So, what's missing? DESSERT!  I'm always looking for tasty, rich, and healthy options for desserts. I like to try out the recipes before bringing to events or pot lucks, but it's always nice to share whole food, healthy options that still taste great!

Page 177 in "Eat Drink Shine" is Banana Chocolate Mousse!  

For this recipe, I made a run to my local Fresh Thyme store. While I had a couple items in my pantry, I needed to pick up the fresh ingredients and really enjoy roaming the aisles to see what interesting new offerings they have. I swear, it's the prettiest grocery store in town! While I can't usually afford to do my weekly shopping there (for cost and variety reasons), I really enjoy recipe trips there.

So, let's get started with the ingredients:

• 10 dates, pitted and soaked in water for 2-3 hours.
• 1 ripe banana, peeled and roughly sliced
• 3 ripe avocados, pitted and flesh scooped out of shells
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1/2 cup raw cacao powder or carol powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

I often have both organic maple syrup and raw honey in the pantry, but I was running low on honey, so picked that up, along with the avocados, cacao powder and dates.  

As I prepped the ingredients, it occurred to me again that I don't have a food processor. I have a magic bullet and a Blendtec blender, and while I was able to hobble the two together to make this recipe work, I feel like it's time to go ahead and get myself a new kitchen toy. I've heard a rumor that Blendtec has a food processor "attachment" and that would make me SUPER happy. I do so love my blender. It just doesn't work as well when there's no liquid or when there isn't enough substance to what needs processed. It just gets knocked to the outside walls of the pitcher.

This recipe goes together very quickly:

• Place the drained dates in the food processor (magic bullet!) and process for 1 minute. The dates may ball up, but that is fine. (mine didn't, but it took a couple of stops/scrapes/restarts to get up to the minute and fully smooth out the dates.)
  Add the banana and avocados and process another minute. (This is where I moved to the Blendtec - there just wasn't room in the bullet!)
  Add maple syrup, honey, cacao and vanilla and process for 1 minute.
• Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving (I chilled over night). Store in an airtight container; it will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  
  I garnished with a shake of cacao powder and powdered sugar for contrast. I bet some fresh whipped cream on top with a sprig of mint would be amazing, too!

Divine Cocoa (raw cacao powder)

Of note:
First - How delicious is the smell, texture and taste of raw cacao? Wow... I thought "man, this little container is a little pricey and the package sure is pretty, but can it be worth it?"  Yes. Yes it is. The sense of smell can transport you to places you've been, places you've imagined or dreamed of, and just after popping the top off this little jar, I was GONE to a far off land of rich tastes and smells, and dreaming of decadent desserts, sweet mixed with spice, and warm sun on my face. Snap out of it, Jen!

Second - I've discovered that I prefer a much more mild banana flavor - so over ripe bananas aren't really my thing. I prefer a just-turned-yellow 'naner over the dark and ripe fruit. So, for future iterations of this recipe I'll use bananas that are closer to that new yellow stage. However, if you're a fan of a strong banana flavor, you'll LOVE this recipe.

This mouse is a thick, smooth, gorgeously dark chocolate treat. It smells divine (see what I did there?) and tastes like a big time splurge. 

Speaking of splurge, here's what it cost me to make it:

• Avocados - $.99 each - $2.97
• Dates - $2.34 (enough dates to make 2 batches and still sneak a few for snacks)
• Banana - I always have bananas on hand, but if you had to get them, you can usually get a bunch at $.59 per pound.
• Maple Syrup - Again, had this on hand, but for the good stuff you can expect to spend around $5.
• Cacao Powder - This is a little spendy, but in my opinion TOTALLY worth it. I can't wait to find another recipe that calls for it. $4.69
• Raw honey - I was running lo, so picked this up and a 16oz jar was $5.99. I chose raw, organic honey.  I have 3/4 of the jar left, so it'll be a while before I have to buy another bottle.
• Vanilla - Another pantry staple!

I gobbled up my portion, here's how pretty the other 3 were!

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, I'd say over a full cup each. Because of how rich it is, it could easily be split to 6 servings.  Grand Total: $21.58 or just $3.59 per person (with the 6 servings). 

The upside is, of course that once you have the pantry stocked, you could whip this up with a few items that need used up (bananas and avocados always seem to be in this category for me!). 

This mouse can also be used, according to the tip in the recipe book, as a vegan chocolate frosting or topping for cakes, cupcakes and ice cream. Now you're talking! I thought to myself while giving this a final wisking that it was a wonderful consistency for frosting or layered cake filling. 

What are your go-to healthy dessert recipes? I'd love to give one a try, so send it my way! Reach out in the comments! Sharing is caring, right?!

Until next time, here's to healthy meals, warm kitchens and full tummies! 

<3 Jen