Category Archives: attitudes

ahhhh… ROUTINE!

attitudes, exercise, Happiness, health, kids, Life, student, teacher, Uncategorized, ,

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Well, its been awhile since i had a good routine going. From all the ups and downs of my pregnancy it just never seemed to happen. Then the baby and Summer arrived and … well… just never happened!

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a routine and schedule kinda gal. My thought is it keeps me organized and I get stuff done. For the kids routines are great too, keeping things consistent is important for them. However, not everyone is all about the routine and keeping in line with one (of my dozen) ‘Life Commandments’ I need to remind myself to “Lighten Up”!!

In doing so… my love of being in a groove often gets tossed and I go with the flow. It actually has been really great! My husband is not a routine kinda guy. He likes to do whatever whenever and not stress about the small stuff (like housework, bedtimes, chores etc) especially in the summer.

At our house, Summer is about makes memories and spending time together. So, if the dogs got footprints and dog hairs all over the house and we want to go to the beach, we go! Typically, I would not be able to go because I would want to clean the house first and be sure everything is in its place… BOROING!!! I Know… hence the ‘Life Commandments’ were put in place and I now say “Screw It… TO THE BEACH” 😉

Its way more fun and how many kids get to see the fun and exciting side of their parents?? How many of us are caught up in routines and chores… work and rules? How many parents say “well its 9pm and its bedtime… so No you can’t go outside and look for night worms?” (My kids like to look for Night Worms…LOL) There are a lot of us who have gotten “boring” now that we have become parents!

Its important to have rules and things in place don’t get me wrong… we have chores for the kids, weekly allowances, time outs and screaming kids who don’t get their own way. I just mean ‘Lighten Up’ on the little things! Whats the big deal really? Its summer and the kids are suppose to be able to have fun!

However, this brings me to my next point… How the heck do Momma get some ‘me time’ with the lack of schedules and routines???? I mean really… by the time 8pm comes I wanna stick the little guys in bed and sit down in quite … whew! Its tough sometimes ya know! So its kinda bittersweet really! What are we suppose to do? Finding that out can be challenging but the main thing is to just remain calm… and it will work out!

Momma Time!
Momma Time!

Tips:

1. Include the Kiddos: It allows you to do things you like without feeling too guilty about them doing nothing while you enjoy something 😉

2. Stay Calm: Its short term remember.  By the time they are in grade two they don’t wanna hang out with you.  Soon they will be packing their bags and moving out.  (I am so not ready for my oldest to be heading to grade 1- where the heck did those years go too???  Full days… nope I am not ready… Wanna keep him here with me forever sniff, sniff)

3. Laugh:  It really is the best medicine (well It ties for first with exercise) … Try not to be too serious about things that are not really that important… Who cares really if you want til supper to do the dishes?  Go enjoy the sun with your kids.

4.  Take You Time: How??  Just do short intervals… for example my run last night was 30mins.  The baby was crying yes… but ya know what it was 30mins, he wasn’t hungry or needing changing and Dad was with him!  Momma needs a little “Sweat Therapy”  and after the whole family feels the benefits!  Just take “YOU” time quickly! 😉

Last night I escaped and did a quick run to re-energize and then I took the older boys in my gym with me to workout with me.

working on our fitness ;)
working on our fitness 😉

It can be frustrating at times when they are hyper and all you want to do is decompress in peace but for me I remind myself that this is short term and allowing them to be here with me is great bonding time as well it teaches them about health and balance.

Because I am a Night Owl and and Early Bird, I take advantage of these time of the day.  Everyone else is in bed and I like to be up.  So, I took the baby down to the gym this morning for his first “workout”… (he likes early morning as well)  It was basic but it was something 🙂  And that is perfectly Ok… there will be days where I long to have them here with me and they will be gone doing their own things…

see how much he LOVES it! LOL

see how much he LOVES it! LOL

Never too young for exercise ;)
Never too young for exercise 😉

As a person who like to get a lot done… remind yourself that everything will get done eventually! But for now… just roll with it!

Monkey-ing Around!
Monkey-ing Around!

I’M PREGNANT!! Now What…Can I Exercise??

attitudes, exercise, Happiness, healthy, kids, Life, positive, pregnancy, , , ,
being fit during pregnancy
7 Months Pregnant- My Boys and I 🙂

Pre-pregnancy most people have goals and visions that they are working towards…  Tighter Thighs… Trimmer Tummies; They hit the gyms or join fitness groups like “yummy mummy” or  “Better Butts” or “Abs, Ass and Arms”!  Its about transforming the body to look and feel a certain way, to be faster, better, stronger..  healthier… Right?  Thats all wonderful! So what happens when you move from that mindset to “I’M PREGNANT!!!”  Do you just stop working out due to fear that you will hurt the baby?  Do you keep rocking those workouts at maximum intensity??  Are you slamming the baby around inside belly if you run on the treadmill??  Its scary for some people to think that you can still exercise when you are pregnant as it may harm the little “bun in your oven”. It’s relatively new for women to be encouraged to exercise during there pregnancy and in the last three decades guidelines has changed tremendously and these studies are showing that women and babies are much healthier and happier when fitness is maintained during the wonderful months of pregnancy.  According to Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine “research supports the recommendation that a moderate level of exercise on a regular basis during a low risk pregnancy has minimal risk for the fetus and beneficial metabolic and cardio respiratory effects for the exercising woman.”  In fact, pregnancy often triggers women to be more conscience of their health and lifestyle choices.  Thoughts on pregnancy are much more positive and being pregnant does not mean you have a disease or disability.  Your life do not have to change dramatically if you are a low risk healthy woman. As a Personal Trainer, Athlete and Momma of 2 (Almost 3… currently 7months pregnant with Little Boy #3) I feel first hand the effects of exercise during pregnancy.  I believe in eating well and exercising on a regular basis.  So when I get pregnant its never a question of “should I or should I not?” … its okay “now I am exercising differently!”  By differently I mean with the thought that I want to be healthy and strong for my baby as well as myself.  I move form being in competition mode to being in “mommy mode”. You do not need to focus on gaining weight or getting “FAT” (I don’t like that word) because you are going to grow your body is going to change and its all because there is a precious little miracle growing inside you.  So DO NOT think of it as a negative thing instead think of it as a 10month period of maintaining strength and conditions and preparing for a big event at the end of the ten months.  Anyone who knows me knows this is my mentality when it comes to labour… its a race and I will be strong both mentally and physically… I have to prepare! If your wondering “where do I start?” I have created a list of some simple guidelines that I have been following throughout my pregnancy: 1. Avoid Crappy Carbs & Sugary/Salty Foods – These types of foods poison your body and do not provide any nutrition for your baby or fuel your body! 2. Eat Healthy Fats and Protein- Eating healthy clean foods that will  help you feel so much more energized!  Don’t be afraid of healthy fats… your body needs them. 3. WATER!!!! – Has anyone every heard me mention the importance of water ?? *insert sarcasm* … Water has so many benefits including fighting fatigue, aiding in digestion and flushing out toxins.  Drinking it will help you fight a lot of those pesky pregger symptoms. 4. Rest & Sleep- This is a must… your body is working in overdrive to grow a little human.  If you are exercising you need to allow proper rest and lots of sleep! 5. Do Exercise that You Enjoy- Pregnancy is not a time to force yourself to do exercise you don’t like.  Keep it simple and what you love. 6. Lift to Strengthen – Just because you are pregnant does not mean you can’t strength train.  Keep your weights lighter and add some reps.  Muscles are are great addition to your ammo on delivery day 😉 7. Wear Clothes that Feels Good- This is a big one for me!  If I am not wearing something to support my growing belly or is uncomfortable it ruins my workout!  Wear what makes you feel good! 8. Listen To Your Body – This is the most IMPORTANT point you can ever listen to.  Your body knows when you need a break or less intensity so just listen.  If your tired.. rest!  If your thirsty… drink water!  If your hot… take a break and cool your body down!    Its not worth risking harm to your baby or yourself so always listen to your body 🙂 These are just somethings I do to keep the my fitness simple and fun during pregnancy.  As well, start exercising before pregnancy to already have yourself ready to transition. Exercise is such a positive thing to add to you life… don’t wait!  Just get up and Move… Let me know what exercising adds to your life!!   **Talk to your doctor to be sure its okay for you to exercise during your pregnancy.** Exercise truly will make your pregnancy much more enjoyable! CHEERS!! ~L

7 Months Strong ;)
7 Months Strong 😉

“Soft”… You Could Be Called Worse!!!

attitudes, bullies, Happiness, kids, Life, positive, , , ,

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Have you ever been called “overly sensitive” or “soft”?  Why is it that it comes with a negative connotation?

Too many people hurt and insult others not because the person deserves to be insulted but its often a way to make themselves feel better about who they actually are. They feel threatened by a person who is kind and loving and sensitive towards other people because they are not.

If you are a kind, caring and thoughtful person with a soft heart fight to keep it. Do not let the negative thoughts of others keep you from being you. You are not weak or “overly sensitive” you are strong!  The world needs more love and less hate.  People should focus less on judgements of good people and more on fixing the reasons they feel it necessary to focus on someone else’s life.

Don’t let someone make you feel like your pure heart is a sign of weakness…  Stay true to who you are… it makes you brave.  We all need to be less hateful, less jealous, less resentful, less vengeful!  We need to spread love, kindness, happiness and compassion.

Think about what you are showing your children.  Do you want more bullying and cruelty in your child’s life or would you rather your child go to school and feel safe and happy to be who they are??  Kids are products of their environment and we see it so often the effects of the poor attitudes of parents and how it spills over.

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There are bullies not only around our children but there are equally as many ADULT BULLIES!   Its time for people to see that being “soft” is a great thing!!  More people should spread the “softness” instead of poison others lives with their toxic attitudes and judgements!

 

Happy Friday!!!

Saying “hello” and giving a smile is so EASY and can be really IMPORTANT to someone who is having a crummy day. It may help them switch their “state”!

Heres the result of my paying it forward today:

I was just at a store with my kids and said “Hello, how are you?” to the sales rep that was there and made some small talk about the weather. After a few minutes the sales rep said “Do you mind if I give your kids a treat?” I told him “No not at all, Thanks so much!!” … He let the kids pick out a snack of their choice!!! How nice was that…?? Sometimes when you see someone that may be having a bad day… simply try to brighten their day with a smile and a “Hello!”

I practice “paying it forward” everyday… its a very powerful practice and so simple!!

Hope you all are the victims of the people who pay it forward… and if you are don’t forget to keep it going!! 🙂

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