After spending a week at the Movara Fitness Resort (thanks for “joining me” on social media!) I had a three-hour drive home to consider a few key things learned that I haven’t yet shared. And, what I want to keep doing. I hope it sparks ideas for you to tweak, shift, or make an all-out leap to change.
1. I am capable of a healthy more. Before I left my biggest concern was, of course, six to seven hours of working out every day (when I was maxing at two times to Zumba a week).
Now I’ve seen that not only can I do that but my body CRAVES healthy movement. And now that I’ve done six hours, 45 minutes seems like a drop in the bucket. Perspective is truly life-changing. For a gal who would rather sleep than move when I can get an extra 15 minutes, that is a paradigm shift to say the least.
2. Simple changes create keeper habits. With all the good information accrued, I knew I needed to choose a few key changes to make into new habits. Here are a few for me:
*5-10 minute stretch in the morning. Ideally with yoga music on my phone in the background. Blood and oxygen get circulated, my muscles become limber and less prone to injury, and I feel GREAT. How could I forget this? I hope to open it up to my family (and attending snarky comments…)
*Fiber and water foods are key. These tell your body you’re full. Without it, a skimpy protein bar will have you foraging and not filling nutrient needs, no matter the calories. Water infused foods are vital.
*Eat more whole foods, all day. What surprised me was that I wasn’t eating enough. And wary of foods like bananas, potatoes, etc. But our metabolic processes NEED these kinds of foods to function properly. I have a whole new view on food needs and how to fill them.
3. As a mom, I’m capable of articulate conversation and connection. You may laugh, but one of my worries was being able to converse with people from all over the U.S. and the world. Being in mainly Mom Mode, conversation revolves around homework deadlines, children’s changing schedules, and life skill pass-offs.
To my genuine surprise, I found that I could talk with biochemists to event planners for Oprah. And did so with minimal foot-in-mouth and often remembering out of the blue business books I’ve read, or lessons in parenting that applied to their setting. Connecting this way was beyond enjoyable and reminded me that I am indeed a woman, wife, and mother, and need to nurture each of those sides to me.
4. Moms need a change in scenery for a life shift. It’s not always enough for me to just to go the local library for two hours to dramatically shift my thinking patterns. After a few days to let down, I found thoughts and feelings surfacing that had needed attention. I’d been skimming some personally important life questions, especially the ones I didn’t have ready answers to. And for the most key ones, the answers came!
5. I needed “good women” connection. When I get extra time, my first thought is stepping from the go-go to alone time. But I followed my gut feeling to get out and connect and met the neatest women. During the week we found a basic foursome—fabulous, intelligent, thoughtful, and kind women with whom I had wonderful conversations. One in particular shared thoughts that unbeknownst to her, answered questions I’d had for a few years.
Overall, what I initially sought for at Movara was education in healthy life habits that I could bring home; expert help in weight loss and fitness training; and time to let down and rejuvenate. I received all three. And so much more (I even met a dear high school friend on the second to last day!) I lost a little more weight and inches than I had planned, and gained sweet friendships to last a lifetime.
This week, what is your one step toward creating a life shift within you? If a big chunk of time isn’t in the cards, no worries. Start with one of these tips and get your mind and soul “warmed up” for what may be coming your way.
Thanks for your love and support, and encouragement last week. The genuine happiness for me and this surprise of a situation made it joyful and fulfilling.
Hugs, Connie
