I’m Not Going There

August 11, 2015August 11, 2015 | Lara

I’m pulling this post out the archives because I needed this reminder. Thought I would share in case you did too…

I got up this morning with a mission to help my daughter. For homework, she was asked to gather pictures of herself which capture her favorite things. As I began skimming through files of photos on my computer, you would have thought I was spending most of my time smiling and reminiscing about the past. To my surprise, recalling those days caused me to feel like I was failing as a MOM.

You see, after I had my first daughter, seven years ago, I did a great job taking lots of pictures and getting them into a scrapbook in a timely matter. As life got more hectic and our family grew, I didn’t capture the same moments by photograph with my other two kids—probably because I usually had one kid on my hip and a basket of laundry in the other.

The reality is, life will always be hectic and I CaN’t Do iT ALL. As soon as I had those sunken feelings this morning I could see how this day was going to pan out—feeling guilty ALL day about the numerous things I should be doing better. Like how I should plan meals ahead of time instead of pulling meat from the freezer at 4:59 every afternoon…or logging our monthly expenses in a spreadsheet every month instead of staring at a pile of receipts from the last 11 months. The list is never-ending, isn’t it?

Instead, as soon as my daughter left for school, I shut those feelings down by thinking to myself, “I’m not going there”. I’m not going to spend the entire day beating myself up about my areas of weakness as a mother (or the other roles I play). To help, I tried to imagine what our seven-month-old would say to me when he becomes an adult. If he knew how terrible I felt for not taking pictures of his sweet feet when he was only a few days old, he would say, “Mom….really? That’s what you’re worried about? It’s not a big deal. Really.” And then he would go on to remind me how I would play tractors with him on the living room floor and spontaneously make him a farmyard out of old oatmeal containers and cereal boxes. Ahh…thank you, my sweet kiddos, for loving me for my imperfect self. And Leanne, make sure you remember this if you become a Mom some day. Don’t be so hard on yourself 🙂

So if this is you today, pick yourself up and start focusing on the things you do well. You simply can’t do it all. Don’t let special moments (like scanning through years of pictures and reflecting on the past with your kids) pass you by because you are beating yourself up, wishing you’d done better.

From one parent to another, I think you are doing just fine 😉

Day 7 – 1% Change {90-Day Challenge} Choose Mr. Right!

August 9, 2015October 31, 2015 | Robynn

Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war.
~Donald Trump

Went to a wedding and messed up BiG TiMe! 😦

The main reason I over ate was because ever since I signed a contract with myself {three years ago} that I would never diet again, something in me rebels when I do anything that looks like a diet {like pass on WeDDiNg CaKe}. The problem is that sometimes I take this to the extreme the other way and will even tell myself, Go ahead and eat it. You are free to eat whatever you want. Although this is true, much of what I was eating was not what I really wanted. It was Mr. Right-Now food versus Mr. RiGhT food. Ughhhh!!!

Bummer!! This mess up really broke my string of successes and ultimately my momentum which I so desperately needed. However, am reminding myself that failure actually turns out to be a good thing if I learn from it. This is confirmation #171 that I have to eat in the BoUnDaRiEs of my points or I lose all peace.

Time to focus on my 1% Change – Perseverance!

Hashtag to self: #stopwastingyourcalories

P.S. You are seeing a snapshot of my life taken earlier this summer. For the previous post in this series click HERE.

Click HERE for the next post in this series.

Day 6 – 1% Change {90-Day Challenge} The Hallmark of Excellence

August 8, 2015October 31, 2015 | Robynn

The hallmark of excellence, the test of greatness, is consistency.
~Jim Tressel

Sooooo working on being CoNsiStEnT! My focus in this 1% Change {90-Day Challenge} is developing the SkiLL of perseverance. And one way I am working on developing this skill is to reset after a slip up. Instead of throwing in the towel I want to get right back on track and keep on keeping on. Huge challenge for me, Miss All-Or-Nothing Girl I am! Please help me God!

What about you? How consistent are you in the area that you’re focusing on for a 1% Change? Do you need to be more consistent?

Hashtag to self: #beconsistent

P.S. You are seeing a snapshot of my life taken earlier this summer. For the previous post in this series click HERE.

Click HERE for the next post in this series.

Day 5 – 1% Change {90-Day Challenge} Asset or Liability?

August 7, 2015October 31, 2015 | Robynn

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.
~John C. Maxwell

Hi there Peace with Food Friends!

We’ve all probably heard that breakfast is an ImPorTanT part of the day. Okay, every moment is an important part of the day, but since we are talking about breakfast, what’s your go-to? Are you intentional and proactive about MapPiNg oUt a pLaN for your day, including how you will eat, or does life just happen without much thought or input from you?

Whatever your 1% Change is, consider what your plan is for making that change a ReaLiTy.

The reason I am focusing on breakfast is because it is such a BiG bAnG FoR yOuR bUcK. That’s because it sets the tone for the rest of your day.

How about you? What is your approach for breakfast. Is it helping point you in the right direction? Is that time of the day an AsSeT or LiAbiLitY?

Speaking of breakfast, here’s a peek at what I eat that keeps me SaTisFieD all morning!

Let’s make this a great 1% Change day!!

Take Home Message: Is your approach to breakfast an asset or liability?

P.S. You are seeing a snapshot of my life taken earlier this summer. For the previous post in this series click HERE.

Click HERE for the next post in this series.

Day 1 – 1% Change {90-Day Challenge} Bulldog Determination

August 3, 2015October 31, 2015 | Robynn

As long as we are persistent in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time.
~Denis Waitley

Welcome to Day 1 of our 1% Change {90 Day Challenge}! So glad you have joined me!!

So, first things first, what is the area where you are FoCuSiNg your energy at making a 1% Change? My 1% Change is being growth oriented versus being goal oriented. Making character growth my #1 Priority.

And because the area of character is so broad, I want to narrow it by focusing on developing the character trait, PeRseVerAnce. Keeping my nose to the grind even when I am tired and want to quit. Pressing on when I face discouragement and feel like my efforts are in vain. Refusing to throw in the towel even for a brief moment. Keeping my focus. Having BuLLdOg DeTeRmiNaTiOn and grit.

Because this is a subjective goal rather than an objective one {such as a number on the scale}, I am going to make my goal MeAsuRabLe so that I will know how far I’ve come. I will do this by rating my perseverance on a scale of 0-5 {5 being high} daily and weekly.

So, here, in front of you all, I am going to rate my perseverance and unfortunately, here’s my number at the beginning of this 90-Day Challenge:

DaY 1 PeRseVerAnCe RaTinG: 2

This is my BaSeLiNe DaTa and now I have a starting place. Time to move from here to where I desire to be – persevering and unwavering!

As for your 1% Change, it is time to measure where you’re at. You can use the 0-5 scale that I discussed or come up with your own system of measurement. Just make sure you measure your starting point because as the saying goes, If you can’t measure it, you can’t ImPrOvE it.

Thanks for joining me! Let’s make it a great 1% Change day! 🙂

Hashtag to self: #bulldogdetermination

(Click HERE for the previous post in this series.)
(Click HERE for the next post in this series.)

1% Change {90-Day Challenge}

August 2, 2015August 28, 2015 | Robynn

The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.
~Vince Lombardi

Hi there Friends!

Up for a ChAlleNge? How about a 1% Change {90-Day Challenge}!?

For 90 days we are going to focus on making a daily 1% ChaNgE. Just think of how much all those daily 1% Changes will add up to over the course 90 days!

During these 90 days we will be sharing encouraging posts for inspiration and encouragement. The beauty of this challenge is that you get to choose what your one change will be! So pick OnE ThiNg. Yes, for us all-or-nothing types this will be a challenge, but we can do it, we can narrow it down to One Thing!

As you contemplate what your One Thing will be, that thing you want to make a 1% Change in, you may want to consider the following question by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan in their book The One Thing:

What’s the One Thing I can do such that by doing it everything will be easier or unnecessary?

Pick whatever you want, but make these 90 days count! Pick something that is going to really add value to your life.

As you are thinking about your One Thing, let me share with you mine. For the next 90 days I want be GrOwTh OriEnTeD. I want to focus on growing my character.

This includes showing up each day, being InTeNtiOnaL and working on persevering when times get tough, discouraging, or challenging.

If, at the end of the 90 Days, I make positive changes in my character, I will consider this challenge a SuCcEsS.

So, now it’s your turn. Let me know what your One Thing is!

GeT YoUr PoSsE! We are about to begin the 1% Change {90-Day Challenge}! See you tomorrow – Day #1!

Hashtag to Self: #pickonething

(Click HERE for the next post is this series.)

When It Matters Most

July 30, 2015July 30, 2015 | Lara

Calories.
Paying your bills.
One-on-one time with kids.
Saying sorry.

There is one similarity between these things: they all matter. Sure, we can delay these things, but sometimes timing is everything. If your kid comes crying home from school, stopping to listen and comfort her is crucial at that very moment, when it matters most. If you wait 15 minutes the moment would pass, and she may change her mind about sharing her feelings.

Let’s apply this to food. What I eat for lunch during the week is what I call a “non-eventful meal”. This usually consists of eating with my kids, which means making sandwiches….but without the crust…unless it is for Leanne…then it is with the crust…but without the cheese. LOTS of distractions. You get the picture 😉 I choose to eat salad, a protein shake, or something light, so I can utilize my “extra” calories for moments that matter more, such as later in the evening when my husband decides to cook one of his savory meals. Saving my calories for a meal I am anticipating–good food, relaxing atmosphere, cherishing every bite, fun conversation–that matters most to me.

There are numerous decisions and actions we need to accomplish each day. Many of them can be more meaningful if we are strategic about the value and time we place on them. What moments matter most to you?

Is it being fully present when your loved one comes home from work?
Is it putting your phone in the trunk of the car so you can be free from distraction when driving?
Is it exercising first thing in the morning so you feel better about yourself all day long?
Is it setting the DVR to record your favorite show so you can fast-forward through the advertisements, utilizing that extra time with family?

What moments matter most to you? How are you utilizing those moments? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Want to read more? Here’s another recent post. Click here!

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

July 24, 2015July 24, 2015 | Lara

Craving pancakes but looking for a healthy alternative? Or a pancake that won’t leave you starving an hour later? Try these Cottage Cheese Pancakes! I usually make a big batch, freeze them, and warm them in the microwave for a quick and easy meal/snack. They are kind of sweet on their own, but you could always add syrup, honey, or a topping of your choice! Enjoy 🙂 CottageC

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

(makes about 15-20 pancakes)

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• butter, oil or oil spray

1. Place the first 4 ingredients in a bowl and whisk.
2. In a separate bowl whisk the dry ingredients.
3. Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a large sauté pan or griddle over medium heat, lightly coat with oil or butter and pour about 1 tbsp of the mixture onto the griddle for each pancake.
5. Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until pancakes are set and golden. Serve with pure maple syrup, honey or preserves.
*To Freeze: Let pancakes come to room temperature, place in a ziploc bag, label and freeze up to 3 months.

For more recipe options, click here.

Get Busy, Get Happy

July 21, 2015 | Lara

When I quit my job as a teacher and became a stay-at-home mom I thought my life was finally going to be everything I wanted it to be. I could wear pajamas all day if I wanted to, didn’t have to keep track of time, and be present for every second of my daughter’s childhood. Sounds like a pretty gReAt LiFe, right?

Don’t get me wrong, it has been great, but I quickly learned something after being at home all the time. If I go many days where I’m not being productive or focusing on something that makes me excited (not counting my children), I experience tHe FuNk. This resulted in days, maybe even weeks where I felt like I was stuck. I lacked MoTiVaTiOn to do anything, I wasn’t excited about much, and I found myself spending more time focusing on all the flaws and negative things going on in my life. This, of course, resulted in being a harder wife to live with and a mom that isn’t wasn’t very peppy. There is so much truth to “Happy Wife, Happy Life!”

The same applies to kids! Encourage activities they can value and see the “fruits” of their labor 🙂

Even though staying busy makes your life a little more hectic, it can keep your mind from dwelling on the bad. I always tell Doug that I currently work harder than I ever have but I’m also happier than I’ve ever been. If I keep my mind busy on things that satisfy me, I am less likely to struggle with self-confidence issues, negative thoughts about others, and things that bother me. This of course results in being a better and happier mom, wife, ChRiStIaN, friend, etc.

Sound familiar? If so, pick yourself up by finding the quickest way to turn around your day. Whether it is taking a bubble bath or painting your toenails a crazy color, do something to reverse the funk and change your way of thinking. If your outfit makes you feel sluggish, then go put on your favorite one! If your house feels dirty start by burning your favorite candle. Maybe you should give yourself a few minutes to jot down a list of “bucket list” items–things you have always wanted to accomplish–and write out an action plan for the one you want to start pursuing first. Or if your mind is getting the best of you, and you can’t kick a bad thought, go turn on a fun song, have a talk with God, or do something to distract your thoughts for a while. You know the drill—get busy, get happy–and from there it should become contagious!