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Monday, August 31, 2015

EVERY day

We must make up our minds to be better than we were yesterday...

Not all women lived 80-100lbs overweight like me, not all women struggled with compulsive eating/emotional eating like me, but no matter the obstacles we face 
we must fight back EVERY day...

(this is one of my "listen to me" moments that was captured at boot camp last week!  I look angry but really I'm just sharing my honesty and probably telling them something life-changing...OR I was telling them the next song on the playlist was gonna be a good one!!! Ha!!)


The girl I used to be plays a huge role in the woman and health advocate I've become.  The day I stop trying is the day I've quit on myself and every woman I've reached.  Where's the girl I used to be?  Oh she's there, in the shadows with every woman or child that I meet, watching out for me and the choices I make EVERY day. SHE is that reminder I need...the one that keeps me moving forward rather than slipping behind.  
EVERY day and EVERY new person that I meet gives me ONE opportunity to make a difference in their life so I must choose wisely.  I strive to put myself out there almost immediately after meeting someone because I want them to see ME!  
Believe it or not, it matters so much.  Exposing who I am and what I stand for is important so they can see that I'm not a threat but far the opposite!!  I'm going to fight beside them, in their corner and will be there until they need me no more!
I'm not one to hide behind an image...that's just never been and will never be who I am.  What you see IS what you get and I think that's where people find me approachable.  I don't cover up the fact that I've been in that deep, dark place and I know what it felt like to fail time and time again even after THINKING I wanted something so terribly bad.  Only to fall short and beat myself up until I was lower than I was before...and it was a cycle I couldn't break for SO many years.  I thought I was destined to fail at EVERY thing I tried...
but it was never because I wasn't good enough.  
I was ALWAYS good enough, I just doubted myself so much that I never gave myself a chance to succeed...
Yep, the mind is THAT powerful...


EVERY day we have a choice.  

Do we eat right?  
Do we make time for exercise and movement? 
Do we take EVERY opportunity to let the people that we love most, know we love them?  
Do we spend special moments with our families that will stay in their hearts for a lifetime?  
Do we quit on ourselves because quitting is simply easier? 
Do we push people away for fear that they may see the real person behind the "picture" that we paint? 

These are ALL choices we make...

it's up to us to make the RIGHT CHOICE, whatever that may be?! 

I don't hide the girl I used to be because SHE matters and always will.  
She helps me push further EVERY day.
She helps me relate to others that may share similar struggles and fears.
She helps fuel the fire to help children and women of ALL ages change their lives and make healthy choices ONE DAY AT A TIME.
She helps me keep my passion alive every day with the women I inspire.
She's beside me as I cross the finish line of every race. 

The woman I've become is different, stronger, more powerful and inspirational to ME.
She helps me change my life, EVERY day.
She pushes me beyond my limits and has me reaching and exceeding goals I never imagined.
She knows my heart and she knows my soul.
She LOVES to live life, be adventurous and challenge herself.
She puts her health and happiness as a priority.
She NEVER QUITS!

Time to ask yourself if you are willing to try EVERY day to be better, stronger and healthier?
If the answer is NO then you just aren't ready for the change and determination needed to make life-changing things happen...but have no fear, it'll come 

but not until YOU are ready to step up, stop making excuses and start giving yourself the life you deserve and the one you've dreamed of but have never had the guts to fight for!!!!  

Friday, August 28, 2015

MOVE IT MOMMA LOCAL CLASSES

WELCOME NEW VISITORS!


I started the local workouts in August 2013 with one thing in mind...TO HELP WOMEN 
and we've been going strong every since. 
 We meet four days a week for workouts that are NEW each day/week!  
Always changing so the body and mind are never bored with our workouts...
after all, exercise should be FUN!
We dance, sing, laugh, cry...and talk-about struggles, successes...everything!

We also participate in local races and events in our community. 
We are a group of women that inspire, encourage and lift each other up during our workouts.  We are always setting new goals for ourselves as individuals and as a group!  We have completed several half marathons, many 10K and 5K events plus so much more!  
The important thing is that we are never alone...
I did it for years BY MYSELF and it's more fun together so why not?! 
I offer support and guidance throughout your journey to the healthiest YOU!
We are like a family and we'd love to have YOU  
All ages, fitness levels and sizes...we welcome ALL!

Our purpose is to CHANGE LIVES 
and to help ALL women and children feel strong and healthy!
   
"Like" The Move It Momma on facebook 
or email me at rissarose80@yahoo.com 
to learn more!

WE WILL "NEVER QUIT"







Wednesday, August 26, 2015

If you don't like it, work for it!

Watching Extreme Weight Loss last night, it got me thinking...as usual!

She struggled with eating through her emotions, which is something I can relate all too well...
Even during her "year of change", she would find herself faced with stress, emotional baggage and she IMMEDIATELY turned to food.  Just like ME. Some might say, there's no way that food can have that much power over someone? But it's the truth IF we allow it to be.
I hated my arms, back...heck, I wasn't thrilled with my body but instead of working for it, I used it as a setback and excuse, ate more and would dwell on things not being fair. Seems easier to blame someone or something for the way things are in our lives, doesn't it?  Truth is, many will see right through us and know that at the end of the day it's simply a bundle of excuses that have trapped and tied us down. 

It's not about fair or accepting the way things are.  If we don't like it, we need to work for it.  At the same time, we MUST learn to stop comparing ourselves to other women.  We can't compare apples or oranges because then again, we are set up to fail.  
But if our health is getting in the way of every day life, we are feeling drained and stressed- exercise and nutrition play a HUGE role in changing all of that.  With that change on the inside, you'll start to see the changes on the outside and while it may not look like the women around you or this picture-perfect woman you envision, it's a BETTER YOU and that should mean more anyway!

For years, I HATED my arms...would never expose them and would blame them on the way I was built.  Well, sadly that was an excuse...if I want to work for it, that can change! It may not be those perfect arms that I picture in my mind but it's MY BEST and that's finally good enough!



From the girl I used to be...

Being able to show my arms and then have a picture taken of my arms is HUGE!  An emotional step for me that's all part of m journey.  First I had to feel better, feel worthy of change and stop making excuses for the way things were...by making things better through exercise and proper diet, the physical changes come daily and that feels good too.  The best part?  I don't know what to expect...my body is forever changing and while I'm getting older, I've had two children and I've lost over 100lbs, this is ME.  I have stretch marks, loose skin and imperfections galore but it's ME and I work hard to be the best ME that I can be...and that's good enough!  It may not be like the supermodel featured in the latest magazine but that girl can't take my hard work away, she can't take away the way I feel inside after meeting a huge goal I've set for myself or crossing a finish line!  That is MINE, forever!  

Take a step back and realize what YOU are capable of!
What can you change and make better?
Don't make superficial goals but rather set goals that will make YOU proud and make you feel good enough!  We are all good enough and all have the ability to change the way things are, most of the time, so why not fight for it and change it!  

Feeling our best isn't a gift, it's earned!

If we aren't living our best, that's OUR fault.  
Find what inspires you, what makes you feel good and keep it!  Let it push you beyond your wildest dreams!  I NEVER saw my life looking and feeling like it does now...ever!
I saw it the way I lived it...unhealthy, afraid and unhappy.  
That's not the way it had to stay, so I changed it!  

We must let go of the bad habits, emotions and guilt that brought us to our unhealthiest place.  We can't stay there forever, because we'll eventually drown in our own pity and self-doubt!  Rise above it and expect more from yourself!  Sure it takes giant hunks of courage that maybe you haven't seen in a while, maybe never but it's in there...inside YOU!  Dig deep! 

Monday, August 24, 2015

back to school with healthy kids!

With all of our kids heading back to school, some simple snack ideas may help them keep their bellies full while providing the nutrients they need to grow up strong and healthy! 

My Pinterest board titled "healthy and active kids" will guide you in the right direction!

While life keeps you very busy, try to remember that being active together matters!  If you are busy until bedtime, try waking up 30 minutes earlier and doing a workout at home...it's easier said than done, but trying is better than giving up!  Always make the effort and if the workouts don't happen often, try to fit them in on the weekends and focus 100% on your nutrition throughout the week!  It does make a difference in the way you feel in all aspects of your life!

Keep in mind that exercise is good for the brain!  Their bodies stay behind a desk many hours throughout the day...they need movement!  Sometimes recess and PE just isn't enough, so make up for it with after school activities, sports, family bike rides or walks, etc!  You get the idea! 
Think about how you feel after a long day of work, sitting behind a computer or in meetings...you are exhausted but starting the day with exercise and movement combined with healthy eating WILL make a difference in the way you feel and YOU deserve that!  Our children deserve the same.  They will feel better with proper nutrition and movement...they go hand in hand! Find that balance for your entire family and here's hoping this school year is the healthiest and happiest one yet!!!  






Monday, August 17, 2015

THEY'RE WATCHING!




Remember what THEY see...

Are they seeing you fight hard to be the healthiest Mom you can be?
OR
Are they seeing you make excuse after excuse for WHY you aren't as healthy as you used to be? 

We all have struggles and obstacles but there's NO EXCUSE for not taking care of ourselves. We take care of our families, but somewhere we fall short and stop taking care of us...

When your children ask you to chase them around at the park or ride bikes right beside them, your answer should be YES! 
When your child asks to grab a soda from the fridge because they just watched you do the same, guess you better say yes??  Hmmm, something to think about...

It sure wouldn't be right to preach it and teach it yet not follow those same rules ourselves, would it?
Feeling good and being healthy should be a family affair...all together and nobody left out!  Even those picky eaters, they need to find new foods, learn what it means to be healthy because when they DO finally understand it as they grow older, they'll be armed with the knowledge to hopefully make healthier decisions as their taste buds change with your help!  

Those couch-lovin', game-lovin' kids?  Yea don't leave them out either...
Find what THEY enjoy doing that's active!  It may be different than the rest of the family but I'm positive there's something that will get them excited about MOVEMENT and HEALTH!  
Don't be afraid to TRY!

They learn from us...what do you plan to teach them?
Certainly we want them to be strong, respectful, smart, independent, well-mannered 
and HEALTHY, don't we??  

Together, lets set the best example that we can!!
Our children should know what it's like to FEEL GOOD! 
As school is fast approaching, remind yourselves of this each and every day...
Talk to their PE teachers and get involved as much as possible!  Ask about recess at their school- you might find out that it's shorter than you thought...and PE classes can be crowded and it's tough to get in enough physical activity each day.  Get them in sports, riding their bike, walk your neighborhood together!  GET MOVING and BE THE EXAMPLE!!!
FIT FEELS GOOD!


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

staying true to YOU!

At the start of this journey, the reason THIS time was different for me was because I was FINALLY doing this for the right reasons...

With all the failed attempts of the past, my desire to be "skinny" was based on just that...to be skinny.  To fit it and look like the other girls.  To go shopping for clothes at a regular store.  To wear a dress that was fitted or to strut my stuff in a bathing suit.
What's wrong with those goals?
They weren't for me. 
It was superficial.  It was based about what I thought healthy "looked like" when really I didn't care about being healthy, I cared about being skinny or not being fat.  

That was the WRONG attitude completely.  No wonder I'd last a few days or months and then self-sabotage myself to a deeper state than I was when the journey began...and history would repeat itself over and over again, until I took a good look at my life.  I wasn't staying true to me, I was conforming to others.  What THEY perceive as healthy.  

THIS time it was about me.  
It's about a feeling I get every day!

THIS time I have different goals, different intentions and now I know what it means to be HEALTHY and I want nothing else!  Healthy feels GOOD.  It feels fearless and strong!  


This beautiful photo was taken post-workout today by some new neighbors! Look at us...they are all so beautiful and the children?  They secretly LOVE these photo sessions...trust me!  Ha!
I posted this picture to my, The Move It Momma Facebook page with the caption:

"Love the way we feel when it's finished.  So accomplished, vibrant and full of life!  We must focus on what healthy FEELS like" Feeling good should be a priority!  If we don't FEEL good then we aren't living life the way we should be. 
 It's NEVER TOO LATE to find it or get that feeling back!  

BOOM!  That's it!  Sometimes I just type what I'm feeling but don't really let it sink in...but when I do, I realize I might be onto something!

When our body or mind isn't healthy, it reflects on everything that we do or don't do. 
 It affects the kind of parent, wife, friend or family member we are.  Feeling unhealthy can create bitterness toward the people we love most.  It can create distrust or frustrations with those that seem to have it "all figured out" because we find ourselves jealous that they get it but we don't.  We may attack those that want to help but are unsure how to do so without hurting us.  It interferes with goals we want to accomplish or good intentions that we have but never fulfill.  It creates a wall between the person we want to be and who we are...making it far more difficult to get there...yet, not impossible!  It is ALWAYS possible.  

Living your life full of excuses or "could have, would have, should have's" gets us nowhere fast.

Think about how you can reach your goals, while staying true to YOU and focusing on feeling good and healthy!  It will change your life...it changes mine as each day passes and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!  

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Come Together!

It starts with a desire to change...
We set a goal to be better...
We want something different out of life...
We want to FEEL good...
Where do we begin?
One by one we make up our minds.  We've had enough and we're ready for something better...

We find a place where the number on the scale doesn't matter.  The size of our clothes doesn't matter. Our age, height or social status doesn't matter...
We find a place of comfort and encouragement...
And then...
We are getting it right...FINALLY!
You can too!
It's about feeling good.  It's about setting a goal and the feeling we get each time we reach one after another...it's contagious and addictive!  Suddenly you find yourself craving healthy foods and exercise.  We seek new goals that place us outside of our comfort zone and we like it!  

Where'd that come from, right?!
Not long ago, you were sitting around feeling sorry for the way things were...but those feelings are gone from your mind and replaced by only, "Oh yea, watch me!" feelings!

THAT is the best way I can describe the way my life has changed.  It has changed drastically and nobody did it for me...I DID IT FOR ME!  I had no easy path, I took the road less traveled and while it was scary, it helped me grow and gave me the ability to relate to and help others!  
For THAT, the journey will always be worth it!

Each woman or child that I meet gives me an opportunity.  An opportunity to share my passion for what I do.  I am not looking to get rich or make a name for myself, but simply looking to inspire people...inspire them to see what I see.  Inspire them to feel good and help others feel good too.  Life is too incredibly short to let it pass us by.  
I want to inspire children to value their bodies, their health and the beauty of movement! We have strong bodies that are able to do incredible things, if we allow it! 
 Laziness is a state of mind that MUST be changed so that all can feel good, healthy and strong!  

I lived lazy...it was a sad place.  I stayed there for WAY too long.  I was wasting my life, one day at a time over what I thought was "the way things were for an unhealthy girl". It was an excuse I made long ago and that excuse was validated in my mind for years...and years! 
It helped me sink deeper into that hole, it provided a nice place of discomfort and pity.  
You see lazy and unhealthy was comfort for me...it felt safe.  

Been there?



Our youth...look at them??!  

The world is a BIG place.  
We do not want our children lost or hopeless.  Just because one child "looks" a certain way, doesn't make it okay for them to eat junk and play video games...
it's a matter of do they FEEL GOOD??!  

They are children, they don't know unless we SHOW THEM!
I thought I felt good...sometimes.  When really I had NO idea what feeling good meant until I reached my 20's...after I lost the weight, gained a new perspective on life and started opening my eyes to the world around me.  


Browsing the cereal aisle with my two boys yesterday and I found that health teacher quickly...
The boys asked, "Mom, why is Shaq on the front of a sugar-filled cereal box instead of the healthy ones you've showed us?"...
Good question and it was tough to answer!

Our children learn from exposure and from giving them truth...
The decorative, colorful cereals placed at THEIR level were mostly high sugar, low fiber/protein cereals...they advertised with cartoons, athletes and prizes!  
Why would a child NOT want these?  
We teach them to tell the truth, how to read/write so why not teach them how to fuel their bodies or how to exercise for good health?!  It's ALL important, isn't it? 
It was great because by the end of my "lesson" I had two other families listening in and reading labels :)  It was an awesome moment!!!  

Don't be fooled, I was a happy-full of life child but behind closed doors, I hurt.  More emotionally at first.  I could look around a room and SEE that I looked different.  I ate more than kids my age, heck-I ate more than most adults.  Most can toss this aside as, "Oh they'll grow out of it" "I can't deprive my other kids because he/she has a problem with overeating"...well, 
 If as a family you ALL focus on feeling good and being healthy, REGARDLESS OF THE WAY YOU LOOK but more the way YOU FEEL then that group effort becomes contagious and they will all benefit...even you!!!  



Each morning we come together, it's NEVER about comparing ourselves to others...
We don't want to be the same, we want to be different!
We focus on OUR journey, not the woman standing beside us.
We can only grow when we exceed our limits we've set for ourselves!  

We are in the drivers seat and it's up to us to decide where we want to go!!!  

I've never met a woman that I felt couldn't change or fight harder!
We are only as strong as we want to be!  
We are also setting the example for our sons and daughters...we want them to see us pushing regardless of our own obstacles that stand in our way each day!  

We can make excuses or we can make changes!  WE DECIDE!
I had to stop making excuses because they took me nowhere...
I'd rather make change- big or small because then I know I'm healthy, strong and constantly evolving into the woman I want to be...

YOU are strong and there's no obstacle too large so dream big and fight for it!
NEVER QUIT!

I had a women who had hand surgery a few weeks ago.  She was so sad that she'd be "out" from our classes for a while.  I said I was sorry to hear it but that there were always ways to modify and options for her if she'd like to continue class until it was healed...
Immediately she responded with, "Ok, I'll be there" and she's been there every day since...
It's ALL about the attitude you have about life and your health!  I was just offering a suggestion, a glimmer of hope and she took it and literally RAN WITH IT!

THAT is part of what makes my "job", the best job in the whole world!!!!!