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priorities

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January 17, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Self-ish or self care? You decide!

do it 2018Self care starts with realizing your worth.

In today’s society where we have everything at our fingertips we often feel a sense of needing to accomplish it all at once. Self care can often take a back seat to our lives. Sometimes we push ourselves to the bottom of the list.

We don’t drink enough water.

We skip the gym.

We eat fast food.

We don’t make the phone call.

We skip doctors appointments.

We ignore a symptom.

We don’t read the book.

Why do we do these things? Because we live in a world of right now, most important, have to be done tasks. We live in a place where we literally are never out of touch. There is nowhere to hide. Our phones are our portable offices, and we spend a lot of time feeling guilty about where we spend our time.

Stopping to take care of ourselves can be seen as selfish. Time at the gym while your husband/wife makes dinner, spending time on a hobby instead of answering an email, a night out with friends while your children stay with the in-laws. These things are hard to balance, and hard to explain to ourselves when the world around us says, be ready, get your work done, be available, everything is an emergency.

You know what- I want to change that name- it isn’t selfish, it is self worth.

We don’t drink enough water.    Your body needs water to function

We skip the gym. You body needs physical movement to keep working.

We eat fast food. Food is fuel. We shouldn’t deprive our bodies or feed it junk

We don’t make the phone call. Our relationships keep our emotional health happy.

We skip doctors appointments.  Regular visits with the doctor help us to be on top of our health

We ignore a symptom. Symptoms are a signal – we need to follow through.

We don’t read the book.  Books help us explore our world, our self, or escape reality for a moment of time.

The reality is that the guilt we feel when taking the time to do things for ourselves is placed there by how we think others feel about us. About or decisions, as parents, business people, athletes, lovers, women/men, daughters /sons,

Why do we care so much? The world we live in is a world that values our Social Media standing over our self worth standing. We need to take back self care – Go to the gym, read the book, go on the date, call your friends, listen to the symptoms, get your check ups, and even spoil yourself with a massage, your nails, your hair, whatever makes you feel better about you! Self care is so not selfish, and it is necessary for you to grow.

….

I challenge you to pick one piece of self care that you wish you had in your life right now, and then Set goals to make it a reality. Feel free to comment here to dd some accountability!

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January 7, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Hydration – Why we need it – and a challenge.

Proper hydration is one of the easiest health factors we can control.
We all know that the standard for water intake is 8-8oz glasses of water a day.
If you are looking to loose weight  that number changes. The standard is half an ounce to an ounce of water for every pound you weigh. I am WAY under hydrating for that number. Why more for loosing weight? Because we need to flush out the toxins in our body that happen when we are exercising more, and eating healthier.
Why is it so hard to maintain that appropriate level of hydration, and what can we do to fix that?

For me – one of my biggest motivators for getting something accomplished is having an accountability partner. If I am accountable to someone, I am more likely to complete that task. This is why, when my LuLaRoe Facebook group concurred with me that hydration was a big problem for them, I decided to start a hydration challenge.

Today will be set up – determine how much water you need to drink each day, and then make a plan. I have found that when I write a goal down, and then tell someone, I am more likely to complete that goal!
As the challenge goes on, The goal will be to see that it is easy to hydrate with a plan.

As a reward – well, you will have to come back and see – but I hope that this challenge will give people a chance to come together as a community, and take steps towards self care.

What are you doing for self care? Do you want to join in my hydration challenge? just sign up for my email list here!
https://melendyandsteve.com/water

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January 1, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Do It 2018 – Words of Inspiration as we look forward

In 2018 – I am looking forward to using my word (or rather, phrase) for the year, and it starts today. My phrase is “Do it”. Over the last year I have developed this blog with the help of others. I have built my business to a point where Steve and I will enjoy the LuLaRoe Cruise in February. Challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone on many occasions, met new people. I  learned a new instrument, began a running regiment that I have mostly maintained, and accepted that my weight loss journey is going to be one that takes more than a few trips to the gym and an occasional salad. I have done a lot in the last year that I would have never done, but I still held back.

For 2018, my goal is to do more. Plan appropriately, but DO more. When I question if I should do something or not, I ask myself 3 questions now –
1-Do I WANT to do it? If I don’t want to do it, I won’t do it.
2-Is this beneficial to me, my family, others, or my business? If I spend my time doing things that aren’t beneficial, I wont feel fulfilled, and I will stop doing those things.
3-Am I willing to commit the (time/talent/energy/focus) that this adventure/project/training/group deserves? I do not want to commit to something and be half in. I want to be all in, Otherwise, I am not giving my best, and that isn’t how I want to be known.

So, I took some time, and I researched some motivational quotes to help me through this new year. Each one spoke to me for a different reason, but the resounding theme was the same – DO IT!  I intend to print them and post them in my office space, I want to see the visual reminders of what I intend to do this year.  Let’s discuss each for a moment!

“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin – How true is it that your actions speak way louder than your words. I would much rather be known for what I DO and how you feel around me than for what I said – or someone said I said. I want to be intentional with my actions this year!

“We are what we repeatedly do.” Aristotle. Habits take 21 days to create – and can be broken in the same. If I am not repeatedly doing the things I want to do to better myself, my business, or my family, then they aren’t going to become a habit. being intentional about my actions will create the habits I want to form!

“By Failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” – Benjamin Franklin. Setting forth a plan of action, and doing my best research, due diligence, and preparation means that I have a better chance of being successful. Often times I am either 9 million hours of planning and no action, or zero planning and failed action. My intention is to find balance between those lines to create more intentional and better actions.

 

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four Sharpening the Axe.” Abraham Lincoln. preparation is good – bust focused attention to the best tools for the task at hand only makes the job easier. Sometimes it is easy to dive forward and want to just do, but I need to remember that proper preparation, planning, and use of my tool box will create an easier job in the long run.

“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart. I have been focused on my actions. Writing intentionally, scheduling posts so that I am ready for the day ahead, following up with friends, family, group members whom I know I need to follow up with. Setting up a plan for the future. All the planning in the world won’t make it happen. Only actions can do that!

And finally,  My word/phrase for 2108 – ready for me to not let fear take a hold. Ready to dive in. My original graphic has the phrase – ‘Fear is the Thief of dreams’.  I love that subtitle because- it is true! Being afraid causes us to pause, to freeze, to not do. So, in order to rise, to grow, to cultivate my new me, my new business goals, my new dreams, I need to let go of fear – And – DO IT!

So, What are you doing this year? What are you looking forward to with hope. How do you want 2018 to end? In order to know our path, we need to know our destination. Follow me here as I dive into this year of doing more, and worrying less. Are you with me? Share your word/goals for this year so that we can move forward together!

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August 15, 2017 By Melendy Johnson

8 minutes…

Today is the start of week 7 with my running coach – Week 7!

They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit – or to become adjusted to a new routine.

It took me 7 weeks – but running 3-4 times a week, this was my 21st run.

21 times I got up, put on my  “I don’t want to”
“Big Girl” shoes, grabbed my headphones, my playlist, my water, and my running plan.

21 times I did it.

8 Minutes – that is what I ran for today – my whole run was over half an hour, but I ran for 8 minutes straight –

Minute one – I’m not ready

Minute two – only 6 to go

Minute three – Maybe I cannot do this

Minute four – halfway there

Minute five – maybe I should have started slower

Minute six – two minutes to go…

Minute seven – one to go, that wasn’t so bad!

Minute eight – maybe I could have done 10!

and then there was the rest of the ladder.

But I ran for 8 minutes.

When I started this program 21 runs ago, I couldn’t run for one minute straight.

My progress may seem slow, but to me, it is exactly what I needed to do. my body is slowly changing, my waistline getting a little more definition, my abs a little tighter, loosing some of the roundness in my face.

What am I gaining?
Strength
Endurance
Confidence
Resilience
the ability to understand my splits and pace

courage

All things I was lacking before I started running.

I am so grateful that one Saturday morning my now coach took a chance and asked if I wanted to train with her. She asked if I wanted some guidance in my running. She led with value, and offered me the ability to find myself at my own pace. She sends reminders when it has been too long since I have run, and rejoices in my triumphs when I overcome an obstacle.

There are so many excuses I could have made – so many things I could have let get in the way yet 21 times I said yes, and today I rejoice in 8 minutes! Maybe tomorrow I will do 10.

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What do you want to make a new habit?

What are the excuses you tell yourself?

Go do it! Make that change for you!
Let me be your inspiration – and you go be mine!

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August 12, 2017 By Melendy Johnson

smile – when you need some humor in your day

Smile

Who doesn’t love a good laugh? I know I do.

Laughter can come from the most random places. A quick text from a friend, an accidental spill,  a look between you and your lover. Any of these can create a sense of happiness that bubbles from your toes to your mouth and explodes in a roar!
Today, I stopped and had several moments of laughter. I had been feeling a little down, and I decided to change that. So I said yes to the play date, and the text from a friend, and the customer who wanted a close up. I smiled more, thought less, and I decided that my happiness is up to me.
We have so much to be happy about, but sometimes the “musts” in life creep in, they stop you from being happy about life, because you are focused on the musts, you can’t see the do’s. As someone who has suffered with postpartum depression, anxiety, and self doubt, I know when these feelings of gluing myself to the chair and never leaving my house start to sink in that I need to smile or laugh, or just feel the sun on my face.

It is NEVER easy to get up and do the things you need when you feel down. For a week, I have felt down. For a week I have been unsure, and two days ago I told Steve. Talking is always the first step… Today, Today I finally got out, I didn’t make an excuse. I went out, talked to other moms, was honest about how I was feeling, had a good laugh, and came home happy again. I am in no way 100%, but, I made progress. I smiled. I don’t ever talk to others about the darkness that creeps in, just Steve.   I am learning how to seek out the medicine I need to get through it – connections.

funny texts

Tonight, a text from a friend, a mom talk during a play date, and a hug and a smile from my love brought me back.
What brings you back?
What helps you to be okay again? to step out of your funk?
for me – sunshine, and laughter.

How can I help you get through?

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August 11, 2017 By Melendy Johnson

Staycation – When I want to be a tourist

Have you ever Needed a staycation?
I have been back home from California for a week, but – I am feeling the need for some down time with the family!
Living in one of the best vacation destinations in the world (in my opinion!) means that sometimes we miss out on the paces and events that make our state special.
Sometimes it takes someone else showing us what we are missing for us to truly see it.
Every year my aunt and uncle travel from the middle of the country back to the Ocean State for a visit. This visit means that we get a chance to explore the Ocean State like we were tourists. With so much to explore in such a small state, the nice thing is you can decide each morning what you want to do!
There is  something about taking the day off, heading to the beach , and just enjoying time together that actually makes everything seem really amazing again. I love the fact that when they are  here we splurge on things like seafood and trips to Newport, and sometimes Maine. We take the time to pause, breathe,  look at the ocean and remember the reasons we live where we live.
I look forward to their visits every year. Having family that lives so far away is hard when the closest airport to them costs us about $1000 per person to visit, it seems out of reach. The fact that they are drawn to the Ocean, back home, and that we can see them and enjoy their company makes it worth so much more than any airfare could be. I live in a state where I am no more than 30 minutes from the Ocean no matter where I am, and I have not visited the beach yet this summer!! I long for their visits because I get to come home too, see the state I love, and be a part of their home coming too.
 Rhode Island
What do you love about where you live?
What would you do if you were a visitor in your own state?
What would you miss?
What is keeping you from getting out and exploring like a tourist?
Go do it!

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August 7, 2017 By Melendy Johnson

Be proud of who you are, and what you do

Proud to Edit to add – I have since left my LuLaRoe business. I loved what I did, but had some family issues that left me unable to maintain the level of business we were at. The premise of this article rings true – what ever you do – have pride in who you are and how hard you work!
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When you were a child do you remember getting a sticker on your paper? Or a smiley face drawn on by the teacher? How did you feel? You were proud! As we get older, we are taught to be humble, to be kind, and not to boast. Is it truly boasting though if you are doing something that makes you feel good?

track
Steve and I had the experience of coaching some amazing athletes at track and field this season. It is always pride filing to watch these youth go from fear to belief in themselves. We give them the tools to do what they have the physical ability to do, and they soar. Several of our athletes qualify for the National level of the Junior Olympics this year, and it was humbling. The biggest thing we did as a team was to win a local meet. This meet is regional and teams from all over the area come to compete. It was exciting to watch our athletes reach PR’s, do things they hadn’t before, and be proud of their work!

In our day to day life – we work our LuLaRoe business together. We are having much success, and enjoy the work that we do. Why is it that I have a hard time talking about this success? I want others to know that this woman who disliked everything about herself a year ago has found out how to love herself because of the work she is doing with LuLaRoe. I found myself “Turtleing” when people ask what I do, or how it is going. You know – when you pull your head into your neck and round your shoulders.

I don’t do that anymore – or at least I try not to. It turns out that the sales figures I have, and the work I am doing puts me in the top 1% of the company. I didn’t know that, I assumed I was average, I assumed others were doing it the same or better. you know what they say about assumptions.  I was setting personal PR’s, but I was also creating a sustainable business and keeping it to myself. That helps no one!

lularoe retailer

Today I am making a change. I am choosing to be proud of the work I am doing, and to share that with others. Someone else could benefit from my success story, and I don’t want to take that away from them.
So I will share. I will tell people about my success, and what the benefit is for my family, because I can do this, and stay humble, and possibly change a life all at the same time.

What can you share? How could it help someone else? Will you share?

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July 24, 2017 By Melendy Johnson

Never have I ever…a Tale in courage and anxiety

Let’s play a game –

It’s called Never Have I Ever –

Usually this is a drinking game where you take a drink every time someone says something they have never done that you have. For the purposes of this exercise, lets do 1 burpee for every item you have done that I haven’t.

Never have I ever – traveled alone

Never have I ever – gone on a work trip

Never have I ever – been away from my children for a long period of time

Never have I ever  – stayed at a hotel alone

This coming week – I will get to do a burpee for all of those -and it is scary… exciting and scary.

I have already tackled obstacles one and two so that is something to be okay with!

Obstacle one – getting tickets and reservations – Way back in the beginning of April  I was able to get a ticket to the LuLaRoe annual Convention. I was at a point where I was stepping up my business, and working towards being a better business owner. I knew that this convention would be a game changer for me, so I had to go, and Steve supported me fully.

The months have rolled on, and always in the back of my min was obstacle two – what to pack!!! How do you dress for a fashion event filled with like minded clothing obsessed ladies! I spent a few months putting the clothes I thought I would bring into a laundry basket in the corner of my room. It was something constantly buzzing in the corner of my mind for the last few weeks, so the fact that I am packed is a stress relief. not completely, but it helps!

That one was hard –

The past week I have been really focused on obstacle three – my our business while I am away! I have monthly sales goals set for myself, and I am close to them this month, but I leave Tuesday… Unfortunately my dream of going for the week and leaving Steve to enjoy the boys is turning into leaving Steve to make a few sales! I know he can, I know he will, but the plan didn’t work the way I wanted, and that is ok!

The most important obstacle, obstacle four – my family. Steve travels for business a lot. I do not. I have never traveled alone, haven’t flown in 5 years, and well, I have Never used a ride service (not a taxi or a ride share, maybe a bus and a train!) I don’t know how to be away from my family. The look in Aaron’s eyes said it all yesterday. He asked how many minutes to where I was going…my heart sank – he doesn’t know. So I showed him California on my map, and then said do you want to see Rhode Island? his eyes welled with tears and took a big gulp. “When will you be home?” I am gone for a week but we can talk every day! “Ok, will you be awake when we are asleep?” for some of it! “Ok” and off he went to play. I hope he can hop off to play on Tuesday when he wakes up and I am on a plane…”

I am sure there will be other obstacles, but I don’t leave until Tuesday AM. We have some time to overcome them.

I end this game of Never -Have -I – Ever with this question – What have you never done that you wish you could do? What are your obstacles? Are you willing to do to overcome them and take on your Never?

 

My challenge to you – Go do it!
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July 19, 2017 By Melendy Johnson

when the run seems so far away…

I recently decided that If I am going to coach track, I need to be running.
I can run, I do it, It is just not consistent.
So, I did what every normal crazy person does –
I hired a running coach, and signed up for a 10K.
That is what normal people do, right?
I love my coach
She gets me
Her first email to me was all… “and you are a mom, and a wife, and you own a business, and sometimes your workouts are going to get pushed aside, and we have to be okay with that…”
After reading that, I went out and bought new running shoes, a whole mess of LuLaRoe running pants (because they are awesome) some new bras – you know – the essentials! And I started out all super excited…
Week three was last week…
I got 2 of my 4 workouts in – ouch –
and truthfully – I should be running right now.
but –
the list
the lists of things that are so important they can’t wait
the promises we make ourselves
the things that are more important than the run
these things add up
and the run seems so long – who can do 50 minutes of running?
and I have to breathe, and remember that I can
I can and I have –
The choice to run is mine – it is for me – I need the mental break
my family wants me to do it.
Steve went for his run, and so should I
the run seems so far…but look how far I’ve come!

so I ran…

 

What seems so far for you? the run? the diet? the book? the degree? what are you waiting for? what is holding you back from moving forward? what is on your most important list?
because “when everything is (most) important then nothing is.” – Patrick Lencioni

let’s take the time to refocus, and set goals!
just run
signature

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Hello!

Welcome! I am so excited to share all things life with you! Recipes, fashion, workouts, relaxation, packing lists - you name it - I love it! I am a mom to three teenage boys, and a wife to my best friend. I coach youth track and field, and teach preschool. Life is always busy, and always fun here! Join in and share the fun!
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