Chance Encounters

I love running into the right people at the right time, don't you?

However and wherever you run into them, it was exactly what you needed.

That happened to me yesterday.

I ran into a friend (whom I connected with through Married Working Mothers btw), and we chatted for a few minutes to catch up on what's been happening in our lives. We've been meaning to get together for lunch but somehow we both seemed too busy "hustlin". But we were placed in each other's path yesterday, to motivate each other.

These past couple of months have been difficult for me, financially. Trying to build something from scratch isn't easy. And self-motivation is required DAILY, whether you want to show up or not. While talking to my friend, we realized how much our lives paralleled each other and agreed that our brief meeting was exactly what we both needed. It reminded us that we weren't alone or crazy, and how important it is to have people that are doing what you're doing (whatever it is) around you.

SHIT IS REAL OUT HERE ON YOUR OWN!

I continue to receive the comments about going back to a nine to five. Why would I torture myself without a steady pay? My answer to that is, 

Because I feel strongly in what I'm doing. And I love it. I believe in it. I believe in myself. 

For those that are in the very same position or soon to be,

Here's a quick story...

I've always been into fitness and clean eating. I am pretty consistent when it comes to exercising and what I eat. However, at the end of March I set my eyes on a goal of what I wanted my body to look like. With that in mind, I knew I had to amp up on the amount of days I exercised and be more strict with my diet (for those who know me are probably rolling their eyes, because how much more strict can Candi get!). So that's what I did. I began exercising 5 days a week. Something I have never done in my entire life (I used to exercise 2-3 times a week).

What was the point of the story?

"To achieve something you have never had before, you must do something you have never done before." 


It's not a short term goal but a life-long one.

Believe it or not my NEWER fitness goals have assisted me tremendously in my business goals. Only recently mind you. When I don't feel like going running or going to Crossfit, I go anyway. Some days are very difficult, mentally, emotionally, and physically, but I do it anyway. So when I don't feel like staying up late to edit a video, work on a blog post, work on an art piece, or doing research, I do it anyway. I just do it.

In order to achieve a business I've never had before, I must work like I have never done before.

JUST DO IT.

Signed, 
#SeeMiHaffiWorkWorkWorkWorkWorkWork
Candilaria

Married Working Mothers ON THE RUN!

So it’s 2015 and it has been a year since I started my fitness goals and I am proud to say that I have stayed the course. I managed to tick off the mini goals I set for myself and what a great feeling it was!  I admit towards the end of the year, I encountered scheduling challenges as we had to let go our housekeeper and if you know anything about losing a housekeeper you know just how much of a nightmare life can be afterwards…(Yes, I know…I’m #spoiled #firstworldwomanproblems #Iamnotashamed #Ineedhelp #lifeisn'twhatitusedtobe) AND of course we went through the holiday season so we know how that one ends…heehee.

I decided not to run the half marathon (in #marathonbahamas) this year, and unfortunately I don’t really have an excuse why.  But let’s just stick to it being due to scheduling issues.  Last weekend, Sunshine Insurance held its annual Marathon Bahamas here on New Providence island and I saw so many amazing Married Working Mothers posting pictures of completing either the half marathon, relay, or full marathon on Facebook, and it made me think.  Just how many more Married Working Mothers want to make running the half marathon (or marathon if you’re really brave) a goal? Or to simply start running, a goal?

What if we, Married Working Mothers, began a running group?!  No experience needed.  More often than not we all need some inspiration and motivation to reach our goals, especially fitness goals.  Why not create a support group just for that?!!  While the real training for the marathon will begin later on in the year, it is important to just start.  What do you say?!  Make it your goal!  Dedicate at least one day in the week with the intent to add more runs later on.  It’s a great way to kick start any health and fitness goals you may have given yourself for 2015.

If you are interested in joining the MWMs running group, please e-mail us at marriedworkingmothers@gmail.com.  Let's motivate each other!

Signed,

Running still, Candilaria

STRONG IS THE NEW SKINNY

Since committing myself to the half marathon, I decided to take it a step further.  No no no, I'm not doing the full marathon! Have absolutely no desire to do that.  Plus my body cannot take that kind of beating!  I like my knees.

However, after months of boxing, strength training, and running, I quite enjoyed the way I was feeling.  I felt healthy.  I felt strong.  

So before I ran the half marathon in January I decided to give myself mini goals through-out 2014.  I will share with them with you and hope that I can inspire some of you to take the challenge of becoming healthier and stronger.

For my second goal (the half marathon was my first), I joined our local Crossfit joint, called Da Box in January with trainer Charles Johnson.

Crossfit is a strength and conditioning program created by Greg Classman in 2000 with the aim of improving, among other things, muscular strength, cardio-respiratory endurance, and flexibility.  It advocates a perpetually changing mix of aerobic exercise, gymnastics (body weight exercises), and Olympic weight lifting.


In my opinion, it's not something you would start straight out of the blocks, especially if you haven't been active in a very long time.  But that's just my opinion.  I have seen many women who started at this level and have hung in there and are doing great!  So if you are feeling like doing it, just do it!  My months of doing other activities, however, prepared me quite nicely to begin Crossfit at a level that the exercises weren't a complete shock to my system. The exercises are hella hard nonetheless but completely rewarding! And can I tell you how great I feel after a session!

Da Box began an 8 week challenge, called The ONE on February 3!  This is my third goal.  The challenge is a combination of clean eating, performance progress and tracking your entire experience over the course of the 8 weeks.

For an example of clean eating, take a look at my breakfast this morning...

2 scrambled eggs (depends on your caloric intake you can have more or less), sweet potatoes with spinach, onions and green peppers with a side of half a grapefruit. It was actually pretty darn good!

This goal then leads into my fourth goal which is to register for the Spartan Race in April.  Yeah I know, I've lost my mind! LOL.  After that goal, it's Summer time and we all know what that means!  Goal #5 is Beach body!  Goal #6 is to run the 10K in November.  And my friends that should take care of my fitness for the year!

Having mini goals throughout the year makes it easier for you to stay consistent.  It's easy to fall off on your fitness regimen but if you are working towards something it gives you a sense of accountability.

So consider giving yourself goals throughout the year and hold yourself accountable.  Grab a partner, it's easier that way.  Stay committed.  Accept the fact that it isn't going to be easy and be comforted in knowing that you are taking active steps towards becoming a stronger you!

What will you do?

Signed, 

A stronger Candilaria

STAY INSPIRED AND TAKE THE SHOT

I was looking back at some of the posts over the past 2 years (Wow, it's been 2 years!?). It was nice to re-read some them and see how much the blog has grown. 

We are basically half way through January and time isn't slowing down (Christmas went by in a blink of an eye!)

Anyhoodles, I was reminded by this post that we must constantly feel inspired especially when we have specific goals to accomplish. The beautiful thing is we can find inspiration in just about anything and everything and all around. But we need more than inspiration.  We need to ACT.

Ain't that the truth!  Don't wait until you are ready.  You will find a million excuses as to why you're not ready or when you will be more ready.  Just take the shot.  Just do it!

Here's hoping that you stay inspired and take those shots.


Signed, 
shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, EVERYBODY! (hehe)
Candilaria