Last week was full of life's high's...I love living on the "high's"! It feels good!
I feel productive, accomplished in my own way, and like everything is going great....I find it easier to click into that POSITIVE attitude that I thrive on.
Well, I must admit, that Friday and Saturday, I was feeling the low's....like things were gray, and murky...I tried everything I knew to force myself to get back to a "higher" energy level, but nothing was working. (not even a STRONG cup of coffee!!!)
I believe that life is choices, so I was making an honest attempt to choose to see the positive stuff, and really make effort to discipline myself and BE HAPPY.
OK, so this is where I had to just calm down for a second..I called a good lady friend of mine, one that is just loaded with wisdom, and she reminded me that it is just part of our physiology, we are human and we were made to have high and low energy.. AND that feeling low was just that...a low energy day. I know this may not sound like rocket-science to those of you who are reading this....but everytime I have a low energy day...I am so uncomfortable, that it drives me nuts! I like high energy...it is odd to feel low (for me).
She simply reminded me also that our God given gift is to "feel" it ALL. Thank God I am not numb, and I can feel all the high's and low's life has to offer. No matter if I am high, or low, it is just my energy on that day. So simple, but I don't know about you, sometimes I need to be reminded of the simple stuff.
Whether you are having a high energy, or a low energy day, I am sure it is a good one.
Enjoy it!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
February Fitness Challenge
I met my friend at the pool yesterday...she is amazing!
She has taken on for the second year in a row the February Fitness Challenge (in other words swimming as many yards (miles) as you can for the 28 days of February. A national fitness challenge.
She broke her age group record last year, and this year, as of yesterday, has already surpassed her last year's yards/miles for the first 19 days of this month. All I can think of is that it was the 19th of the month with 9 days to go AND she already surpassed her last year's impressive month long swim!
Okay so the details are that she is at 427,000 yards which translates to 242.6 miles of swimming! In only 19 days! I am sooooo floored by her dedication (spending a minimum of 6 hours in the pool a day) and her motivation to just keep going!
I swam in the lane with her (she is sponsored by my company and she was sporting the "billboard" butt suit) and it was great motivation to just go to the pool and support my friend with a very big audacious goal-300 miles this month! WHEW!
My mere 3150 was what I squeaked out yesterday, and I looked over to watch Lynn just keep going and going and going. WOW! (the energizer bunny)
Wonder how many yards today?!
p.s. she did clock me with her paddles, and my hand is soooo bruised that I can't swim today...ouch! BUT truthfully, a minor casualty in the large perspective of her goal! Go Lynn!
She has taken on for the second year in a row the February Fitness Challenge (in other words swimming as many yards (miles) as you can for the 28 days of February. A national fitness challenge.
She broke her age group record last year, and this year, as of yesterday, has already surpassed her last year's yards/miles for the first 19 days of this month. All I can think of is that it was the 19th of the month with 9 days to go AND she already surpassed her last year's impressive month long swim!
Okay so the details are that she is at 427,000 yards which translates to 242.6 miles of swimming! In only 19 days! I am sooooo floored by her dedication (spending a minimum of 6 hours in the pool a day) and her motivation to just keep going!
I swam in the lane with her (she is sponsored by my company and she was sporting the "billboard" butt suit) and it was great motivation to just go to the pool and support my friend with a very big audacious goal-300 miles this month! WHEW!
My mere 3150 was what I squeaked out yesterday, and I looked over to watch Lynn just keep going and going and going. WOW! (the energizer bunny)
Wonder how many yards today?!
p.s. she did clock me with her paddles, and my hand is soooo bruised that I can't swim today...ouch! BUT truthfully, a minor casualty in the large perspective of her goal! Go Lynn!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Being True....
To Yourself.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard that in my life.
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF.
Today I am having an epiphany about what that really means.
It also seems to be the constant message I continually keep hearing and experiencing...I am starting to think that "someone" -who I believe is my Higher Power- is trying to get my attention.
I am feeling like the student who is ready for next lesson, and as long as I stay open, I will be willing to hear it this is an opportunity to be aware and make the necessary changes.
For those of you who know me, I design swimsuits for a living. I have been in water sports my whole life, and love to literally LIVE IN MY SUIT.
I have been torn in the past as I have continuously taken survey after survey of my customer and what she likes and how to improve my product. I talk to industry peeps and study the current market, and sometimes get overwhelmed.
Today, after a fitting session with a willing test model, I realized that I have been trying to please so many different women...all having different opinions, constructive criticism and needs.
Why today was so poignant was because I know what I like to design, and what I feel is GREAT, but have gotten lost at moments taking in so much info from my generous friends and other biz peeps who are being kind with their suggestions.
This student (me) was ready for the valuable lesson of staying true to who I am. I enjoyed the fitting so much with my friend who kindly offered up her time to spend time with me today, and help me confirm the direction I was going on the fit of my new line due out 2010 (some sneak peaks will apear in '09) .
The confirmation that I am CLEAR on what it is I want to create and stick to it came today...and guess what?! It felt good.
As I ponder the "BE TRUE TO YOURSELF" motto, and relish in my experience today, I wonder if you out there have had a revelation on this one too?
I can't tell you how many times I have heard that in my life.
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF.
Today I am having an epiphany about what that really means.
It also seems to be the constant message I continually keep hearing and experiencing...I am starting to think that "someone" -who I believe is my Higher Power- is trying to get my attention.
I am feeling like the student who is ready for next lesson, and as long as I stay open, I will be willing to hear it this is an opportunity to be aware and make the necessary changes.
For those of you who know me, I design swimsuits for a living. I have been in water sports my whole life, and love to literally LIVE IN MY SUIT.
I have been torn in the past as I have continuously taken survey after survey of my customer and what she likes and how to improve my product. I talk to industry peeps and study the current market, and sometimes get overwhelmed.
Today, after a fitting session with a willing test model, I realized that I have been trying to please so many different women...all having different opinions, constructive criticism and needs.
Why today was so poignant was because I know what I like to design, and what I feel is GREAT, but have gotten lost at moments taking in so much info from my generous friends and other biz peeps who are being kind with their suggestions.
This student (me) was ready for the valuable lesson of staying true to who I am. I enjoyed the fitting so much with my friend who kindly offered up her time to spend time with me today, and help me confirm the direction I was going on the fit of my new line due out 2010 (some sneak peaks will apear in '09) .
The confirmation that I am CLEAR on what it is I want to create and stick to it came today...and guess what?! It felt good.
As I ponder the "BE TRUE TO YOURSELF" motto, and relish in my experience today, I wonder if you out there have had a revelation on this one too?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Emotion in Motion
I went to an all day event last winter (2007) and it was called "The Best of Year of Your Life, and the The Secret". It was awesome with amazing speakers all day, each with their own delivery and special unique qualities. John Assaraf, Lisa Nichols and Michael Beckworth from the Secret were all there. Ken Blanchard who wrote the "One Minute Manager" WAS my FAVORITE. His aura and stage presence just beamed of love. He brought a tear to my eye. The "headliner" was Anthony Robbins, he was the strong finish, the theatrical boom at the end of a long day of phenomenal motivational speakers.
Today, driving in my car, I thought of that night and what Anthony Robbins had brought to the stage...an infectious enthusiasm. One of the key points he taught was that if you are in a so-so place, just not excited about life and what you are doing, then FIND A WAY to change your emotions, and GET EXCITED! His presentation was ever yet so powerful, as he played KICK ASS music to demonstrate his point, the entire stadium was on their feet jumping around like little kids dancing...wow! THIS HAD IMPACT!!!
I went into this last session of the day, almost burned out from so much good stuff....hungry and getting tired was where I was at....but it sure did change...and the MUSIC just catapulted me into a whole new perspective, attitude and energy.
He made a very good point, you must move out of stuck emotions, you must move out of negative emotions, you must take responsibility for yourself. You must be disciplined to do whatever it takes to evoke good energy in yourself, it is not anyone elses job, it is yours. I wrote in my notes from that night EMOTION=MOTION.
EMOTIONS= MOTION means use positive emotions to help propel you into forward movement, I totally understand that positive emotions keep you moving, gets you out of stuck and the feel good energy (at least for me) helps with being productive and positive!
For the last 3 days I have been playing a GREAT cd my friend made for me in my car, and I am just driving with "perma grin", smiling and happy to be alive and take my next action towards my goals. How cool is that? So, try it, play some music that just really drives your energy into excitement, fun, and movement. It is a great tool to make the shift when you need it!
Today, driving in my car, I thought of that night and what Anthony Robbins had brought to the stage...an infectious enthusiasm. One of the key points he taught was that if you are in a so-so place, just not excited about life and what you are doing, then FIND A WAY to change your emotions, and GET EXCITED! His presentation was ever yet so powerful, as he played KICK ASS music to demonstrate his point, the entire stadium was on their feet jumping around like little kids dancing...wow! THIS HAD IMPACT!!!
I went into this last session of the day, almost burned out from so much good stuff....hungry and getting tired was where I was at....but it sure did change...and the MUSIC just catapulted me into a whole new perspective, attitude and energy.
He made a very good point, you must move out of stuck emotions, you must move out of negative emotions, you must take responsibility for yourself. You must be disciplined to do whatever it takes to evoke good energy in yourself, it is not anyone elses job, it is yours. I wrote in my notes from that night EMOTION=MOTION.
EMOTIONS= MOTION means use positive emotions to help propel you into forward movement, I totally understand that positive emotions keep you moving, gets you out of stuck and the feel good energy (at least for me) helps with being productive and positive!
For the last 3 days I have been playing a GREAT cd my friend made for me in my car, and I am just driving with "perma grin", smiling and happy to be alive and take my next action towards my goals. How cool is that? So, try it, play some music that just really drives your energy into excitement, fun, and movement. It is a great tool to make the shift when you need it!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Contagious Energy
Have you ever taken an exercise class and the instructor had a lack-luster energy about them?
Everything from body language, choice of music (if the class has music), tone of voice, and energy either can turn you off, or generate an infectious, and contagious sense of energy, and it is POWERFUL!
I do teach, and I do take the opportunity and relish in the choice to be a GREAT instructor. Since I don't like mediocrity, I take pleasure in finding ways to be contagious. Mind you, there is a lot of trial and error here, sometimes my "tactics" work, and sometimes they fail. Oh well, that means I get to try it different next time.
Today was one of those days when my class had great energy, and we fed off of each other, which made for a GREAT ride with all out effort! In my little world of teaching, this is GREAT success, to see my students smiling with the sense of accomplishment that they did it. They did the class the best they could for today, and it feels GOOD.
Take note today: how is your energy? regardless if it is low or high, it is contagious, so turn it on, and watch everything around for the day respond to your good energy.
Have a GREAT day!
Everything from body language, choice of music (if the class has music), tone of voice, and energy either can turn you off, or generate an infectious, and contagious sense of energy, and it is POWERFUL!
I do teach, and I do take the opportunity and relish in the choice to be a GREAT instructor. Since I don't like mediocrity, I take pleasure in finding ways to be contagious. Mind you, there is a lot of trial and error here, sometimes my "tactics" work, and sometimes they fail. Oh well, that means I get to try it different next time.
Today was one of those days when my class had great energy, and we fed off of each other, which made for a GREAT ride with all out effort! In my little world of teaching, this is GREAT success, to see my students smiling with the sense of accomplishment that they did it. They did the class the best they could for today, and it feels GOOD.
Take note today: how is your energy? regardless if it is low or high, it is contagious, so turn it on, and watch everything around for the day respond to your good energy.
Have a GREAT day!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
humans-with human answers
I heard something interesting the other day...thought I would pass it on.
We are humans, with human problems, and a human perspective to find their solutions.....but sometimes, in fact 99.9% of the time, we really need a source that is WAYYYY bigger then we are to help solve our mere human problems with our little human perspective.
Asking for Divine intervention, and a larger perspective to help us see the answers -that we NEVER would have seen on our own- really is what relying on a Higher Power-Universe- the Source really means. There is sooo much more out there then just living in our little towns, dealing with petty daily stuff, there is whole world out there, and it can be shown to you, if you open yourself up to it.
That is my BIG thought of the day...one that has really stuck to my mind, and truthfully,I like that I can be open enough to explore BIG thoughts!
Can u?
We are humans, with human problems, and a human perspective to find their solutions.....but sometimes, in fact 99.9% of the time, we really need a source that is WAYYYY bigger then we are to help solve our mere human problems with our little human perspective.
Asking for Divine intervention, and a larger perspective to help us see the answers -that we NEVER would have seen on our own- really is what relying on a Higher Power-Universe- the Source really means. There is sooo much more out there then just living in our little towns, dealing with petty daily stuff, there is whole world out there, and it can be shown to you, if you open yourself up to it.
That is my BIG thought of the day...one that has really stuck to my mind, and truthfully,I like that I can be open enough to explore BIG thoughts!
Can u?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Brand New Day
Everyday literally can be started with a FRESH START.
That is it.
Have you ever heard of the analogy of driving down the road only looking in the rear view mirror as a metaphor for life? Some people actually do that, they live life looking in the rear view mirror, not seeing what is ahead, or able to live in the present. Some are missing the excitement about what lies ahead. I have had friends who are like that, and they ultimately live in a very strange place, stuck. Not able to see what is in front, spending a lot of time and energy on things that have already happened, in the past.
Then you have the other analogy I have heard, via Jack Canfield-author of the Chicken Soup for Soul books, say a version of the car/life analogy.
"life is like driving your car at night on a dark road, and you can only see as far as your headlights show..a mere 200 ft. in front of the car....but yet, you keep driving forward, knowing there is still road there...the road willl change and you adapt when necessary. It is moving forward with blind faith."
There is excitement and anticipation of not knowing, it is slightly uncomfortable, but quite an adventure. I really enjoyed his analogy, and try to remember that when I can't "see how everything is going to workout", that it is going to be okay. I can only see 200 ft. in front of me, and the rest is blind faith, just keep going. TRUST and BELIEVE.
INSPIRING!
That is it.
Have you ever heard of the analogy of driving down the road only looking in the rear view mirror as a metaphor for life? Some people actually do that, they live life looking in the rear view mirror, not seeing what is ahead, or able to live in the present. Some are missing the excitement about what lies ahead. I have had friends who are like that, and they ultimately live in a very strange place, stuck. Not able to see what is in front, spending a lot of time and energy on things that have already happened, in the past.
Then you have the other analogy I have heard, via Jack Canfield-author of the Chicken Soup for Soul books, say a version of the car/life analogy.
"life is like driving your car at night on a dark road, and you can only see as far as your headlights show..a mere 200 ft. in front of the car....but yet, you keep driving forward, knowing there is still road there...the road willl change and you adapt when necessary. It is moving forward with blind faith."
There is excitement and anticipation of not knowing, it is slightly uncomfortable, but quite an adventure. I really enjoyed his analogy, and try to remember that when I can't "see how everything is going to workout", that it is going to be okay. I can only see 200 ft. in front of me, and the rest is blind faith, just keep going. TRUST and BELIEVE.
INSPIRING!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Living On Purpose
Just recently I have come across this sentence:
"There is a place you are to fill that no one else can fill; something you are to do, which no one else can do." quoted from Florence Scovel Shinn's book "Life is a Game, and This is How You Play It".
So that sentence right there says we all have a gift, and it is a gift that we are supposed to honor and express....question is: how do you find it? It took me a long time to learn my gift....but that truly required some work, some soul searching and a few simple prayers that my true gift be shown to me. My prayer was answered over and over and over again...and funny thing...sometimes I still didn't see it. (yea, sometimes subtle doesn't work for me...a mere "brick to the head" does).
BUT when I did get to see my purpose, it truly felt good and it was the best AH-Ha moment of my life!
I could now be 100% comfortable in my own skin!
I could now live with PURPOSE, and know I was right ON MY PURPOSE!
I enjoy spiritual searching, knowing there is a bigger picture....life is not just paying rent, running from work to errands to workouts.... to coordinating social events etc. There is sooo much more!
Have you asked yourself lately, what is my purpose? Better yet, put it out there to the Universe, the Source or if you call him your God, and ask, what is my Purpose? I bet you'll get an answer....and be pleasantly suprised!
Quick short story, my friend knows her purpose is "healing" through her work of physical therapy, she helps others heal, and she is good at it. She is attentive nurturing and amazing. She said to me that she knew her purpose, but that others might have the same purpose, and actually that may be true, but her delivery of her healing is her gift and what makes her unique. No one does it quite like she does, and that allows her to own her gift of healing which is done her very special way.
"There is a place you are to fill that no one else can fill; something you are to do, which no one else can do." quoted from Florence Scovel Shinn's book "Life is a Game, and This is How You Play It".
So that sentence right there says we all have a gift, and it is a gift that we are supposed to honor and express....question is: how do you find it? It took me a long time to learn my gift....but that truly required some work, some soul searching and a few simple prayers that my true gift be shown to me. My prayer was answered over and over and over again...and funny thing...sometimes I still didn't see it. (yea, sometimes subtle doesn't work for me...a mere "brick to the head" does).
BUT when I did get to see my purpose, it truly felt good and it was the best AH-Ha moment of my life!
I could now be 100% comfortable in my own skin!
I could now live with PURPOSE, and know I was right ON MY PURPOSE!
I enjoy spiritual searching, knowing there is a bigger picture....life is not just paying rent, running from work to errands to workouts.... to coordinating social events etc. There is sooo much more!
Have you asked yourself lately, what is my purpose? Better yet, put it out there to the Universe, the Source or if you call him your God, and ask, what is my Purpose? I bet you'll get an answer....and be pleasantly suprised!
Quick short story, my friend knows her purpose is "healing" through her work of physical therapy, she helps others heal, and she is good at it. She is attentive nurturing and amazing. She said to me that she knew her purpose, but that others might have the same purpose, and actually that may be true, but her delivery of her healing is her gift and what makes her unique. No one does it quite like she does, and that allows her to own her gift of healing which is done her very special way.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
True story of the gifts of healing
I truly believe people are brought together by a much higher source and power...I recieved this story, and knew instantly it was story that will keep us women connected, connected to the bigger picture and the hope that resides here in our world.
From Heather Perry:
I have a story of my own in case your interested...I've been a swimmer all my life. developed all of my drive and self discipline from countless workouts from the age of 7 through college. Met my husband on the college swim team.
When i was 5 months pregnant with my son, i was diagnosed with stage IV non-hodgkins lymphoma. We started treatment right away and he went through 2 rounds with me, in utero. We dlivered him early and i spent all of 2006 in treatment, culminating in a bone marrow transplant. the transplant took me a year to recover from. When i was finally able to get up, i was dependent on morphine, fat, completely deconditioned and depressed. I began a new regimine of meditation, gentle yoga, and stretching. eventually, i got back in the pool. i had been a swimmer my whole life and the first day i got in i could barely finish 100yds. Two years to the day after i checked in for my bone marrow transplant, my husband and i swam Peaks to Portland, a 2.4 mile swim across Casco Bay in Maine. I swam in under and hour and beat my old time by 5 minutes. I have shed 30 lbs and have totally reclaimed my life. Swimming was such an important part of that.
The reason i thought to share this with you has to do with your musings on positive energy. throughout my illness, we would gather very close friends and family members in a room. i would lie in the middle of everyone and they would all put their hands on me and channel light and energy to the parts of my body that needed it most. my illness was an amazing experience for all involved, and positive talk and energy and meditation and healing touch were a huge part of it. you get what you attract.
We journaled all of our experience in a blog if you're interested in reading more about it. the url is http://www.heatherandfinn.com . Today we are all healthy and strong. Finn is 3 and not too crazy about the water...yet.
I am addicted to success stories...real stories of truth, love and raw honesty. If you have one, send me an email at:
stephanie@zswimwear.com
As I would love to hear it.
From Heather Perry:
I have a story of my own in case your interested...I've been a swimmer all my life. developed all of my drive and self discipline from countless workouts from the age of 7 through college. Met my husband on the college swim team.
When i was 5 months pregnant with my son, i was diagnosed with stage IV non-hodgkins lymphoma. We started treatment right away and he went through 2 rounds with me, in utero. We dlivered him early and i spent all of 2006 in treatment, culminating in a bone marrow transplant. the transplant took me a year to recover from. When i was finally able to get up, i was dependent on morphine, fat, completely deconditioned and depressed. I began a new regimine of meditation, gentle yoga, and stretching. eventually, i got back in the pool. i had been a swimmer my whole life and the first day i got in i could barely finish 100yds. Two years to the day after i checked in for my bone marrow transplant, my husband and i swam Peaks to Portland, a 2.4 mile swim across Casco Bay in Maine. I swam in under and hour and beat my old time by 5 minutes. I have shed 30 lbs and have totally reclaimed my life. Swimming was such an important part of that.
The reason i thought to share this with you has to do with your musings on positive energy. throughout my illness, we would gather very close friends and family members in a room. i would lie in the middle of everyone and they would all put their hands on me and channel light and energy to the parts of my body that needed it most. my illness was an amazing experience for all involved, and positive talk and energy and meditation and healing touch were a huge part of it. you get what you attract.
We journaled all of our experience in a blog if you're interested in reading more about it. the url is http://www.heatherandfinn.com . Today we are all healthy and strong. Finn is 3 and not too crazy about the water...yet.
I am addicted to success stories...real stories of truth, love and raw honesty. If you have one, send me an email at:
stephanie@zswimwear.com
As I would love to hear it.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
How do you do that?
How do you do that?
When the shit hits the fan, how do you turn it into a positive?
How do you do that?
I believe that there is opportunity in everything...in fact...how about when you go to workout, and your muscles are whooped, your energy is sapped, your head is whirling...and you do it anyway...the opportunity here is 10 fold...
1st once you get moving, you see it isn't so bad...
2nd your mental toughness starts to show through, your tenacity
3rd the feel good hormones start to flow cause you are moving
4th suddenly the feel good hormones feel so good, you are starting to feel really good, and the motivation to do the activity also just went up
5th the satisfaction that you did it...the sense of accomplishment, you did it anyway, and it turned out way better then you thought.
I teach spinning and truthfully, sometimes my legs are so flipping tired I don't want to do it...but all of the things stated above actually do happen...end result: I am much better off afterwards then when I started.
YAY! to all of you who do it...and have experienced what I am talking about!
When the shit hits the fan, how do you turn it into a positive?
How do you do that?
I believe that there is opportunity in everything...in fact...how about when you go to workout, and your muscles are whooped, your energy is sapped, your head is whirling...and you do it anyway...the opportunity here is 10 fold...
1st once you get moving, you see it isn't so bad...
2nd your mental toughness starts to show through, your tenacity
3rd the feel good hormones start to flow cause you are moving
4th suddenly the feel good hormones feel so good, you are starting to feel really good, and the motivation to do the activity also just went up
5th the satisfaction that you did it...the sense of accomplishment, you did it anyway, and it turned out way better then you thought.
I teach spinning and truthfully, sometimes my legs are so flipping tired I don't want to do it...but all of the things stated above actually do happen...end result: I am much better off afterwards then when I started.
YAY! to all of you who do it...and have experienced what I am talking about!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Imagine that! I made a movie!
Yes, I did...and I even officially posted it on you tube.
It evolved into a complete dedication to female/woman athletes and ladies who strive to stay fit and live a healthy lifestyle.
My hats off to you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AD2DvqxSiI
:)
Steph
It evolved into a complete dedication to female/woman athletes and ladies who strive to stay fit and live a healthy lifestyle.
My hats off to you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AD2DvqxSiI
:)
Steph
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