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Introduction Text "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." ~ Buddha My body is not perfect but I do realize that until my hard work pays off, I CAN STILL LOVE IT. Not only has this change in attitude helped me stay on track but I know it will keep me there. So here is a reflection on what I DO love about my body. I LOVE MY STOMACH. Yes, it is rounded out a bit and is in serious need of some toning; and although it does not have one stretch mark the skin has lost it's elasticity but for a good reason. For 27 months within a 5 year period, it was where I harbored my three boys. Surprisingly, 6 years later, it was where I once again carried this time, my beautiful daughter. It's also what my children like to lay on and once were so kind enough to tell me that it's because "it's as soft as a pillow." (If only they knew how many crunches I did that night after that loving term of endearment.) Every time I look down and am unhappy with the way it looks, I try to remind myself of those flutters and kicks I once felt. It usually makes me stand a bit taller, which in return makes my stomach look a lot nicer. I LOVE MY HIPS. These new curves and hour glass figure that I now possess have become my children's favorite resting spot when I pick them up. Something that once shocked me in the mirror has become so necessary in motherhood. During colicky hours, reassurance after a boo-boo and when they are too tired to walk. These hips were created with my children in mind. I LOVE MY ARMS. Who knew that my skinny little arms could carry so much weight? They are getting a bit flabby now that the kids aren't in constant need of being carried around. But, they were once where I rocked my babies to sleep. And still today, what I wrap around my boys and girl and embrace in a big bear hug. They have enough strength to pull all four of my children away from danger and carry them off to safety, but are delicate enough to make me feel feminine. I LOVE MY LEGS. They may be a little thicker than I want them, but they have helped me carry my children and stay active with them. I LOVE MY SMILE. I may have big uneven teeth with a space between my front two (I know Mom, I should still where my retainer) and they may be a little stained from the over-indulgence of tea, but every time I smile I can feel my face glow. It makes me happy to watch my children grow and experience knew things. And it makes them proud to see me smiling back at them. It may not be the most perfect smile but it's enough to let my children know how much I love them. I LOVE MY EYES. The dark circles underneath from years of lack of sleep are no match for the love that you can see when you look into them. I am a deep person and everything about me could be read through my big browns. They are youthful but aged. They are innocent yet experienced. And you can always get sincere honesty when looking in them. I LOVE MY NOSE. Did you read that? I LOVE my nose. My "Wicked Witch" nose that it was once labeled with the ugly bump that throughout my childhood made me hate to have someone look at my profile, is now one of my favorite features. Wanna know why? Not only is it because it has a lot of character; but also, three little boys and a little girl will one day find their own self-proclaimed imperfection that they too will one day complain about. When that day comes, I will look at them just like my mother did to me and their perfectly flawless bodies and tell them why they should love that part of themselves. I may not have that teeny waist that I once had, and my age may be starting to show along my eyes and mouth, but I am embracing my body and the years of experience that it is starting to show. It may have its imperfections and I am working on the ones that I can. The things I can't, I am finding aren't so bad after all. And the best part, in my children's eyes, I am a beautiful princess. What could be better than that? Thank you my children, for this beautiful curvy body that you helped shape, as well as my renewed self-respect and esteem.

WINTER GOALS â–º BODY - Goal weight:126 lbs - Create a routine that is attainable. â–º MIND - Journal at least 3x a week - Free Write at least 3x a week - Read 3 books - Knit something new â–º SPIRIT - Meditate for at least 5 minutes, raising it to 10 minutes by the end of Winter. - Renew my yoga practice. END OF YEAR GOALS: â–º BODY - Goal Weight 123 - Run with my children without becoming winded. - Spend time outdoors daily. - Run 1 mile straight. - Cut smoking back by at least half. â–º MIND - Journal Daily - Begin my story. - Read 15 books. - Free write to express myself. - Stock knitting inventory for next winter. â–º SPIRIT - Meditate for 15 minutes daily. - Strengthen my yoga practice 5 times a week.

2016 Intention Words: Clarity, Wellness, Balance Affirmation for Year: "I am a walking reflection of my emotions and actions.  I choose to let go of the negative, and radiate the positive." WINTER PROGRAM: ► BODY - 30 day Challenge beginning January 2, 2016 - Daily Mindful Eating - Walk in Nature (at least 2 times a week) ► MIND - Journal daily - Find weekly inspiration and post to my blog. - Daily Gratitude - Evening Knitting ► SPIRIT - Work on my meditation and yoga practice. - Reflect on affirmation. - Daily Intention.

It's the little things in life. The things we often overlook. The smell of flowers, the dance the wind brings to the trees, the fireflies glowing outside our doors. The little affirmations that confirm you are special. There is beauty out there. Reminders to what is important in life. It's up to you to live today... at this moment... and enjoy.

"You do not determine your success by comparing yourself to others, rather you determine your success by comparing your accomplishments to your capabilities. You are number one when you do the best you can with what you have, every day." ~ Zig Ziglar "Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open." ~ B.K.S. Iyengar The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in. ~B.K.S. Iyengar If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. ~ Bruce Lee Good for the body is the work of the body, good for the soul the work of the soul, and good for either the work of the other. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Add a Link I exist as I am, that is enough, If no other in the world be aware I sit content, And if each and all be aware I sit content. ~ Walt Whitman
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