Are we Over-Thinking Parenting?

I used to be a big researcher. When I became pregnant with Harper I researched EVERYTHING. The best baby products, when to feed your baby solids, how to get your baby to sleep through the night, baby wearing, breastfeeding, childbirth, milestones, discipline,  birth plans...

I researched the shit out of anything and everything I could think of.

The result? A TON of worry.

The problem with having SO much information at our fingertips is that it's often just someone else's opinion, or someone else's experience.

Before I was a mom, it was the internet that helped me decide that:

My child would never watch TV before 2. I would never allow my son to play with guns or pretend to do anything that resembled violence. I would make all of my baby food. I would have a natural birth and if I didn't, it would be devastating. I would not let my child get sucked into consumerism with a love of brands and characters. Our house would look neat and orderly with cool vintage toys and no plastic clutter. I could go on and on.


Well, our precious Harper was born, and made me exactly who I was meant to be, and with that came a really cool set of INSTINCTS. Sweet, motherly instincts that I learned to trust and all of my preconceived rules flew right out of the window.

I realized that all of my stances and opinions were formed before I even had a chance to experience what motherhood was like! I had this preplanned idea of what a "good mom" was.

Well, I learned quickly that this tiny little individual was a person too who would have a personality and opinions all his own. All of my perfect plans were about what I thought I SHOULD do, based on an internet article or blog post. What about HIS plans, HIS feelings, and HIS instincts?

I overheard a couple of moms at the playground recently.

They were discussing the YouTube Videos of children opening toys. If you're a parent of a kid over 2, you know the videos I am talking about. Kids opening toys, or surprise eggs, or sometimes weird creepy man hands opening their toys and talking about them. :-)

Please don't think I am being judgmental for what I am about to say, because I AM NOT at ALL intending to sound that way. Especially because I used to think and say the same things.

They were saying that they would NEVER allow their children to watch those videos because it promotes gluttony and consumerism. They were also going on and on about how princesses send the wrong message and how toy guns are DEFINITELY a no no because playing with guns is so violent.

Here's what I think. Kids don't know what gluttony is. They just want to see toys! Toys are fun and awesome!  They're not going to become vain or shallow because they think princesses are beautiful and they want to look just like them. If they want to pretend to shoot bad guys with play guns, it's just imagination. It's a game. They're being creative.

It's we, the parents, who make these definitions and assumptions.  We've been around the block. We've clicked one too many internet links. We've read statistics and stories, news articles and mom blogs. We listen to our peers sometimes instead of our children. We're afraid of what other parents might think if we break these "standards of parenting" I have a feeling that WE are the ones being influenced by the media; not so much our children.

In my opinion if we love our kids fiercely it's all going to be OK. They're gonna turn out fine. That's the one rule that we MUST follow.

If you love your kids fiercely and put everything you have into them, a toy or some shows or some pretend wars aren't going to turn them into maniacs or ungrateful, wild, gluttonous, violent kids. If you're fully immersed in raising your children and shower them with positivity, attention and affection, it is YOU they will emulate. It is YOU they will want to make proud. It is YOU that will teach them values by your loving example.

I feel like we need to stop over-thinking it. Let our kids be kids. Stop putting limitations on their creative play. Stop deciding that it's wrong for them to be into something out of fear for what *could* happen or out of fear what someone else might think.

Instead of spending time reading articles about studies showing that "so and so" will cause your children to "so and so," spend the time showing interest in their princesses, or guns, or weird man hand surprise egg videos. They're into it. It means something to them. Show them you respect their preferences by asking questions, learning more, and playing with them!

I'll end with an excerpt from my favorite poem "On Children" by Khalil Gibran:

"You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable."

The Law of Attraction

Do you know about the law of attraction?

I never did before either.

Here's the gist. You attract what you expect. Like attracts like.

For instance, if you expect to have a wonderful, easy, happy day, you will.  If you expect things to go your way, it's likely that they will do exactly that.  If you focus on your gratitude for all that you have, you will attract more wonder and beauty into your life.

If you spend your days filled with worry and disappointment, expecting and focusing on the worst, guess what you'll get?

Have you ever noticed that a lot of people who spend their time complaining and being negative seem to have a lot of tough shit continually happen to them?

Have you noticed that people who are perpetually happy and positive seem to have the best luck and the easiest lives?

It's not coincidence...it's the law of attraction at work.

This may seem silly, but I've lived in Florida most of my 39 years and ALWAYS wanted to find a shark's tooth, but never did. I had it in my head that for some reason I just wasn't lucky enough to find one. I was defeated before I even tried.

I went to the beach recently with my family. It was an absolutely perfect day. I'd had a rough couple of days before, and was easing myself out of a funk. I took a quiet minute to float in the water all alone to soak in everything around me  and watch my sweet family play at the water's edge. The water was the perfect temperature, calm as can be, and super clear and clean. There was music playing in the distance, and there was just this beautiful energy. This happy, alive vibration surrounding me. I was filled with immense joy just for being right there in that moment. Suddenly it was clear to me that I was living my dreams and that I was exactly where I needed to be, and became overwhelmed with gratitude.

A few minutes later as I rejoined my family, I noticed Jerry sifting through the sand looking for shark's teeth. I decided to join him. I just KNEW in my bones that I would find one, and declared it out loud.

Wouldn't you know that I found one a minute later? Then another, and another...all within about 5 minutes!!!

3 shark's teeth in five minutes when I'd spent a lifetime searching before.

When I found the first one, it solidified my feelings of gratitude and gave me feelings of reassurance that I am on the right path. Since I like to ask for signs, I played a little game in my head with the Universe and asked to find another one as a sign that I was, indeed, finding these shark's teeth for a reason. The third one was just a little cherry on top I think :-)

Just compare the shark's teeth in this story to your perfect job, or your soul mate, or prosperity, or complete and utter happiness living a life that aligns with your dreams... All of those things are out there, waiting for you to find them. They ARE! You just have to REALLY BELIEVE that you will find them, and focus on that happening. Envision in. Feel it. Visualize it.  Stop thinking of all of the reasons that they won't happen. Don't focus on the negative, because I am telling you, you'll just get more of that.

Those shark's teeth were always right in front of me, just like everything you want is in front of you.

You just have to believe.

FU Mercury!

I don't know all of the mystical, astrological shit behind Mercury retrogrades. but I DO know that every time I feel nuts and Harper acts nuts I learn that Mercury is, in fact, in retrograde.

I've learned that since my sign, Cancer, rules feelings, I get emotionally crazy. Harps is a Gemini which rules communications. Basically he's screwed because Mercury in retrograde messes with ALL things related to communications. Poor dude.  Every time retrograde occurs, Harper gets a bit out of control. I'll find myself thinking...what did he EAT today? Did he go to bed late? Did he have too much screen time? NOPE! It's dang Mercury! That asshole of a planet!

Anyhow, this cycle ends 10/9.

I am planning a new challenge group beginning 10/19!

This one is gonna be special. All about renewal.

Renewal of mind, body and spirit.

We're going to do PiYo- a pilates/yoga hybrid workout. We're going to eat fresh, healthy meals. We're going to replenish our nutrients with a delicious daily shake. We're going to practice self care. We're going to dig deep into our souls with some personal development.

The perfect way to renew and refresh after a retrograde cycle.

Details to come!

If you want to be on the wait list, send me a message or drop your email below! Special deals this month for early-birds! xo

Things He Says

Things He Says- Bedtime edition

I know you all probably expect "Things He Says" to be funny, because they usually are, but today's might melt your heart.

It did mine at least.

 At bedtime Harper turns into a different kid. I usually wait until bedtime to have big conversations with him, because he is always up for a deep talk before he goes to sleep. That's when he has the most to say about his day, and life in general.  He'll say "Wanna talk about stuff?" That's music to a mother's ears. Especially a mother of a kiddo who usually answers "I don't remember" when you ask him about his day, ha!

He also gets REALLY sweet and pours his heart out, like he did tonight.

H: "Mama, will you sing to me?"

Me: "Yes of course!"

Then I sing "Beautiful Boy" By John Lennon

Close your eyes
Have no fear
The monster's gone
He's on the run and your mama's here

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer
Every day in every way
It's getting better and better

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

Out on the ocean sailing away
I can hardly wait to see you come of age
But I guess, we'll both just have to be patient
'Cause it's a long way to go, a hard row I know
Yes, it's a long way to go but in the meantime

Before you cross the street
Take my hand
Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
Beautiful boy

In the middle of the chorus Harper says

H: "You're beautiful. You're more beautifuller than me."
M: "Aww thank you, buddy, but there's NO WAY. You're a million times more beautiful than I am"

I move on to "You are my Sunshine"

He sings with me, eyes half closed.

H: "I love you way more than you love me. I love you so much"
Me: (tears rolling down cheek) "That makes me SO happy that you love me so much. I don't think you could even imagine how much I love you. I love you SO SO SO much. More than anything. I love you more than anyone could even count. I can't even describe how much I love you because it is SO MUCH"

Then we sing a little part (I think my family made this up? I don't know if it's a real song, haha! My mom used to sing it to me)

I love you Harper
Oh yes I do
I love you Harper
Indeed it's true
I love you Harper
I do
Oh Harper I love you

And would you believe the sweetest boy in the land starts singing too, but says Gina when I say Harper?

So I put his hand on my cheek to feel the tears, and tell him they're happy tears because I love him so much, and, with his warm open palm against my face he says

" I feel all that love, mama. I feel it. "

Then he puts both hands on my cheeks and kisses me, and tells me that he hopes I have happy thoughts and good, fun dreams (Something that I often wish HIM before bed.)

I don't know how in the world we got so lucky, but my heart almost exploded tonight with love and gratitude.

Thank you, God, for giving me the most beautiful, perfect family. 

Things SHE Says

Things SHE Says

I usually do Things HE says with Harper only, but my daily conversations with Junie are getting pretty hilarious too!


Junie: Eww! Somebody farted!

Me: No they didn't! I am the only person here, and I didn't fart.

Junie: Who's fart is that?

Me: Well, I didn't fart and the only other person here is you, so did you fart?

Junie: (Placing open hand across heart and cocking head) It's me fart?

Me: I don't know. Only you'd know if you farted. Did you fart?

Junie: (laughing) Yes!


2 years old and already trying to blame her farts on others.

Back to school, Back to YOU

Hmmm....Thinking about hosting a 21 day health and fitness accountability group starting in the beginning of September.

Surely there have to be more mamas like myself who have been thrown off track by the hustle and bustle of the end of summer who also need a clean slate?

Doesn't a fresh start for your health and fitness goals to go along with a fresh start of this school year sound good?

Back in a routine, back in the flow of things...maybe with the kids back in school now there's a little more time for YOU to work on YOU?

You'll get an easy to follow nutrition plan with color coded containers that coincide with your food groups to make your meal prep easy, a super nutritious breakfast that takes 5 minutes to blend before you rush your kiddos off to school, and workouts to be done at home that are only 30 minutes long.

Super simple and super effective.

Did I mention that the plan includes a little wine and chocolate too? wink emoticon

I'm also thinking of making this group a good place to share healthy, packable kid's lunches, easy, meal plan approved crock pot dinners, and time saving tips and tricks to make the beginning of this school year the start of healthy new habits for your whole family.

I think this would be great for teachers too! I know I have a lot of teacher friends out there!

I'm thinking 9/7 will be a great day to start. It gives us a couple of weeks to settle into the new routine, but not TOO long after school starts to establish unhealthy routines.

Who's interested?

Please feel free to share with any parents (or teachers or anyone) that may be into something like this!

I *might* even get a little crazy and offer a free cookbook to the first 3 who register!

Message me for details!

Mix Tape

The War on Drugs- "Red Eyes"

This song is my jam. Give it a minute to kick in. Listen the whole way through.

Picture 2 parents, out for their first date in a long time. Couple beers in, feeling light and free. Laughing and dancing, no inhibitions at all. Totally in the moment. After the show, they wander outside. remembering who they were before having kiddos, when it was just them.. having the best time together. They round the corner to discover that band is outside throwing a baseball in the alley near the train tracks, so they join in.  They all just shoot the shit and play catch a bit. No hurry, nothing to do, nowhere to be. They hear the distant sound of a train approaching, so they place an old key on the tracks to create a souvenir to remember such a perfect night. They expect that they won't be able to find the key...that it was probably kicked up by the racing wheels, but after searching for a bit, they see the pressed silver shape on the gravel under the tracks.

Now picture Harper, Junie and I on a different day, driving home after some exhilarating time spent outside. It was one of those days when everything went right. Both kids were happy, I was full of energy, we had fun exploring nature. No bickering, no rushing, just me and them and the music. This song came on, and was about to reach its crescendo when we were getting ready to drive over a long bridge. So I rolled all of the windows down, picked up the speed a bit, and blasted the music. I got teary eyed that we all shared a moment. I could see their dancing heads and smiles in the rearview; those kinds of joyful smiles that look like their cheeks might explode.

After the song was over, I told Harper the story about how that song was special to his Daddy and me too, because of our special date. I told him about the key, and gave it to him from my wallet.

It now has a special place in his treasure box. A little symbol of his parent's love to hold in his hand.

Mix Tape- The Tallest Man on Earth "Thrown Right at Me"

This song will make your heart sing, and the chemistry between these two performance will make  your heart dance.

Grounding

Have you heard of grounding? 

Humans are full of electricity. Free radical stress from exposure to pollution, cigarettes, insecticides, pesticides, trans fats, and radiation, just to name a few, continually deplete your body of electrons. Simply by getting outside, barefoot, touching the Earth, and allowing the excess charge in your body to discharge into the Earth, you can alleviate some of the stress continually put on your system. Walking barefoot can help neutralize the constant assault of electromagnetic fields and other types of radiation from cell phones, computers, and Wi-Fi.

We spent the past two days cooped up inside because of the heavy thunderstorms. Today we got out and had the most wonderful day at the beach.

I love connecting to nature. It invigorates me. It makes me feel so alive, yet so small and insignificant in the very best way. When I spend too much time inside, I start to feel stressed and unhealthy. I never realized that there was actual science behind this.

Well, today we connected to the earth wholeheartedly.

It was breezy and overcast when we arrived at the beach, and everyone was in a fantastic mood. We jumped in the waves, dug in the sand, had seaweed wars, chased the seagulls and dug in the sandy shoreline to discover the thousands of coquinas burying themselves there.

There were dark clouds above and we knew that the afternoon thunderstorms were looming, but we didn't pay it any mind. As the storm rolled in, we just threw our dry stuff in the car and had the most incredible time playing on the beach in the rain. We ran full speed down the beach laughing hysterically, the kids daring me to imitate their cool jumps, turns and tricks. We dug a little pool that Junie had the best time splashing around in. The kids and I lay on our bellies at the water's edge, letting the rain pour down on our backs while we dug our toes in the surf.

We had sand on our skin, rain on our backs, and we were surrounded by saltwater.

We were grounded.

Harper told me "This is my favoritest day out of all of the days except for my birthday and Christmas"
Me too, sweet kiddo. Me too.

Mix Tape

Mix Tape will be a new feature on my Blog! I know I always love discovering new tunes, but rarely make the time to do so in this crazy life of mine. I am sure there are many other busy folks out there that feel the same way, so I will share some of my favorite jams here for you to enjoy!

Today we have Monsters of Folk with "The Sandman the Brakeman and Me"

This is one of my favorite songs on the kiddo's bedtime playlist.

Both Harps and Junie know most of the words, and it is the sweetest thing when they sing it.

Junie shakes her head back and forth just like Jim James, and asks if he has his eyes closed because he's cared (scared) of the trees (outside of the window in the background)

Have a listen. It's a great nighttime travelin' tune!

WHat are your children's bedtime favorites?

Have you ever stopped to think about what events in your life REALLY shaped who you are?

I know that really EVERYTHING we do has an effect on who we are and who we become, but how about those REALLY impactful moments? Those life changers?

I stopped to think about them recently, and here are the first that came to mind.

1. Meeting the love of my life, Jerry. Not only did he change my life in the obvious ways, he changed ME as a person in the best way. I am BETTER because of his love and influence, and I have learned SO MUCH about being a good person from Jer and his beautiful family.

2. SKYDIVING! I want to keep these descriptions short so I wont go into great detail, but I had a huge medical scare in 2003 that made me realize how fragile life is. I didn't want to miss out on anything life had to offer knowing that at any moment it can be taken away. SO I decided to do the scariest thing I could think of. My reasoning was when I was faced with fear in the future, I'd have to remind myself that I was BRAVE and had already done something MUCH more terrifying!

3. Moving to Oregon. In 2008, we moved with our best friends Jess and Evan across the country, just because! We didn't have housing set up, some of us didn't have jobs even. We just packed up and went. We had a great adventure out there, and I fell madly in love with the Pacific NW. BUT our adventure was short lived (we'll be back soon, Oregon!), because we got the greatest surprise of our lives which brings me to number...

4. Harper's birth/Becoming a mama. I don't even need to explain. If I tried, I'd never stop typing heart emoticon Because of Harper choosing us, I became who I was always meant to be.

5. AND of course, the birth of sweet, sweet Junie. Not only was the actual ACT of giving birth to her life changing (I had a VBAC which was very empowering and a huge emotional milestone) but she brightened our life, made Harps a big brother, and made our family complete. She was meant to be ours.

6. Holding a tiny alligator. Just joking. Are you still reading this?

7. Becoming a coach. Making this decision was absolutely one of THE best decisions I have EVER made. I've changed my health, my strength, my outlook. I have passion and purpose. I am charged and alive. I've met incredible people. I have a completely new perspective. I take great comfort in knowing that I will be financially free and get so excited for the things we will be able to do in the future because of the income I will be generating. I have great confidence. I am renewed. I am present with my children. I get to wake up every morning CHARGED about the living that I am making! Again, I could go on and on...

It's so crazy to me that making the decision, on a whim, to become a coach, with great skepticism and little belief in myself or the opportunity, has evolved into one of my TOP life changing events.

I share this with you because I want you to think about your own life. Think of your positive life changing events. Has it been awhile since you've had one?

If it has, it might be time to shake it up a bit!

I've said it before, I will say it again...if you're hearing that whisper. If you're feeling a nudge from the Universe you've gotta JUMP!

Just like that skydiving trip I took. Make that jump and never let fear hold you back again.

PS If you think you might be interested in coaching, I have a 5 day informational group coming up. It's FREE and it'll be held right here on Facebook. Comment below or send me a message if you would like details.

OK. I realize that this looks kind of gross, haha. 

BUT

I figure if you're reading my "What Junie Eats" posts, you're probably a frazzled, busy mom of a toddler or preschooler, and you would probably appreciate a quick and easy and fairly healthy convenience meal idea, right? RIGHT?

Of course we would ALL love to make every meal from scratch, but that just doesn't happen in this household, and I'll make a bet that it doesn't happen in many of yours either.

It's nice to have some super easy options that still make you feel like you're providing a healthy meal for your kiddos SO, without further adieu, here we have....


- Trader Joe's Fish Nuggets- 

- Trader Joe's riced cauliflower cooked with a bit of olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, scallions, garlic, salt and pepper.

- cukes with salt and pepper

- banana!

BOTH kiddos LOVED it and ate it up. Harper (our picky 6 year old) kept saying I LOVE THIS RICE! I didn't tell him he was gobbling up cauliflower. I hate to lie, but I was so afraid he'd change his mind! Did you know cauliflower has a host of health benefits?

Per one of my favorite sites, My New Roots,  Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin K and a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA), cauliflower provides us with two powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients. Cauliflower is also jam-packed with phytonutrients (those are the super-charged healthy compounds found exclusively in plants), such as the familiar beta-carotene, as well as the lesser-known beta-cryptoxanthin, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol (there will be a quiz at the end of this post ;) This broad spectrum antioxidant support helps lower the risk of oxidative stress in our cells. By providing us with such a great array of antioxidant nutrients, cauliflower helps lower our cancer risk by helping us avoid chronic and unwanted oxidative stress.
Don't you love reading things like that after your kid gobbles it down? I do!

So, keep some riced cauliflower and fish nuggets in the freezer for one of those days when you are uninspired, or short on time, or you just don't freaking feel like cooking, and you can still feel good about giving your kids a decent meal.

Today you're six!

My beautiful son,

How is it possible that you're six?

It seems like yesterday you were your sister's age, a toddler, adorable as can be. Super shy, incredibly intuitive, stubborn and brilliant. The only part that has changed a bit there is the shy part. You really have built some confidence within the last year. I can tell that you're a leader when I see you with your friends at school, and you're no longer afraid to approach another kid at the park to play. There's nothing wrong with being shy, but I am glad to see that you've become confident and even bold at times!

You love Legos and Minecraft, video games and YouTube videos of other people playing video games. You have a new found love for ART!!! YAY!! You LOVE to draw and color and you make the most beautiful, interesting creations! I love that you've found something else to get lost in. You'll work on a picture for what seems like forever. My heart swells when you complete your masterpiece and come to show me, (paper face down on your chest, arms folded over it so that I can't get a smidge of a sneak peek before you're ready) and turn it over for the big reveal, beaming with pride!

You're a collector. You have a treasure box filled with shells, pinecones, confetti and acorns. Broken jewelry, found barrettes, popped balloons, and stones of every shape and size. You're always on the hunt for something special. I love this about you. I need to remember to travel with big pockets, because we always end up filling them with your finds when we're out on an adventure.

                                           

     
You can write sentences and stories now, and you've melted my heart with this skill.  Recently you brought home a small notebook on a string around your neck; a prize from the treasure box at school. I melted into a heap of mush when I looked inside to see that you'd written 2 things. Your name on one page and "I love my mom" on the other.  Yesterday when I went into my notes section on my phone,  I discovered that you'd typed the same thing there too.

I must admit that last year has been one of the most challenging.  You can be a little pain in the ass sometimes! But then I realize, can't we all? After a particularly difficult day, once you guys are fast asleep and we have time to reflect, I want you to know that your daddy and I work REALLY hard to try to figure out why things were the way they were and try SO hard to understand how you and your sister feel. I'm gonna tell you, kiddo, grown ups are the ones who are wired differently; not kids. Your daddy and I try VERY hard to be the absolute best parents that we can be for you guys, and when we have a bad day, or when we screw up, I take consolation in knowing that we put every ounce of everything we have into trying to be good parents to you. We're a good team. A GREAT team.  I hope and pray that as you grow, you know that, and will always remain close to us.

Speaking of growing, can you slow it down, please? Why does six sound SO OLD??!! It's like you're a bonafide BIG KID now! The term big kid even sounds too little to say now that you're SIX. You're just a regular kid! I can still hold you, though, and mark my words, I'll be holding you as long as I can (watch out, I've been working out!) You DID stop kissing me in front of the safety patrols in car line towards the end of last year. I always told you that time would come! I was so happy when you showered me with hugs and kisses this  morning and proudly said " See? I'll still hug and kiss you when I'm big!" My heart.

Today, your birthday was wonderful. I know your favorite part was presents, balloons, Glazer and treats, but my favorite part was tonight, at bedtime, when I read you each letter I wrote to you on your birthdays in the past. You laid there quietly and held on to each and every word with a smile on your beautiful face. I tried to keep my voice from cracking, but I let it go.  You're used to my happy tears now. You understand.

   Happy Birthday, my beautiful first born baby boy. Thank you for making me a mom. You're my saving grace.

All of my love forever and always, Mama xxoo

Wonder Drug

What if there was a drug that could improve your mood, give you a brighter outlook, increase  your energy, make you feel beautiful,  help you sleep better, improve your skin, help with aches and pains, make you more patient, help you lose weight, make you more focused, provide inspiration, increase your strength, give you self confidence, improve your relationships and most importantly make you live longer? Oh and there are no side effects, except maybe some sore muscles.

Would you take it? How much would you pay for it? Would you work hard to earn access to this drug?

It sounds like a miracle, right?

My guess is that if there was something like this that was manufactured, it would be incredibly popular. I mean, who wouldn't want to be given a way to achieve all of the above benefits that I mentioned?

I'll bet a bunch of people would do whatever they could to access that wonder drug.

As I was sitting on my porch, soaking in the beauty of dusk in my neighborhood, cooling off post workout, it hit me, as it always does, how amazing I feel after a good workout.

I was thinking to myself...if only more people would just start. If they'd just try to get moving, how many lives would improve?

Depression runs deep in my family on both sides.  There is NOTHING worse then watching someone you love experience depression. It's such a helpless feeling.  I am happy to say I have never been sucked into a deep dark depression, and I feel very lucky for that. But I have had a taste of how things could become a slippery slope to that deep dark place.

I know this is an incredibly sensitive subject, and I know that there are MANY MANY different scenarios when it comes to depression. It is absolutely NOT a one size fits all issue with a one size fits all solution. I want you to know that I am NOT at ALL anti drug.

 I have gone through periods, mostly during times of hormonal imbalance or severe family stress, when I got a little taste of how it could spin out of control. It seems that it's a vicious cycle. Everything takes EXTREME effort. Getting out of bed seems like an impossible task. Getting showered and dressed would require more energy than I could muster...and the more you lay around, the harder it gets to break out of that cycle. And it seems that the one thing that might start to improve things, getting UP and OUT, sounds like the worst, most uncomfortable, most exhausting idea ever.

Luckily those bouts were short lived...but I could see, taste and feel how quickly they could snowball into something much deeper and darker... and I have a gut feeling that there are others out there that started where I did, and their situation DID snowball and they have no clue what to do now because they're in deep.

If only more people, experiencing depression or not, could dig in really deep and muster up the gumption to get moving, I think so many lives would be improved in insurmountable ways.

It is so baffling to me that I KNOW for a FACT that millions of people would shell out big bucks for a miracle drug when there is a FREE solution that only takes their decision and commitment to do it.

For those that are stagnant and never move their bodies, if they could just start small, and make a commitment to walk, outside in the world, just for 10 minutes a day, I think many would see huge changes in their well being. It's such a simple thing, but why is it SO hard for us to get that motivation and commit?

It's still hard for me some days, I won't lie to you. But now that I have been exercising on a regular basis for a little over a year, I can't imagine life without it. It has been my "miracle drug" and has provided me with all of the benefits I mentioned above. Well, the live long part is a bit hard to predict, but I will tell you that I'll be damned if I develop a preventable disease or illness...and you can bet your little buttons that I will be a strong and fit well into my old age because I won't have it any other way.

I wish I could start some kind of movement. A movement to move, haha! I just know, without a shadow of a doubt, that so many lives could be improved with a little bit of exercise.

If you're reading this, and you haven't moved your body lately, will you do yourself a big favor and go for a walk? Right now. Put down your device and get outside. It's ok if you look disheveled- you're gonna get sweaty anyhow. Go walk around your neighborhood. Hear the sounds of life. Breathe in the outside air. Notice the things you miss because you never go slow. Bring some of your favorite jams. (no not the shorts from the 90's) some tunes! Music is also so healing for the soul. Go for a 10-20 minute walk. That's enough for now. Then come home feeling accomplished, with flushed cheeks and pride that you did it!

If anyone really does this (I hope you do) will you let me know?  You'd make my day by making your own.

What Junie Eats

Mints. Tons of mints snatched right out of  Harper's tin. Then she discovered that "they're too ficy (spicy) "

Not pictured: Harper crying because Junie ate a shit ton of his special mints.

Also not pictured: Jerry finding said shit ton of soggy mints in his back pocket.

Things He Says

In the car today:

Harper: I know why they put the sound "P" in penis

Me: What?!!

Harper: Penis. It has the sound "P" in it because you pee out of it.

Me (laughing)

Harper: Why are you laughing so hard? Really they put the sound "P" in it because you pee out of it. Really it's just called a nis. They just put the P there because you pee out of it, but it's just a nis!

What Junie Eats

What Junie Eats

- Trader Joe's falafel

- Bread - duh

- Quinoa pilaf

- Curried Couscous salad

Are You Fulfilled?

I was lucky enough to spend the last 4 days with my beautiful family enjoying this view from the gulf-front cottage we rented.  

Our days were spent, swimming, playing games, relaxing and laughing. Lots and lots of laughing. The weather was perfect. Sunshine with a constant breeze during the day, and thunderstorms rolling in late afternoon to make a perfectly cozy transition to evening.

I have so much gratitude for this life I have been given, and reminded myself on several occasions while there on the sandy shore how grateful I am for the free-spirited life we are creating for our family.

I know network marketing has a bad name. Many automatically think of the words "Pyramid Scheme" upon hearing of network marketing opportunities. You think of expensive "kits" to purchase, or sales minimums.  You might picture trying to sell overpriced products that really aren't anything special.

I know that's what I thought.

Here's a fun fact. I used to have a rule for myself that I would not attend at home parties. I DID NOT like the idea of a get together with the expectation to make a purchase of something I really didn't even want at the end. I DO NOT like buying things unless they are worth their value (in my opinion of course.) I didn't even want to pick the least expensive thing to buy to support a friend. Maybe I sound like a dick, but if you agree to go to all of those parties, that shit adds up, and you end up with a bunch of stuff you never even wanted in the first place! So it was easier for me to just make a blanket rule that I don't do those types of things. Here's another fact. Many years ago a neighbor of ours was considering becoming a Beachbody coach. I told him that it was garbage, a scam, and that he should steer clear.  I hope he disregarded my negativity, and I hope he is as happy as I am now.

I NEVER in a million years thought I myself would become a Beachbody Coach,  become  quite successful with it and most importantly develop a PASSION for it!

So why do I love it so much?

- I am in the best shape of my life and have made exercise and eating well my lifestyle
- I love the products. The workouts are challenging yet effective. The Shakeology has incredible health benefits and is delicious. Because of this, I was able to lose 30 lbs and gain strength and confidence. This is the first and only time I have found a system that works, and that I LOVE.
- I am a part of a beautiful, incredible community of likeminded people. I have made lifelong friends.
- I get to help others find health. It is insanely fulfilling knowing that I have assisted someone in becoming healthier.
- I have learned to become a leader. I love helping my team of coaches build businesses of their own. I have an incredible team, and love the bond we share. I will stop at nothing to help them succeed.
- I am making a great living from home, working whenever and wherever I choose. I have complete and total freedom.
- I have become a better person.
- I don't have to be a sales person. It is NOT my plan to annoy people into buying things. I don't have any slick tactics up my sleeve. I simply share my genuine love for what I am doing and help others do the same. BEST JOB EVER!
- Luckily we don't host parties or have to buy kits. Nothing against them...they're just not my thing!
- I work for an amazing company who gives to charity often, who believes in the greater good, who's mission is to help others find success and happiness in every form. There is opportunity to earn all expense paid vacations and incredible bonuses. They provide the potential to earn an unbelievable income. I've matched my income that took me 8 years to earn as a 911 operator.


I am so lucky that my gut feeling was stronger than my skepticism. I am so glad that I've always trusted my intuition. If I hadn't listened to that whisper, I wouldn't be here, working from home with my 2 beautiful kids. I wouldn't have had the freedom to take 3 on a whim vacations in the past 3 months. I'd still be out of shape and exhausted, stressed and unfulfilled. I'd still have to leave my sweet family drive to work in rush hour traffic to a job that made my blood pressure rise.

Are you fulfilled? Are you truly satisfied with your life?

I ask this not to convince you that this is the way to happiness. I ask because it is my hope that anyone who takes the time to read this will really consider if they are satisfied with their life, and if not, I hope that this might be the catalyst for some of you to really understand that you have other options. Society has a really great way of convincing us that there are very few options in life. We often stick with what's safe and predictable. You can make your own way. This is YOUR life, after all. Shouldn't YOU be the one who decides how your time is spent?

Coaching is an incredible opportunity for the right person. I am on a mission to find those kindred spirits out there to join me on my mission to build an empire of strong, inspiring, motivated, beautiful souls to take on the task of changing lives, beginning with their very own.

I'm looking for a certain type of person. Intuitive and goal oriented. Unafraid to be vulnerable. Kind and good humored. Quirky and fun. Someone who is ready for change, and bold enough to take a leap of faith. It's OK if the idea of that leap scares the shit out of you. Shaking up your life will do that. I need people who are brave. I want believers.

This may sound specific. You're right. It is! I have a vision for my team.

I am in the process of creating some pretty fantastic training material for my team. I'd love to have a select few new coaches to mentor with this new material.

If you think this just might be that thing that you're looking for, please fill out this application so that I may learn a little bit more about you. My team has a "sneak peek into coaching" group coming up June 8th, in which you can learn a bit more about coaching with no obligation/no pressure.   I will be selecting 5 new coaches by June 15th to add to our amazing team and personally mentor. You will have all access to my new training material, and I will help you every step of the way to learn the ropes of this crazy coaching opportunity.

To learn more, please fill out this application and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

https://ginacocks.wufoo.com/forms/apply-to-be-a-coach-for-team-ignite-your-life/

I am looking forward to meeting my next 5! Can't wait to chat with you!

(to make the legal team happy:) "Beachbody does not guarantee any level of success or income from the Team Beachbody Coach Opportunity. Each Coach's income depends on his or her own efforts, diligence, and skill. See our Statement of Independent Coach Earnings  for the most recent information on our Coaches' actual incomes" 

Let's talk about FREEDOM

I was spending some time today going through my photos on my phone, because I needed to delete some to make room for more.

I loved reliving all of the recent memories while I scanned through the pictures..and was really happy to be reminded that WE DO A LOT OF FUN STUFF!

This picture was taken on a date with my son at Busch Gardens. I love the look of happiness on his face.

I love that, because of coaching, I have the freedom to make SO many memories with my children.

I was at a park yesterday with Junie, having a little picnic, and I got a bit teary. I remembered sitting at that SAME park when I was working at 911, watching other stay at home mamas living a carefree, fun life with their kiddos. Meanwhile, I was feeling hurried and rushed, anticipating my night shift at work that evening. I remember telling myself that something had to give. I knew there was an answer, but I didn't know what.

If you would have told me that the answer was in Network Marketing I would have laughed in your face and told you what a scam that garbage was. I'm a natural skeptic. It's not a good trait, but I've always had the mentality that if something seems too good to be true, there must be a catch.

I believe fate drew me here. Somehow, I decided to give it a chance. I was still VERY skeptical, and still believed that this probably wouldn't be the ticket to my freedom, but I couldn't deny that "WHY NOT ME?" feeling that I had. The only investment I had to make was for my OWN workout program/Shakeology. I'd researched the program enough to know that people were getting real results, and I desperately wanted to get back in shape. I figured, even if this coaching thing IS a scam, at least I might get in shape trying.

Well, as you can see I am still here. A successful, happy, confident, healthy, fit, coach, working at home, living a life of freedom, making memories with my family, living a life by design.

I DID get in shape. I lost 30 lbs, and have made fitness my lifestyle.
I DID leave my job. Only 4 months into my coaching career.
I HAVE FOUND MY PASSION AND PURPOSE
in helping others achieve their health and fitness goals, and helping my team..my beautiful, wonderful team, find their freedom too.

This opportunity that is Beachbody coaching is a gift. A crazy, wonderful gift that is transforming SO MANY LIVES.

I want to continue to build my tribe by sharing this gift with the right people. I want to find those others out there that are meant to be on my team, so that I can give them all of the tools to help them find the success that I have found and that is possible through coaching.

Here are a few things you need to know.

If you want to join my team, you will be required to start your OWN journey with a challenge pack. Why? Because you need to invest in your own health in order to inspire others.

You have to be willing to share your journey candidly. It's gonna be scary at first, but you will inspire others, and it will feel AMAZING.

You have to set aside time for personal development. You will continually grow as a person as a coach on my team. Frankly, this has been one of the greatest practices I have incorporated into my life, and I am grateful for this requirement.

If you think you can handle those 3 basic requirements, and feel a little spark from this post, let's chat.

I am not going to try to convince you to do this. I don't have any slick tactics, haha. If you need convincing, this won't work for you. I am looking for people that can decide for themselves, have a vision for their lives, and believe that this could be THE THING that can get them there. Then, after learning more about how this works, develop a PASSION and can't be stopped. I don't WANT to drag people along. I put a lot into helping my coaches, and am looking for people who want this so badly they can taste it...so you can rest assured that if you reach out to me with curiosity and questions, I will answer every single question you have, tell you everything you want to know, maybe ask you a few questions to see if you'd be good for my team, and then we can decide together if this is a good fit for you. If not? NO SWEAT! NO PRESSURE. NONE. If you don't want this, it won't work!

I have a challenge group starting 5/25 if you'd like to begin with your own journey to health. The last day to register is 5/19 (Tomorrow)

I'm glad to set aside some time Monday for anyone who'd like to chat with me about joining my team. If something in this post speaks to you, by all means, reach out to me!

I shudder to think about where I'd be if I didn't reach out to my coach a year and a half ago. Still stressed. Still out of shape. Still exhausted. Still working nights and holidays away from my beautiful children.

I had that gut feeling and chose to listen to it.

Message me if you're having one too.

THINGS HE SAID

THINGS HE SAID.... a #TBT version of THINGS HE SAYS

Harper at about age 3:

(Harps comes into the restroom while I am peeing- no privacy ever... and I farted..one of those airy "pssst" sounding farts)

H: "Mama! What was that sound? Was that steam coming out of your penis?"

And while we're on the topic of penises, here's another one I remember from about the same time....

Jer: "Harps, do you want to sleep in your PJ's or just your underwear?"
Harps: " No, I'll just sleep in my penis " (meaning naked,  HA!)