IN I MUST GO - My Story - Part 2 - My Body

My Story continues...

Last week I talked about how the crazy D-word has taken a pretty good toll on my emotions.  They have been up and down and up and down...for what seems like forever.

And as you can imagine...my body was on that roller coaster as well.  When things were good...my body felt good. When things were literally in the toilet...my body felt like it was in the toilet as well.

I had lost about 45 lbs over the course of 3-4 years and held steady around 140-143 lbs for roughly 2 years.

Well, DIVORCE...it's an ugly thing.  Tears families apart, tears hearts apart, takes willpower that you had acquired and maintained for years...and tosses it out the window.

Throughout the process, I lost my willpower and ate just about anything I wanted.  And consumed way more adult beverages than what I should have.  But I was having fun with friends right? I was keeping myself busy right? That's what everyone kept telling me to do.  Have fun, you deserve it! Well...yes.  Initially, it was fun! But at the age of 34...extra calories, late night snacking, and not as much exercise...that packs on some pounds faster than you can imagine.

So I got mad...and said "That's enough".  This thing wasn't going to get the best of me.  So I committed to completing the Hammer and Chisel program. My Beachbody coaching team and I led an amazing group of challengers and I acted like a challenger instead of a coach.  Because honestly, coaches are challengers...and we just want to help others along the journey.  So anyway...I was mad. I got up early.  I busted my tail.  I didn't lose much weight because I was gaining muscle, but my body changed and I was feeling better.

You'd think that was the end right...my body was feeling good again and all is well???  Haha!
Nope. Dating, second guessing your divorce, stress at work, and freaking BIRTH CONTROL...they all get you back off track. I hate being a female and just because I take a pill everyday...I am now 5-7 lbs heavier with nothing changing in my lifestyle. BLAH BLAH BLAH!

Maintaining a healthy weight is just as hard as losing the weight.  So currently...I'm back to needing to make some changes. You may think...why are you so hard on yourself? You look great! You're already skinny...why are you stressing?  Well...for me...my clothes don't fit like they used to. I don't "feel" like I used to. I don't eat as healthy as I used to...and I can totally tell in my daily mood.

Monday...Monday the 16th...I'm getting back on track.  My team is hosting the group for Insanity Max 30 or CIZE and I love both programs.  Enough of the downhill side of the roller coaster.  It's time to climb again. (If you want to join me...it's not too late. Find me on Facebook or email me at kmhendershot32@gmail.com)

I'm stronger than this.  I've been up and I've been down.  But what I'm most proud of is that I've stayed on the ride.  And by staying on the ride...I'm ready for the next climb.  I refuse to stay down. It's time to feel the wind...scream a little...and enjoy the thrill of seeing what the rest of this ride has in store for me.

My body will love me for it!

“IN I MUST GO” – My Story – My Emotions

The story I’m making up:

So over the past year and half…my story that I’ve been making up in my head is WHY…WHY did I get divorced.  HOW did it happen? WHAT whet wrong? And when I talk with others who ask…the story that I share with them…well…is it really the truth? Is it really what happened? Or is it just my version? Is it what I have been telling myself to believe is true…so I can better cope with the situation?

We are human. It’s a natural reaction that we all do.  We want to feel like it’s not our fault.  We want to naturally place blame or think that it’s the other person’s fault.  Well…as much as I think that there are some things that my ex-husband could’ve done differently…way differently…I know that there are things I could have done as well. 

And to truly move on with life, to truly take a step forward…I can’t keep thinking the way I have been thinking.  I have to RECKON with the truth…”In I Must Go”…and RUMBLE around with the truth…to truly share “My Story”.  That way it won’t be made up…it won’t be my version…it will be my ACTUAL story. THEN…yes…THEN…I know I’ve made it to the other side and ready for another ride.

Our stories are made up of our emotions, our bodies, our thinking, our beliefs, and our actions.

Today…I will dig deep into my emotions!

My emotions:

Wow…emotions…boy do they ever take a toll on everything that comes down below in my story.  They have impacted my body, my thinking, my beliefs, and my actions.  Must be why they need to come first in My Story.

I started out feeling happy, confident, relieved, and completely content with life…when I left my teaching job and took on the role of Director of Public Education at our local fire department.  I also became a Beachbody Coach at the same time…and man on man…did I feel like I was on CLOUD 9.  I can truly think back to those 6 months of my life…and say they were the happiest I have ever been.

STOP! HALT! SHUT THE DOOR!  That is NOT how my ex-husband was feeling.  He had kept it in.  He had let it fester.  And well…one day…he let me know how he was feeling.  Initially…I felt like he was being selfish.  How could he not have been happy for me? How could he not see that I was the happiest I’ve ever been in life?  I couldn’t understand why it was impacting him so much. ----Fast forward through a year of hell (literal hell) and almost another year of being separated/divorced----and I have a different outlook on the whole thing.

Yes, he may have been being selfish.  BUT…so was I.  I was finally getting to do something that I wanted to do.  Something that I felt called to do.  And I was happy…so WHO CARES about everyone else right? They should be happy for me no matter what.  I mean…we were family right??? 

WRONG! ---BUT the story I’ve been telling myself…to make me feel better…to make me feel like it wasn’t my fault…is…---my family disowned me.  They didn’t care about me or my dreams.  They never asked how I was feeling.  NEVER. They completely dropped me.  How could they do that to me? I’ve given 10 years of my life to them…WHY couldn’t I do something for ME…just this once…I mean…it was going to help the ENTIRE family if I could just have some time to do what I wanted to do.  I knew I loved them with my whole heart.  So why were things happening the way they were?

Well…in the process of telling that story to myself…I completely lost my entire family, my world, my EVERYTHING. I had been selfish myself.  And let me tell you about emotions…remember…I was confident, happy, relieved, and excited…and in a matter of a few short months…it turned a big 180 degrees.  I became depressed, bitter, unmotivated, sad, and 2^nd guessing everything that I thought I was put on this Earth to do.  I’m sure I wasn’t the best wife during all of those emotions either.  

Anyway…back to my emotions…they stayed that way for quite a long time.  And I will spare all of us the nitty gritty details of a divorce…but unfortunately…we divorced.  I’ve been learning to live life again in a whole new way.  No kids, no husband, no after school events, no late night game nights, no pool parties with neighbors, etc.  Life completely flip flopped on me and I’ve had a very hard time with it.  You know…those things called EMOTIONS…they seriously impact life.

BUT…with help of my family, friends, fit family, my ladies in the divorce group, reading personal development books…and the most important thing…finding my way back to having a relationship with the Lord…I have realized that I could’ve done a heck of a lot of things differently…and maybe it would’ve worked.  Maybe I’d still have my family that I loved so dearly.  But…that’s not the case anymore.  I can’t continue to live looking back in the past.  The future is in God’s hands…and HE has a plan for me.  One that I don’t even know yet…but what I do know…is that I have learned from this roller coaster of emotions.  I’ve learned from the past and I’m ready to go into this new plan HE has for me with confidence.

God has helped me turn back around.  I feel confident in who I am.  I know where my heart is and how much I have to offer.  I know that HE will lead me down a new path that will not only get me back to how I felt in those 6 months of life where I was my happiest…but HE will help me surpass those feelings.  As long as I continue to keep HIM close to me…I have no doubt it will come for me. 

Next week…my body…and yes…all of these emotions that I’ve just discussed…they had an effect that’s for sure…

God Is Good!

So...I had this whole idea today to make a post about how I eat healthy about 85% of the time and the other 15% I eat cookies and like to have some adult beverages.  I was going to talk about the balance that I think works in life.  I was going to mention how Shakeology changed my life from the inside out.

I was going to share how I sleep better, how I don't drink coffee, energy drinks, or take any sort of supplement to have energy all day...why?  Because I get that from my Shakeology, my recovery drinks, and the real food I eat all day.  I was going to share that most of what you "see" on my social media are my workouts and my fitness classes...but truly..that's only a snippet of my "journey to being healthy". So this post was going to be all about my relationship with food and I was going to try my best to keep it real with all of you.

BUT...I went to church today...AGAIN!  I know, I know...I've been posting about that a lot lately.  I think I would be lying to myself if I didn't give HIM credit for giving me the energy and strength to continue this thing called "life" and do it in a motivating, inspiring, and positive way.

God is Good #1: HE has put new people into my life, HE has strengthened my relationship with my best friend Amanda...and that alone is POWERFUL...HIS plan to bring us into the Beachbody world and put us on the same team...is just not even explainable.  #godthing #wow

God is Good #2: I met with my pastor who married my ex husband and I this past week...and wow...it's pretty special how the heart can feel....when someone else prays out loud for you. Prayer is a powerful thing.

God is Good #3: Sunny weather is food for my soul.  HE gave us a BEAUTIFUL today.  I hope you were able to enjoy some time outside with your friends, family...or even by yourself.

God is Good #4: You all know I've reading Rising Strong by Brene' Brown.  Today, I was speaking with a friend of mine about divorce and how it is truly one of the worst things that anyone can ever go through. It makes you 2nd guess yourself, your emotions, your self-worth, your strength, your success in life, etc. I was trying to give advice about only worrying about things that are in our control. Staying positive, surrounding yourself with people that love you, and doing your best to worry about the things YOU can control. And how crazy is it that...during my personal development today...this quote shows up...

COINCIDENCE???  I think not! And you better believe I sent this picture to my friend.  #weallneedhelpsometimes

So maybe you need help with health and fitness, maybe you need help in life in general, maybe you would like a friend to talk to.  I can't promise I have answers...but I do know I have a listening ear.

You know where to find me...God is good! :)

It's Not All Unicorns and Rainbows

So it's been more than a minute since my last blog post.  Why is that?  Because life is life and it's not all unicorns and rainbows.

My blogs before have been more about my journey with a fitness program.  Or I might have shared a favorite recipe of mine every once in awhile.  But, I've been thinking lately.  Actually alot of thinking has been done lately. And although I might still post about my fitness and health journey...I've decided that I'm going to KEEP IT REAL.  And share my struggles, my successes, my ups and my downs...my life.  WHY?

Because if I'm going to coach you down a path to a healthy and active lifestyle...I'm going to show you the ins and the outs of what it's really like.  And no...I don't live on salad and shakes.  I do eat donuts and I do have adult beverages.  And I do struggle some days with wanting to workout.  And...hold up...shut the door...there are days that I don't workout.

I share some of those struggles on my Facebook page because that's where most of my friends follow my journey.  But there's only so many times I can post in a day.  And there's only so many times my friends want to see my posts in their news feed.

So here it goes...

What is my current fitness program?

22 Minute Hard Corps - do I love it...yes!  Is it quick? Yes. It it intense? Yes.  Can it be modified and done by anyone? Yes.

Do you follow a meal plan?

I use the 21 Day Fix containers as a guide to plan healthy and portion controlled meals.  I try my best to eat healthy 80% of the time.  Do I splurge and eat things that could derail my plan? Yes, but in moderation.  It's called life and I want to enjoy it.  Did I splurge when I was trying to lose my 40 lbs? NO, I didn't.  So why now? Well, I'm not truly trying to lose weight.  I'm pretty happy with how I look and feel.  So why do you workout so much?  I don't really.  I workout about 30 minutes a day.

I know so many people that spend hours working out...not me!  I'm at home using DVDs. Quick and done on my time. I check in with my online accountability groups on Facebook.  And I teach group fitness classes 2 times a week.  And I would be lying to you if I didn't say that working out alone is the same as being in a group.  For me, NOTHING compares! Hence, why I got certified to teach classes.  But that is their workout...not mine.  Which is why I still complete programs at home.

How do you stay motivated and inspired all the time? Don't you ever have bad days?

Heck yes I do.  And goodness me...I've had a bad year if you want to get technical.  But the way I look at it...I can't stay stuck there.  I can't let people that walked out of my life dictate my future.  And as hard as that is to realize, and it took awhile for me to get to this point...it's the truth.

I had to let go of things that I was holding on to.  I had to forgive things that I was resentful for.  I had to keep focused on the positive people and things that were still in my life.  How did I and do I stay focused on that??

Well that has been the hardest thing for me...but what I've done is dove deep into personal development.  I've been reading Rising Strong by Brene Brown.  It's been one of the best books I've read in awhile.  I have been listening to podcasts while I'm in the shower...WHY? Because that's the time I have to fuel my brain with positive information.  It's the first thing I do each day.  Why not start the day off with a bang right???

AND most importantly...I've reignited my relationship with the Lord and going to church.  Although, I've always been a believer.  I've always gone to church..but just not consistently.  Until this past Easter Sunday.  He was and had been speaking to me for some time.

He helped allow my former stepdaughter to reconnect with me and fill my heart with some happiness that it hadn't felt in quite some time.  I've had the best couple of months in my coaching business that I've had in awhile.  He had our pastor at church plan a series called "What is Love?".  He spoke to my heart and made me feel the need to get back to church.  And did I go? YES.  Did I need it? Yes.  Is it doing some work in my heart? Yes.

I need HIM in my life and when I let that happen...and let HIM guide me...it's been easier to let go of people that need to be let go of...and allow space for those that are supposed to be in my life.  To say that recent events in my life are are just a coincidence is almost mind boggling.  HE is working in my life...and working hard.

I may not know HIS full plan for me yet, but I'm liking it so far.

And I can't finish this blog without saying that my TEAM of coaches is something that I can not imagine in my life.  I know, I know...you see me post about my team all the time.  But we are so much more than a group of people that workout and drink shakes.  We truly want to better people's lives from the inside out.  Including our own lives.  When I look back on my past year and know how dark it was, how sad I was, how depressed I was...THESE people...THESE coaches...THESE friends of mine...THEY showed up every week and planned and discussed how to help others be the best person they can be.  And when you do that each week...it's EXACTLY what I needed to keep going, keep pushing, and know that HAPPINESS will come for me again.

Yes, us crazy fitness freaks...we are more than workouts and shakes...we are humans.  We have struggles and successes.  I can't imagine not being a part of this team.  We are changing the world one life at a time.  And honestly...it started with my own life.  It truly has changed my life for the better.

 So there ya have it...behind the scenes, behind the highlight reel...a look into Karen's world.  If you actually made it down this far...thank you for reading.  I hope that there is something in that long brain dump of mine that speaks to you.  That's the whole point.  Inspire you to be the best person you can be.  Want help?  Relate to anything I said?  Reach out to me...it's what I LOVE to do.  I'm here to share my life with you in hopes to help yours change for the better! :)

Happy Sunday!  Get out there and enjoy this beautiful day!

Week 4 is complete...Hammer and Chisel Results

So I had wondered what my results were going to be this week because the holidays fell right at the end of last week and in the middle of this week.

I planned for them.  I knew it might impede my progress forward.  I knew in my mind that I wanted to enjoy the time with family and friends.  New Year's Eve only happens once a year and I was invited to go out and celebrate.  So therefore, I felt in order for this to be a lifestyle and not just a 60 day change for me...BALANCE is what was needed.

One night wasn't going to kill my results and I was able to have a great time and enjoy ringing in the new year.  The cool thing is...is that I got on the scale today and I saw 148 lbs.  I lost another 2 lbs!!!!  Even with my splurge on New Year's Eve...AND 3 pieces of pizza on New Year's Day.

My thinking here is that I've built muscle.  I've increased my metabolism.  I've made it a priority in my life to workout and stick to the plan.  I've eaten well on all the other days of the plan.  THAT is how you make this work.  You create a balance, a new lifestyle, and those changes will add up to BIG changes over time.

One thing I was thinking about today as I was pondering what to write about for this week..

Is that it's been 28 days since I've had a piece of candy.  No Sour Patch Kids, Starburst, Jellybeans, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, etc.  Candy is my ultimate weakness.  And before this challenge started...I would make stops into CVS on an almost daily basis to splurge.  WHY???  I have no idea.  Truly...no idea.  And I'm not talking a small little splurge.  I mean, an ENTIRE bag of Sour Patch Kids...down the hatch.  That's over 1000 calories in just my candy.

So not only have I stuck to the meal plan (minus my holiday treats on 3 days), but I've said no to candy. And honestly, I don't really miss it.  Not like I'll never eat candy again, but this has been easier than I thought.  I guess when you hit a place in your life that you just don't want to FEEL like you had been feeling anymore...it's easier to make some changes.

So do you want to join in?  Maybe it's not Hammer and Chisel.  Maybe you want to try the 21 Day Fix, or Cize, or PiYo.  There are so many options that I would love to chat with you about that could get you started on your path to success in 2016.  My online accountability groups provide support and accountability for those days that are tough.

Don't get me wrong...many times I just want to stop by McDonalds and get me a yummy order of french fries.  I mean I drive by it every day on my way home from work.  It's not all bells and whistles, but that's why having me as your coach and my team there to support you is something that could be LIFE CHANGING!  Our next group is starting January 18th,

Requirements:  

1.  I must be your assigned Team Beachbody Coach.  If you already have a coach or you ARE A COACH then please contact your coach for their next group.  If you do not have a coach make me your coach here!  

2.  You must commit to both a Fitness program and replacing 1 meal a day with Shakeology for 30 Days.

3.  You must actively participate in the daily group check ins.

4.  You must have a strong desire to change your bad habits and a willingness to try new things.

I was skeptical at first if an at home fitness program would work.  I saw those infomercials and I definitely thought that they were photoshopped.  I decided to give them a try, to follow the nutrition plan, the workout schedule and do it to the T.  Guess what, much to my surprise it worked and I never had to leave the house to go to the gym to get results.  

That doesn't mean you have to give up your membership, or stop going to your favorite class...because working out is also something I enjoy for the social aspect of meeting others that are like me. 

Are you in??? Ready to make 2016 your year??

Or maybe you think you'd love to help others get movtivated and inspired to live a healthy and active lifestyle...

Maybe you like social media...

Maybe you would like to learn about earning an extra income just for helping others...

Ask me how...Join Team Inspire the Fire by clicking HERE!

I Made It Through The Holidays....Week 3 Hammer and Chisel Results

I can't believe that it's already the end of Week 3....Day 21.  Christmas came and went, but it was great.  I was able to enjoy some time with my family and friends.  It felt good to..FEEL good in my dress at church.  I hadn't felt good in my clothes in a long time.  

                        

Before this journey started...my pants were tight.  My shirts were getting snug.  I didn't want to dress up because nothing fit me like it used to.  It just felt better to wear my workout clothes and my EXTREMELY big sweatpants. 

But in 21 days...I was able to see a number that at one point was the heaviest I had been in years. Well, that number is a GREAT number to me today.  I have lost almost 7 lbs in the 21 days.  I know that it shouldn't be about a number on scale...and truly...it's not.  But 150 lbs. was the number that pushed me over the edge quite a few months ago...I swore that I wasn't going to see that again.  I knew how to eat healthy.  I knew what it took to maintain.  So why was I happy to see it again today?

Divorce sucks!  Plain as day, simply put.  Some people may lose weight during the process...but nope.  Not me.  I gained.  I ate terribly.  I didn't workout like I should.  I not only got back to the 150 lb. mark, but I surpassed it by quite a few.  So to see that 150 again this morning...was a great feeling.  I have also been feeling better in my jeans, my dress clothes, and have actually been wanting to put on something else than my...ACTIVEWEAR!  :)

So how did I make that happen during the holidays?  Well I was determined.  I had hit a point in my life that it was more motivating and internally satisfying to say NO to all of those treats that kept arriving at the office.  I knew what I wanted to FEEL like...and nothing TASTES as good as FEELING GOOD feels.  I planned in my mind that I would splurge on scheduled days and there was no need to get off the plan along the way.  

I used my new Veggetti (thanks to my great friend Ophie)...and made my first set of Zoodles.  They were so good, that I plan to have them again tonight for dinner.  In order to make a change, you need to accept that you might have to get "uncomfortable" with what you normally do.  I had to say no to treats.  I had to tell friends that I didn't want to come out and have drinks.  I tried a new vegetable and learned that I liked it.  You never know until you try. Honestly, it hasn't been that hard.  Now that I'm 3 weeks in...I feel like finishing won't be a problem.  

I made it through the holidays...and not only DIDN'T gain weight...I lost weight.  I feel like that is an accomplishment in itself.  I can do this.  I'm feeling confident.  I'm feeling empowered.  Who would've thought an 'at-home' DVD fitness program could do that to someone???  When you see results, when you feel the results, when you mentally commit, when you stick to a plan...it is life changing.    

 And to top it all off...SANTA was very nice to me.  I was able to complete my home gym this year.  I was given a weight bench and I bought myself some new weights. This way I can really push myself to my full potential.  It was a great feeling to get up this morning and workout.  Kinda like a kid on Christmas morning.  I used my new "toys"!

Here's to Week 4...stay tuned!

Feeling inspired to begin?  I have an online accountability group that will be starting January 4th. There is still time to get in on the fun and start this life changing experience for yourself. Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen.hendershot.73. Or on Instagram @kmhendershot. Or email me at kmhendershot32@gmail.com.

Let's get you started on your journey today!

Hammer and Chisel Week 2 Review

Week 2...I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.  I have truly looked forward to the workouts each and every day.  

I can honestly say that I feel completely rejuvenated in my workouts.  I was definitely getting bored.  Don't get me wrong...I still LOVE teaching PiYo and Insanity...but I needed a goal, a challenge, an extra push. So Hammer and Chisel came at the perfect time for me.  I also like starting a new fitness routine during the holidays because it is that extra accountability I need to stay on track with all the holiday eating.

So...after week 1 I felt AMAZING!  I was not nearly as sore as I expected to be and I attribute that to the Beachbody Performance Line.  I am literally singing its praises because it works. Each night by the time I went to bed I could tell that my body was going to be super sore.  But by the time I woke up in the morning the soreness partially subsided and I was able to go and crush my workout.  I use the Beachbody Performance Post workout Recovery followed by my Shakeology for breakfast, then at night I have been using the Recharge formula and that is what helps me not feel nearly as sore the next day.  I know that if it wasn't for this routine my outcome might be very different.  

I have also really followed the nutrition plan to the T. I allowed myself 1 cheat meal on the weekend and it was for a staff Christmas gathering.   The definition of a cheat meal for me is this:  Not restricting yourself for 1 meal, NOT an entire day!  It's also having what you want with proper portion control and not skipping your workout that day.  So when we went out to dinner at P.F. Changs which is so yummy...but so full of sodium. I looked ahead of time at the menu.  I did my research on calories and sodium etc.  I did have a couple adult beverages, but I bypassed on the rice or noodles that comes with every entree.  I felt accomplished and on track plus there were no feelings of guilt. I have eaten very clean for 2 weeks straight, no splurges, no sweets, no alcohol.  And my results are showing my dedication to the meal plan and the workouts.  

If you want to see more workout videos hit up my like page at www.facebook.com/karenhendershotinspire or follow me at www.facebook.com/karen.hendershot.73 I do my best to post at least 3-4 videos per week.

The workouts are challenging yet they are very doable.  

The one thing I really love about this program is that it changes every day.  It is not always the same workout and each week is a challenge.  Day 13 is the first time that I actually repeated a workout.  To me, the variety is motivating me to keep going.  I'm not anywhere close to being bored anymore. 

Here are a couple sample videos of 2 of the workouts that I completed this week.

If you are interested in doing the Hammer and Chisel Workout Program, please let me know. I am currently working with others to get our January 4th Hammer and Chisel Challenge Group ready to go.   Make sure that you link up with me if you do not have a coach.  A coach is someone just like me that can help you with the workout program, with staying accountable, on track and focused on the results that you want.