Make Time for the Important Things

Remember yesterday when we talked about the impact we all have on others? Today, remember that and know that it's true.

This morning, as part of my morning routine, I checked my Facebook and saw that I had a wall post from one of my best friends-- We went to school together (third grade through high school), she lived a few doors down from me freshman year of college, we lived together sophomore year and were constantly together all 5 (yeah--we took the 5 year plan instead of 4...) years. We have laughed together, cried together, burnt dinners together (she even managed to burn Hamburger Helper once; and knows me well enough to know that I would say that), gone on vacation together-- and all the other, "best friend," things. Now, I live in South Carolina and she is in our hometown. We stay in contact-- but not near as much as we would like. So, seeing her post this morning really made me smile. It was a simple gesture, but it added to getting my day started off the right way. She told me that she enjoyed reading my blog and elaborated from there. Even the small gestures you make have an impact on others. Remember that-- and make somebody smile today!

Nutrition Challenge:
Today, I want us to try something we have never tried before. Any fruit or vegetable will do-- just try something that you have never had (or re-try something you have had in the past and didn't like). Trying different things (healthy things) will give you more options and more variety-- without having to turn to candy or chips! This challenge might require a trip to the grocery store-- but other than that, should be simple to accomplish.

Fitness Challenge:
Okay, who is feeling it after the intervals yesterday? It doesn't matter how many intervals you did-- I am proud of you for getting out there and giving it your all! Today, when you run to the grocery store to grab your new food item, park further away from the door than you normally do. Don't waste 5 minutes looking for a close spot when you could park further away and walk!

But no, that's not your challenge! Today, we are going to add in a simple exercise.
If you have a stability/body ball-- AWESOME. If not, we will simply do the exercises without them. Today, we are hitting the abs and starting with some crunches!
The ball crunch will be more intense than the floor crunch because it increases your range of motion and forces you to balance on the ball-- but either type will get the job done!
Form-- place feet hip-width apart. Arms behind head, elbows out. If on the floor, lift until your shoulder blades are no longer touching the floor and hold at the top for a couple seconds. Do not pull on your neck... If you have to, cross your arms over your chest to prevent this from happening. Ball Crunches use the same form, but you will be able to have a fuller range of motion.
Start with sets of at least 20-- and repeat 3 times. Cardio and diet are going to be key factors in getting the abs you want-- so don't forget about those aspects! You can work your abs out all day, but for them to look like you want them to, we are going to have to also cut the fat by diet and cardio!

Out of Your Comfort Zone:
Did anybody wake up 10 minutes early today? How does it feel to start your day off without rushing?

Today, my friend on my Facebook inspires the Out of Your Comfort Zone Challenge. It might not bring us too far out of the comfort zone.. but that's okay; it will still be beneficial! Whether it is your lunch break, time between class, time in your car or time at home before bed tonight-- I want you to set aside time to reconnect or catch up with somebody! Especially if you are someone who has moved away from home-- maybe for good, or maybe for school-- take the time to call someone you used to spend all of your time with.
My best friend from childhood and I plan, "phone-dates," to catch up with each other-- and we always find that nothing has changed. We have the same connection and the same things to talk about as we always yes. Sure, our interests have expanded from, "Barbie," to much more important life topics-- but the relationship is the same.
So, even if it is somebody you haven't spoken to in so long that you think they have forgotten about you, call them. Catch up. See how they have been. We are meant to have relationships and relationships should be our top priorities. Relationship with God first and then our earthly relationships. They deserve time and effort-- don't put them off until you have time for them... Make time for them TODAY!

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)

Change Your Thinking:
Everything is a mindset. If you feel like you can't do something, you will probably never try it--therefore you will, in fact, never be able to do it. If you feel like you can make some positive changes and meet or exceed your goals, you will be able to. That's not to say you will be able to do it alone-- You need to have faith in God and in His plan and in all things you need to remember to give God the glory and the praise-- but, you can accomplish the things you want to in this life. We only have one chance on earth-- let's use our full God-given potential to make an impact and make the world a better place. No matter what your contribution is, it will make a difference!
Of course, to know what you want to accomplish, it is important to have a clear set of goals in mind. So, today, I want you to think about what you want to do with your life. Pray about it... and then, write your goals down. The more detail you can give, the better. Nobody starts a business without a business plan or goes into a marriage assuming they will get divorced... Everything takes time, work and a clear set of goals and aspirations! Don't hold yourself back from everything you can be... use your talents and live up to your potential. Because, guess what? YOU CAN!

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

In the previous post you will find a youtube video for the song, "Beautiful," by Mercy Me. Listen to it... It's a great song and will inspire you to be all you can be.