Those Three Dreaded Words

Let's talk worry, fear, and anxiety, shall we?
HAH! Shall we not. Simply the words: worry, fear, and anxiety ignite this type of angst that is very seldomly hushed deep within. And if you're anything like me, in the presence of anxiety your body REVOLTS. Appetite? What is that? Stomach aches to the point of nausea? Yup. It happens. Worry and anxiety is something that has become all too real for me in these past months, and it's a battle I face every night going to bed, and every morning seeing a new day. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful to God every morning seeing a new day, but my prayer has stayed consist throughout this time "Lord help me to face fear in the eye and show it Your face. For You know how to conquer it way better than I."

I started a new devotional not too long ago, and admittedly so, I'm not the best at keeping consistent with it. But isn't it so funny how the Lord reveals to you the things you need in that exact moment! Not the first time you've hear that, eh? BRAIN BLAST: THAT'S NOT A COINCIDENCE!

The devotional I began is a journaling devotional All in All written by Sophie Hudson. (The cover, the fact it was a journaling devotional, and the authors named really brought that one home for me). Like I mentioned, I havent been consistent so I'm only on day 13, but what do you know...in the first couple lines she writes, "sometimes I get really worried about what's down the road." HAHAHA! You do what??? That's crazy talk...who even does tha---------ME. ME. I DO THAT. And if you're like me, you probably do that too. Lately it's been, what am I going to when I'm done with grad school? Will I actually be 26 and STILL SINGLE? Am I even going to make it through grad school? Rent is due in another month (yeah that doesn't stop) am I going to get enough hours at work to make it?

Continuing on with day 13, she mentions what her pastor said at church and it is as clear as the day is night, yall. He says "Stay out of the future. [For clarification sake] Stay. Out. Of. The. Future." 

It's not our job to worry about what's down the road. As she says, worrying about the future  shows our mistrust and lack of faith in Lord. Because whether we open our eyes to it or not, He is good in all things. He knows our hearts, he knows our worries, and giiiiiiirl (or boooooooy) does he know our fears. Sometimes He likes to reveal them to us. And yes, yes it is a test. Where will you eyes and heart lay in the midst of it all?

 ...BRB. Bout to take a test I stopped studying for when I started writing this (LET'S WATCH JESUS WORK, YALL).....

Continuing on from my previous thought, Jesus is stronger and greater in it all. Rent, it's been met. Test? Made an A. Two years from now? Will reveal itself two years from now. It's been promised and guess what? It's already been planned! It's out of my hands. (Which is beautiful but also explains the anxiety part of things.....lolz....still human).

One of the best parts in this devotional is the questions that follow. You can write about them, meditate about them, pray about them, etc. The questions that follow for this one is:

• On a scale of 1-5 how big of an issue is worry for you? 
• What are you trying to control when you worry? 
• Write out, doodle, draw, Matt. 6:34. 

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself..."
Sidebar: didn't draw this. Thank you, Pinterest. 

I'm making it a goal and priority to keep these questions in my mind today, and the days that follow so when I get placed in the presences of my worries and fears, I will replace it with my faith.

FOR YOUR INFO:

For your info: here's the devotional I was referring to. Check it out at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Apple iBooks. 

Change...What is it Good For? Maybe Actually Something???

For those that know me, you all know one thing is for pretty darn certain, change is indeed NOT my middle name. I remember one instance in particular, I was about six or seven and my dad and stepmom decided to start house hunting. We were looking at different houses one day, and I immediately shut down. I "grew up" in the house they wanted to sell (please Soph....you were seven and just really loved the pool in the backyard) how could they do this?! I remember my stepmom pulling me aside asking me what was wrong and I had heard the phrase before "I just don't like change." So I said just that knowing she couldn't get angry with my attitude. She sympathized with me and told me everything would be okay. Fast forward five years when my mom and stepdad got married. Guess who wasn't a fan *insert purple shirt emoji girl* why not? "I just didn't like change." I was hardwired at a young age to be terrified of the idea simply because I had heard a phrase and it sounded like the easiest way out of new, scary (in my immediate opinion) situations.

About a year and a half ago, my sweet friend Taylor lent me a book titled "Girl Meets Change" by Kristen Strong. I was going through some transitions, moving back to Austin, entering the work field, living and supporting myself and boy did I think I had met the pinnacle of changes. I started to read the book and for some reason my heart just was not in it. I couldn't get into it too much and wasn't exactly sure why.

Let's fast forward again. This time to May 2016 (yes it's been forever since I opened this pretty little blog). I was driving home to San Antonio from Austin for the weekend and decided to take the Hill Country route. Less traffic, pretty scenery, less traffic...sign me up. I decided to turn off the radio and just have a nice long talk with God. I was at a good spot in life. I had not one, but two fantastic jobs surrounded by people that absolutely loved me and appreciated me, I had friends that evolved into family and gave me all the support in the world, I was in a city that couldn't fit my lifestyle, and my personality more perfectly, and yet I was stuck; something didn't feel right. I asked Him to speak to me; to give me some sort of sign that I wasn't just feeling crazy. "Lord, you know what is in my heart, and you will lead me in the right direction. I believe in You, and I trust in You." I put on a song by a worship group that I had just been introduced to called Here as in Heaven by Elevation Worship. The song begins:

The atmosphere is changing now 

For the spirit of the Lord is here

The evidence is all around 

For the spirit of the Lord is here

I knew He was with me, in my car, on that ride, wanting to open up my heart and eyes and truly speak to me. The song continued on, and out of no where I began to absolutely ball and at the time I didn't understand why.

Spirit of God fall fresh on us

We need Your presence

Your kingdom come

Your will be done
Here as in heaven

For months I had toyed with the idea of going back to school. I was missing the world of athletic training, but thought surely that time in my life was over. Going back to school, meant moving, either to a different city or state and I couldn't do that. My life was figured out in Austin. **PSA: I'm actually an idiot for thinking I had my life figured out in my early twenties. HAH!**

Your will be done. Your will be done. Your will be done.
It echoed with me with the rest of the ride, I realized I was crying not because I was sad, but because I knew I was avoiding His direction the whole time and a huge CHANGE was about to come. I was going back to school, I was going to have to move. And I was scared, af. (that's what the cool kids say).

In January of 2017, I made one of the biggest decision I knew of thus far. I quit my job. I spiraled myself into the unknown world of unemployment to prepare for going back to school come June. Along with teaching bootcamps, I began nannying (for the most amazing family might I add), weekend babysitting, dogsitting, any odd job...you name it. I hustled my way to June. I kept up with my bills (by the absolute grace), was still able to maintain a social life, be my best friends maid of honor (even gracier) AND planned a move to Arlington, Texas where I would begin a Masters Program in Athletic Training.

The first Friday of June, with the help of my roommates, packed up a majority my room and on that Saturday I loaded up my car and headed north on 35. But just before I left, I looked at our bookshelf and saw that little green book staring at me; Girl Meets Change. I smiled, picked it up, and added it to my book bag. Ya'll let me tell you....I thought I met change two years ago. Living a life of employment, comfort, direction, nay. Six months ago I didn't just meet change. I dove head first in the pretty little word, and although I can't say I am 100% comfortable with the little sucker, I have come to terms with the fact that with love, support, and encouragement...it may actually be good for something.

"I must be continually ready to give up the parts of my life that God wants to replace with trust in Him, even if what I need to give up are my own expectations and continual need to be in the driver's seat of my life."                                                                      -Girl Meets Change, Kristen Strong
           
                         

Here goes nothing! ...or maybe a whole lot of something 

A quick view of my actually having downtime for once

Gettin fancy with it!

So this past weekend was one for the books! Why's that you ask? Well, I made my first big girl move and purchased my own vehicle!!! Okay okaaaay, I got a really banging insurance check from my previous totaled vehicle, so that allowed me to buy a new car. But nonetheless, I am acquiring credit (the Dave Ramsey way ;)) and am stuck with a five year car payment. I would definitely call adulting on that one!

The weekend was spent in car dealerships, a lot! Although I was at home, I didn't get the full home type feel. A majority of the time was spent being stressed over the car buying process and taking it out on my mother (I didn't mean to, I promise!!). When things worked out on Sunday, and I had my new precious baby with me, I was ecstatic, but knew I still had to drive back to Austin to make it to work the next morning.

Ronda the Renegade!

One thing I always love when going home is dinner. Growing up, I remember all the fun times happening in the kitchen. Putting on music, helping my mom cook, cleaning with my sisters; fellowship, and family time revolved around it. Lately I've been craving that feeling again, and because I went home to buy a car, we didn't have that time, so I decided to bring it home to Austin!

On Monday night I decided to treat my closest bunch with a homemade meal, and wine. Why? Because it's what I do! It's the biggest form of flattery in my opinion. It was a way of me saying "thanks for getting all of my stressed out texts/snaps and handling it with grace" and "uhhhh I just bought a car. Let's both celebrate and cry over a five year payment...okay? Okay!"

In my latest pinteresting adventures, I found a delicious Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles recipe and decided that would be the meal! A fun, quick, and healthy meal, that give a spark of classy cause after all, I am cooking with wine :)

So per usual, I am a great recipe follower and alter-er, NOT a recipe creator!



Here are the ingredients I used. I did leave out a couple spices from the original recipe:

My attempt at being crafty with the ingredients. I failed, miserably.

1 lb of deveined shrimp
4 peeled zucchinis (I used a julene slicer, but a regular peeler works just as well)
3 cloves of garlic chopped
1/4c parsley minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper
2 C lemon juice fresh
olive oil
1/2 C wine
salt + pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Coat a medium sauce pan with olive oil on medium-high heat (I always aim for about 4-6 on my stove dial). Add garlic, crushed red pepper, salt/pepper and shrimp. Heat until fully cooked. About 5 or so minutes. Once cooked, set aside strained shrimp, leaving any juices in the pan, then add in lemon juice, wine, and zucchini noodles. Cook all the way through until the zucchini is tender (or to your preference). Add in the shrimp, and heat through.

Viola!! That's it! Garnish your dish with the minced parsley, and add any salt/pepper to taste as needed. Other than that, your meal is ready to be shared amongst friends!

Don't worry, between 4 girls this was finished in an hour 

**Side notes: I went to HEB and asked the wine taster what a good white wine would be to cook with and he said anything dry. He recommended a dry chardonnay that they were tasting that day, and it did wonders to the dish!

Shake it Up!

So I have this issue, it's called "I take way to much time to make breakfast." Seriously, it should be a condition. The problem is I love breakfast so much! It really is the beez-kneez to my day. Should I skip my usual eggs, sausage, sweet potato mixture, I wouldn't be a happy camper. However not every morning goes how I want. Having to be at work by 8am means a gourmet breakfast won't be served everyday. Buuutttt, I found out what is: a gourmet shake!

Below is my trusty breakfast/protein shake recipe:

16oz water
3 scoops Arbonne Chocolate Protein
1 scoop Arbonne Daily Fiber
1/2 frozen banana
1/4 C gluten free oats
1 TBSP PB Fit

Blend all together in your blender of choice. (I use a Ninja..it helps to really break down the oats)

Alright, so breakdown time:

I like to use water instead of almond milk because it keeps the sugar to a minimum seeings as I'm already adding in a banana. I freeze the bananas to a) last longer, and b) they make a great substitute for ice! My gluten free oats give me the carbs I need to start the day, and the protein powder and PB Fit provide my proteins for the morning as well.

Some of y'all may be looking at the fiber like huuuuh? Do I HAVE to include that? We all probably know the effects of one too many Fiber One bars in the morning (No, DAD! They're NOT granola bars for the thousandth time....) Yeah, we've all been there. When I started my Arbonne business, I began regimenting my fiber intake. One reason why I loved getting the 30 Days to Healthy Living was because it included the Daily Fiber, and I knew for a fact that was something I was super neglecting in my diet. Check out what the Mayo Clinic says about benefits to fiber intake:

1. Normalizes bowel movements (or what I like to abbrev as BM's)
2. Helps to maintain bowel health
3. Helps to lower cholesterol levels
4. Helps to control blood sugar levels
5. Aids in achieving healthy weight

So get it in, peeps! A great rule of thumb, recommended by the Institute of Medicine; women under fifty years of age should get about 25 grams per day.

So there it is! Start your morning off delicious, healthy, and quick!

Playing Catch Up!

My, my...where the heck has all the time gone?! It's been a solid five/six months since I've written a post. Remember that time when I was so gung-ho about blogging? Yeah me too, when all was stress free and relaxing living by the beaches of San Diego and nannying for money I got to save, while cuddling with a sweet two month old nephew. Well, as it turns out, my time in San Diego fell short (too soon to which my sister would say 'I told you so!'). I ended up getting a job back in Austin with the help of one of my best friends at a local gym, so I figured moving back home would be the best decision.

About a month into being in San Diego I began feeling homesick. Yes, I loved being there with my sister and nephew, but I missed my friends, my apartment, my Austin. My friend Blaire gave me a call saying she had a job that I would love waiting for me and I thought, that's it! It's a sign I should be back in Austin. So I ran with it. I decided I would give myself a little more time in California, and then I would venture back to Texas.

And then the day came where I had to say a awful "see you later" to Emily, Susan, and sweet Sammy. It was without a doubt the hardest thing I ever had to do. Honestly, people at the airport probably thought someone died, that's how hard I was crying. And I really never stopped for the next five days.

The job I landed in Austin, wasn't awful. It wasn't great either. I ended up working in sales which through me for a looooop! Note to self: you do not take after father in the area of sales. It wasn't what I thought it would be, therefore I missed California, and my family that much more. Part of me thought I should move back, and another thought I should stick it out and just keep going. Muscle through, Soph, you can do it!

I spent a lot of my time venting with friends and family (for which I'm much grateful for) and a TON of time praying. The next three months of moving back to Austin proved to be such a challenge. Some would say I went through a minor depression (to which I would agree) but I never let myself fail. I continued to stay on track health wise, and put a smile on my face every chance I got.

Needless to say the job didn't last for long. The day after I decided to quit I felt like everything began falling into place:

• I graduated (walked the stage, rather)
• I signed up to take my exam to become a certified personal trainer 
• I met with an Arbonne Consultant to being my own Arbonne business 
• I went to San Antonio for a week to decompress...theeeen!
• I landed a new job as a chiropractor assistant at a chiropractic office in West Austin with the help of my cousin. 

To say everything happens for a reason is an understatement. Believing in God's time is the best advice, and the hardest advice I could ever give, receive, and live out. After five months of undesirable stress, heartache, and angst, things have finally started falling into place and I'm happier than I've ever been! I've been working on steps to further my future and happiness which include continuing to workout, reading and blogging...again, motivating others to achieve their goals, and most importantly praying everyday! 

The view from my morning run...trying to! 

Weekend Recap

Oh boy, Monday already?! That means I have just two more days here in San Diego, and the sadness is starting to take effect. Emily had asked me to hold Sam Friday morning while she got ready for the gym and I just starting balling right then and there. My time in San Diego has been nothing short of amazing and I'm gonna miss it way too much!

This weekend was an adventure for sure! I took a drive up to Sierra Madre to visit my Aunt Cindy and cousin Caroline. Let me tell you that a two hour road trip in California is NOT a Texas road trip by any stretch of the imagination. I was driving through mountains and it was absolutely gorgeous! Taking that small little trip was a fantastic way to spend my last weekend in California. It was just me, the radio, open roads, and family!

Beautiful, amiright?!

When I got there we took a trip to Ulta where a lady ended up giving me a free makeover? Uh, yes please! She was doing waterless manicures using Butter London products which I absolutely love! She started with a cuticle treatment that allows your cuticles to rub off super easily cause it's bad to cut them. I actually read that the other day in Women's Health too. Before I knew it, she put on two coats, and was putting makeup on me. It escalated quickly. Haha! I love the products cause they never add Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, phthalates or parabens (aka, gross, gross, gross) to any products, AND they're really good for sensitive skin. Even better, right!? 

Melt Away, Cuticle Eliminator
$19.00 online

Yummy Mummy (the color she did on me)
$15.00 online

After that, we went to Philippe's in LA. Talk about delicious sandwiches! It was so good. I got the Lamb French DOUBLE dipped sandwich. Remember those splurges I talked about? This weekend was definitely one of them! My aunt and I ended the night with a bunch of her friends at a local hangout in Sierra Madre. It was too much fun! 

Me and Caroline 

Aunt Cindy and I at the Buc 

However, I'm gonna chalk this up to a mini-vacation, I didn't do as well as I had hoped for the first week of the #4WeeksFit Challenge. 

Goal 1: I wanted to workout 4-5 times a week and I've only worked out three times this week, but I DO have my last training session scheduled for tomorrow so that will make four before the official week is over. (I started on Wednesday).
Goal 2: Eating out once a week? ...............oops? :/ next week will FOR SURE be better!
Goal 3: Meal prepping. I haven't done an official meal prep just because I am waiting to get back to Austin, but that will be coming up on Wednesday!
Goal 4: 6 miles......I'm still trucking at a solid 4. So we'll see how that one comes along!

Happy Monday! Here's to a happy and healthy start of the week!

Staying Motivated While Running

I touched on my jog in yesterday's #4WeeksFit post, but what I didn't say was how during the whole entire time I was planning my next post. I've said it before, and I will reiterate it til I'm blue in the face, I am suuuch an amateur runner. I won't even pretend like I'm a crazy superstar at it. I am very content with my 12 minute miles thank you very much :)

Sidenote: I was so incredibly happy when Jen Widerstrom (The Biggest Loser, Season 16 Trainer and probably someone I look up to the most) admitted she hated running. Whew! I am not alone!! Okay, okay I don't haaate it, I just think it's boring. For some people that's there escape, and seriously, hats off to them for sure.

Anyways, so as I was running I thought to myself, if I can stay focused and motivated maybe I can give a few tips as to how. Before I knew it my brain was going, my feet were following, and I was at the beach in no time (well 20 minutes no time, but you get the gist ;)).

So here it is,

7 Easy Steps to Stay Motivated While Running 

1. Grab a Running Partner
Lately Emily and I have been going on runs together and it makes it so much easier! It's always nice to have someone else there to help set the pace. Say I'm gonna stay always two steps behind him/her, or I'm gonna aim to match their footing, you can even go as far as saying I'm gonna beat them up this hill this time! But just remember, make it fun and not competitive. No one likes running with an overly competitive person (at least not me).

2. Pump up the Volume, pump up the volume..!
That's right! Grab your headphones and go! In my opinion, nothing is more motivating then some pumped up music. iTunes Music, Spotify, Pandora, Songza...whatever app you chose all have some sort of workout playlists. If that doesn't help, nothing pumps me up more than a little Destiny's Child (or anything 90s for that matter). Or maybe music isn't really your thing? Audiobooks! Try to find someone with an engaging voice and not monotone. (Andy Cohen, anyone?!)
Also, I just found this really cool online Discount Running Store that has running accessories (i.e. phone holder and earbuds). Click here for the link!

**Sidenote: if you're training for a run of some sort, make sure you know the rules on music. One of my friends told me how he trained the whole time for a marathon with music and when he got to the race they didn't allow it because of the busy streets. BUMMER! Train how you race!**

3. Set Goals
When I say set goals, I mean during your run, so short and obtainable, not long term in this instance. If you're running on a busy street or something set landmark goals for yourself. For example, yesterday I told myself just to make it to each crosswalk. Before I knew it, I had already passed three and was halfway there.
Are you more of a treadmill runner? Most treadmills have a "performance" option that will show you a track. You can aim to sprint/jog based on where you are on the track. It's a great way to keep your brain occupied, and to strive to achieve your goals!

4. Zone Out
For me it's always best to think about how much running I'm not doing. Only because I feel like I've ran three miles, and I find out it's only been three-quarters of a mile, and I'm like well, a profane word would work great in this moment! Zone-out. Think about something that's gonna occupy your time. Do you have an interview coming up? Try and anticipate questions they'll ask an answer them in your head. Are you a blogger? Think of your next post ;) Something that takes your mind off of what you're really doing.

5. Track Your Run
There are so many apps out there that'll track how far you go, your average speed, etc. RunKeeper, Map My Run, Nike+Running (if you have the adapter) are all free in the Apple App Store! Also, if you have some sort of fitness band like a FitBit, Nike Fuel Band, Misfit Activity Tracker, Garmin, etc. they all come with a tracking method. It's always nice to see how much you've accomplished at the very end. Long or not, you put in the work and should be proud!

6. Practice Good Form//Exude Confidence 
Let me just say that running down Pacific Beach in San Diego isn't exactly the most comfortable. Man Bun central!! And ladies who just came out of yoga looking a million bucks. Okay guys, I'm really not dying on mile 2, don't worry.  I don't think exuding confidence is something you'll read in the latest Sports Medicine magazine, but this is just how my brain works. The more confident you are in yourself, the easier running will become. Go out there and say who cares who's looking at me! I'm doing this for me and only me! Knowing proper running form makes that even easier to do. Here's a lovely chart to help you out.

Click the link to make it bigger :)

7. Good Shoes
The last thing, and probably most important (it's my Athletic Training side talking) is having a good pair of running shoes. Nothing is a bigger bummer a run like having busted feet. Take a trip to your nearest running store and get your feet checked out. Know what your tendency is (are you over pronanted, supinated, flat footed, have high arches?). There is so much that goes into how feet are, and everything in your body stems from your feet. Pick out some good shoes, and break them in.

Hope this helps even just a little bit!
Happy Running!!