I have had a little sleeping problem lately. I wake up at some point in the middle of the night and have to fight to get back to sleep. My mind will simply not quiet down. Interesting enough, I’m not awake fretting things or creating mental to-do lists. Instead, I’m honestly laying there in awe of my life and the blessing God has brought to me. I don’t know where this sensation comes from, but I think I can narrow it down to 5 things that truly make me feel complete.

My fitness empowers me. I cannot help but feel empowered, strong, and physically capable after my fabulous 10K race experience on Saturday. Then, I continued to feel strong as I headed to the gym for a great workout this morning – including push-ups all on my toes!!!!

I followed up my plyometrics, chest, triceps, and abs circuit with a great spin class. My legs felt great and I had a ton of energy. I feel complete with fitness in my life.

My healthy lifestyle energizes me. Sure, I can eat donuts in the morning and head to a dinner out with a decadent dessert the same evening, but I also believe I treat my body well. I fuel myself adequately. I stay aware of my emotions. I remain in tune with my body. All of this works together for me to have the energy to live life fully.

Loving others fulfills me. Giving of myself to others brings me such joy. I could not imagine life without those I love so much. My family. My friends. Even people I don’t know well, but have the chance to come across and show kindness. It brings so much back to my life. I feel complete with love in my life.

Blogging humbles me. The way you all support me so I can continue shooting for my dreams and following the path I feel God has laid before me humbles me. Having the chance to pour myself into something I feel so strongly for makes me incredibly appreciative. I feel complete with FFF in my life.

Most important - My faith restores me. Yesterday I made it to church service for the first time in a few weeks after being out of town and having a messed up schedule last weekend. The sermon inspired me. The praise songs revitalized me. The worship, prayer, and community uplifted me. I feel complete with God in my life.

Lately I see all of these things in my life working together and moving me forward in a life I never thought I could have. I love my life and I completely attribute it to each of these things. They complete me.

• What is something that completes you?

Catching up from the weekend? Check out some fun things I shared:

• A Special Announcement (also the week’s FFF Features)
• 10K Race Recap (smashed my goal time!)
• Self-Love Reflection of the Week: Forgiving Yourself

PS – Last call for anyone interested in the spin-off on my Strengths Out Loud post. Email me a photo to go along with the strength(s) you gave in the comments or that you want to say out loud and proud!

Saturday night Peter and I had the chance to go out for a date to celebrate our four year wedding anniversary.

We played like a happy couple. I actually got in a dress. Peter wore cologne. It was like our first dates all over again. 😉

Actually, it really was. We hit up The Cheesecake Factory since it holds special memories as where we went to dinner the night we became “official”.

Plus, I love this restaurant. I guess it should come as no surprise I love a restaurant that will inevitably end with an epic dessert. You know me too well.

We grabbed a table outside to have a little bit more of a quieter atmosphere.

The two of us can still talk forever about all sorts of things. Communication is key in any successful relationship, right? We talked about the various crazy dreaming ideas I keep having pop in my head, things Peter wants to accomplish on the house, the kids (because we can’t ever leave them fully behind), our upcoming vacation, and people watching. We love people watching.

Then, it came time for the food. I still had quite the appetite from the race earlier in the day so I ate a bunch of the tasty complimentary bread.

It took me awhile to decide on my dinner because the extensive menu had so many things that sounded amazing. I finally settled on two appetizers as my dinner – the ahi tuna tempura roll appetizer…

…and the French Country salad which included mixed greens, fresh beets, goat cheese, and pecans in a balsamic vinaigrette.

The flavor combos of each dish were completely different, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t decide and each was phenomenal. I left with a very satisfied belly and some cheesecake to go. Please don’t judge when I tell you we planned ahead and brought a cooler to stash our cheesecake while we went to a movie. Oh, yes we did. We had to save our cheesecake to enjoy for when our bellies had room. The 2 hour length of a movie = the perfect amount of time to make room for dessert.

We had a deal for Fandango to use up so decided to tack a movie on to our date. It took a little convincing to get Peter to agree to Bridesmaids, but I knew I wanted to see this movie after hearing so many rave reviews on its hilarity. Reviews = confirmed. It really was so funny. We laughed the entire movie!

Good ole belly laughs worked off our dinner, so we ended the night at home with our cheesecake. A slice of the red velvet and the Reese’s peanut butter cheesecakes to share. Be still my heart. Be still.

I almost shed a tear at the knowledge that it will likely be another year before I get to enjoy their cheesecake again. Fortunately I know there will be many more anniversaries…which means many more special annual trips to Cheesecake Factory.

• Do you have any restaurants that have a special memory for you?
• Do you like Cheesecake Factory? What is your favorite thing to order if so?