Morning, friends!! It seems like the mornings just come earlier and earlier this week. That will happen when not getting as much sleep thanks to night time potty training. Oy! Plus, I keep feeling like it’s a day ahead. At least tomorrow is actually Friday.

About to head off to the gym now for some more treadmill fun. I plan on doing my recent treadmill interval workout again this morning since I had such a good time with it last week. It felt kind of weird printing off a workout from my own site this morning, but at least I can remember what to do in my sleepy fog.

Which reminds me – the “Print This” feature didn’t show up originally on last night’s two strength training workouts. If you were interested in those workouts and want an easy print option, I fixed it for ya!

How Do We Recognize Our Gifts And Talents In Life?

For the longest time, I would hear others talk about their passions or seem so naturally fulfilled by something they loved. It seemed like certain parts of their lives just flowed. They could somehow tune in so perfectly to their skills and really make a difference.

I felt like I stumbled through life, going through the motions, with nothing that I could call my own. Nothing that truly lit me on fire. Then came motherhood. And then came sharing my story.Then came the a-ha moment that I needed my decisions and actions to mesh with who I am at the core.

How do we even know what our gifts are? Our discussion in our adult study group this past Sunday focused on identifying two things:

Step One: What Comes Naturally To You?

• What do you enjoy doing?
• What do you spend your time thinking about that makes you happy?
• What can you do with ease while others seem to sometimes struggle?

Pay attention to those because they almost definitely add to your life, but also to others’ lives as well. Especially when you consider…

Step Two: What Do Others Compliment You On Often?

Really think about the compliments you receive most. They are people recognizing your natural talents! Strong organization? A good listener? Motivational? A creative mind?

The message we watched on this topic made a point that took my breath away:

Talk about a wake up call with that part of the discussion! I know I do that.

We don’t have to use our gifts as our careers. We don’t have to use our gifts every single day. But we should be in tune with them and leveraging every possible opportunity to use them. It will add to our lives.

I’m still learning myself, but I know paying attention to what ignites me and what I do well really helped me find me more and more. And I couldn’t be happier for where it has led me.

• What do you think are some of your gifts?
• Have you ever thought about dismissing compliments in that way?

The fabulous women behind the website Fit Bottomed Girls have been doing a series called “My Fitness Truths”. I. Love. Them! Each one shows something different and it really got the wheels churning in my brain. What would I list out as my own personal fitness truths? Well, I will take a stab at it this fine morning!

I would rather look like I work for my body than starve for it.

I’ve done the deprivation thing and it’s not a good look for me. Every body is different, but I like a little muscle definition on my frame! Let Hollywood emphasize whatever they want…I’ll still feel proud of my arms.

My workouts aren’t social time. Well, besides at conferences.

It’s my time to get alone with my thoughts…not chat with other moms at the gym.

Change begets change. You want progress? Push the limit. Switch it up. Go past the comfort zone. Don’t fear change. Change is good.

I love to sweat.

I know you don’t have to sweat for a good workout…but it sure feels good when you do.

My body deserves respect. It deserves care.

 source

God gave it to me to house something much more important…I better treat it well with nutritious foods and regular movement.

Yes, I like to workout. Yes, I like to eat healthy. That doesn’t mean I can’t also love on some frozen yogurt or enjoy a lazy day.

Healthy living is more than diet and workouts.

You won’t get to your deathbed wishing you weighed 10 pounds less or had a flatter stomach all those years ago. You will cast your thoughts to the love and memories you created. Don’t forget those in a fit, whole life.

Don’t. Give. Up. From escaping binge eating to racing a half marathon…don’t give up. You are stronger than you think.

And when all else fails, picture a “Hammer Time” flash mob.

• What would be one of your “fitness truths”?