Why, hello July! Aren’t you a sneaky little monster popping up so suddenly? Would you mind playing nice and not going by super speedily like your cousins January, February, March, April, May, and June? Thanks. 😉

So, July already! I guess that means I need to do a little check-in on those goals I set for myself in June. It was my first time writing out my goals like this, but I’m glad I did. It helped me remain focused on all of them this past month. Let’s see how my June Goals list played out, shall we?

Personal: A Balanced Life of God, Family, and Personal Passion

• To get in the 20 minutes Bible study and prayer time I hoped for each day, I would set a timer for 20 minutes at the start of nap time every day before doing any work. I cannot even describe how positively this affected my days!
• I continued to make concentrated time with my family. We had lots of fun with bowling, putt-putt, pool time, as well as daily things like reading, snuggling, and playing pretend “pig and duck”. <—don’t ask
• Not only did I look into personal training certifications, but I have my materials in hand to start my personal training certification process!
• I read my one book - Jillian Michaels’ Unlimited that I received at Fitbloggin
• We made our first month on a strict budget work with flying colors! We went over in a couple areas, under in others, but in the end it balanced out to mostly under budget and it kept us on track with our spending.

Health/Fitness: Continue Trusting My Body & Making Healthy Decisions Regularly

• I stepped out of my comfort zone to prepare at least one new recipe every week, with the exception of vacation. I shared great ones like: Peanut Butter Pancakes, My Favorite Enchiladas, Hawaiian Tofu, and Rainbow White Bean Salad.
• I obliterated my first 10K race goal. I ran almost 10 minutes faster than my goal!
• I maintained my running stamina even while on vacation in order to start my half marathon training last month.
• I did NOT end up reaching my goal of two unassisted pull-ups, but I’m working my strength back up on those now!
• I certainly achieved my goal to use healthier coping mechanisms when eating struggles presented themselves. I found balance on vacation and overcame particular eating triggers, for example!
• I ate lots of fruits and veggies, so I think I can safely say I hit my 6+ servings/day goal mark! Yay for the feeling of health!

Blogging: Have Fun While Developing My Biggest Personal Passion

• I kept things balanced and focused with my blogging. I concentrated blogging time during times that didn’t affect my family.
• I put effort into a variety of topics (new fitness exercises, the Strengths Out Loud series, fun giveaways, body image talks, and random daily fun). I sure hope you enjoyed it all!
• I finally put up a recipe page. And even made a t-shirt shop just for you!
• I connected with all of you on your blogs, as well as via Twitter and Facebook, because the relationships and community keep me going with blogging the most!

Goals = achieved! Maybe there really is something to this whole putting goals on paper screen thing? I know it makes me want to keep up the habit for July! But those will have to wait until later. It’s time for breakfast!

Happy Friday, friends!!! And have a happy, safe Fourth of July for those who won’t be checking in over the long weekend.

• Any fun plans for the weekend?
• Name a goal you achieved last month! I know we all achieved something!

I finally did something the other morning that I had anticipated for awhile.

That little blurb right there means I actually purchased my study material and testing package from the National Academy of Sports Medicine to get the ball rolling on me becoming certified in personal training.

HO-LY-COW!

After recently putting my dreams out there so solidly you would think this next step would come naturally. You would think nary a moment’s hesitation would come before hitting “Confirm Order” on that screen. Oh, ho. No no no, my friends.

I found every way imaginable to procrastinate on actually taking the first real progression in my goals. I masked under the guise of researching which program I planned to use for my certification, even after making the decision a long time before. I  kept questioning Peter on if he really wanted me to do this. I went back and forth over which package, materials, program, and support to choose within NASM.

I did all those things out of fear. Fear at spending a portion of our hard-earned savings. Fear over all the minute business details and logistics that will coincide with wanting to do online training and be my own boss. Fear wondering “do I really know this is a path God has for me”? Fear that no one will want to hire me. Fear.

I ended up hitting “Complete Order”. It took a lot, but I recalled a little word I had promised to embrace this year – trust. I dedicated myself to trusting in all ways – trusting my body, trusting God, trusting my heart, trusting my passions, and trusting that trusting all those things will bring my life such fulfillment and joy beyond my imagination. Whew, that’s a lot of trust. ;) 

I have these passions for a reason. I have these hopes for a reason. I can do this. And I will. Let the studying begin!!!

• What is the scariest thing you have done?