Over the past few days I have done a lot of reflecting on things. I definitely focused on a few things that I hope to never forget in my life. I guess you could call these my personal mission statement. 20 things (in no particular order) in living my life to the fullest.

1. Eat what you love. We should not fear food! Life is too short to waste it eating things you believe you should and not that you desire. Try a variety to find what you enjoy and work towards a balance of healthy food you love and those treats you adore.

2. Believe you matter. Trust that you have a purpose and can have an impact in this world. Trust that others love you more than you can fathom. You have importance and much to offer. Believe in yourself.

3. Do it for your health. Treat your body with respect so it can care for you as well as possible. We too often take our health for granted. When you’re getting in that run or taking that Bodypump class – remember your health. That’s why you should do it.

4. Don’t take the little moments for granted. Reading stories with your daughter. Watching a favorite TV show. Feeling sunshine on your skin. Thinking about one little joy each day brings the moment, and therefore life, from ordinary to wondrous.

5. Pursue a passion. Find something you feel called to do and compelled to follow. Don’t hesitate to go after it and thrive in every bit of joy it brings you. Just be careful the passion doesn’t end up consuming you and act as a detriment to other areas of your life.

6. Reflect often. Whether you want to call it prayer, meditation, or whatever…take time each day to reflect on life, its blessings, and ways you can improve the quality of it.

7. Make time for relationships. People matter! Don’t let chances to connect with those you care for pass by. Try to take a few moments each day to call or email at least one special person in your life.

8. Never fully grow up. We all have obligations to handle. Yet, that shouldn’t mean we can’t hold on to childlike joys either. Smile. Laugh. Color. Play. Get excited over the simplest of things. Don’t stress. Have fun every day.

9. Your perspective can change much, but worrying can change nothing. No matter what life throws at us, we can always choose the approach we take. Hope and a dose of positivity go a long way. Worry just holds us back.

10. Prioritize. Consider what you really have to get done and the things that matter most. Do those first. All the other little things – like laundry or dishes – will get done, but aren’t worth the stress if it takes longer than planned.

11. Get outdoors. You can’t deny that there is something so rejuvenating in heading outside. Do it often.

12. Take a vacation. The memories made on vacations will forever remain cherished in your heart. Don’t allow yourself to become too busy for the occasional vacation. If you can’t travel – at least take a vacation from stress with something like a massage or even a visit to your favorite bookstore. Naps make great vacations too.

13. Don’t judge others. What a waste of energy. Who are you to say whether or not a person is right, wrong, good enough? Love everyone. We all deserve that action. All!

14. Stand up for your beliefs. If something matters to you, don’t feel ashamed or hide behind others or a false image. Own your beliefs. It garners respect.

15. Never stop learning. The world holds so much mystery and wonder. We can  never reach perfection or know it all. Knowledge inspires growth. Growth is a beautiful and exciting thing Seek it with a continued quest for knowledge.

16. Don’t waste time with guilt. If something in the past upsets you, you cannot change it. Simply apply what you learned to the future. Moving forward is all we can do at any moment. Life is a never ending possibility. Don’t let guilt allow life to pass you by.

17. Forgive. Forgive yourself. Forgive others. It is the most freeing action you can take.

18. You can’t be good at everything. And that’s alright. We all have gifts unique to each of us. Take pride in those and use those to your full potential. I almost let the fear of not being good at running hold me back from discovering a new fitness love.

19. The world needs random acts of kindness. No matter how many times you make a small gesture for someone else, it never gets old. You will undoubtedly feel better and brighten someone else’s day in the process. Imagine the impact that could have if we all focused on contributing random acts of kindness to others each day.

20. Be yourself. Nobody can compare to you. So stop comparing yourself to others and love yourself for who you are. Then you have room for all the other things on this list.

Question of the Day – Which of these messages meant the most to you?

Before I begin, please note that no guilt went into the making of this post.

Yesterday morning I posted about getting back into a normal routine and wanting to focus on keeping up healthy habits. I also hoped to start gaining momentum in reaching personal post-partum fitness goals. Last night, I told you all how great the day went and the exciting news of getting back in the gym. Undoubtedly those all were great things. Then, after dinner I succumbed to an old, not so great habit.

A friend from the mom’s group brought us another meal last night. The meal included some dessert – a container of homemade mini chocolate chip cookies. Aka a total weakness. Peter & I brought the container to the couch to chill with us after the kiddos were in bed. Then we proceeded to snack snack snack.

source because i forgot to take any pics

I want to be clear. I’m not upset about eating some cookies. Without a doubt I knew I would have some when she dropped them off. The “confession” I refer to is a bit of frustration over the mindless state of the eating. I didn’t overeat. I didn’t eat my emotions. But if I have dessert, I want to savor it. I would have much rather taken out an appropriate portion and taken the time to truly enjoy each bite versus eating a larger amount without really considering the taste.

I don’t feel guilty about any extra calories or think I ate “bad” yesterday. On the whole, I ate extremely well for my body’s health yesterday. The mindless munching was only a slight hiccup and does not negate the good decisions I made for myself yesterday. Could I have made a more satisfying decision in how I consumed the sweet little chocolate chip morsels? Sure. I didn’t because I’m only human. I can’t (and DON’T) expect myself to be perfect. I can only do my best.

Sometimes my best includes reacquainting myself yet again with practices I strongly believe, like eating with intention. I hope to share all those experiences because they are real. So, my point in this little “confession” is not really a confession at all. I don’t write with the hopes of justifying or castigating myself. I put my fingers to the keys to reflect that struggles, no matter how minor, do exist for everyone. But at the same time, they aren’t everything. Look at them; learn from them; move on.It’s the only way progress can happen.

Question of the Day – After receiving a few general requests, I would like to do a Q+A post on breastfeeding. What questions do you want answered?