Working Women - Thoughts for 2013

Personal Bill of Rights!

Sometimes, we get caught up into the everyday motion of doing and pleasing others and have to remind ourselves that we have a "right" to be happy and live our life, even if that leaves others unhappy. You are NOT  responsible others happiness and life, only yours!  This personal bill of rights is a great reminder of the things we have a right to!  Hope you enjoy! 

1. I have the right to say no to requests or demands I can’t meet.
2. I have the right to express all of my feelings, positive or negative.
3. I have the right to change my mind.
4. I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.
5. I have the right to follow my own standards and beliefs.
6. I have the right to say no to anything when I feel I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values.
7. I have the right to determine my own priorities.
8. I have the right not to be responsible for others’ behavior, actions, feelings, or problems.
9. I have the right to expect honesty from others.
10. I have the right to be angry at someone I love.
11. I have the right to be uniquely myself.
12. I have the right to feel scared and say “I’m scared.”
13. I have the right to say “I don’t know.”
14. I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behavior.
15. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.
16. I have the right to my own needs for personal space and time.
17. I have the right to be playful and frivolous.
18. I have the right to be healthier than those around me.
19. I have the right to be in a non abusive environment.
20. I have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people.
21. I have the right to change and grow.
22. I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
23. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
24. I have the right to be happy.

Moving Forward - Nicholas Sparks

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Let it GO!

Elizabeth Taylor - Just Do It...

Don't Keep DRAMA in Your LIFE...

JUST DO IT!

 

 

Gallop & Gorge 8K - Thanksgiving 2013

 

 

The Gallop & Gorge 8K was a fantastic race and great way to start off the Thanksgiving holidays!  It was also a great way to make up for all the EXTRA turkey, stuffing, and dessert that would be CONSUMED over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend! 

The Gallop & Gorge 8K was the final event in the Cardinal Track Club's "Le Tour de Carrboro" race series.  Each year, the Cardinal Track Club donates to several local non-profits in the area.  Last year, they were able to distribute $45,000 to their Community Partner Organizations! 

About 1,300 people showed up for this event.  I was excited to see the Thanksgiving Turkey come out to give us a start on the race!  The course was pretty easy with us starting and ending in downtown Carrboro and running through some of the adjacent neighborhoods.  While we hit some tough hills, the hills in Carrboro were a breeze in comparison to those in Chapel Hill!

Congratulations to everyone for finishing the race!  Also an extra congratulations to those who won in their categories and age groups:

Overall Female - Jennifer Woods:  30:14.64
Overall Male - Taylor Gillard: 25:18.89

Congratulations to the ladies that won in my age group as well! :)
1. Ellen Moss: 32:52.37
2. Melissa Cunningham: 34:28.15
3. Sarah Roberts: 35:06.15

I was actually able to come in 4th at 36:21.16, that's 1:15.01 after the 3rd place winner! That is definitely motivation for me to work on getting into my BESTEST shape and improve my speed and performance in 2014!!

Overall, this was a fantastic event and I look forward to running it again in 2014! 

What Running Has Done for Me!

 

My love for running started in my late teens as an escape and way to deal with stress and has continued to be my  "go to" when facing everyday obstacles and challenges in life. What does running do for you?

Real Women CAN'T BE Broken Down...

Working Women - Positive Thought for the Day

The Importance of SELF LOVE - AMY CHAN

Michael Jordan - I CAN'T accept NOT TRYING...

Working Women - Thought for the Day

Do it NOW! - Paula Coelho

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

We have so much to be thankful for! Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Having a VICTIM MENTALITY could be RUINING YOUR LIFE

I CAN'T because....My MOM, DAD, SISTER, BROTHER, WIFE, HUSBAND, KIDS, DOG, and/or CAT did SOMETHING to me.  I'm sure EVERYONE has met someone (or unfortunately been guilty) of BLAMING and other NEGATIVE, DAMAGING self-talk at some point in their lives. 

Oftentimes, this sort of  NEGATIVE talk is ingrained - many are UNAWARE of this SELF-DEFEATING way of thinking and interacting with the world.  And that's OKAY.  SELF-AWARENESS and SELF-ESTEEM practices can help you IMPROVE and MOVE towards living a BETTER life.

In practicing SELF-AWARENESS, you must also look at what is at the root of the "VICTIM MENTALITY." Typically, this NEGATIVE pattern of thinking was developed and learned in early childhood and continues into adulthood.  It can also stem from low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, and a tendency to look to others to SUPPLY your emotional needs and other means of SURVIVAL.

Fear, self-doubt, and an inability to LET GO and MOVE FORWARD also play a role in those suffering from the "VICTIM MENTALITY."  The "me-oh-my" mentality allows you to WALLOW in SELF-PITY and NOT take FULL RESPONSIBILITY for OWN your life and actions.

RECOGNIZING this DESTRUCTIVE, SELF-SABOTAGING way of thinking is the first step to escaping VICTIMHOOD.   Once you have this AWARENESS, you can begin taking the STEPS towards living a more POSITIVE, INSPIRED life!  Because LIFE offers WAY TOO MUCH and is way too AMAZING to stay stuck in "VICTIMHOOD."  Leave VICTIMHOOD behind and start making the changes to LIVING your BESTEST LIFE today!

It's OKAY to WALK AWAY - Sonia Choquette

You TEACH people how to TREAT YOU!

At some point in life, everyone encounters that ONE INDIVIDUAL who will test your boundaries and "good-nature."  Some of these people are individuals who truly HATE themselves (remember misery loves company) and want to bring you down to their level of misery.  Whether you let them bring you DOWN is up to you.

As I grow older, one of the things I realize about relationships is that we often fall into the same, negative roles with people (male and female) because we don't VALUE ourselves.  If you don't LIKE YOU enough to set firm BOUNDARIES and STANDARDS about how OTHERS treat YOU, then why would you expect anyone else to RESPECT YOU??  Sometimes we play the ROLE of DOORMAT because of past examples and fear of REJECTION and BEING ALONE, but what is left of you when these PEOPLE no longer need to use you to wipe their feet? You are still the lonely, rejected person with BIG EMPTY HOLES to FILL in your life.

The key to changing this cycle is to start LOVING YOURSELF and TREATING YOURSELF with RESPECT and DIGNITY.  This could require some much needed alone time, which is important for self-care and improvement. Also know that it is okay to treat YOURSELF well, take time for YOU, and not give a DANG about what SOME lacking INDIVIDUAL thinks of YOU.  BECAUSE when you LOVE YOU and PRACTICE self-care, then the right people will COME into your LIFE and those DEADBEATS will QUICKLY DISAPPEAR.

Eve Carson Memorial 5K for Education 2013

On, Saturday, November 16th, I had the opportunity to participate and run with 500+ supporters in the 6^th Annual Eve Carson Memorial 5K.  Eve Carson is UNC’s beloved, former student body president whose life was tragically lost in March of 2008.  Eve Carson is a young lady who will always be remembered for her leadership abilities and service and commitment to the community.

This event was organized and held by the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and Pi Beta Phi Sorority.  Proceeds from the event went to support the scholarship, Pi Beta Phi Literacy Funds, and CEO 4 Teens.  This year’s event had more than 1,600 registrants and raised more than $56,000! Sponsors included Fleet Feet Sports of Chapel Hill, Nike, R&R Grill, Starbucks and many other supporters.  

The course began at the Bynum Circle on UNC’s campus and wound through the beautiful neighborhoods adjacent to UNC’s campus.  It was 64 degrees and overcast in Chapel Hill - perfect weather for a Saturday morning race.  If you know anything about Chapel Hill’s terrain, you will know that we faced and tackled some pretty tough hills.  After doing some serious mental exercises along the way, I was surprised to see my finishing time of 20:59.80 - I even placed 1^st in my age group!

It was great to see so many people come out and support such an amazing legacy and cause - I plan to be able to join and support the Eve Carson Memorial 5K for Education again in 2014 and do what I love the most!

Wine Drinking and it's Long-Term Effects

The TASTE of a glass of  red wine after a long, stressful, event filled day.  I am sure many true wine lovers can relate to the feelings of  HAPPINESS and RELAXATION a glass of wine can bring after an exhausting, task-filled day.  Some days, after I get  my family into bed, all I can think about is a grabbing a glass of VINO, a BUBBLE BATH, and a GREAT BOOK. 

What started a few years as a way for me to OCCASIONALLY DE-STRESS after a long day, quickly became a TERRIBLE, TIME consuming HABIT.  It started with the occasional drink on the weekends after taking care of my family, attending school, and working full-time.  This weekend only habit then became a one-a-day...then two...then grew to the point I could easily consume an entire bottle if I wasn't careful.

Oftentimes, I would make excuses about my habit, quoting the HEALTH BENEFITS of drinking red wine.  Studies have shown that when consumed in moderation, wine REAPS many benefits including longevity among wine drinkers, reduced heart attack risk, lower risk of heart disease and stroke, and other health benefits.  While these benefits DO occur with moderate consumption, over consumption can lead to changes in the brain, mental health impairment, obesity, stroke, heart disease, fertility issues, liver disease, and many other health issues.

In looking at the end of the year and what I want out of 2014, I am pledging to include MORE self-care and healthy practices in my life.  My running group is also planning to run a marathon in 2014 :) and I want to be in my BESTEST RUNNING SHAPE!  Instead of  reaching for a glass of wine at the end of the night, I will use that time to complete some MUCH needed tasks on my to do list and get ready for a FANTASTIC 2014!

10 single mom secrets

10 single mom secrets

This was a much needed read tonight - thanks for sharing!

Working Women Positive Thoughts for The Day....

I love this one!  As a transforming "people pleaser" I am learning to accept this reality about people.  Everyone is not going to like you even if you try to do everything RIGHT - you just CAN'T please everyone.  In trying to do so, you will give yourself an "UNNEEDED" (for lack of better words) headache trying to figure out WHAT went WRONG and WHY you COULDN'T make THEM HAPPY.  At the end of the day, the only people you have to please  is YOURSELF and GOD!  And your CHILDREN!  But that's a DIFFERENT topic!

To Be YOURSELF...Ralph Waldo Emerson

Reaching your GOALS in LIFE...

Life DOESN'T Make Sense,,,

Sometimes when LIFE doesn't make SENSE, you just HAVE to ACCEPT it for what IT IS and MOVE ON...

-stilllearning2b

LOOK fear in the FACE...

Be FEARLESS...

NEW YORK CITY MARATHON 2013!

New York City Marathon 2013

This was the first year I was able to attend the New York City Marathon and it was so exciting to be able to be a part of such a MEMORABLE and FUN-FILLED event!  According to reports, there were 50,000+ runners and millions of fans.  The crowds were pretty heavy and I was lucky enough to get near the finish line in Central Park and help CHEER the marathoners on to the end!

Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya, won the men’s race in 2:08:24. Not only is Mutai’s finishing time FASCINATING, but his pace of 4.54 min/mile is UNBELIEVABLE!  As a runner, I can’t even begin to fathom the amount of training that happens so that one can run at that pace!  This was also Mutai’s second New York City Marathon event and according to reports, he is the second man to repeat  the New York City Marathon since 1997-98.

Priscah Jeptoo of Kenya finished the women’s race at 2:25:07.  Buzunesh Deb, a Brooklyn native Ethiopian, completed the marathon for a second time, coming in behind Jeptoo at 2:25:55.  I really would like to know what happens during these LADIES training sessions!

Other interesting facts about the New York City Marathon

Adriana Nelson was the top USA woman, coming in 13^th place with a running time of 2:35:05.  Ryan Vail was the USA male, coming in 12^th place with a running time of 2:13:23.

Pamela Anderson, former “Baywatch”” actress, ran for charity and completed the race in 5:41:03.  She raised $76,000 for J/P Haitian Relief Organization, an organization dedicated to helping the impoverished Caribbean Island affected by the 2010 earthquake.

In 1977, Wesley Paul, who was 8 years old at the time, completed the marathon in 3:00:37.  Thankfully, marathon age requirements have since changed with participants now having to be at least 18 years of age.

Joy Johnson, the oldest women to complete the New York City Marathon, died at the age of 86, one day after completing the marathon.  After falling and hitting her head at mile 20, Johnson finished the race off in about 8 hrs.  Sunday marked the 25^th time Johnson finished the race.  Her family is happy she went doing what she loved.

I PLAN to get into marathon shape in 2014, join these AMAZING people, and do what I LOVE the MOST!

Happiness is an attitude...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

What my relationships have taught me about life...

What my relationships have taught me…

1.     The importance of being EMOTIONALLY, FINANCIALLY, and MENTALLY independent.  In relationships, we sometimes let our hair down too much and completely LOSE sight of how to function on our own without seeking reassurance from our friends or significant others.  This is unhealthy for our well-being because when these individuals are no longer in sight, you could possibly be left feeling incomplete, lost, and frustrated. It is important to remember that you are GREAT as an individual and don’t need another individual to make you a “SOMEBODY” in this world.

2.       Having a LIFE of your OWN.  Sometimes in relationships, we become so enthralled with our significant others that we lose sight of our own lives and the things most important to us.  It is important to remember to maintain healthy relationships, hobbies, goals, and activities of your own even when in a committed relationship.  These things help you in maintaining your own identity and will make your life and relationship more fulfilling.  Without them, you will completely LOSE sight of who you are and possibly send your partner running for the hills.

3.       That it’s okay to be ALONE.  Oftentimes, we stay in relationship because we are afraid of change, rejection, or loneliness.  There is nothing wrong with being alone – this gives you time for self-discovery, self-reflection, and IMPROVEMENT.

4.       That it is important to maintain happiness on your own and not look to ANYONE else for fulfillment in your life.

5.       The importance of having GREAT girlfriends and healthy relationships. J  Sometimes us ladies get so excited with our new man, that we put all other relationships to a HALT and forget about all the people that were important in our lives PRIOR to Mr. Right’s arrival.  It’s okay to enjoy the new addition to your life, but still important to remember the people that really make your life happen.

6.       And just a side note…if your Mr. Right is someone who takes up too much time and extremely jealous of your “outside” relationships, this could be a RED FLAG he is NOT Mr. Right.  If you have the unfortunate chance of encountering one of these insecure, needy, controlling individuals,   you should grab your things and RUN as quickly as your running shoes or heels will allow you.

If YOU don't value YOURSELF...no ONE WILL...

My dad used to tell me this when I was a little girl and something I still choose to live my life by...
The sky is the LIMIT...You CAN do WHATEVER you set your HEART and MIND TO...

Ferrari of New York

Ferrari of New York - Now that's FIERCE!!!

CHANGE is GOOD: It can LEAD to GROWTH

Sign of MATURITY...

How to Create a POSITIVE Environment!

Just wanted to share this clip on creating a positive environment and dealing with different people in everyday life.  This also makes me reflect on my OWN negativity and how to REMAIN positive when faced with everyday challenges!  :) Hope you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-epH6jaZ46Y

Emotional Vampires - BEWARE!

BEWARE of Emotional Vampires. Forgot Count Dracula in the movies - They look nothing like that GUY.  Typically they are charming…and beautiful…and perfect…and smart…and so on and so forth.  You usually don’t spot them right away.  Unfortunately, your “emotional sirens” are thrown off by their smooth, nice, cool, charismatic, “snakelike” presence and demeanor.

But BEWARE…they are there to SUCK, and SUCK, and SUCK from you.  They usually prey on “folks” with big, GIANT hearts. On those that care about the GREATNESS of our society.  And they know how to spot you.  Once they get you, you WILL become a part of their PERSONAL store supply. Doesn’t make sense, does it?  Nope, it DOES NOT, but PLEASE don’t stick around to try and figure them out. When your “emotional sirens” start going off, PLEASE pack-up QUICKLY and get the “H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS” away from them. PERIOD.

Emotional vampires see people as “personal” therapists and will fill your head with constant NONSENSE about whatever “RIDICULOUSNESS” they have going on in their lives.  They do not believe in shelling out the FUNDS and discussing their ISSUES with PARTIES trained to solve HUMAN PROBLEMS like us “normal” folks and will SLIDE into your life and use YOU as their personal “garbage disposal” if you allow them.  Most times, you won’t even know how they got there until it’s TOO LATE.

Emotional Vampires live to reconnect, recharge, and feed off the essence of YOUR soul.  If your “emotional energy” level drops from 110 to -5, then you probably have attracted another “vampire.” If you have the unfortunate experience of encountering a member of this species, PLEASE don’t ANALYZE it, QUESTION it, or THINK about it.  Save yourself from another “prune sucking” experiment and RUN. And DON’T LOOK BACK.  

You Can't Control the World...

No Man Is an Island - John Donne

No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.

John Donne

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