MOMFAIL – Valentines Boxes

MOMFAIL – Valentines Boxes

by | Feb 12, 2017 | childhood, mom, Momfail, Valentines Day

As  I am scrolling through FACEBOOK  I see all of these absolutely adorable Valentine’s Boxes for upcoming class parties. Therefore I can’t help but wonder how everyone is getting their kids to participate.  Are all of these other kiddos doing this freely? I have to threaten the removal of favorite objects to get my boys to even pretend to care about their Valentine Day boxes.

MOMFAIL

After literally three days of telling the boys they need to create their boxes, I  taped my It Works boxes together and put them on our kitchen island.  The next day they were still there.  Being proactive, I provided the kids with paper, stickers, colors, markers, letters, and tape.  Ten minutes later they were both finished with their Valentines Boxes and five of that was probably spent wrapping the paper around the box.

After encouraging them, coercing them and pleading with them, I finally gave in.  Feeling a tad disappointed, I released them from the horror.  I let go of the illusion they would be creating masterpieces like all of the other kids in their classes.  Without belittling them, I let them decide how their boxes would look.  While they made sure to cut holes large enough to receive valentines, the outsides are a tad “interesting”.

Perspective on Valentines Boxes

Looking at their boxes while rolling my eyes to my husband, he reminded me of why these boxes were not important to my kids.   “It isn’t a guy holiday,” he said…you can’t make them be interested. (This from the same guy who made sure the kids were included in giving me flowers so they knew how to treat a special woman).  Right then, it hit me.  This isn’t about me.  Their Valentines Boxes are not a reflection of me as a parent any more than my choices are reflections of my own parents.

I was allowing my emotions to interfere with my boy’s priorities.  I was letting the fact that I will be a volunteer in their parties influence MY reactions to their choices.  Consequently, I admit to feeling a tad embarrassed.  How dare I compare my children to others.  How incredibly silly is it that I even put pressure on them to participate in something because of how it would reflect upon me?

No Comparison

Since my boys were little, I have encouraged them to make their own choices.  These two would learn from those decisions that every choice has a consequence.  Some of their choices were amazing while others were definitely learning opportunities.  The things that make my boys different from others are the very things that make me love them even more.  I had always taught them to be different and now when they were, I wanted to force them back to being like others.

My oldest used to wear a stocking hat during the summer.  He was my little Disney Thug and I loved it!  My youngest loved to wear cowboy boots everywhere and I thought it was adorable!  I embraced their individuality!  So why in the world do I care about these Valentines Day boxes?  In conclusion, forgive me, boys…lesson learned.  However, when it comes to homework and schoolwork, that is a totally different arguargument

 

 

Passion Prevails with Bonnie Eisenhart

Passion Prevails with Bonnie Eisenhart

by | Jan 11, 2017 | Business owner, Dreams, Fitness, motivation, self-care, Wellness

For the majority of us, as we grow older and life becomes busier, we lose sight of our passions.  In this regard, Bonnie Eisenhart is no exception.  From a young age, she was an avid dancer and studied jazz, tap and ballet.  Growing older, she also found a deep seated love of musical theater.  As a result, Bonnie derived immense satisfaction from being on stage and engaging her audience.  Little did she know she would once again be the center of attention with The Barre Code and have her passion reignited.

Upon graduating from high school, Bonnie attended Carthage College in Wisconsin.  Here, Bonnie studied Business while actively participating in both her sorority and the College dance team. These experiences provided a sense of belonging and a flurry of never ending activities.  Graduation brought a move to Chicago and employment in the corporate world where she specialized in property management and functioned within a Global Researching company.  Consequently, as she learned more about business, she found herself missing the social interactions from her former activities.  Therefore, while she was growing professionally, she also felt as though she were lagging in other areas of her life.

Inspiration from The Barre Code

After leaving work one day back in 2010, Bonnie walked by The Barre Code in Chicago and was intrigued.  She was instantly hooked and as a result she began instructing classes 3 months later.   Finally, she discovered what had been missing in her life.  The relationships, the movements, in addition to her own personal growth.  As a result of walking through those days, she discovered what was in her heart, prompting her to continue working in both the corporate and for The Barre Code.  During this time, she studied and within the next 18 months, she was a master trainer.

Fast forward two years and introduce an incredible fiance and a move to Omaha, Nebraska.  With a little research, Bonnie discovered The Barre Code Dundee and reached out.  She was hired with the studio as a Master Trainer, instructing both classes and instructors. These experiences provided the stepping stones to her next adventure.  Hence, in 2017, Bonnie will be opening her own studio, The Barre Code West Omaha.  This will be the place where she will combine her passion and expertise to provide an eclectic wellness program for all ages.

Why Now?

For Bonnie, this is the right place and the right time for her to rise to her next level.  Because The Barre Code is a franchise, she already has corporate support.  In addition to Corporate and her own personal experiences, she now has the ability to create an empowering space designed for all fitness abilities.  With a personal belief in balance, Bonnie understands that moderation is the key to optimum happiness and is careful to balance her own personal life.  Therefore she makes sure to spend quality time with her new husband and her adorable puppy.  In addition, here’s a little known fact, Bonnie is an avid ice cream connoisseur, an indulgence she enjoys to balance her love for fitness.

Why The Barre Code?

Bonnie loves that The Barre Code is designed to meet the unique needs of a women’s body.  The Barre Code provides a low impact workout that can be modified for each individual’s own ability level.   She understands that building strength is imperative for women, particularly as they age, for the prevention of osteoporosis. The entire workout combines cardio, strength training and restoration, allowing a full body workout for optimum benefits.  Of particular importance are the core muscles, which are imperative for good posture, proper form and maintaining balance.

While she instructs her students, Bonnie is carefully monitoring her class participants on proper form.  Therefore she is always ensuring safety and good positioning, again which are critical for optimum function. By doing this, she ensures her client’s increase muscle strength while also building a trusting relationship with her, their instructor.

Why Bonnie?

Bonnie

Bonnie! Passion and Leadership Prevail!

Bonnie derives energy from her students.  She also believes in 3 key elements of instructing:

  • Courtesy – courtesy is extended to every person who enters her studio.  It can be seen between trainers, between trainers and students and among the students themselves.
  • Communication – communication is critical to provide a safe environment.  Bonnie is excellent at letting her students know what to expect, how many reps are left, and encourages each person to push harder.
  • Proactive vs reactive – knowing her students and understanding their individual needs helps Bonnie to teach each student to the best of their own ability.  Honesty is key in building those relationships that allow her to provide her best service possible.

Bonnie admits to being held to high standard by her students.  By holding her to high standards, she is pushed to continually improve upon herself and her skills.  Subsequently, seeing her clients exhilarated after a workout exhilarates Bonnie, also.  As a result, the student’s responses push her to work harder, to push herself more, and to ultimately become a better version of herself.

The Promise

Bonnie extends a promise to each of her students.  She promises that when each and every one of you walk out of her class, you will feel great! How?  She does this by EMPOWERING her students.  Each student is in complete control of their workout while being led by a specially trained instructor.  Upon completion of the workout, each student is guided through a cool down period to prepare them for re-entry into the outside world.

Leaving the studio, you will feel stronger and may even stand taller.  Often, first and second time students feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and have an intense desire to return for more.  The Barre Code provides a safe place for women of all ages to become stronger, leaner, and participate in a community of like-minded people. Let Bonnie's drive empower you to find your next fitness home with The Barre Code West. Click To Tweet

Furthermore, you can find out more about Bonnie and The Barre Code West at: http://www.thebarrecode.com/studio/west-omaha/.   You may also follow Bonnie on FaceBook for updates on the new studio and follow her evolution.  Feel free to message her and join the mailing list for promotions and special events!  Finally, simply send her a message and introduce yourself to begin the next leg of your fitness journey!

 

 

Confidence, Look Within

Confidence, Look Within

by | Jan 6, 2017 | Business owner, Dreams, motivation, self-care

Want to know something? I am just like you.  I am a person who feels and worries.  I make mistakes and I struggle. I wonder what others think about me probably the one thing we have most in common is that I lie to myself…wait, what?

How We Lie to Ourselves

While on the outside I smile and usually appear to have it all together, on the inside I question myself.  Furthermore, I question my actions, therefore occasionally worrying about how others will perceive me.  As a result, I have held myself back from my potential.  I have allowed myself to be content, and to become complacent.

When we listen to those old tapes that play endlessly in our brains, we give them power over our actions.  In most cases we are not even aware of their nonstop chatter.

If you don’t think you have them, do this:

  1. Set a time for one minute.
  2. Sit comfortably.
  3. Breathe slowly, in and out.
  4. Close your eyes.
  5. Think of a dream you have always had but never went after.

60, 59, 58……10, 3, 2, 1.

Why haven’t you followed those dreams?  What was the little voice inside your head telling you?  That you can’t do it? Perhaps you don’t deserve it or rather you aren’t qualified to do it? As a result of those old tapes, many of us have stopped dreaming and allowed life to happen around us, rather than within us. (To learn how to identify those old tapes, go here)

Now What?

Now I want you to envision what your life would have been like had you gone after your dreams…what do you see? How do you feel?

Want to know a secret?  It’s not too late.  Remember Grandma Moses, the famous painter?  She began painting in her 70’s. When most of her friends were sitting idly in the nursing homes watching the minutes ticking by, she developed a new passion and created beauty for nearly 25 years.  What made her different?  I am not sure, but I would guess that she told those old tapes to go F__K themselves.

You have the power to do the same.  You don’t have to settle for less than you were created to be. The phrase “fake it till you make it” makes sense.  When you don’t feel the confidence, you stand tall, put a smile on your face and go for it.  People may scoff, people may laugh and so what?  Let me fill you in on another little known fact.  The people who are doing the mocking are the same ones who are too afraid to take a leap themselves.  If they see you fail, it will reinforce their own insecurities.

Confidence Within

The most successful people I know work hard and put their blinders on.  They don’t care what other people have to say.  If they do feel hurt, they don’t show their pain.  The smile stays and their life moves forward. They have already developed the ability to fake it till they make it and their actions are proof of their determination.

Who do you admire? What characteristics do they have that draws you to them? Imagine what would happen if you mimic their behaviors and with your own twist.  Watch how your life changes thus increasing your confidence with each successful step. Will you ever fail?  Probably, but then again is it really a failure if you learn from it?

In conclusion, just go for it and drop me a line letting me know how you feel! After all, I believe in you!

 

The many faces of FEAR

The many faces of FEAR

by | Jan 1, 2017 | Faith, motivation, Wellness

fear lies!
FEAR  defined by Websters
verb, | fear | ˈfir
Definition of FEAR
:frighten
:to feel fear in (oneself)
:to have a reverential awe of     (fear God)
:to be afraid of :expect with alarm,  fear the worst
:to be afraid or apprehensive    (feared for their lives)
January 1st typically  brings a slew of new resolutions, new goals and new ideas. It is an opportunity to reflect on the previous year, in addition to providing the opportunity to make  some positive changes.  Therefore, every New Year, we tend to stand tall and make  unrealistic resolutions.  Why?  The reasons are endless…regret, illness, injury, poor financial decisions, divorce, death, relocation, weight gain, poor diet, relationship issues, in need of spiritual direction…and fear.
It is estimated that of the people who do make New Years Resolutions, 80% - 92% fail to follow through, therefore, only 8% actually reach their goals. What holds us back? For many of us, the answer is simple. Click To Tweet

FEAR

We all have the ability to reach our goals.  Too many times what stands between us and our destination is within ourselves.  Previously, I had written a post about silencing the recurring old tapes in our minds.  In many cases, it is those nasty little comments we silently tell ourselves that stops us from succeeding.  Furthermore, those old tapes stop us dead in our tracks before we even make an effort to do something different than our norm.

Fear of Change

Complacency is comfortable. We are all provided amazing opportunities..however it is what we do with those opportunities that sets us apart from others. Do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up?  Are you doing it?  What happened to your dreams? For the majority of people, blending in with the crowd continues to be more comfortable.  Therefore anything that makes us stand out puts on too much pressure, hence we stay frozen in place.

New relationships, relocation or even accepting a new position at work can send many of you into an anxiety ridden tailspin.  Why? Because we fear the unknown.  We doubt ourselves.  We are comfortable just where we are and whether we are happy or not fails to play into the dynamics.

Fear of Failure

Much as failure is a part of life, the majority of us don’t handle it well.  I don’t know one person that easily accepts failure.  Essentially, it feels like we are letting those old tapes win and giving credence to anyone who didn’t think we would be successful.  However, what if we changed our perspective?  What if we began to see failure for what it is?  First of all, an opportunity to learn, furthermore an opportunity to improve.

Imagine what would have happened in Michael Jordan gave up when he missed a shot?  We could all learn from his words of wisdom and his determination.

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed”. Michael Jordan

Fear of Success

To me, this is the most powerful realm of fear. Virtually everyone I know who has begun a new adventure initially panics and wants to backpedal.  Rather than move forward with blinders on, the majority of us become paralyzed by an inexplicable fear of succeeding.  Why?  What if we do succeed?  First of all, becoming successful further sets us apart from our comfort zone.  Becoming successful draws attention to us and raises people’s expectations, while additionally raising our own expectations.

God gave you the gift of life and an unlimited ability to achieve your dreams.  He did not create you to fail, nor has He instilled fear within you.  It is my opinion that when God places a dream within us, we are to go after it.  Therefore, when we sense a feeling of fear, we need to pray.  We need to reach out to those who support us, and we need to erase those nasty old tapes.

Let’s remember the wise words from an unknown source…

“But what if I fail?

Oh my darling, but what if you fly?”

 

 

 

Dreams are for Quitters

Dreams are for Quitters

by | Dec 15, 2016 | motivation, self-care

Are you a dreamer?  Do you still have dreams for your future or did you allow your ability to dream to die when you began “adulting”. Why is it that as child, almost all of us were told we can be absolutely anything in the world, but as adults, we are pigeon holed into a specific  category.  First of all, who decided that? And why did we think it was OK to go along with that plan?  Seems like we are the ones who have lost out.

Have you ever just sat quietly and listened to children play?  I love when they engage in dramatic play and allow themselves to stray off into unknown worlds.  They aren’t limited by conceptual thinking…therefore, they don’t care if someone tells them that is impossible…children believe in their world and as a result, they bring it to life!

Dreams

This is not about the dreams we have when we sleep.  I am talking about the deepest pull within your soul telling you to do more and to be more.  Think back to when you were a child.  What did you want to be when you grew up? I initially wanted to be a singer…unfortunately, I can’t carry a tune, but I still sing loudly and proudly.

I also wanted to be a writer, but you know what?  I gave up on that dream for years.  Hence, I got lost in the world of expectations and let my dreams flit away.  Every once in a while, I would write a poem or newsletter article and every time I did, that fire started burning a little stronger.  One day I couldn’t suppress that dream anymore and I took a chance on a job interview and history was changed. Today, I still want to write a book, and as a result,  I believe that is going to happen. However, had I suppressed my dreams, seems like I would be blocking out a large portion of who I am.

Rekindle Your Fire

If you have let your flame burn out, you can get it back.  How?

  • Rekindle your romance with your passion.  Think back to what makes you come alive and do that!
  • Allow yourself some downtime to just BE.  Stop over-scheduling yourself with things you don’t want to do and events your don’t want to participate in.  Say no to others and yes to yourself.  Just BE and allow your thoughts to wander…what are you drawn to?
  • Revisit a craft.  Are you musically inclined?  Do you enjoy coloring? Are you a great singer? Did you used to journal? Do it again! Pick up the pencil, hum a tune, or go build something!
  • Take a class.  Sign up for a pottery or painting class.  Challenge yourself and revisit your senses, therefore allowing yourself to travel back in time and open those  locked doors within yourself.

Love Yourself

Too often we stop dreaming because we have convinced ourselves that we aren’t worthy of success.  Somewhere someone may have told us we weren’t good enough.  Don’t let someone else dictate your future, it’s not theirs to do so.  Allow yourself to dream and most of all, be kind to yourself.  Finally, God gave you a talent, consequently, it is your job is to tap into that talent and share it with others.

 

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.”
– Mae Jemison

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt