Healthier Living Challenge: Weeks 14-16

4/23/2017

It has been a long time since I last posted about my healthier living journey.

I was tired, exhausted, spent.  I had no energy and didn't want to sit and blog about my goals for week 14,15 and 16.

A lot happened during those weeks; the end of Lent, Holy Week, a weeklong trip to Montana.  It was just so overwhelming that I just couldn't add one more thing to my plate.

I am finally sitting down in our book room to type this blog post because I am feeling a bit more energetic today and was able to set aside some time this morning to do it. 

Week 14 was a rough one and I only ended up accomplishing 2 of my 4 goals.  During that week I decided to start my own Thirty-One Gifts business and become an Independent Consultant.  Best decision ever!!!

Week 15 was Holy Week, which was a blur of chaos.  Somehow though I ended up accomplishing all 4 of my goals.  They were:
1) Book 2 Thirty-One parties by the of April
2) Leg side lunges daily
3) Figure out how much cash to take with us on our trip to Montana
4) Relax during slow times during Holy Week
Week 15 was chaotic but good!

Week 16 was vacation week!  We spent two days driving to my in-laws house in Montana and made side trips the first two days there.  It was a good trip.  I set 5 goals for myself to allow myself to relax, exercise and work my new Thirty-One business.  I accomplished all but 1 goal.  For being on vacation and spending so many hours in a vehicle, I was surprised with myself for being so dedicated and getting done what I wanted to get done for myself everyday.

Now for week 17.  My goals for week 17 include physical health, mental/emotional health and working on my Thirty-One business to reach financial goals.

I will leave you now because I am going to go spend some time with my boys!

Until next time, Onward and Upward!!!

Goals for Week 17: 4/23-4/30/2017
1) Leg Side Lunges daily
2) Read at least 30 minutes a day
3) Plug, plug, plug Thirty-One Outlet Sale
4) Drink at least 48 oz water daily

My "Why"...

4/14/2017

As I lay on my bed soaking up my few minutes of alone time I will get for the day, I keep thinking about the question "Why?"

I recently, within the last week, signed up to be an Independent Consultant with Thirty-One Gifts.  I own my own business and for the first time in all of my direct selling experience I am super excited and want to truly succeed with this company.

One of the things that I found that I have been constantly asked in the last week is, "Why?"

Why did I decide to get into direct selling and own my own business and why did I choose Thirty-One Gifts?

Truth time folks:
I was terrified to get back into direct selling because of all the failed experiences I had in the past.  But since last September my family has accrued alot of medical debt because of a surgery, an emergency room visit, biannual check ups for my youngest's one kidney (which is functioning at 100%), occupational therapy and a precautionary ultrasound.  Needless to say, we scrap the bottom of the barrel every month because of all this extra debt and only having one full-time income.  We needed another source of income and I still want to stay home with my sons until they are both in school full time.

So my options were to get a work from home job that required me to sit in front of my laptop for hours a day, ignoring my kids so I could meet deadlines, etc... or get back into direct selling.  I choose to take a leap of faith and get back into direct selling.

I went to work researching companies and Thirty-One Gifts had everything I wanted!  I love the products!  I love the message of the company, "To empower women".  I love their Thirty-One Gives Foundation and all of the work. 

It was a no brainer for me and after discussing it with my husband, I signed up. 

I now own my own Thirty-One Gifts business and am ready to work my butt of to make it a success for me and my family! 

I can now make money to help pay down our debts and be debt free! 

I can stay home with my boys and work on my time! 

I am my own boss! 

I have a great team of other women supporting me! 

And I get to get out of the house and party with fabulous women during hosted parties! 

Now that sounds fabulous to me!

I am so excited to use and share the wonderful products with all of my family and friends!  The chance to help make their days a little simpler with great organizational tools is just so fulfilling for me.  The fact that I can help them in this way is such a blessing! 

So there you have it.  This is my "Why"!

And I can't wait to work hard and make my business success a reality!

Healthier Living Week 13: 3/26 - 4/2/2017

4/3/2017

Week 13 of my healthier living journey was a banner week.  I am slowly but consistently losing weight in a healthy way and am feeling stronger and more focused than I have in a long time. 

Though I am still struggling to get a decent night of sleep because of my kids', I can tell the difference in my how my clothes are fitting and my energy level.

During week 13, I gave a presentation at our church on my book and it was pretty well attended.  I am consistently selling books every time I have them displayed and hope to be done selling them all by the time Sunday school ends in May.  Then I can really start promoting my book on Amazon.

The thing I am most excited about accomplishing during week 13 is that my husband and I sat down and came up with a plan to complete Baby Step #2 of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover in 14-15 months.  Once we complete this step, we will be completely out of debt except for my student loan, which is basically the same as a mortgage payment every month.  Then we can move onto Baby Step #3, which is so freaking exciting to me.  It is going to take a lot of focus and perseverance, but I know that my husband and I can do it because we are on this becoming debt-free journey together.

There was on goal I did not accomplish for week 13.  Yesterday, the last day of week 13, I did not drink 60oz of water. 

I am now a quarter way through my healthier living challenge for 2017.  I thought about quitting a few times and I definitely have had good weeks and bad, but I have kept going.  I am continuously rediscovering my grit factor and it is empowering.

For week 14, I am continuing with working daily exercise into my routine as well as embarking on intellectual persuits for the next book I want to get published through Augsburg Fortress or self-publish on Amazon KDP.

Until next time, onward and upward!

Goals for Week 14: 4/2 - 4/9/2017
1) 100 crunches daily
2) Do leg side lunges daily
3) Start getting research materials and researching for my next book
4) Read at least 30 minutes daily