Today, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, a friend posted on FB, "Do I have to have to wait until Thursday to be thankful?" She was being cheeky. But her message was true. No one need wait to be told to be thankful, truly thankful. It's your choice.
Life is on the move...flowing forward...yin/yang-ish all the time.
My dad would say, "You're always faced with at least two choices. Make the best out of whichever one you choose." True. Give yourself chances to explore the results of your choice. Be aware that you can continue to choose again. I like to add two words to a choice: "...for now."
Those words remind me that nothing is permanent unless you make it so. If it's a choice that works, that's pretty powerful for your energy. If not, then keep on moving toward another choice!
Thanksgiving is bigger than just one day.
I'm not waiting to be thankful. I'd burst!! :)
**just for fun: ~~I'm pink~~
http://www.quotev.com/quiz/1366538/What-is-Your-True-Color-Aura/
11.24.2013
11.16.2013
bruises
We all bruise.
Physically.
Emotionally.
Learn to read your bruises.
They're honest reminders to moments in life.
Well, most of them are. Some are a little trickier to read. The emotional bruises of the heart fall into that category. These, however, often manifest themselves with physical visuals: tear stained cheeks; red puffy eyes; forlorn looks.
If you find yourself getting bruised in exactly the same way over and over again, then STOP doing/acting/searching in the same manner!
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Change up your outlook/your behavior/your attitude/your assumptions that the world around you owes you anything. Your own willingness to work at all parts of your life will garner results that meet your efforts. The bruising may still come, but hopefully in new ways and places. That indicates you've changed something. That's good.
Learn to read your bruises.
In CrossFit, we bruise. It's a great way to see your technique, your successes, your failures. (Did you really think these mutterings would not turn to CrossFit? :) ) Bruises quietly coach you as you stare at them in the mirror to assess their meaning.
Bruises on my clavicles tell me the catch of my clean is solid. Any lower and I wasn't getting under the bar low enough.
Bruises just over my knees tell me I'm not opening up fully before getting under the bar. Wrong place to bruise...too low.
Reading these helps me to change, to work on my technique, so I'll have better results. Being a visual person, I call up the visual of the bruises to help me as I work on my lifts.
Learn to read your bruises.
They're honest visual reminders to moments in life.
Be willing to change your outlook/your behavior/your attitude/your assumptions that the world around you owes you anything without you putting in some effort.
The bruise on my hip?
Damn table jumped right out in front of me!
No? Okay, read: I need to stop hurrying out the door.
damn.
Physically.
Emotionally.
Learn to read your bruises.
They're honest reminders to moments in life.
Well, most of them are. Some are a little trickier to read. The emotional bruises of the heart fall into that category. These, however, often manifest themselves with physical visuals: tear stained cheeks; red puffy eyes; forlorn looks.
If you find yourself getting bruised in exactly the same way over and over again, then STOP doing/acting/searching in the same manner!
Learn to read your bruises.
In CrossFit, we bruise. It's a great way to see your technique, your successes, your failures. (Did you really think these mutterings would not turn to CrossFit? :) ) Bruises quietly coach you as you stare at them in the mirror to assess their meaning.
Bruises on my clavicles tell me the catch of my clean is solid. Any lower and I wasn't getting under the bar low enough.
Bruises just over my knees tell me I'm not opening up fully before getting under the bar. Wrong place to bruise...too low.
Reading these helps me to change, to work on my technique, so I'll have better results. Being a visual person, I call up the visual of the bruises to help me as I work on my lifts.
Learn to read your bruises.
They're honest visual reminders to moments in life.
Be willing to change your outlook/your behavior/your attitude/your assumptions that the world around you owes you anything without you putting in some effort.
The bruise on my hip?
Damn table jumped right out in front of me!
No? Okay, read: I need to stop hurrying out the door.
damn.
10.08.2013
cliff diving
I've been doing a lot of 'cliff diving' lately.
I've also been inspired by seeing some people around me do some 'cliff diving' of their own.
You know that kind of diving...standing on the edge of challenges, both physical and energetic in nature, mustering up the motivation to take the plunge into self-growth.
Sometimes I just want to stomp my foot, pull the 'pout', and demand that the challenges alter for me instead of me having to alter for them. Too bad that's not possible! Womp womp.....
Reality is that I'm thankful for the moments I'm forced to the edge.
I'm thankful for being privy to other peoples' edges.
The edge is the place to be in order to keep feeling truly alive.
The edge clarifies what's important.
The edge pushes against stagnancy.
The edge is just another opportunity.
There is no denying that CrossFit has shaped the "older" me.
Because CrossFit creates a new 'edge' every day, it's taught me to live a bolder life than I ever thought I would, both physically and energetically. It's taught me to feel "comfortable being uncomfortable". This also means, of course, that I'm always aware when I am trying to shore up that edge so I don't have to take the dive into the challenge....enter the foot stomp and subsequent 'pout'.
There's no hiding from oneself unless you believe in giving up. And there is no giving up in CrossFit. You see that damn workout through. You may dial yourself back a little, you may take a little longer to reach your edge, but if you want the most out of your workout/your life, you continue to muster the motivation to see each challenge through. Face it down and you have added strength to be open to the next challenge. Teeter on the edge of it and you're forever stuck in that frustrating place of feeling 'safe' but incomplete.
Watching others dive off a cliff is a great reminder that some dives are graceful and some are belly flops, but they have mustered the motivation to take the dive. I may stomp and pout once in a while, but all that does is make the edge crumble so I am forced off the cliff! Whether a "10" or belly flop, the important thing is to take the dive to feel complete.
I've also been inspired by seeing some people around me do some 'cliff diving' of their own.
You know that kind of diving...standing on the edge of challenges, both physical and energetic in nature, mustering up the motivation to take the plunge into self-growth.
Sometimes I just want to stomp my foot, pull the 'pout', and demand that the challenges alter for me instead of me having to alter for them. Too bad that's not possible! Womp womp.....
Reality is that I'm thankful for the moments I'm forced to the edge.
I'm thankful for being privy to other peoples' edges.
The edge is the place to be in order to keep feeling truly alive.
The edge clarifies what's important.
The edge pushes against stagnancy.
The edge is just another opportunity.
There is no denying that CrossFit has shaped the "older" me.
Because CrossFit creates a new 'edge' every day, it's taught me to live a bolder life than I ever thought I would, both physically and energetically. It's taught me to feel "comfortable being uncomfortable". This also means, of course, that I'm always aware when I am trying to shore up that edge so I don't have to take the dive into the challenge....enter the foot stomp and subsequent 'pout'.
There's no hiding from oneself unless you believe in giving up. And there is no giving up in CrossFit. You see that damn workout through. You may dial yourself back a little, you may take a little longer to reach your edge, but if you want the most out of your workout/your life, you continue to muster the motivation to see each challenge through. Face it down and you have added strength to be open to the next challenge. Teeter on the edge of it and you're forever stuck in that frustrating place of feeling 'safe' but incomplete.
Watching others dive off a cliff is a great reminder that some dives are graceful and some are belly flops, but they have mustered the motivation to take the dive. I may stomp and pout once in a while, but all that does is make the edge crumble so I am forced off the cliff! Whether a "10" or belly flop, the important thing is to take the dive to feel complete.
9.03.2013
bars & plates & math, oh my
September means a new school year begins.
It's been a long time...decades...plural...=10 x too many years...since I've been in school.
It's been a decade...singular...plus or minus a couple years...since my girls have been in school.
I wouldn't think about the new school year at all were it not for the banter of parents with young ones and the teachers in the CrossFit community.
Those flutterings in stomachs that occur with kids and teachers alike on the first day of school are unavoidable. Some feel the flutters everyday. That's got to be exhausting. And yet kids show up and work their way through whatever they're feeling. Hopefully they have safe places to 'let go' and breathe at the end of the day.
I never understood the whole "3 Rs" thing....reading/'riting/'rithmetic. WTF? Teaching the 3Rs that included 2 words NOT starting with R seemed counterproductive to the learning process. But then, I wasn't the greatest student. By-The-Book teaching plans and memorization were not my friends. I was and always have been a visual and hands-on student. These methods of teaching were not yet invented when I was a kid.
I was born in between perfect eras for me:
post-stone etching
pre-multi dimensional teaching
I enjoyed reading but was always slow...felt I had to r e a d e v e r y w o r d for my efforts to count. I don't have a clue why I thought that! Thankfully I grew to learn that was not the case and enjoy it much more now.
I enjoyed 'riting but always felt my words did not delve deep enough to be of any meaning compared to some of my peers. Thankfully, I learned to just say 'fuck it' and appreciate the fact that my 'Hallmark-ish' prose are really like any artful venture...for me first. If you enjoy something and it's not hurting anyone, do it. If my 'riting "hurts" you (your sensibilities), you won't be reading this anyway! :)
I hated 'rithmetic...sucked at it...except geometry, mercifully visual...and like many kids, never saw the future usefulness of the torture called "math". I never learned to like it.
Then along came CrossFit with those barbells and plate loads and percentages and rep counts and time configurations. Damned if I didn't start to appreciate being able to 'do math' in my head. I was, after all, schooled during pre-calculator times. We had to learn to 'do math' in our heads...or on our fingers when no one was watching. Thankfully I have learned over the last three plus years as a CrossFitter to like 'rithmetic.
Being completely realistic, CrossFit math is the hardest math of all to master. All of us CFers are effing math geniuses! We are able to do math even when all the blood has rushed from our brains to shore up our working muscles. Oh sure, sometimes we need four or five of us to figure out how much weight was actually loaded on a bar, or how many reps we could actually add together if one movement was a 4to1 count, or how many rounds of hell we just completed if we forgot to mark them during the WOD, but so what! Team building is an important practice in life.
Plus, we love to test each other by pretending not to know how much the weight plates add up to so our buddy can solve that equation. We really are quite good to each other.
CrossFit:
Flutterings are felt every day at the beginning of a WOD yet you continue to show up.
The CF gym is a safe place to lie in a heap on the floor post-WOD, 'let go' and breathe.
+
The 3 Rs
Reading: one must r e a d e v e r y w o r d of the daily WOD to get it right (Who knew my early reading method would come in handy!)
'Riting: jotting down results in your log book (I don't have to get all 'deep' when I write things down...especially if I put them on my MyWOD app on my phone :) )
'Rithmetic: being able to figure out all sorts of equations in your head while staring at the weighted barbell (Thankfully this is a visual process, although I can and often do use my fingers. Being a grown up, I no longer care who sees me counting on them. I can usually get to this answer by myself, but if I can't, I know I can rely on my fellow genius CrossFitters!)
The moral of this blog:
SCHOOL REALLY IS COOL...be a lifelong learner!
It's been a long time...decades...plural...=10 x too many years...since I've been in school.
It's been a decade...singular...plus or minus a couple years...since my girls have been in school.
I wouldn't think about the new school year at all were it not for the banter of parents with young ones and the teachers in the CrossFit community.
Those flutterings in stomachs that occur with kids and teachers alike on the first day of school are unavoidable. Some feel the flutters everyday. That's got to be exhausting. And yet kids show up and work their way through whatever they're feeling. Hopefully they have safe places to 'let go' and breathe at the end of the day.
I never understood the whole "3 Rs" thing....reading/'riting/'rithmetic. WTF? Teaching the 3Rs that included 2 words NOT starting with R seemed counterproductive to the learning process. But then, I wasn't the greatest student. By-The-Book teaching plans and memorization were not my friends. I was and always have been a visual and hands-on student. These methods of teaching were not yet invented when I was a kid.
I was born in between perfect eras for me:
post-stone etching
pre-multi dimensional teaching
I enjoyed reading but was always slow...felt I had to r e a d e v e r y w o r d for my efforts to count. I don't have a clue why I thought that! Thankfully I grew to learn that was not the case and enjoy it much more now.
I enjoyed 'riting but always felt my words did not delve deep enough to be of any meaning compared to some of my peers. Thankfully, I learned to just say 'fuck it' and appreciate the fact that my 'Hallmark-ish' prose are really like any artful venture...for me first. If you enjoy something and it's not hurting anyone, do it. If my 'riting "hurts" you (your sensibilities), you won't be reading this anyway! :)
I hated 'rithmetic...sucked at it...except geometry, mercifully visual...and like many kids, never saw the future usefulness of the torture called "math". I never learned to like it.
Then along came CrossFit with those barbells and plate loads and percentages and rep counts and time configurations. Damned if I didn't start to appreciate being able to 'do math' in my head. I was, after all, schooled during pre-calculator times. We had to learn to 'do math' in our heads...or on our fingers when no one was watching. Thankfully I have learned over the last three plus years as a CrossFitter to like 'rithmetic.
Being completely realistic, CrossFit math is the hardest math of all to master. All of us CFers are effing math geniuses! We are able to do math even when all the blood has rushed from our brains to shore up our working muscles. Oh sure, sometimes we need four or five of us to figure out how much weight was actually loaded on a bar, or how many reps we could actually add together if one movement was a 4to1 count, or how many rounds of hell we just completed if we forgot to mark them during the WOD, but so what! Team building is an important practice in life.
Plus, we love to test each other by pretending not to know how much the weight plates add up to so our buddy can solve that equation. We really are quite good to each other.
 |
| true that! |
Flutterings are felt every day at the beginning of a WOD yet you continue to show up.
The CF gym is a safe place to lie in a heap on the floor post-WOD, 'let go' and breathe.
+
The 3 Rs
Reading: one must r e a d e v e r y w o r d of the daily WOD to get it right (Who knew my early reading method would come in handy!)
'Riting: jotting down results in your log book (I don't have to get all 'deep' when I write things down...especially if I put them on my MyWOD app on my phone :) )
'Rithmetic: being able to figure out all sorts of equations in your head while staring at the weighted barbell (Thankfully this is a visual process, although I can and often do use my fingers. Being a grown up, I no longer care who sees me counting on them. I can usually get to this answer by myself, but if I can't, I know I can rely on my fellow genius CrossFitters!)
The moral of this blog:
SCHOOL REALLY IS COOL...be a lifelong learner!
8.13.2013
adaptability
adaptable: capable of being or becoming
This word has been showing up in many different ways lately. The fact that is has been showing up multiple times is what caught my full attention and directed my thoughts toward what it really means.
Being free enough to be adaptable....being 'capable' of becoming....is a benchmark of forward progress.
Being open enough to be adaptable when a choice or decision you've made proves to be an inappropriate or wrong choice or decision at the moment is the benchmark of forward progress.
Being relaxed enough to be adaptable in the face of discomfort is the benchmark of a person living intentionally with forward progress in mind.
Never mistake adaptability with being fickle.
Being fickle lends itself to the implication that one keeps choosing changes in order to stay in an emotional/physical state of comfort and order.
Being adaptable implies a person is able to go wherever 'the flow' may take them in order to achieve the ultimate life experience.
Embrace life experience, no matter how messy it can be at times!
This word has been showing up in many different ways lately. The fact that is has been showing up multiple times is what caught my full attention and directed my thoughts toward what it really means.
Being free enough to be adaptable....being 'capable' of becoming....is a benchmark of forward progress.
Being open enough to be adaptable when a choice or decision you've made proves to be an inappropriate or wrong choice or decision at the moment is the benchmark of forward progress.
Being relaxed enough to be adaptable in the face of discomfort is the benchmark of a person living intentionally with forward progress in mind.
Never mistake adaptability with being fickle.
Being fickle lends itself to the implication that one keeps choosing changes in order to stay in an emotional/physical state of comfort and order.
Being adaptable implies a person is able to go wherever 'the flow' may take them in order to achieve the ultimate life experience.
Embrace life experience, no matter how messy it can be at times!
7.30.2013
it's all Games
CrossFit Games.
The Big Show.
The Effin' HUGE Carrot at the end of another year of training.
Done.
I'm done my second year at the Games.
It was fanfrickintastic!
Last year the Masters Comp went on at the same time as the Individuals and, being my first year, I was pretty star struck by all the elite names in CrossFit walking around everywhere.
This year, 2013, the Masters Comp was before the Individual Comp started, so my focus was more on my fellow competitors. We had time to just hang out a little more, get better acquainted with old friends and meet more new ones. It was awesome.
My age group, the Masters Women 55-59yrs were having a great time together from the start. Lots of goofing around while waiting in the 'corral' to be led onto the field, plenty of hugs and high fives, and just a general desire for everyone to do well. Truly wonderful.
From the qualifying Open in March to the Games in July, I trained hard and was pushed farther by my coach, John McEvoy, than I thought possible. Yeah, I even cursed him out on more than one occasion.
"WTF, he must think I'm 30 or something.
I'm lifting too heavy.
Too much volume.
Yada yada yada."
I not so secretly loved it all. :)
I'm 57 and he had me doing WODs with 185# deadlifts. I mean, I LOVE that! The confidence I gained in myself as an athlete will stick with me long beyond this year's experience.
The Games WODs were heavier and harder this year.
The excitement and positivity were awesome.
I left for CA and The Games wanting to enjoy the experience, giving all the WODs everything I had, and leave knowing I had done just that. Mission accomplished!
A little snapshot:
The one heat I won...and of course I'll show you this one :) ... is the link below:
push-drag-pull: heat 1
Overall, I ended up in 8th place. My goal was top 10, so I'm a happy competitor!
Not only was John with me in CA, but my daughter (and John's wife), Sara McEvoy, was also there. It was great to have them both with me. If they were nervous for me, they hid it well, which benefited me. :)
Shout out has to go to my gym, CrossFit Beacon. Their continued support and shared joy in this adventure we all call "life" is phenomenal!
Feeling a little antsy after getting home to ME, (it was jokingly said by Chris Spealler, CrossFitter extraordinaire, "what do I do with all this fitness?") I spent almost 5 hours doing yardwork the next day. Mistake. My arms and hands were junk afterward. Didn't do much of anything the next couple of days. Then today, a little more functional fitness: only 9 holes of golf, but I was exhausted!
Easing back into everything, but not coming to a dead stop.
Ultimately, the Games are a great venue for the sport side of CrossFit, but even without those to shoot for, there are so many goals to work toward. I still plan on keeping up my training blog despite having different goals for my training now. It all keeps me moving ahead!
And hell, training to be kickass at life is no small task! :)
The Big Show.
The Effin' HUGE Carrot at the end of another year of training.
Done.
I'm done my second year at the Games.
Last year the Masters Comp went on at the same time as the Individuals and, being my first year, I was pretty star struck by all the elite names in CrossFit walking around everywhere.
This year, 2013, the Masters Comp was before the Individual Comp started, so my focus was more on my fellow competitors. We had time to just hang out a little more, get better acquainted with old friends and meet more new ones. It was awesome.
My age group, the Masters Women 55-59yrs were having a great time together from the start. Lots of goofing around while waiting in the 'corral' to be led onto the field, plenty of hugs and high fives, and just a general desire for everyone to do well. Truly wonderful.
From the qualifying Open in March to the Games in July, I trained hard and was pushed farther by my coach, John McEvoy, than I thought possible. Yeah, I even cursed him out on more than one occasion.
"WTF, he must think I'm 30 or something.
I'm lifting too heavy.
Too much volume.
Yada yada yada."
I not so secretly loved it all. :)
I'm 57 and he had me doing WODs with 185# deadlifts. I mean, I LOVE that! The confidence I gained in myself as an athlete will stick with me long beyond this year's experience.
The Games WODs were heavier and harder this year.
The excitement and positivity were awesome.
I left for CA and The Games wanting to enjoy the experience, giving all the WODs everything I had, and leave knowing I had done just that. Mission accomplished!
A little snapshot:
The one heat I won...and of course I'll show you this one :) ... is the link below:
push-drag-pull: heat 1
Overall, I ended up in 8th place. My goal was top 10, so I'm a happy competitor!
Not only was John with me in CA, but my daughter (and John's wife), Sara McEvoy, was also there. It was great to have them both with me. If they were nervous for me, they hid it well, which benefited me. :) Shout out has to go to my gym, CrossFit Beacon. Their continued support and shared joy in this adventure we all call "life" is phenomenal!
Feeling a little antsy after getting home to ME, (it was jokingly said by Chris Spealler, CrossFitter extraordinaire, "what do I do with all this fitness?") I spent almost 5 hours doing yardwork the next day. Mistake. My arms and hands were junk afterward. Didn't do much of anything the next couple of days. Then today, a little more functional fitness: only 9 holes of golf, but I was exhausted!
Easing back into everything, but not coming to a dead stop.
Ultimately, the Games are a great venue for the sport side of CrossFit, but even without those to shoot for, there are so many goals to work toward. I still plan on keeping up my training blog despite having different goals for my training now. It all keeps me moving ahead!
And hell, training to be kickass at life is no small task! :)
7.02.2013
mastering movement
Just over three years ago I started my CrossFit "lifestyle".
Day 1 WOD:
Tabata air squats, holding the squat in the 10sec rest = trying to look casual walking to my car with rubber legs
Day 2 WOD:
Wallball/kettlebell/rowing triplet = completely hooked but holding onto my 'escape clause'
Day 3 WOD:
2K row = remember saying aloud "this will be so much easier when I don't have to reach over my belly!"
Obvie loved it.
Got used to icing my knee after every WOD until I realized I was no longer doing that. My knees got better because my rubber legs got stronger through movement.
The thought of NOT moving around as a CrossFitter anymore became a foreign, almost scary thought.
Rowing became noticeably smoother as my belly decreased in size.
As a coach at CrossFit Beacon, I have been able to help other people through the early stages of their own CrossFit lifestyle. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to watch athletes of all abilities light up when they begin mastering a movement that leads them to a PR (personal record) of any variety: faster or stronger or a new skill.
Now, while I love working with all age groups and abilities, I really love working with 'my' Masters (45yrs+). Almost 6mths old now, the Masters Class began with three sisters, one of whom I kept popping in on at her job and asking not "if" but "when" she wanted to give it a try. She and her sisters started together in January and while one stopped due to various life circumstances, the other two have become the steadfast anchors to the Masters Class.
We now have two Masters Classes (am and pm) that each meet three days/week. Along with fellow Beacon coach, Tyson, we work with Masters who show up each class to be able to master movement more comfortably each day.
They have various levels of joint issues to work around, but they still show up because they know we will be able to modify and scale the workouts to accommodate their needs while still challenging their muscles to get stronger. They're getting fitter, losing weight, gaining strength, having fun!
They share their PRs not just by the increases in weights they can lift, or how much faster their 500m row is, but by how much better they move outside of the gym....by how much better they move in life!
After only a couple months in, one of the Masters shared, "I picked up my 55# dog for the first time last night."
One of the Masters athletes did not like the thought of getting down on the ground for sit ups when she first started as she was worried she couldn't get up because of some wrist issues. Now she is up and down all the time because she has mastered how to modify her movements around her wrist issues.
Some other "aha" moments of proof they are mastering movement are:
"For the first time in years, I was able to not only put my own snow tires in the back of my car after they got changed out, but I just tossed them in!"
"I walked up the stairs normally this weekend. I haven't done that in a long time. I always had to stop both feet on one stair."
"I'm able to garden again."
THIS is mastering movement for the pure and simple reason of enjoying a more functionally fulfilling life.
It's great to see athletes PR on lifting and sprints and skills, but the ability to simply move, which most of us take for granted, is pure functionality brought to you by the practice of 'whole body' movement.
It's absolutely inspiring to see what these Masters athletes do. They may bitch and moan about the WODs like we all do...in fun :) ...it's what CrossFitters do...but they show up, do the work, and are therefore able to notice these awesome changes in their daily lives.
As a side benefit, the Masters athletes are really inspiring to Beacon as a whole. I know they don't even realize this!
The Beacon community of athletes often comment on how they love seeing the Masters athletes come in each week. They show this appreciation by being truly wonderful with them. They are encouraging and supportive, with one member, Scott, even holding up his iPhone for music for them during WODs before we had the speakers in the lower gym.
What these Masters athletes do weekly, despite whatever physical issues they may have, is awesome. They do it for themselves but others benefit from just seeing them work at mastering their own ability to move better!
Day 1 WOD:
Tabata air squats, holding the squat in the 10sec rest = trying to look casual walking to my car with rubber legs
Day 2 WOD:
Wallball/kettlebell/rowing triplet = completely hooked but holding onto my 'escape clause'
Day 3 WOD:
2K row = remember saying aloud "this will be so much easier when I don't have to reach over my belly!"
Obvie loved it.
Got used to icing my knee after every WOD until I realized I was no longer doing that. My knees got better because my rubber legs got stronger through movement.
The thought of NOT moving around as a CrossFitter anymore became a foreign, almost scary thought.
Rowing became noticeably smoother as my belly decreased in size.
As a coach at CrossFit Beacon, I have been able to help other people through the early stages of their own CrossFit lifestyle. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to watch athletes of all abilities light up when they begin mastering a movement that leads them to a PR (personal record) of any variety: faster or stronger or a new skill.
Now, while I love working with all age groups and abilities, I really love working with 'my' Masters (45yrs+). Almost 6mths old now, the Masters Class began with three sisters, one of whom I kept popping in on at her job and asking not "if" but "when" she wanted to give it a try. She and her sisters started together in January and while one stopped due to various life circumstances, the other two have become the steadfast anchors to the Masters Class.
We now have two Masters Classes (am and pm) that each meet three days/week. Along with fellow Beacon coach, Tyson, we work with Masters who show up each class to be able to master movement more comfortably each day.
They have various levels of joint issues to work around, but they still show up because they know we will be able to modify and scale the workouts to accommodate their needs while still challenging their muscles to get stronger. They're getting fitter, losing weight, gaining strength, having fun!
They share their PRs not just by the increases in weights they can lift, or how much faster their 500m row is, but by how much better they move outside of the gym....by how much better they move in life!
After only a couple months in, one of the Masters shared, "I picked up my 55# dog for the first time last night."
One of the Masters athletes did not like the thought of getting down on the ground for sit ups when she first started as she was worried she couldn't get up because of some wrist issues. Now she is up and down all the time because she has mastered how to modify her movements around her wrist issues.
Some other "aha" moments of proof they are mastering movement are:
"For the first time in years, I was able to not only put my own snow tires in the back of my car after they got changed out, but I just tossed them in!"
"I walked up the stairs normally this weekend. I haven't done that in a long time. I always had to stop both feet on one stair."
"I'm able to garden again."
THIS is mastering movement for the pure and simple reason of enjoying a more functionally fulfilling life.
It's great to see athletes PR on lifting and sprints and skills, but the ability to simply move, which most of us take for granted, is pure functionality brought to you by the practice of 'whole body' movement.
It's absolutely inspiring to see what these Masters athletes do. They may bitch and moan about the WODs like we all do...in fun :) ...it's what CrossFitters do...but they show up, do the work, and are therefore able to notice these awesome changes in their daily lives.
As a side benefit, the Masters athletes are really inspiring to Beacon as a whole. I know they don't even realize this!
The Beacon community of athletes often comment on how they love seeing the Masters athletes come in each week. They show this appreciation by being truly wonderful with them. They are encouraging and supportive, with one member, Scott, even holding up his iPhone for music for them during WODs before we had the speakers in the lower gym.
What these Masters athletes do weekly, despite whatever physical issues they may have, is awesome. They do it for themselves but others benefit from just seeing them work at mastering their own ability to move better!
5.27.2013
meaningful
"Meaningful" is what all three Memorial Days I have experienced since beginning CrossFit are to me. I confess to not fully connecting with the day's truth prior to CF.
My dad and dad-in-law were both in the Navy. I had a few friends who had served in some capacity. But once I began CrossFit, I began meeting a large number of people who had served or are serving our country in any one of the branches of the military. More contact with the military via people I've met has, for me, helped deepen the meaning of Memorial Day.
CrossFitters WOD. It's what we do.
CrossFit's philanthropy as a community begins with a WOD.
CrossFit thrives on honoring its military personnel and reaches far out in other ways, most of them surrounding a number of health issues, and some closer to each gym's home by helping someone in their own community in a multitude of ways. It's one of the hidden truths about CrossFit as a community and a truth that creates an unspoken greater connection to members of a gym. Community focus nurtures community strength. Regardless of what the target of the philanthropy is or to what the honor of a great WOD is being given, CrossFitters attack the WODs with a depth and intensity that is inspiring.
"Murph" is the Hero WOD that is synonymous with Memorial Day.
Whether done scaled by reps to half, done with modified movements, or done 'as prescribed', it's always an amazing sense of accomplishment to finish it. It's a small tribute we, as CrossFitters, can do to honor fallen heroes, so we do it.
Knowing it's impossible not to think of the fallen soldier, Michael Murphy, for whom CrossFitters WODded today, they've honored him and others in a most humbling way.
Congratulations all who have ever completed "Murph", today or any other Memorial Day.
"Murph"
For time:
1 mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
1 mile Run
In memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.
This workout was one of Mike's favorites and he'd named it "Body Armor". From here on it will be referred to as "Murph" in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.
Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Start and finish with a mile run. If you've got a twenty pound vest or body armor, wear it.
My dad and dad-in-law were both in the Navy. I had a few friends who had served in some capacity. But once I began CrossFit, I began meeting a large number of people who had served or are serving our country in any one of the branches of the military. More contact with the military via people I've met has, for me, helped deepen the meaning of Memorial Day.
CrossFitters WOD. It's what we do.
CrossFit's philanthropy as a community begins with a WOD.
CrossFit thrives on honoring its military personnel and reaches far out in other ways, most of them surrounding a number of health issues, and some closer to each gym's home by helping someone in their own community in a multitude of ways. It's one of the hidden truths about CrossFit as a community and a truth that creates an unspoken greater connection to members of a gym. Community focus nurtures community strength. Regardless of what the target of the philanthropy is or to what the honor of a great WOD is being given, CrossFitters attack the WODs with a depth and intensity that is inspiring.
"Murph" is the Hero WOD that is synonymous with Memorial Day.
Whether done scaled by reps to half, done with modified movements, or done 'as prescribed', it's always an amazing sense of accomplishment to finish it. It's a small tribute we, as CrossFitters, can do to honor fallen heroes, so we do it.
Knowing it's impossible not to think of the fallen soldier, Michael Murphy, for whom CrossFitters WODded today, they've honored him and others in a most humbling way.
Congratulations all who have ever completed "Murph", today or any other Memorial Day.
"Murph"
For time: 1 mile Run
100 Pull-ups
200 Push-ups
300 Squats
1 mile Run
In memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.
This workout was one of Mike's favorites and he'd named it "Body Armor". From here on it will be referred to as "Murph" in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.
Partition the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed. Start and finish with a mile run. If you've got a twenty pound vest or body armor, wear it.
5.21.2013
own your choices
My gym, CrossFit Beacon, is in the middle of its second nutrition challenge. We not only support each other with our fitness goals, we understand that nutrition is part of our overall health. And damn if we are going to let life's *free radicals* win over our bodies and our health!
You've got to pay up to stay up!
Which leads me to this post...
I've been struggling with this post mainly because I've been struggling with my anger toward a friend of mine who refused to admit....for years....even after watching my own steady progress from 'general wellness, but fat' toward 'overall fitness' during my last three years as a CrossFitter...that she was physically falling apart but continued to honestly avoid doing anything about it.
So, even at the chance she'll read this post and feel betrayed, how do I stay quiet about this? My anger has been giving way to the reality that her situation is not mine to own. She asked for my help for a little while, but I couldn't make her do the work. I couldn't make her change her eating habits. I couldn't make her stick with anything. That is hers to own.
Part of the issue of not wanting to get to the bottom of things with outside help surrounded finances. Enter, update needed in the health care system of our country. Truth.
That said, let me just say, we all make choices on how we spend our money. Spending money on our health before spending money on unneeded consumer products SHOULD be a no-brainer.
Cut to now, life has irrevocably changed for my friend. Years of self-denial and fear of speaking the truth about just how bad things were inside her deteriorating body, life will now consist of adjusting to a world governed by a wheelchair. But more importantly, I'm still not seeing/hearing responsibility for this result.
This is what I struggle with more than anything for her.
The glaring lack of responsibility.
We all need to own our choices.
Do bad things happen? Yes.
Can all bad things be avoided? No, not always.
People can make all the right choices for themselves and still get sick, be in accidents, have setbacks. Ultimately, being responsible for the climb out of the 'setback' is choosing to fight for one's health, even if it's in a 'new normal' state, as opposed to just giving into it and expecting everyone else to be responsible for it.
But to repeat what everyone should have heard a zillion times, all we really have is our health. If we don't choose to be responsible for our health because we are afraid of changing what we know, what we are comfortable with, what might be hard work, then just know that those are your choices.
Own them.
I am forever grateful that I was willing to overcome my fear and self-consciousness about CrossFit.
That was three years ago this month. It changed my outlook about myself, my abilities, my joy of life....and I didn't think I could feel more joyous about life before I started being more intensely pro-active about my health!
Living well and in a healthful state allows me the freedom to just be in the present in such a richer way. Honestly, just knowing that being in a state of fitness (refer to chart!) sets me ahead of the curve should I have any sort of health setback. I love that. I also appreciate that I can live well until I die. Period. That makes each day so damned good!
For me, CrossFit has been my perfect choice toward my own health. Do I think CrossFit is for everyone? Yes. But not everyone feels the same way (visualize annie scratching her head here), so those people still need to find what works for them.
There is better than "wellness", there is "fitness".
Own your choices!!
You've got to pay up to stay up!
Which leads me to this post...
I've been struggling with this post mainly because I've been struggling with my anger toward a friend of mine who refused to admit....for years....even after watching my own steady progress from 'general wellness, but fat' toward 'overall fitness' during my last three years as a CrossFitter...that she was physically falling apart but continued to honestly avoid doing anything about it.
What this means:
"Oh, I can figure this out myself. I've researched__________ (fill in the myriad of treatments/reasons for being overweight/unfit) on the internet and this is all I need to do."
I heard that for years. For a while, like anything in the early stages of demise, things would work on a short term basis. Then BAM, something else would happen.So, even at the chance she'll read this post and feel betrayed, how do I stay quiet about this? My anger has been giving way to the reality that her situation is not mine to own. She asked for my help for a little while, but I couldn't make her do the work. I couldn't make her change her eating habits. I couldn't make her stick with anything. That is hers to own.
Part of the issue of not wanting to get to the bottom of things with outside help surrounded finances. Enter, update needed in the health care system of our country. Truth.
That said, let me just say, we all make choices on how we spend our money. Spending money on our health before spending money on unneeded consumer products SHOULD be a no-brainer.
Cut to now, life has irrevocably changed for my friend. Years of self-denial and fear of speaking the truth about just how bad things were inside her deteriorating body, life will now consist of adjusting to a world governed by a wheelchair. But more importantly, I'm still not seeing/hearing responsibility for this result.
This is what I struggle with more than anything for her.
The glaring lack of responsibility.
We all need to own our choices.
Do bad things happen? Yes.
Can all bad things be avoided? No, not always.
People can make all the right choices for themselves and still get sick, be in accidents, have setbacks. Ultimately, being responsible for the climb out of the 'setback' is choosing to fight for one's health, even if it's in a 'new normal' state, as opposed to just giving into it and expecting everyone else to be responsible for it.
But to repeat what everyone should have heard a zillion times, all we really have is our health. If we don't choose to be responsible for our health because we are afraid of changing what we know, what we are comfortable with, what might be hard work, then just know that those are your choices.
Own them.
I am forever grateful that I was willing to overcome my fear and self-consciousness about CrossFit.
That was three years ago this month. It changed my outlook about myself, my abilities, my joy of life....and I didn't think I could feel more joyous about life before I started being more intensely pro-active about my health!
Living well and in a healthful state allows me the freedom to just be in the present in such a richer way. Honestly, just knowing that being in a state of fitness (refer to chart!) sets me ahead of the curve should I have any sort of health setback. I love that. I also appreciate that I can live well until I die. Period. That makes each day so damned good!
For me, CrossFit has been my perfect choice toward my own health. Do I think CrossFit is for everyone? Yes. But not everyone feels the same way (visualize annie scratching her head here), so those people still need to find what works for them.
Just frickin' find it.
Do something. There is better than "wellness", there is "fitness".
Own your choices!!
4.25.2013
balance
So much has been happening in a seesaw like fashion lately.
In my life.
In my house.
In my friends' lives.
In the world.
The energetic imbalance began just recently during the CrossFit Open.
The CrossFit Open is five weeks devoted to living, breathing, planning around 5WODs that will get you to the Regionals or, for us Masters, directly to the Games in July. It's hard not to get thrown off balance during this time. It's hard not to remember there is more than this going on around you. Basically, as much fun as this five week period can be, it's a long time to be forced out of a regularly scheduled time at the gym, which is about the only part of CrossFit that is rarely 'varied'. That, in turn, throws everything else off just enough to feel 'out of sorts'.....a little snarky.
CrossFit, on a normal day, is all about what you CAN do.
The Open ends up being what you CAN'T do.
The good news is, the CAN do outlook is what encourages thousands of CrossFitters to put themselves and their fitness levels on the line for 5 weeks to test their hard work.
The even better news is, finding out what they CAN'T yet do is what encourages those thousands of CrossFitters to go after new goals and conquer their weaknesses.
They renew their quest for balance.
During those 5 weeks, however, it's a little hard to remember that feeling of balance!
Balance is peaceful. It doesn't mean you've reached perfection in every area and become static. It means that you are working on parts of your whole being and, for me at least, it creates a feeling of peacefulness...the balance between moving around physically and mentally creates a forward flow of energy. When that flow is interrupted, everything becomes an exhausting effort.
Being able to balance out the interruptions and keep them in perspective is a behavior worth practicing. Sometimes things that happen around you (the Boston Marathon bombings) are less tangible...mental balance. Other things that happen to you (an illness/injury) are immediate...physical balance. Practicing balance keeps so much in perspective.
 |
| Nothing like a 40yr old Bongo Board to remind you of balance! |
3.26.2013
dames v dudes
Really? There are differences between dames and dudes? Shocker!
Sometimes I envy the ability of guys to detach from their emotional/dame side.
I'm on the periphery of drama on a day to day basis in large part because enough years separate me from most of the people I'm around. It's a natural distance.
That said, being a woman, I can still let certain moments/happenings affect me too much at times. Usually what affects me are 'issues' that require more maturity from someone or that require a person be in less need of being stroked by others. I believe "bitch slap" is what comes to mind when I'm around another person playing out those issues. Not very compassionate, I know. I dislike in myself that I can't always just let these moments go...kind of makes me want to "bitch slap" myself!
Men don't even see 'issues'. If they do, they are lucky enough to have mastered the fine art ofglazing over detachment! :)
Some differences of perspective in the dames v dudes worlds, however, are just seemingly innate and with little chance of change. Yes, even for those dames who like to think they are carefree and low maintenance!!
The post below is one I originally posted a year ago, and with the onset of Spring and the reduction of the layers of clothing that we CrossFitters are wearing to our gyms, I thought it an appropriate re-post. Dames and dudes become one unified group in a WOD, but that only happens once inside the doors of the gym!!
the gender gap
I certainly hope I'm not disclosing any deep secrets coveted by my sisterhood, but...
men and women enter into each day of their CrossFit experience with such different outlooks.
Men throw on some clothes, grab a water bottle of some sort, and show up. Sure, some of you guys might give a thought or two to what shirt you want to wear. If you do, it's likely because it's some bright color, a bawdy saying that you are SURE will get the conversation flowing toward provocative innuendos, or it's a new one you just got for your escapades outside of CF. If, however, that shirt is hangin' out in the laundry pile, you'll shrug your shoulders, grab another shirt, and go.
Women, on the other hand, plan. We think about comfort and function. We think about our asses...aka, *Do these pants make my butt look big?* [Of course, we all know CF women want big butts, but not because of a poor cut of their pants. :) ] We think about what bra to wear...especially those women who know they'll rip off their shirts in the middle of a WOD. We think about what shirt to wear based on what goes well with the pants chosen for the day. We think about the WOD (for those of us lucky enough to know ahead of time) and how the choice of clothes will move during that WOD. Oh yeah, it's tough not to plan. It's COD before the WOD. [I'm guessing you can figure out what COD means! ;) ]
Then, men and women alike go to their respective boxes. Men, as I said, show up. Women walk in, tug at their clothes, adjust their bra straps, and go look at the whiteboard to double check their outfit choice.
3-2-1 GOOO. Rowers start humming, equipment gets tossed around, burpees get done, chalk dust flies through the air, weight plates clunk onto the floor, and the time clock shows an end to the WOD. Men and women alike lay a few sweat angels down on the mats, chalk grime pools in the creases in everyones' hands or end up as handprints all over clothes, hair reverts to *bed-head* status with a sheen of well-earned moisture, chatter and laughter rise up over the music, and all these post-WOD people who are on the floor have become just that, people. Not men, not women in their CF *outfit* of the day, just people who all got a little fitter and a little happier for doing so. This is where the gender gap closes. In the end, I suppose women could learn a lot from our male CF counterparts....pick something and go. It won't matter after an hour anyway. It's just material to prevent us from being arrested for indecent exposure and sop up a little sweat. But still, if there are burpees in the WOD, there will always be some thought put into the pants a woman chooses that day.
originally posted: 4-12
Sometimes I envy the ability of guys to detach from their emotional/dame side.
I'm on the periphery of drama on a day to day basis in large part because enough years separate me from most of the people I'm around. It's a natural distance.
That said, being a woman, I can still let certain moments/happenings affect me too much at times. Usually what affects me are 'issues' that require more maturity from someone or that require a person be in less need of being stroked by others. I believe "bitch slap" is what comes to mind when I'm around another person playing out those issues. Not very compassionate, I know. I dislike in myself that I can't always just let these moments go...kind of makes me want to "bitch slap" myself!
Men don't even see 'issues'. If they do, they are lucky enough to have mastered the fine art of
Some differences of perspective in the dames v dudes worlds, however, are just seemingly innate and with little chance of change. Yes, even for those dames who like to think they are carefree and low maintenance!!
The post below is one I originally posted a year ago, and with the onset of Spring and the reduction of the layers of clothing that we CrossFitters are wearing to our gyms, I thought it an appropriate re-post. Dames and dudes become one unified group in a WOD, but that only happens once inside the doors of the gym!!
the gender gap
I certainly hope I'm not disclosing any deep secrets coveted by my sisterhood, but...
men and women enter into each day of their CrossFit experience with such different outlooks.
Men throw on some clothes, grab a water bottle of some sort, and show up. Sure, some of you guys might give a thought or two to what shirt you want to wear. If you do, it's likely because it's some bright color, a bawdy saying that you are SURE will get the conversation flowing toward provocative innuendos, or it's a new one you just got for your escapades outside of CF. If, however, that shirt is hangin' out in the laundry pile, you'll shrug your shoulders, grab another shirt, and go.
Women, on the other hand, plan. We think about comfort and function. We think about our asses...aka, *Do these pants make my butt look big?* [Of course, we all know CF women want big butts, but not because of a poor cut of their pants. :) ] We think about what bra to wear...especially those women who know they'll rip off their shirts in the middle of a WOD. We think about what shirt to wear based on what goes well with the pants chosen for the day. We think about the WOD (for those of us lucky enough to know ahead of time) and how the choice of clothes will move during that WOD. Oh yeah, it's tough not to plan. It's COD before the WOD. [I'm guessing you can figure out what COD means! ;) ]
Then, men and women alike go to their respective boxes. Men, as I said, show up. Women walk in, tug at their clothes, adjust their bra straps, and go look at the whiteboard to double check their outfit choice.
3-2-1 GOOO. Rowers start humming, equipment gets tossed around, burpees get done, chalk dust flies through the air, weight plates clunk onto the floor, and the time clock shows an end to the WOD. Men and women alike lay a few sweat angels down on the mats, chalk grime pools in the creases in everyones' hands or end up as handprints all over clothes, hair reverts to *bed-head* status with a sheen of well-earned moisture, chatter and laughter rise up over the music, and all these post-WOD people who are on the floor have become just that, people. Not men, not women in their CF *outfit* of the day, just people who all got a little fitter and a little happier for doing so. This is where the gender gap closes. In the end, I suppose women could learn a lot from our male CF counterparts....pick something and go. It won't matter after an hour anyway. It's just material to prevent us from being arrested for indecent exposure and sop up a little sweat. But still, if there are burpees in the WOD, there will always be some thought put into the pants a woman chooses that day.
originally posted: 4-12
3.16.2013
you know it's Spring when....
As a CrossFitter in the Maine, you know Spring is on its way when outdoor running starts showing up in the WODs. There still needs to be weather contingencies for those odd days in late March ->on when it's hailing or snowing, but that's our reality. What's great is that warm ups can include more running outside and slowing are the days when 'run 8 lengths of the gym' are in the WOD.
All of this is said with some excitement, and therefore inner amazement, for I dislike running. Of course, I dislike it because it's one of those movements that makes me feel out of shape, no matter what kind of shape I'm in! When I run, I feel like running through molasses. My feet want to go, my head and heart tell me to go, but connecting the dots is a game I'm still practicing!! Nonetheless, there's a certain satisfaction after completing a WOD that has had multiple running components/rounds in it. Part of it may just be that we can be outside for parts of our workouts. Part of it may be because we have such a limited time outside in Maine...well, unless you're an AVID runner who really couldn't care less what the weather is, you bundle up and get out there to pack on your daily mileage. Or perhaps part of it is also that, by Spring, we like to add some new movement into our weekly WODs...constantly varied and all!
All I know is that I am a CrossFitter in Maine, it's mid March, and we have begun to have 400m warm up runs. I'd say Spring is just around the corner. The break from running has been good, but now it's time to swing open a door or two!!
When I begin believing this -->>
then I won't have to wait for
Spring!!
All of this is said with some excitement, and therefore inner amazement, for I dislike running. Of course, I dislike it because it's one of those movements that makes me feel out of shape, no matter what kind of shape I'm in! When I run, I feel like running through molasses. My feet want to go, my head and heart tell me to go, but connecting the dots is a game I'm still practicing!! Nonetheless, there's a certain satisfaction after completing a WOD that has had multiple running components/rounds in it. Part of it may just be that we can be outside for parts of our workouts. Part of it may be because we have such a limited time outside in Maine...well, unless you're an AVID runner who really couldn't care less what the weather is, you bundle up and get out there to pack on your daily mileage. Or perhaps part of it is also that, by Spring, we like to add some new movement into our weekly WODs...constantly varied and all!All I know is that I am a CrossFitter in Maine, it's mid March, and we have begun to have 400m warm up runs. I'd say Spring is just around the corner. The break from running has been good, but now it's time to swing open a door or two!!
When I begin believing this -->>
then I won't have to wait for
Spring!!
3.12.2013
forgive me....
...I know my form sucked!
That's how I felt after Open WOD 13.1.
After I had a chance to recover.
After I reviewed my output.
After I stopped shuddering and feeling mildly embarrassed.
Forgive me Beacon athletes, because I know my form sucked.
This is the first competitive, balls to the wall moment that some of my athletes whom I coach have seen me in. They've seen me as an athlete because we WOD together in class side by side. In class, I'll won't let my form and technique go too far eschew...well, within the limits of their current level of form and technique!
This time, in the last few minutes of 13.1, I knew I had to get those 75# snatches up. Of the 13 I got, I can honestly say there were only about 4 that felt pretty good at that point, which means my form must have been close. Better form, better lifts...that's always the goal. The rest were efforts that I was happy are over and no videos to review. I don't need them. I could feel the disconnect I was going through.
At my CrossFit Level 1 Certification course, our instructors talked about competition being a different moment in time with movement. They were saying that as hard as we try to keep form, we have to allow for a little "slop" to occur when we compete and are exhausted. From a coaching standpoint, cue the best you can to your athlete, but know that it may not change form. They were saying its inevitable for most of us. This never seemed anything other than fact. But then, I had not yet been in a position as coach/athlete until now.
I knew there were people watching who are the same people whose form and technique I coach and cue. During those moments, that never left my head. Yet at the same time, I knew I needed to get those suckers up. Dave was reminding me of my form, which helped, but I still couldn't quite execute in part because I couldn't breathe deep enough to get a good set on the bar, butt down, chest up. CRAP! Okay, so eff it, I'm still going to get that bar up because every rep counts.
Yeah, as I said, it was a little embarrassing. It was also a surprise. I feel I have a responsibility as a coach. At the same time, in that moment, I had a "job" to do. So while I keep working on my own form and technique, I will still coach and cue the best I can so my athletes will continue to get better and stronger.
I'm guessing there may be repeat moment of technique breakdown during the 4 remaining Open WODs, so please, Beacon Peeps, feel free to yell coaching cues at me mid-WOD!! JUST DO IT!
And in the meantime, forgive me because I know my form sucked! :)
That's how I felt after Open WOD 13.1.
After I had a chance to recover.
After I reviewed my output.
After I stopped shuddering and feeling mildly embarrassed.
Forgive me Beacon athletes, because I know my form sucked.
This is the first competitive, balls to the wall moment that some of my athletes whom I coach have seen me in. They've seen me as an athlete because we WOD together in class side by side. In class, I'll won't let my form and technique go too far eschew...well, within the limits of their current level of form and technique!
This time, in the last few minutes of 13.1, I knew I had to get those 75# snatches up. Of the 13 I got, I can honestly say there were only about 4 that felt pretty good at that point, which means my form must have been close. Better form, better lifts...that's always the goal. The rest were efforts that I was happy are over and no videos to review. I don't need them. I could feel the disconnect I was going through.
At my CrossFit Level 1 Certification course, our instructors talked about competition being a different moment in time with movement. They were saying that as hard as we try to keep form, we have to allow for a little "slop" to occur when we compete and are exhausted. From a coaching standpoint, cue the best you can to your athlete, but know that it may not change form. They were saying its inevitable for most of us. This never seemed anything other than fact. But then, I had not yet been in a position as coach/athlete until now.
I knew there were people watching who are the same people whose form and technique I coach and cue. During those moments, that never left my head. Yet at the same time, I knew I needed to get those suckers up. Dave was reminding me of my form, which helped, but I still couldn't quite execute in part because I couldn't breathe deep enough to get a good set on the bar, butt down, chest up. CRAP! Okay, so eff it, I'm still going to get that bar up because every rep counts.
Yeah, as I said, it was a little embarrassing. It was also a surprise. I feel I have a responsibility as a coach. At the same time, in that moment, I had a "job" to do. So while I keep working on my own form and technique, I will still coach and cue the best I can so my athletes will continue to get better and stronger.
I'm guessing there may be repeat moment of technique breakdown during the 4 remaining Open WODs, so please, Beacon Peeps, feel free to yell coaching cues at me mid-WOD!! JUST DO IT!
And in the meantime, forgive me because I know my form sucked! :)
3.06.2013
when you have to
Confession: competition is not my focus in CrossFit.
There, I said it...and on the day the 2013 CF Open begin!
I love coaching CrossFit because it's such a positive environment.
It's healthy.
It's hard.
It's fun.
It's keeps us from becoming complacent.
It's challenges our bodies.
It's humbling.
It's measured in realistic steps.
It's community at its best.
It's raw.
It's inclusive.
It's about possibilities.
It's life changing.
Reality is, however, competitions in CrossFit are part of the experience. On a day-to-day basis, it's good to offer RX and scaled divisions in competitions put on by gyms.
It accommodates all levels of CrossFitters, of which there are always plenty.
And competitions challenge you to reach deep and see what you are truly capable of.
When you have to do a particular movement in a competition, you usually find a way. Not always at the first one, but you know you have to work for that movement for another chance.
For the CF Open, the *sport* of CF is at the forefront. It's all RX for completion. Even still, HQ finds a way for it to be inclusive, usually by starting with lower wts or putting the harder, more technical movements at the end of the couplet or triplet. Everyone can work toward the full sport participation, and that's what is tested here.
Two years ago I had not done a toes to bar until two days before one of the Open WODs. 20min AMRAP of: 5PCs/10 T2B/15WBs
PCs, check
4+1+1+1 T2B....then 17 1/2mins trying to get those last three to move on to the WBs. People giving me helpful cues to no avail. Total humiliation/frustration.
This was a valuable experience for me.
I learned that even in a 'black hole' of the moment, I would not give up trying. I also learned that if I wanted to get better, I had to add a little work on my own. Prior to that moment, that was not a part of my CF experience. So I added a little work on my own.
Cut to the Open WOD in 2012 with T2B...check.
Skill work is really quite fun. Sometimes mundane, but ultimately fun because all you need is that one moment when technique and time and patience align and BAM, the movement feels fluid and successful. FUN!
My daughter, Lissa , said that she learned pistols soooo fast last year because her team from CrossFit Brigade qualified in the 2012 Open for Regionals and there were pistols in a WOD, she had to learn...and fast. Without that movement in a competition, she may still have floundered on them for a lot longer. When she had to, she dug deep and BAM~pistols!
Back to my original statement, competition is not my CrossFit focus.
I hired a coach this year because I wanted to see how far I could go as an athlete, particularly at my age. I really didn't have any other reasoning behind this decision. Then I got a little side lined because of a surgery in late September. From that, I had to refocus/restructure my execution on some particular movements due to nerve weakness, but I did. I also had to really refocus/restructure my mindset about it all, but I did. My coach helped me with this too, and I liked having part of my weekly WODs programmed for me.
All the while I "had" to forgo some NE comps that I did the previous year and had fun at, but I was not fully back yet. I was kind of secretly happy I had that excuse.
Cut to the 2013 Open starting today. I am nervous and excited and scared and ready as I'll ever be. I'm ready to compete...chest cold be damned!! :) It truly is in competition that we see where we are and what we have in us.
CrossFit is always throwing the unknown at us. Some of the most elite CrossFitters may have all their shit together, but the majority of us go out, do the best we can, hope that there are not too many movements outside our wheelhouses, and feel accomplished being able to share the competitive energy with our gyms and the world for these five weeks.
Some move on, some don't. But one thing we all share is that when we have to, we can learn things/do things we didn't know were possible the day before. Competition brings that to the forefront.
So good luck to everyone participating in the 2013 CF Open.
It's okay if competition is not your main CrossFit focus.
But you'll find that it certainly adds to the CrossFit experience.
And when you have to, you'll dig in deeper than you ever thought possible.
There, I said it...and on the day the 2013 CF Open begin!
I love coaching CrossFit because it's such a positive environment.
It's healthy.
It's hard.
It's fun.
It's keeps us from becoming complacent.
It's challenges our bodies.
It's humbling.
It's measured in realistic steps.
It's community at its best.
It's raw.
It's inclusive.
It's about possibilities.
It's life changing.
Reality is, however, competitions in CrossFit are part of the experience. On a day-to-day basis, it's good to offer RX and scaled divisions in competitions put on by gyms.
It accommodates all levels of CrossFitters, of which there are always plenty.
And competitions challenge you to reach deep and see what you are truly capable of.
When you have to do a particular movement in a competition, you usually find a way. Not always at the first one, but you know you have to work for that movement for another chance.
For the CF Open, the *sport* of CF is at the forefront. It's all RX for completion. Even still, HQ finds a way for it to be inclusive, usually by starting with lower wts or putting the harder, more technical movements at the end of the couplet or triplet. Everyone can work toward the full sport participation, and that's what is tested here.
Two years ago I had not done a toes to bar until two days before one of the Open WODs. 20min AMRAP of: 5PCs/10 T2B/15WBs
PCs, check
4+1+1+1 T2B....then 17 1/2mins trying to get those last three to move on to the WBs. People giving me helpful cues to no avail. Total humiliation/frustration.
This was a valuable experience for me.
I learned that even in a 'black hole' of the moment, I would not give up trying. I also learned that if I wanted to get better, I had to add a little work on my own. Prior to that moment, that was not a part of my CF experience. So I added a little work on my own.
Cut to the Open WOD in 2012 with T2B...check.
Skill work is really quite fun. Sometimes mundane, but ultimately fun because all you need is that one moment when technique and time and patience align and BAM, the movement feels fluid and successful. FUN!
My daughter, Lissa , said that she learned pistols soooo fast last year because her team from CrossFit Brigade qualified in the 2012 Open for Regionals and there were pistols in a WOD, she had to learn...and fast. Without that movement in a competition, she may still have floundered on them for a lot longer. When she had to, she dug deep and BAM~pistols!
 |
| A flash from the past: 3/2011 Lissa and I got our CF L1 certs together! |
Back to my original statement, competition is not my CrossFit focus.
I hired a coach this year because I wanted to see how far I could go as an athlete, particularly at my age. I really didn't have any other reasoning behind this decision. Then I got a little side lined because of a surgery in late September. From that, I had to refocus/restructure my execution on some particular movements due to nerve weakness, but I did. I also had to really refocus/restructure my mindset about it all, but I did. My coach helped me with this too, and I liked having part of my weekly WODs programmed for me.
All the while I "had" to forgo some NE comps that I did the previous year and had fun at, but I was not fully back yet. I was kind of secretly happy I had that excuse.
Cut to the 2013 Open starting today. I am nervous and excited and scared and ready as I'll ever be. I'm ready to compete...chest cold be damned!! :) It truly is in competition that we see where we are and what we have in us.
CrossFit is always throwing the unknown at us. Some of the most elite CrossFitters may have all their shit together, but the majority of us go out, do the best we can, hope that there are not too many movements outside our wheelhouses, and feel accomplished being able to share the competitive energy with our gyms and the world for these five weeks.
Some move on, some don't. But one thing we all share is that when we have to, we can learn things/do things we didn't know were possible the day before. Competition brings that to the forefront.
So good luck to everyone participating in the 2013 CF Open.
It's okay if competition is not your main CrossFit focus.
But you'll find that it certainly adds to the CrossFit experience.
And when you have to, you'll dig in deeper than you ever thought possible.
2.24.2013
multi-aged
I had just finished munching on some broccoli and chicken at Beacon when Laurence stopped by to say hi and get in a little row. Right before I had to go coach class, I turned to him and asked:
"Do I have food in my teeth?"
"Probably. I don't have my glasses on."
Thanks, darlin', thanks.
There are benefits to hanging around with people my own age. None of us can see well, our hearing is not what it used to be, and we really don't give a shit about as much as we used to. There's a lot of bliss at our age.
It's equally good to hang around with younger people. They can see. They can hear a whole lot more. And because they haven't yet learned that all the little shit they worry about is not that important in the big scheme of things, not much gets by them. They tend to keep you on your toes.
Hanging around a wide variety of people, of course, is the best.
I was once told by a very close friend who was older that I am that it's important to have a multi-aged group of friends and acquaintances. She was saying it from the perspective of her advanced age:
"If you have younger friends, then when all your older friends start dying, you'll still have friends around you."
Good argument. :)
Before beginning CrossFit, most of my friends were within my age bracket.
CrossFit automatically brings people of all ages into your life. It's one of the aspects of it that I think I appreciate the most. Walk through the door of any CrossFit and your age, occupation, gender, and, sooner-rather-than-later-or-you-don't-last, your ego are left outside your gym. What then happens is a bunch of human beings who all happen to have the same fitness focus connect with each other through sweat, laughter, hard work, and shared goals.
This then turns into friendships and deeper relationships than is usual when you are out of college and in the work world. Meeting people of all ages who become friends is an added gift of CrossFit...camaraderie though classes and then the gab sessions afterward. The younger learn from the older, the older learn from the younger. By the time the outside lives start becoming part of the conversations, there are no barriers, just people being with people. Glorious.
CrossFit enhanced my world by making it broader and richer than it was, in large part because of the multi-aged group of fun fitness freaks!
After Laurence left and before I headed to the upper gym to coach, I took a quick look in the bathroom mirror to make sure I didn't have broccoli hanging out of my teeth. I was, after all, about to enter a room with some younger people who could see broccoli in my teeth from the other side of the gym!
I'll always give a shit about food in my teeth, even if I live with a man who can't see it.
"Do I have food in my teeth?"
"Probably. I don't have my glasses on."
Thanks, darlin', thanks.
There are benefits to hanging around with people my own age. None of us can see well, our hearing is not what it used to be, and we really don't give a shit about as much as we used to. There's a lot of bliss at our age.
It's equally good to hang around with younger people. They can see. They can hear a whole lot more. And because they haven't yet learned that all the little shit they worry about is not that important in the big scheme of things, not much gets by them. They tend to keep you on your toes.
Hanging around a wide variety of people, of course, is the best.
I was once told by a very close friend who was older that I am that it's important to have a multi-aged group of friends and acquaintances. She was saying it from the perspective of her advanced age:
"If you have younger friends, then when all your older friends start dying, you'll still have friends around you."
Good argument. :)
Before beginning CrossFit, most of my friends were within my age bracket.
CrossFit automatically brings people of all ages into your life. It's one of the aspects of it that I think I appreciate the most. Walk through the door of any CrossFit and your age, occupation, gender, and, sooner-rather-than-later-or-you-don't-last, your ego are left outside your gym. What then happens is a bunch of human beings who all happen to have the same fitness focus connect with each other through sweat, laughter, hard work, and shared goals.
This then turns into friendships and deeper relationships than is usual when you are out of college and in the work world. Meeting people of all ages who become friends is an added gift of CrossFit...camaraderie though classes and then the gab sessions afterward. The younger learn from the older, the older learn from the younger. By the time the outside lives start becoming part of the conversations, there are no barriers, just people being with people. Glorious.
CrossFit enhanced my world by making it broader and richer than it was, in large part because of the multi-aged group of fun fitness freaks!
After Laurence left and before I headed to the upper gym to coach, I took a quick look in the bathroom mirror to make sure I didn't have broccoli hanging out of my teeth. I was, after all, about to enter a room with some younger people who could see broccoli in my teeth from the other side of the gym!
I'll always give a shit about food in my teeth, even if I live with a man who can't see it.
2.12.2013
if PRs were easy.....
...then everyone would be doing them...all the time...every trip to the gym...every interchange with a self-centered dumbass (aka kindness PR)...every refocus on nutrition...every meal cooked...every relationship entered into...
PRs (personal records) are relatively plentiful at the beginning of any new venture. I think that's what's dubbed "the honeymoon period". It's euphoric and energizing and confidence-building. It's why we continue on in that venture. Enjoy it. Remember it. Refer to it when things begin to get fuzzy. Then continue on. Keep going.
When the obvious PRs start waning, CELEBRATE! Celebrate that you have gotten stronger; realized you don't have to have the last word; learned to prioritize what's important to your sanity; have become willing to try something new if the old way hasn't/no longer works for you; have become open to self-examination.
Those are PRs that are definitely celebration worthy!
When people lift heavy shit in the gym, do they really expect to PR EVERY TIME they lift, for months/years to come? Lots do. Some days, however, they just won't. Some days their strength has been spent in other ways. That doesn't mean it has been a wasted or unsuccessful day. It just means they are stronger than they were a week ago/a month ago/a year ago so PRs are harder to come by. That they can go to the gym and still be lifting means they are not injured and are still appreciating the benefits of their hard work. Hmmm, why wouldn't you CELEBRATE that? I would. I do. I try to enjoy it, remember it, refer to it when things begin to get fuzzy.
If you look back from your vantage point today and notice changes in yourself for the positive, then your PRs are evident, no matter how small.
If you look back from your vantage point today and notice no changes in yourself, then kick yourself in the ass and change things up. That would be the best PR you could achieve today!
PRs (personal records) are relatively plentiful at the beginning of any new venture. I think that's what's dubbed "the honeymoon period". It's euphoric and energizing and confidence-building. It's why we continue on in that venture. Enjoy it. Remember it. Refer to it when things begin to get fuzzy. Then continue on. Keep going.
When the obvious PRs start waning, CELEBRATE! Celebrate that you have gotten stronger; realized you don't have to have the last word; learned to prioritize what's important to your sanity; have become willing to try something new if the old way hasn't/no longer works for you; have become open to self-examination.
Those are PRs that are definitely celebration worthy!
When people lift heavy shit in the gym, do they really expect to PR EVERY TIME they lift, for months/years to come? Lots do. Some days, however, they just won't. Some days their strength has been spent in other ways. That doesn't mean it has been a wasted or unsuccessful day. It just means they are stronger than they were a week ago/a month ago/a year ago so PRs are harder to come by. That they can go to the gym and still be lifting means they are not injured and are still appreciating the benefits of their hard work. Hmmm, why wouldn't you CELEBRATE that? I would. I do. I try to enjoy it, remember it, refer to it when things begin to get fuzzy.
If you look back from your vantage point today and notice changes in yourself for the positive, then your PRs are evident, no matter how small.
If you look back from your vantage point today and notice no changes in yourself, then kick yourself in the ass and change things up. That would be the best PR you could achieve today!
 |
| definitely celebration worthy! |
 |
| my kids, my favorite PR! |
 |
| Laurence and me, another fav PR |
 |
| becoming "Oma" and enjoying the PR of my daughter! |
2.03.2013
sleep again
There's always lots of talk about recovery in relation to the demands of CrossFit. General suggestions are: lots of water, protein, 1-2 rest days, mobility. What I usually forget to mention is SLEEP! Sleep is the ultimate recovery. Sleep also tends to be extremely overlooked when it comes to health.
One reason I set a goal for 2013 to be better about my time management was so that I could create a habit of 'shutting down' earlier in the evening and getting more sleep. So far, not so good. :/ Remembering I had written about this once before, I am re-posting as a reminder...
WE NEED SLEEEEEEP!
******************************************
4-23-12
sleep
Sleep. It can be a seductive embrace that holds you all night. It can also be a seductive embrace that quickly morphs into an ornery toddler. There is little, if any, indication as to which personality you'll be dealing with when you lay your head down on the pillow each night. Well, at least not for a middle-ager like me.
Sleep. It's perhaps the most restorative aide we can give our bodies and our minds. It allows for the day's barrage of physical movement and mental stimulation to dissipate and dissolve. If we are lucky, we dream colorful dreams. If we are even luckier, we just sleep.
Sleep. It's one area of 'training' that CrossFitters and other movers and shakers know is completely necessary for optimum gains. It's one area of 'training' that often gets overlooked because we are used to overlooking its importance. We know we need it, but our tendency is to cut into our sleep time in order to have an extra hour or two so as to have time for other things. If our time management was better.......
Sleep. It needs to take a priority. Oh, how I want it to take a priority! Sometimes, like today after having a double session of WODding and not sleeping well last night, I want to know that sleep will embrace me all night. I will take what I can get and be happy with that. I also know that if I could turn off my brain alllllll night, I would not have an issue falling back to sleep should I wake up when I stir.
Sleep. It sounds so delicious when you think about it in the middle of the afternoon when all you really want is to close your eyes for an hour. It also sounds delicious when we think of the comfie mattress, soft pillows, and perfect sheets.
Sleep. It feels so great after a long busy day to be able to relax into your mattress and drift off, ever hopeful.
Sleep. Here's hoping that tonight, everyone gets embraced instead of trounced on by that ornery toddler!
One reason I set a goal for 2013 to be better about my time management was so that I could create a habit of 'shutting down' earlier in the evening and getting more sleep. So far, not so good. :/ Remembering I had written about this once before, I am re-posting as a reminder...
WE NEED SLEEEEEEP!
******************************************
4-23-12
sleep
Sleep. It can be a seductive embrace that holds you all night. It can also be a seductive embrace that quickly morphs into an ornery toddler. There is little, if any, indication as to which personality you'll be dealing with when you lay your head down on the pillow each night. Well, at least not for a middle-ager like me.
Sleep. It's perhaps the most restorative aide we can give our bodies and our minds. It allows for the day's barrage of physical movement and mental stimulation to dissipate and dissolve. If we are lucky, we dream colorful dreams. If we are even luckier, we just sleep.
Sleep. It's one area of 'training' that CrossFitters and other movers and shakers know is completely necessary for optimum gains. It's one area of 'training' that often gets overlooked because we are used to overlooking its importance. We know we need it, but our tendency is to cut into our sleep time in order to have an extra hour or two so as to have time for other things. If our time management was better.......
Sleep. It needs to take a priority. Oh, how I want it to take a priority! Sometimes, like today after having a double session of WODding and not sleeping well last night, I want to know that sleep will embrace me all night. I will take what I can get and be happy with that. I also know that if I could turn off my brain alllllll night, I would not have an issue falling back to sleep should I wake up when I stir.
Sleep. It sounds so delicious when you think about it in the middle of the afternoon when all you really want is to close your eyes for an hour. It also sounds delicious when we think of the comfie mattress, soft pillows, and perfect sheets.
Sleep. It feels so great after a long busy day to be able to relax into your mattress and drift off, ever hopeful.
Sleep. Here's hoping that tonight, everyone gets embraced instead of trounced on by that ornery toddler!
1.29.2013
dare to be scared
Many people in my life, many things in my life are changing right now. I couldn't be more happy about this! Change may be inevitable, as the saying goes, but there is a general resistance to allow it. Consequently, when it does occur, the power from the energy that it takes to undergo change ripples out far beyond the initial source.
Be change.
Allow change.
Support change in others.
Let change end in failure.
Let change win over people.
Believe in yourself enough to change.
Pick change up off the street. :)
Dare yourself to be scared.
What you see as being very scary may be what someone else sees as a little scary.
What you see as a little scary may be what someone else sees a hugely scary.
Dare yourself to be scared and find out what's on the other side of that.
Being resistant to change is easier than being open to it.
If you're resistant, you may have to:
do no work
be in a rut
get stuck in fear
never truly be your whole you
never learn anything new
stay hidden
secretly dislike yourself
If you're open to change you may have to:
do some work
make an effort
be a little uncomfortable
learn a new activity
feel a moment of uncertainty
be less than perfect
find some inner strength
learn something new about yourself
begin to like yourself
appreciate everyone else more
smile, really smile....and often
Dare yourself to be scared. Amazing things can happen.
Be change.
Allow change.
Support change in others.
Let change end in failure.
Let change win over people.
Believe in yourself enough to change.
Pick change up off the street. :)
Dare yourself to be scared.
What you see as being very scary may be what someone else sees as a little scary.
What you see as a little scary may be what someone else sees a hugely scary.
Dare yourself to be scared and find out what's on the other side of that.
Being resistant to change is easier than being open to it.
If you're resistant, you may have to:
do no work
be in a rut
get stuck in fear
never truly be your whole you
never learn anything new
stay hidden
secretly dislike yourself
If you're open to change you may have to:
do some work
make an effort
be a little uncomfortable
learn a new activity
feel a moment of uncertainty
be less than perfect
find some inner strength
learn something new about yourself
begin to like yourself
appreciate everyone else more
smile, really smile....and often
Dare yourself to be scared. Amazing things can happen.
1.24.2013
thought bubbles
The CrossFit Games Open, 2013, is right around the corner. In fact, registration opens next week. I am hoping to qualify again as I would love to take another trip out to CA.
That said, it makes me nervous as hell. It's actually harder this year than last year. In 2011 I missed the cut by one spot. Having made it in 2012, then doing well at the Games, I feel more pressure. I'm reminding myself to keep those thoughts at a distance...stop them all together if that's possible. Biggest take from last year is that all I can do is the best I've got on any given day, and that I had a blast from the start of the Open to the end of the Games. That is what I need to focus on.
So much of what we do on any given day is easier or harder because of our own mental attitude toward it. Pretty sure this is not a new concept! Still, we have an uncanny ability to get in our own way, blocked by those "thought bubbles" that swirl around us. They are just airy bubbles. Blow them away! And DO NOT let anyone else's thought bubbles invade your territory. Blow those away even faster!!
Conceptually, this sounds easy. Reality? Some days we'd be hyperventillating trying to blow them all away. Those are the days to reposition oneself...head up, chest up, deep breath, and just know...know that you will have the best day you can have for that day. Not every day is going to be the same. Not every day will be perfect. Not everyday will be the worst. It's just a day...another day to experience.
Yeah, not so easy, but like everything we do, this needs practice. My focus is on practicing this as the Open gets closer. It's always fun, but in a twisted sort of way. I want to try to keep the twists out of it this year.
Course, that said, it doesn't help when I go to my coach's blog and he has that damn CrossFit Games Open countdown pic on the side of his entries. I can't blow hard enough to get that off my computer screen!
That said, it makes me nervous as hell. It's actually harder this year than last year. In 2011 I missed the cut by one spot. Having made it in 2012, then doing well at the Games, I feel more pressure. I'm reminding myself to keep those thoughts at a distance...stop them all together if that's possible. Biggest take from last year is that all I can do is the best I've got on any given day, and that I had a blast from the start of the Open to the end of the Games. That is what I need to focus on.
So much of what we do on any given day is easier or harder because of our own mental attitude toward it. Pretty sure this is not a new concept! Still, we have an uncanny ability to get in our own way, blocked by those "thought bubbles" that swirl around us. They are just airy bubbles. Blow them away! And DO NOT let anyone else's thought bubbles invade your territory. Blow those away even faster!!Conceptually, this sounds easy. Reality? Some days we'd be hyperventillating trying to blow them all away. Those are the days to reposition oneself...head up, chest up, deep breath, and just know...know that you will have the best day you can have for that day. Not every day is going to be the same. Not every day will be perfect. Not everyday will be the worst. It's just a day...another day to experience.
Yeah, not so easy, but like everything we do, this needs practice. My focus is on practicing this as the Open gets closer. It's always fun, but in a twisted sort of way. I want to try to keep the twists out of it this year.
Course, that said, it doesn't help when I go to my coach's blog and he has that damn CrossFit Games Open countdown pic on the side of his entries. I can't blow hard enough to get that off my computer screen!
1.03.2013
be a friend
2013.
Who can possibly come up with the best, most memorable advice/observation/profundity for this new year? You know EVERYone is trying. Yes, even me. Not all of mydamn, someone beat me to it winning entries have made it to the keyboard. Some are still stuck in *thought bubbles* over my own head.
What I realized this morning as I was reading a lot of insights about goals for 2013 is that the most important goal we can set out for ourselves...in my omnipotent opinion of course :)...is that we be great friends all year.
Easy to be a good friend, right?
Listen.
Be kind.
Show respect.
Spend quality one on one time.
Embrace imperfections as individual beauty.
The hard part is executing those actions toward oneself, which is exactly where I challenge everyone to direct those actions.
Be a friend to yourself.
Succeed at that and every other goal will find its home.
Perhaps the most meaningful quote I've ever read addressing that concept is:
"If we treated our friends the way we treat ourselves, we wouldn't have very many friends."
2013.
Be your own best friend.
Appreciate and enjoy.
Take care of yourself physically and emotionally.
Create a vortex of positive energy around yourself.
Let go of the notion that you need to please everyone.
Breathe and lighten up.
Be kind.
In turn, all of this will ripple out to those around you...best side effect ever!!
Have a great year (re)discovering yourself.
Who can possibly come up with the best, most memorable advice/observation/profundity for this new year? You know EVERYone is trying. Yes, even me. Not all of my
What I realized this morning as I was reading a lot of insights about goals for 2013 is that the most important goal we can set out for ourselves...in my omnipotent opinion of course :)...is that we be great friends all year.
Easy to be a good friend, right?
Listen.
Be kind.
Show respect.
Spend quality one on one time.
Embrace imperfections as individual beauty.
The hard part is executing those actions toward oneself, which is exactly where I challenge everyone to direct those actions.
Be a friend to yourself.
Succeed at that and every other goal will find its home.
Perhaps the most meaningful quote I've ever read addressing that concept is:
"If we treated our friends the way we treat ourselves, we wouldn't have very many friends."
2013.
Be your own best friend.
Appreciate and enjoy.
Take care of yourself physically and emotionally.
Create a vortex of positive energy around yourself.
Let go of the notion that you need to please everyone.
Breathe and lighten up.
Be kind.
In turn, all of this will ripple out to those around you...best side effect ever!!
Have a great year (re)discovering yourself.
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