Here Comes the Flood

Hello all,

Have you ever been swarmed with so many thoughts you aren't sure how to sort them all out? They don't even have to be bad thoughts, even the good thoughts can be completely overwhelming. I find it interesting to see emotions and the mind interact. I have been on study overload the past two weeks preparing for an exam and now that it is over I feel a flood of thoughts and emotions. This is a usual occurrence for me after a big exam and this time I am hypothesizing why. My first thought is that while I am studying or preparing for a major event, I become very narrow minded in my thinking. I will say to myself and those around me, "Nothing matters right now except preparing for what is ahead. After that I can step back and focus on the other stuff." I am fairly certain this mentality is a result of my type AAA personality. I have to do my best and for me, I always feel my best is focusing 110% on the task at hand. The upside to this is that I am able to focus and the outcome is more favorable for me. The downside, this mentality is exhausting and ends up putting me behind in other areas of my life. My second hypothesis is that I try to separate emotions from my prep. A part of me, maybe the scientist in me, sees emotions as a unnecessary complication on the road to success. The problem, I am human and emotional by design. Emotions are a beautiful things. I am learning to stop suppressing them and to experience them. It allows me to connect with people, get excited, express pain, and live a life of passion. And I intend on living a passionate life.

Honestly, I think that this flood is a combination of all my hypothesizes. I also think that I am starting to see this because I am trying to be more self-aware of myself. I am currently on a journey of self care and self discovery. The second part of this journey of discovering myself is also discovering how to improve myself in a healthy way. So, what's next? I think I need to try and be more intentional with my preparation for exams and events. This is something I have been working on and see an incredible difference in myself. I feel mentally healthier and I am starting to find real joy in my daily lifestyle again. I am finding my passions again. By accepting myself, I can take care of myself. I can live my life with passion.

Honestly, I know I will never have it all figured it out. That's kind of the exciting part. We change, we reevaluate, we work to adapt, and we review, but this process is not so linear. We have so many other contributing factors influencing the process. Those extra pieces to the puzzle just add to the beauty of our lives. 

I realize I wrote from my own perspective but I am hoping you all can gain something from my own journey. I have changed so much in the last few years and I am a healthier person now, a fuller individual. My prayer is that you all find your way a fuller version of yourself. That's why I like to say, "Be the best you." You will never look back and regret being the best you. You are beautiful; you were created by God as a beautiful individual intended to live a full life! He has really been teaching me how to live the life He intended for me and to be who  created me to be. 

Goal-- live a life of passion!!! 

Ready, Set, Go!!!! 

Maisie 

Goal for the Week

Hello all!

Well, I don't usually take the time to blog during the week because I feel guilty for not doing school work but I felt I needed to share this post to set the tone for the rest of my week. Last week was not ideal; I don't want to say it was bad because I did a lot of studying and school work. Unfortunately, doing a lot of work with my studies usually means my workouts suffer the consequences. They suffered badly last week, like, I think I worked out twice. You know though, it is okay! How can I be mad at myself for doing the right thing? I have to study and I have to write my papers. I would not be my best me if I was slacking off! Still, it really bothers me when I have to miss my lifting sessions and my time to release in the gym. This summer, the gym has become a form of therapy for me and I rely on it for the feel good feeling a lot of the time. It's a great, healthy way to lighten my mood which is something I need.

With all that being said, I have a plan for this week that I want to share. I want to post a "week of workouts." Before I go any farther, I have to say that this school week allows me to do this. If I had a test this week, I could not and would not take on this challenge, but as of now and according to my syllabi, I should be able to conquer this. I need to conquer this; I need to do it for myself and my mental toughness. I have planned ahead and working diligently to stay up with my assignments so I am ready. Now, if you are wondering what this "week of workouts" is, let me explain my idea. I feel really great after lifting and my workouts so, naturally, I like to take a picture after to capture my joy and my accomplishment. My roommate picks on me for the selfie overload, but I always respond explaining it is a measure of my progress and a reminder of my accomplishments. So, this week, I plan to work out everyday and take a picture after my work out and I will post them on Friday with a summary blog post.

I have noticed that I have gone backwards in some of my gains I had at the end of summer, but I am going to be gracious with myself. My current goal right now is to learn to become more forgiving and understanding with myself. I am doing the best I can with where I am. Be gentle with yourselves if you are doing your best. Trust the process and your efforts will be rewarded.

I am determined to tackle this week!

So, here is to the week and a week of workouts! I encourage everyone to join if they can!

I thought this photo was appropriate! Haha

Goal-- hit a great workout everyday this week and selfie after! hahaha! Enjoy the week and we will see the end result on Friday!

Ready, Set, GO!!!
Maisie

Friday favorites

Hello all!

Happy happy Friday!!! Honestly, thank you Jesus for making Fridays. I haven't posted in a while and with good reason, I am busy being a college student! Balancing studying, working out, trying to enjoy the people around me, and sleeping can be more than I have time for! 

Today was rough though. I had a huge test and I don't feel good about it. I actually had to sit down and cry about it after taking it. I take my studies very seriously so when I put all my efforts into studying and being prepared; it feels like you get sucker punched when you are taking the test and can not figure problems out or remember a definition. I start to doubt what I am doing and what I am capable of. Honestly, I don't have it all figured out now, but I will get the test back once it's graded and I will have to do better on the next one. It may feel like the world is going to end after a bad grade, but the sun will rise again tomorrow!

So, rather than sitting here crying over the rough day anymore, I decided to make a list of things I am thankful and my favorite things lately. Writing out a list of our favorites and what we are thankful for allows us to pick ourselves up. So, some Friday favorites! 

1. I am thankful the world spins madly on. I am so glad that the sun rises and sets and I get a new day tomorrow! 

Beautiful world...

This picture is the from the Pioneer Woman's instagram. I really enjoy her photography and her recipes! Her food reminds me of home!

2. I am thankful for Fridays! They give me time to get done what I WANT to do. I am going to work out but not have to rush. I am going to sit back and watch a movie! I am going to tired and sleep!

3. My favorite song right now... "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift! Before you judge me, I have been a Taylor Swift since day one and I really like her stance to just be yourself and allow yourself to feel what you are feeling. "Shake It Off" does just that and it's something I can really relate to. I suggest just reading the lyrics through and tell that you not relate to that in small way. So, now you can judge me, but I will just shake it off. ;)  

4. I am thankful for my mom. I say that a lot but it's because I really mean it. She was the first person I called after my test. I bawled and she reminded me of all the good I have ahead of me. She also reminded me to be flexible. Sometimes success is reached in more than one way and I am slowly learning that and becoming thankful for that! 

5. My favorite blog to read: Skinny Minnie Moves. Honestly, her blog is my daily encouragement a lot of days. She is a PA who is also a boss ass bitch in the gym! She is a such an encouragement in all she does and reminds me a lot of myself. Her type A personality and the things she says and I often think, oh my goodness, I would do the same thing. She's my role model for sure and one of those people I hope to meet some day. Skinny Minnie, if you ever read this, I am not a creeper, I swear, you just inspire me to reach my goals! Check out her blog: http://www.skinnyminniemoves.com/

6. My favorite thing I am training right now are shoulders! Unfortunately, lifting days have been slim due to my exam schedule but the few days I have had have been carrying me through! I hit a great shoulder day this week and my delt's are showing it! I have to keep reminding myself to hit the other days just as hard as shoulder day!

 

Look at those shoulders! 

Okay, well that about sums it up! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

Goal-- make a list of some of your favorite things and reflect on them. It really helps! 

Ready, Set, Go!!!

Maisie