Welcome Sign

Think for a minute... Would you hire yourself? Would you make a point to greet yourself? What sign are you hanging on your door?

Oh how I love these questions God has asked me recently. I got to thinking, am I being welcoming? Approachable? These challenging questions made me see a much larger picture... especially regarding the gym.

Normally there are two types of people in the gym: The type who push each other, work as a group to reach a goal, and are so welcoming. Or there is the group that leaves their headphones in, works better by themselves, and is in beast mode when they hit the door. I have noticed I am a good combination of both these types. I find that when I am in the room with another person who the second type, I am very unlikely to introduce myself or start a conversation. How enlightening is that?

God built my character to strive to inspire others... I've always known that about myself. What I didn't know is that sometimes I show a "Closed" or "Unavailable" sign when I am working out. Lets just say I did not like what He was trying to tell me. Its very hard to inspire, motivate, and push others to reach their goals is your welcome sign isn't out.

#Rolloutyourwelcomesign
#Strivetoinspire
#Godisgood

Summer Recovery: SOS

About a month and a half ago I came down with mono, the week I was crowned to be exact. I then spent my sick summer relaxing and eating fair food when I was at events... Because I am still feeling wiped out and no motivation to get back in my fitness program, I decided I should just make my own plan according to MY goals and needs. My fitness journey really is not about anyone else other than me, anyways.

Obviously using my favorite journal and pens (Thank you, TJ Maxx).

I started with my goals... What do I want from this program?

Then planned out steps to take action.

Thought about my favorite supplements and decided which were going to help along with my goals. Disclaimer: IF you are not eating clean and exercising, supplements will not do their jobs fully.

I wrote out what I really need to drink more of and what I am going to allow.. Coffee..(for the safety of the people who have to interact with me) and one cheat meal per week.

There was a "Come to Jesus moment" when I had to ask myself why I fail to do this daily now. I came to the conclusion that I am simply unprepared.

"SO prepare or expect to fail."
Tomorrow I start my 3 Day Detox. Pretty positive the saying is "Anyone can quit anything for 5 days..." but 3 works too!

Here's to the next few days of getting back on a lifetime fitness journey. Tell me your favorite ways to jump back on the Gain-Train! #fairgainzgottago

Apple Dumpling

Saturday was one eventful day in Atwood for the Apple Dumpling Festival. Miss Atwood, Miss Cerro Gordo and myself all were involved in judging and emceeing the baby pageant. Always a lot of fun working with other royalty! That afternoon we had the parade (the first parade for Moultrie Douglas Royalty). Thanks to my sweet driver for sweating it out and eating candy with me! And big thanks to my little miss's mom, Sondi, for doing my hair and being the photographer for the day.

Next up: Cheese Festival, Arthur

What I Wish I Would Have Known

     "If what others say about you don't directly match up with what God says about you, then it is a lie."

     God says we are valuable, restored, and forgiven. This was so enlightening. I wish I would have known this much sooner.
      I had two choices every time I was hurt by others: I could feed off negativity and question who I was or to brush it off remembering that it's one opinion that doesn't compare to who I really am. It doesn't compare to what my creator knows or thinks about me.
     I remember starting every first day of high school dreading what was to come. I soon realized its all about the attitude you have. Instead of dreading everyday and just waiting for those four years to end, make the most of your time by doing what makes you happy.
     Here's to my next two years in the PTA program and to everyone who is kicking off their school year this week!
       

Miss Moultrie Douglas

Wow! What an honor and surprise to receive Miss Congeniality and Miss Moultrie Douglas. Here are some pictures from my reign so far.

Feeling like I can't take anymore fair food. Loving my Little and Jr. Miss so much. Meeting so many amazing people. Ready to make irreplaceable friendships. Looking forward to bonding with my director over dresses, ice cream, and preparation for state.

 Cannot thank my parents enough for the support day in and out, love through stressful moments, and taking this journey with me. Love you to the moon and back!

Date Night

TJ Maxx top

Holister skinnies (rolled)

Payless Cheetah flats 

Arm candy from #momscloset

Perks of being in college and still getting to live at home: sharing closet with mom. 

We loved the Little Theaters show, Wizard of Oz, last night!

Squat Every Day

Recently I just finished Cory Gregory's program: Squat Every Day. This program made me go from dreading leg day, to waking up and not being able to wait until I got under the squat rack again.

What amazed me the most, apart from the major change in mind set, was the physical progress. The program is four weeks. Although you squat every day, you still hit chest and back, shoulders, ect. Each day there is a change in squat variation (front squat, back squat, deep squat hold, and much more).

Progress:
Back squat max week 1: 175
Back squat max week 4: 225

Measurements week 1: 36.0 inches
Measurements week 4: 37.5 inches


Link to Corys program on bodybuilding and videos.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/cory-gregory-squat-every-day.html

Before


After