Tag: balance

hustle

It’s All a Blur

2chicksandapen

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Yup, this week was a blur. That’s all I can say.

Wait! I lied. My week was so jam packed and full of chaos that the week appears like a blur but it was, in fact, amazingly crazy good!

When I say amazingly crazy you might roll your eyes or say that just doesn’t make sense but in my world it makes perfect sense. You see, I run a busy household with three active kids, I run a couple of small businesses, I have a full-time career, I am a workout junkie putting in six days a week, and I write as in this blog or I’m working on my next book series and that doesn’t include all the Mom duties that are not really clearly defined on most days. Crazy busy, right?

The irony of my crazy blurred life is I thrive in the chaos. Some of my best moments, my brilliant ideas or my good fortune come at the most inopportune times. For some that is hard to digest but for others they see the effort I put in when most are not watching. It really is simple if you have too much time your mind is idle and it wanders. I stay so busy that I have no idle time, lending my focus to the tasks at hand which I dominate.

Here is a glimpse at my week’s fitness milestones that I somehow accomplished during my chaotic work/family/life week:

I did my first GHDs. And those glutes and hams were on fire! I was inspired by my gym pal Geovanna.

I ran a mile in less than 10 minutes which is indeed a PR for me….BOOM! I had been working up to this for a long time and I finally made it after my WOD when I was tired so I know I am capable of improving.

I started working with a new nutrition coach after taking a few weeks off on my own. Change can be scary but with the right mindset most can overcome the fear. I’ll post a nutrition follow up in 12 weeks with my results.

I mastered one-leg, alternating-leg, and double unders on the jump rope without any hiccups in transition. This was an amazing way to end the week. My coach wants me to work on this movement and I put in my tabata today as a start. #goalgetter

Just when I thought my workout week couldn’t get any better I opted to go with a friend to her pilates class after my Saturday morning workout that was nothing less than brutal. I didn’t think about it. I just went and did it. My body was fatigued but welcomed the change in movements and pace. After the session was done I can truly say it was amazing. I didn’t love it like I love CrossFit but I enjoyed the change of pace and my body reacted well to the change. #newexperiences

On the family front: this week I got to bond with each kid in their own special way. Each one at a different age, facing different challenges, yet they are all plugging away at their own pace. They are living life. One is in the athlete/boy crazy phase, one is mastering the transition to adulthood/working and one is honing his entrepreneurial skills and planning the future. All looks bright for each today although each has had to overcome obstacles to get where they are right now and if I have taught them anything, they know life will be full of many more obstacles ahead. Teach perseverance vs entitlement. It’s a much needed mindset in today’s competitive world.

Get it done factor: in addition to daily workouts, I unloaded two freight trucks this week to cover for the guys that were on a job site managing a large rollout for one of my companies. This got me a double workout two days this week and some shifty eyes for doing what is perceived as a man’s job. Hmmmm…some people sure do underestimate the power of a woman and I sure do like to point that out when an opportunity appears! #girlswholift #strongmind #strongbody

Girlbossin’ with some hustle flair is one of my favorite traits to share with the world. This is a lesson in small business: you wear many hats. This week I had to wear the manual labor hat and I rocked it, but sometimes it’s the technical hat, the collections hat or whatever else needs to get done.

A glimpse at the professional side this week:

I conducted a large webinar training on regulatory changes, trained an adult group on suicide prevention in person, launched a big project successfully, started working on a large RFP, and balanced all of the other mundane tasks that float across my desk in a regular week. My mental clarity and strong will helped me push through.

As I wind down this post, I will share that hard work pays off. It is pretty simple. When you put consistent effort into something, results follow. This simple equation follows those in business, those in sports, and those on a self-improvement track. It really is simplicity and dedication that helps overcome obstacles. It’s not being lucky. If you want to be lucky play the lottery. I put in work to see results, so I know I earned what comes my way.

Remember, you control your destiny. Only you. You have to be you for you. Nobody is going to make you successful. You are the only one with that capability.

Unfortunately, I see people each week who either whine about working too hard, not getting a raise that they feel is due, or just waiting for direction vs. seizing the moment and opportunities in front of them. I shake my head and move on. Until people see their value and understand how to harness their unique qualities they sit in a comfort zone, one which will never have them testing their limits.

Where do you fit in? Are you a mover and shaker who gets it done each day with self motivation and drive or are you a sit on sidelines and wait for somebody to put you into the action? One who needs to follow a duties list to be productive?

Each of the above has its place in the world, I guess. For me, I play to win each day in whatever game is front of me. Most days the game of life includes a form a chess, some bouncing around like hopscotch, some sprints, some team building or counseling at work and/or home, growth plans, and some kind of math or brain teaser. Every day is full of different challenges and that’s what I enjoy the most.

Just when the fun winds down, the pillow is not far off. Sleep and repeat. And don’t underestimate the sleep aspect. Getting 8 hours of consistent sleep makes the following day easy peasy. Your brain needs time to rest as does your body and spirit.

Not sure where to go in life? Start with a notebook and set some simple goals. Attain those goals and reach for the next new and more lofty goals. If you never hold yourself accountable you will stay in the same boring place in life and most likely feel trapped.

Get up. Get going. Create your path. You will inspire others along the way. And age should never be a barrier. You can start in your teens, twenties, thirties, forties and so on.

If this post helps you find your personal sunshine, drop me a note. I love hearing from my readers near and far.

-KT

#2chx #inspireothers #goalgetter #girlboss #hustle #hustleandmuscle #CrossFit #pilates #newexperiences #health #worklife #professional #family #mindset #productive #weekinthelife

perspective

3:33 am

2chicksandapen

Yes, it is 3:33 am as I look at my phone. Why am I on my phone at this hour?

If I wake up in the middle of the night, I check my phone. As random as it sounds, I check for many reasons. For starters, I have an adult child who travels and sometimes there is a late night text from him. It feels good to let him know I’m there even if it’s just a simple one word answer.

Next, there is a friend who battles insomnia so again, just a quick reply does wonders when they are battling so much more than me at this hour. There is also the teen child who doesn’t seem to have a normal sleep pattern currently that I need to check on to make sure all is as good as it can be.

And then there is the unknown: when somebody may need something. An undefined emergency of some sort.

What does that mean? Well, tonight an online acquaintance, a female friend I don’t see everyday, a connection in my life, shared a brutally honest post about her pain and struggles. I felt a calling to offer hope through positive action at that moment without hesitation. Fortunately I wasn’t the only one there for her but then I thought to myself: not everyone has that same network, do they? I may be the only one to hear that voice.

Offering hope is simple. It’s free. It’s not hard to do. It’s just being there for somebody. Showing support in the darkest of times. Uncomfortable? Maybe, but starting these conversations is uncomfortable for most.

We never know when somebody is in a dark space and they can’t see their way out. We need to be avid listeners. We might need to hear the words or read the words one speaks more carefully. Never ignore a cry for help! In today’s digital age, a cry for help doesn’t always come in person or by phone call. A cry may be a post on social media, a comment hidden in a group text, a scar on one’s body, or other visual signs you might find easier to ignore than to inquire about.

Remember, you may be the only person who hears the cry. How you respond may help a person come out of the darkness or may just let them see enough light to fight another day. However, inaction may be tragic.

I watched a video recently about how everyone will ask how somebody is doing if they haven’t posted online for days but nobody notices when someone is struggling in plain sight. Interesting but true. Keep your antennas up and offer hope to anyone who may need it.

Timing is crucial. If you see a sign, don’t hesitate. Being nice can never be frowned upon but living with guilt of inaction can add years of regret to your life.

Being positive and friendly is definitely free but it might be the one thing that can truly benefit a person in need.

Be kind today. Do a good deed. Make conversation with somebody you normally wouldn’t talk to today. Honor my friend in spirit. Be a warrior for her.

We all have the ability to inspire others. If you inspired somebody today, drop us a note so we can celebrate with you. We have the power to impact many through this blog and we want to make an impact on you!

xoxoxoxo to all the warriors who read this blog today, tomorrow and the many days ahead.

perspective

Girl Boss Hits Nashville

2chicksandapen

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I wanted to write a blog post today after a busy business and play week in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a Saturday and although I don’t have time to write per se, I am making time to write. Why write? It is a form of expression and an outlet that I have chosen to share with the world in the most public fashion available to me. And the beauty of this type of writing is nobody is dictating the content or the outcome. It is the pure honesty of this writing that makes it so special.

The internet is my vehicle or means for expressing my words. My creative outlet. My audience is unknown and the acceptance of said writing is up for debate. I’m not publishing my rants on Facebook like some do, rather I’m writing to inspire others right here on our 2 CHX blog. My words are here for those who want to take the time to read and learn about others.

Today, after a hard CrossFit workout, I had a lot on my mind. I reflected on the last week of my life and what was on the horizon for the next couple of weeks and it was important for me to journal my thoughts. Hope you like what I put together.

As we all know, life is full of so many ups and even more downs but how you react to life’s challenges impacts your life path. With that being said we must all learn to take risks. Taking risks requires us to step outside of our comfort zone. For me this past week, I took a big risk and challenged myself professionally by conducting the largest number of in-person trainings I have done in a short four-day period, on the road, living out of a hotel, and juggling all of life’s daily grinds in the background. Just speaking in public can be physically and emotionally draining but to do it repeatedly is definitely a challenge of one’s mind, body and spirit.

While managing a mostly chaotic professional life, I always find time to unwind. Normally this includes time at my CrossFit gym or a gym I visit on my business trips. This week’s schedule didn’t permit for those sweat sessions so I needed alternatives. I was fortunate to link up with friends and family while on the road and enjoy some of what Nashville has to offer. From honky tonks to mural sites I didn’t miss a beat. Great food, great times, and just enough adventuring for me to sleep well and rise to grind another day. Work hard play hard is a necessity in my life.

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I don’t have a typical day in the life but that’s what I like most about my life. The constant change of pace, scenery and people. It fuels my soul. This week on the road I impacted and interacted with hundreds of new faces. People and places I would never have seen had I not taken on this professional opportunity.

I shook hands, I hugged, I smiled and built rapport with some of the most diverse people in four short days. Talk about rewarding! I just filled my emotional tank for the weeks ahead. And all the while I was benefiting, but I was inspiring others too through storytelling. I didn’t think about worst case scenarios, I just rolled up my sleeves and did what I needed to do. One day after another until I could see the finish line.  I attacked each day with fearlessness and was able to enjoy the rewards that followed.

I trusted the process. I made a plan. I worked the plan. I survived and thrived. But now I know I can do it again. And why stop there? Why not up the stakes? Why not?

When we reflect, we learn. Reflection is a part of life. Whether you look in the mirror and see a need to change physically or you think about your life path and see a need to grow as a person, reflection is required.

The road ahead will always be filled with the unknown but that’s the beauty of it all. New challenges, new adventures, new memories, new learning experiences.

Chart your path. Change often. Change should become your new constant as life throws you curve balls. Adapt and roll with the punches. We only get one life to live. Are you living your best life?

Thank you to all the wonderful people that I crossed paths with in Nashville, TN and the surrounding areas. You helped me make memories and I am thankful for the growth experience.

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#girlboss #travels #2CHX #nashville #inspiration #Saturdaysuccessstory #livinglife

fitness and nutrition, friendship

Every Peach Has A Story…

2chicksandapen

My Peach(tree) story began in Atlanta, GA in 1997. I wasn’t a runner but a friend asked me to run the Peachtree. What was the Peachtree? Well it is only the biggest 10k Road Race on the planet. So I did it. No training, just did it. The internet wasn’t so big back then so I don’t even know how long it took me to complete the race. All I know is I conquered the challenge and moved on. I was a one run wonder.

1998 was a new year with new adventures and the Peachtree hype faded in a blink of an eye. I wasn’t a runner, I didn’t grow up in Atlanta and I just didn’t have a fit circle of friends who ran the Peachtree each year. Over the next 20 years, I climbed the corporate ladder, I had a few kids, I raised a child with health issues, and I worked hard at being a mommy and a wife yet something was missing. What was missing? ME time. I learned to prioritize and put everyone around me first, before me! I see this happens to many women (not men) but women. I had tried to lose weight in those years, I tried to live an active lifestyle, I tried and tried but I never made me a priority so failure was always around the corner. How could I be the best version of me and show my kids how to be fearless?

I had to reinvent myself. Some would judge me, some would defriend me, and others would support me. I guess this is where you really find out who your true friends are.  As I make changes in my life, I find myself seeking out new adventures. And with new adventures come new friends. I would meet new friends with similar interest and goals. I had always told my kids and employees that you become what you surround yourself with. And it’s true: spend all your time around negative people, you will be negative. Spend all your time around lazy people, you will be lazy. Spend all your working hours with those comfortable in dead end jobs, you will find yourself right there with them. This isn’t what I wanted in my future. So I changed my scenery. Slowly but surely. Out with the old, in with the new.

Fast forward to December 2015. I found a gal pal who was willing to work out with me consistently at 5:30am at a gym in between our homes. Why so early? We had to go before the kids had to get on the bus so we didn’t take any time away from our husband (hmmm) and then before we had to work (yes we had full-time jobs in addition to being full-time mommies). We pushed each other, we relied on each for accountability and we got in 1-2 hours of gym time 3-5 days a week. This was huge for us. But we were both moms just relying on the internet or friends for workout advice. We met people at the gym that marveled at our consistency and progress but we eventually hit a plateau. We considered kick boxing, a personal trainer, a boot camp but nothing jumped out at us or gave us a spark to change. We finally saw a Facebook ad for Crossfit at a local box for women only in a trial boot camp. We said let’s give it a shot. It was whimsical. We were not in the worst shape when we got there but we certainly were not near the cream of the crop either! And we said holy cow what if we never worked out before we came here? We would have died! Seriously.

For about 6-8 weeks we did core work, we ran, we crawled, we walked, we sweated and we lost our pride over and over and over again. We even learned a new vocabulary. A snatch, an immature squat, a Russian baby maker, and so many more. What started as 30 women got to less than 10 by the end of the time commitment. We were still lifting weights (not really) with a PVC pipe. Is that even a thing? Oh now what to do now? Well we could spend a good amount of discretionary income for the monthly membership and see how we fair. Let’s check in to see what the others are going to do as we liked some of the friends we made. 4 of us opted to stay and give it a go. We were nervous entering the regular class with the “big boys” who all seemed to be friends but we sucked it up and went 3 days a week. We got stronger. At the end of month 1, one of the girls dropped off so we were down to 3 but a new boot camp started and we met the ONLY girl in that boot camp, Sarah. She was just like us before. She really was just like us so we took her under our wings and the new foursome became the best of buds. We again sweat, ran, crumbled but we never quit. We never QUIT. We chipped away at each workout and we cheered for each other along the way. We all had good days and we all had our share of bad days. We scaled the workouts to our abilities and in time we earned our spot in the morning class. Shoutout to my WOD Goddesses below. These friends left the box for the beach this past fall to celebrate life. I remember one guy saying we (the guys) don’t acknowledge you (the girls) until you have been here 6 months. That’s when we know you are committed and are going to stick around. Did he seriously say that? How offensive! I guess when I look back, he did me a favor. He pissed me off so bad that I had to show him that was like flies on shit and I was sticking around and I would make sure the other girls stuck around too just to prove a point. HA to that one guy, SUCK IT! I/we are still here 2 years later at the same box and we are crushing it in our own way every time we come into that box. PR-PR-PR, some might say PR as in personal record but I say PRRRRR as in lady ROAR. Slay all day after you get your WOD in at 630am with the PURE DIVAS. Here we are with our friend #burchie who motivates us each and every week at the box and here at the race.As I reflect, we not only stayed but we conquered our fears and we slimmed down in the process while gaining confidence, friendships, and offering inspirations to others who thought they couldn’t do it. NO matter your shape, your size or your athletic ability, YOU can tackle anything YOU put your mind to. Weight loss, professional aspirations, workout goals, family goals, etc. The playing field may be different but the process is still the same. Commitment, goal setting, and achievement are all common denominators.  Check out the pre-race fun we had in 2017. So what does this all have to do with my PEACH story? EVERYTHING! My Peach story was revived in 2017 when a group from my Crossfit box started talking about running the Peachtree. I did the math and 2017 would be 20 years from the last time I completed the race. HOLY COW! I have to do it. I was feeling pretty good after being at Crossfit for a year and had dropped a good amount of weight, so why not? I got a few of my gal pals to jump in and do it together. There were about five of us who took part in it together. Each of us conquering our own set of challenges to get there and get it done. It was great. We planned for 2018 to keep the momentum going.2017-2018. One year of fitness. Can you see the difference? I can feel the difference. In my energy, in my clothes and in my mind.Now here we are in July of 2018. Life has been full of ups, downs, adventures and memories but through it all our gal pals at the gym have been together pulling for each other. This year there were almost 10 of us attempting to connect for the race and many “others” we knew who would be there racing as well. As I reflect on 2018, I see where I hit the 20 year milestone that has now started the annual event log for my fitness journey. This will be an event that I can continue to attend as long as my body will allow. I will strive to conquer the race and improve my race time each year. From mile 1 to 6.Because age is just a number and I am like a fine wine, aging to perfection. At almost 50 years old, I am now focusing on me. ME! I am committed to eating healthy, working out, and plan to enjoy all that goes along with living a healthy lifestyle. While others turn into couch potatoes at 50, I am working towards FAB at FIFTY. I am proud of my accomplishments thus far and I am excited for what is on the road ahead. I am sure there will be bumps along the way but hopefully this blog post will be one way to hold myself accountable and possibly inspire others who can’t see the finish line in their journey at the current moment. DO YOU, FOR YOU. It’s not to let late to start writing your amazing story!Go find your Peach story and live it. I am a Georgia Peach and live life to the fullest each day. I keep the negators away and find ways to smile each day even if it is at my own expense. Be thankful. Inspire others. Improve communities. #MiniMadness=doublefun#KTV #2CHX #Crossfit #Fitventures #PeachtreeRoadRace #GetMoving #AuthorsBlogToo

balance

The Cray Cray Post

2chicksandapen

It’s been a capital-c CrAAazYyyy week for the 2 Chicks.

Chick 1 has had some teen drama to deal with on the home front. Chick 2 has had teen independence issues of her own this week. Different varieties, still exhausting.

In addition, both Chicks had professional trainings and speaking engagements to manage, on top of running households, parenting our other children, trying to eat healthy, fulfilling our regular work responsibilities, and getting to the gym each day. On most days moms flip roles so frequently that others around can easily take their ability to shift mindsets for granted.

Sometimes, when things get capital-c CrAAazYyyy, people will ask you “who is in your corner?”

We prefer to think in other shapes instead, like circles. We are both lucky to have close inner circles of trusted friends and family who can close in and keep us upright when life is out of balance.  Those circles are filled with people who can connect us with resources, reassure us with their common experiences, or just listen and jump in to do just about anything when needed.  It can also be a web that will catch and support as we find our center again.

This is a mom’s world. A working mom’s world. A community approach to managing life’s daily challenges and this community usually exists behind the scenes of the four walls of our homes.

Of course, as with most thing Chicks, we each have our own twist with our circles.

Chick 1 likes the infinity symbol.  It’s two circles or loops, showing the interconnection of her family, her friends, her co-workers, her mentors, and the loop means the boundaries are limitless.

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Chick 2 sticks with the smaller, more simple circle.  Trust is difficult to give and only a precious few will gain access to her inner circle. It requires deep connection to help her manage her complex world.  But when things go sideways, she is always glad to have those friends to recenter her.

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Maybe your shape is a diamond.  Maybe it’s a pyramid.  Whatever your shape, remember and consider those who make it up carefully.  As we’ve been reminded lately, these central connections play a vital role in keeping our balance – mental, emotional, and social.

#2CHX