Every day I write at least 3 things I'm thankful for.  I believe an attitude of gratitude is important for a healthy mindset.

There are many things I am thankful for - my family, friends, health and doing a business I love. But one thing that might seem strange to be thankful for is ADVERSITY.

Last week I experienced some much needed "pruning."  Being a type A personality I'm always going and had a BIG list to finish by the end of the year.  I was going nowhere in a million directions.  Lucky for me I surround myself with "wise counselors" who tell me the truth.  

Skiing is one of my favorite things to do.  I'm excited to get out there more this winter because it gets me outside and makes me feel like a kid again.Skiing here in Minnesota is fun but going out west to the real mountains is a whole different league.  One of the most challenging things on mountains are mogul hills.

What's better than Proverbs 25:16 right now? It literally says... "When you discover something sweet, don’t overindulge and eat more than you need, for excess in anything can make you sick of even a good thing." We've got a house full of Halloween candy. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and all the holiday treats are about to make their entrance.  It's a perfect storm for overindulging and eating more than you need. If you know me, I NEVER advocate for completely cutting out ALL treats. In fact I coach my clients to eat some "fun foods" each week. The key is to stay within…

1 Corinthians 10:23 says:  “I have the right to do anything, you say—but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything—but not everything is constructive."  This passage is very relevant because today is the first official day of the holiday season.  A holiday season that tends to find us overindulging and doing all the things that are not beneficial or constructive.  It's typically a season where we slide...

Matthew 16:26 says:  "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"  Let me tell you a story, one that completely relates to this passage.

I don't usually post pictures like this. I tend to feel like I'm showing off.  But there is a point so please stay with me.The mantra of "cut your calories and do a lot of cardio" needs to die.  Just because that is the way it's always been done doesn't make it the right way.

Many folks live with a 'good enough" mindset. Good enough is a "half assed" mindset that basically says you do the bare minimum (and even sometimes less than that) to get things done.  That's not my style.  And I encourage it not to be your style either.

Yesterday was the 40th running of the Twin Cities Marathon - The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America! If you are like me, you stop everything to take it all in.  Marathon Day is one of my favorite days of the year! A happy place! So much goodness packed into one perfect fall day! And yesterday was no exception! 34 years ago my friend and I were curious.  What is the marathon anyway?  It was hard to visualize people running 26.2 miles from the Metrodome in Minneapolis to the Capitol in St. Paul.    So without the assistance of Google maps, runner…

1 Corinthians 9:27 is one of my favorite passages.  "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."  It's all about leading by example. This hits home big time because I'm a parent, husband and business owner.  Many are looking to me as the example.

Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" There is always hope! Winners believe that and find a way to get it done no matter the circumstances! Nothing exemplifies this more than the "MIRACLE DAY" I saw with one of my clients in 2005.  Other than my kids being born and my wedding day, this was the most memorable day!  It happened back in October of 2005. I had the privilege of seeing my longtime friend and client Susan Peters achieve the…

When it comes to transforming your body, nutrition is 80% of your success.  You simply cannot outwork poor nutritional habits.  Don't get me wrong. Exercise is vital for weight loss and reshaping your body. But if you don't put the necessary effort into your nutrition, you will never look the way you want to.

The other night I read a great quote from Zig Ziglar, a well known author and motivational speaker.  It said "Remember, failure is an event, not a person."  It got me thinking of times I had failed.  Not just one or 2 times, but multiple times...

One of the things I loved about teaching was the new group of kids who came through the doors each September.  Just like the kids, we can often use a fresh start when September comes. 

Philippians 4:13 is my favorite passage. It says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  This verse fires me up!  I recite it before BIG lifts and challenging situations because it gives me confidence and makes me feel STRONG.  Sometimes I feel bulletproof but other times I feel like a complete wussy. One of those times was earlier this year.

Before coming to Puravida I ran marathons. Some were by myself and some were with a great group of running friends.  I absolutely loved to run!   I started running when I was 16 years and covered a lot of ground in the 30 years that followed.  All of my races and training programs brought life lessons, but my last marathon stands out the most. 

 

Philippians 3:14 says "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  When working toward any worthy goal you are bound to experience frustration and setbacks.   I've always been very goal oriented and have definitely experienced frustrations and setbacks. But as the passage says, I always pressed toward the mark for my prize.

It might look like your fitness goals are done for 2022.  Don't give up! Call an audible.
 

Does every day seem like a fight?  Well in reality - it is.
 

Does every day seem like a fight?  Well in reality - it is.