Are you still checked in? Or have you checked out?

Posted on May 4, 2013 by mydailydetour

I have a weekend off in retail. Almost unheard of, but of course it comes after a 12 day stretch of solid crazy days. I had two major life events for this spring season happen in the last two weeks: Nordstrom Spring Fragrance Festival and my National Fragrance Certification test.

perfume 6

Two things I have been stressing about for the last month. On top of that studying for nutrition school, in our final stretch getting ready to graduate the end of May. I have also been trying to date and have a personal life…so that has left me with zero Laura time….and with all those plates spinning and pots boiling…that is where I start to fall apart. I know that about myself. I am overcommitted, but still expect myself to perform at a crazy degree of excellence. Not healthy.  Exactly the opposite of what I would teach others….RED LIGHTS FLASHING LAURA PRESTON.

So today, I am getting quiet. Doing some soul-searching. I made a promise to myself in January that this was going to be a pivotal year in my life. The bridge –the year of change. A year that is going to take me into the next season of my life.  A year of transition. A year where I was going to transition multiple things: eating habits, fitness, career, finances, hopefully find and start a meaningful relationship….a year to set the stage.

Time for a check in. We are in May—1/3 of the year has passed. Where do I sit in my goals? Are they still the same? Am I on track? So I asked myself some hard questions. Questions we should all ask ourselves once in a while. I wanted to share the path, because it is hard to be honest with yourself. If you lie to yourself, the only one you are hurting is you.

What do I want?

I want to wake up every day and not feel that dread of I have to go to work. I want to live in a strong and healthy body. By that, I don’t mean the perfect body, as I have yet to meet someone who loves their body to the point of perfection. I want a body that will support the life path I want to lead. I want a body that will help me achieve and do the things I want in my life. I want to look in the mirror, at a naked body that does not disgust me. I want a body that I can be proud of….one that I have earned…by honoring and feeding it.  I want a rich soul, one that is wise and growing. To be someone who can appreciate the beautiful wonderful things in life….but also finds the pure beauty in simplicity. I want rich and honest relationships. Relationships with people who I respect love and admire. People that love humanity. People that want to be their best and want the best for those around them.  I want a significant other that will support and push me to be all that I can be, that will support my dreams and desires, who will encourage my crazy….and, let me love him to pieces. I want Max to live till eternity because I know my heart will shatter when he leaves me. I want to grow closer to my family who loves me— to cherish and understand them, don’t get frustrated….and stop taking them for granted.

I really want to learn how to slow down and appreciate all that I have….to expect less of everyone around me and at times of myself. To learn to stop to enjoy, instead of look for how I can get stronger and better. Learn to just BE. I need to learn how to stop being so defensive and ready to fight. I need to forgive some of the hurts of the past. Realize I don’t have to live with a guard. Everything is not a competition or a personal attack on me.  At the end of the day I know my heart, soul and character. I don’t need to prove it to anyone. If one takes the time to know me, they will know me. I don’t need to tell. Let them learn—in their own time and pace.

I want to find a financial safe ground. I am tired of answering to the past. We all have a past. I want to feel I am on solid ground again. I want a new beginning. I wish I could stop paying so hard today for yesterday’s mistakes. I would love some fresh air to breath.

What do I need to do right now?

I need to regain control of my life. I need to learn to say NO and schedule ME first.  I need to create and define the life I am meant to live. A life I love to wake up in everyday. A life I want to open and share with someone. A life where I don’t use the phrases:

I hate…

I am done…

I am so pissed….

I need to regain control of my diet. I need to feed my body the real and nutritious foods that it deserves. I need to abstain from destructive things like sugar and alcohol. They do absolutely no good to the body, they are pure destruction, and I always feel their after math. If I am honest in the moments I am consuming them….I  am seeking something else. I am seeking confidence on a date or to fit into a social situation– with alcohol.  Sugar always fills a hole….it fills insecurity. It fills loneliness. All they do in the end is intensify the situation and lead to more destruction.

I need to dial back into my body and fitness. My body is craving that cardio release that use to be my high. That hour that use to clear my mind and relax my soul. That hour that would clear all the clouds.

I need to stop dating less than I am willing to settle for in a relationship. I know that it is going to take a special person to fill that seat. He needs to be worthy of all I am going to give….and I need to be ready to love him the way he will deserve.

I need to start building my studio. I will never know all there is to know. But what I know today is enough to start digging.  It will be a studio that will start virtually that will hopefully lead to a real live space. A space for anyone struggling with obesity to find refuge. Where they will be supported and understood….but will be pushed to start answering the hard questions. The why and how they got here. The questions I force myself to answer constantly.  A place where one can design the path to freedom. A place to define their bio-individuality. A place to work on the whole being….not just the physical frame. I truly believe my incredible life journey has trained me to create this space. My experience and background in fashion, fitness, cosmetics,  business, personal development, weight loss, relationships and being the forever single girl….I know this is a path that god has designed for me, to bring me to a place of utilizing it. The people I meet, the connections I have, the experiences I have had, the places I have lived….I am convinced it is all part of a master plan. The only piece that is left now….is me believing I am enough. I want to be stronger than the fear of failure.

It is time to Regain Control…..are you IIN?

regain control button

Filed under: Regain Control, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

8 Years Later….Happy Anniversary!!

Posted on March 5, 2013 by mydailydetour

Anniversary

I was actually going to let today pass without writing. Without posting. There is so much going on, and my thoughts and heart are heavy and occupied….but that is exactly why I just crawled out of bed and decided to post. Needed to write to put all this “stuff” someplace.

It was 8 years ago today that I had my gastric bypass. 8 years ago today I made a decision that would effect my life in more ways than I could have imagined. Good and bad.  That morning I made a life long choice to get healthy at a large cost. I wanted a bigger life than I was leading, and I was leading a big life at that time. I had a successful career, I was living in New York….life was fast, full and materialistic….and so sad and lonely. I was single and my whole life was my job…my title. I wanted a husband. I wanted children. I wanted to live in a healthy body. So I made choices. I rolled the dice and prayed.

Tonight I sit here and think about where I am today….8 years later. I lost 165 lbs and I fight to maintain it EVERYDAY. I will be the first to honestly tell you the fight is not getting easier, it is getting harder EVERYDAY. I am not where I want to be…and I will work till I get there….but what I will tell you is….what is the definition of there? Is it a magical number on the scale? I don’t think so anymore. I have seen so many numbers over the last 8 years— for so many reasons. I have battled regain. I have battled health challenges ( severe iron deficiency and anemia) and I have battled the same battle since before surgery….food addiction. I am not one to throw around the word recovery…as I don’t believe in that word. I don’t think you will ever fully recover from food addiction…from the fact that it will forever be the vice waiting to pull you back…and it will forever be what has impacted your life. I still today will talk myself off the ledge. Tonight is a perfect example. We are in the middle of a crazy snow storm. I walked the pug and brought him back up to the apartment….and I literally sat in a chair, in my coat and boots….for a solid 45 minutes talking to my roommate. Finally he asked me, ” are you cold?”…..and I just laughed. I was not cold. I was on the ledge. I am stressed right now….and I had just made a fresh pot of coffee…..and I wanted to go next door to Trader Joes and buy a bag of chocolate chip cookies to dunk in that coffee. I wanted sugar. I wanted to snuggle into a warm apartment and spend the evening with sugar. I was feeling sad, depressed, stressed, insecure….all those feeling that we feel as humans — fat or thin—-and I wanted to medicate them with my addiction —-sugar. I am happy to report, the boots and coat came off…..and I am enjoying a cup of coffee….without the cookies….but it was ugly for a solid 45 minutes. That happens all the time in my world. The real world. I cross that path…and I fight the fight. Most of the time I win, but sometimes it is an ugly fight, and I accept the defeat. I however, stand up….acknowledge the loss….and get up stronger and more determined. I know this is not going to go away. Not anytime soon.

So 8 years later….I write this post….still single. Still no children ( except for Mr. Maxwell the wonder pug) and still trying to define and figure out this life I seek. This adventure has definitely taken me down paths less traveled. I have discovered so many things about myself….and I have completely redefined my life. I no longer work for a title and a crazy career. I have gone back to school for nutrition and fitness. I know my purpose and passion in life is to pay this adventure forward. I am not a corporate america girl. I will forever be the square peg in the round hole. As much as I try to make it work, as much as I try to play the role….I will forever be the start-up entrepreneur girl. I love the building and branding ….I am forever the creative one. I see the big picture. I have discovered that right now I want less and I want simple. I want quality over quantity. I am no longer in a place where materialism and labels excite me. Money can buy many things, but it will never buy happiness. It will never buy you love or respect. I am finding this out the hard way— you can’t put price tags on those things. They are worth fighting for and worth fighting to maintain. Other jobs and careers may bring you more money….but at what cost? My health and time is not worth it.

I am discovering,  that I feel true happiness lies in balance. A balance of many things….parts of a circle that make me whole. That circles includes healthy relationships, a strong fit body, healthy nutrition that feeds the body, seeking financial security and stability, seeking a job that you enjoy— not one that just pays the bills, continued education that feeds the mind and soul, creating a living environment that can be defined as your home,  and seeking a soulful spirituality.  All those pieces make up a list of priorities, goals and dreams.

One of my biggest desires is finding that partner to share my life with…the day in and day outs. I have waited my whole life to find him. I know exactly who he is— what he believes, desires and needs from life. I have waited almost 42 years…and I will wait forever to find it. I know I will feel it in my core when I find him. I am seeking unconditional whole love. Someone that will take all my bad with the good. Someone that will love and accept me EXACTLY how I am right now today. Someone I can feel safe and secure with— the man who will allow me to be the girl I have always wanted to be–and the woman who I am. I have seen him. I know him. There has been glimpses of him. For many reasons life has not allowed him to remain….but I believe in fate. I believe that everything has a time, reason and season. Carrie waited a long time for Mr. Big. I love Paris. The wait will be worth it.

Big 2

So today was my special day. This year it is a quiet and personal celebration…as I think it should be….because it is such a personal journey. Only I can make the choices and decisions that create this adventure. 2013 is going to be a year for more changes, positive additions….and facing personal fears. Digging deep, finding that confidence and survivor mode….and pulling triggers. A year of believing in real raw love, and not being afraid of the vulnerability that comes with it.

I started this blog and Facebook 8 years ago with the hopes of being that person and that voice that I searched high and low for— the person walking the honest walk. Someone willing to share the truth of the journey. Thank you for walking with me, or just now discovering me. None of us can do this alone.

xoxo,

Laura

Filed under: Anniversary, Regain Control | 1 Comment »

The Love Letter

Posted on December 3, 2012 by mydailydetour

love letter

I took myself on a date last Friday. I literally had the week or wait, even the month from hell…and I woke up that morning with a TO DO list a mile long as usual….and I just quit. I told myself ENOUGH. I am not pushing play…I am not ready set go….I quit. Wait….am I a quitter…..YEP! Friday I was, and it was ok.

I then asked myself a really hard question….what do I want? What do I want to do? Where do I want to go? What do I want to eat? Right now I am going to take care of me like I take care or want to take care of everybody else. What do I want RIGHT NOW?….and I realized…I have a really hard time answering that question. I questioned if I knew what I really want….I knew what I SHOULD…or what I COULD….but did I know what I wanted?

So I layed in the bed….and decided I wanted to go to a movie. I had been wanting to see Silver Linings Playbook all week. I had been trying to get someone to go and it kept falling through….so I decided that was the priority Friday morning. I was taking myself to the movie and to lunch at Panera….why Panera….because I like it. So I walked Max, started some laundry and got ready. I also decided that I was gong to be warm and comfy…..and simple. That meant running shoes, track suit….no makeup and a hat. Yep…no makeup. Guess what….nobody screamed and fainted, children didn’t cry and dogs didn’t bark. I was me….scrubbed and squeaky clean. And it felt….free. I sat smack dab in the middle of the theatre….alone. There was one other person as crazy as I was at 10:20 in the morning. The lights dimmed…and I just lost myself in the film. It was good. It was really good. It was exactly what I needed. A completely dysfunctional family that loves each other….a man that falls apart and tries to figure out how to put his life back together again. He tried to force his vision of love…and ends up finding real love. Relationships heal and life moves on. I sat in the theatre drawing so many parallels. In the movie he is focused on the positive, finding the silver lining…proving points. Once he relaxes, breathes and accepts his reality…things all into place. He falls in love with somebody who gets him, appreciates him and understands him. He is big on letter writing in the movie. Expressing thoughts and feelings in words….on paper.

So I went to lunch and just started writing. It inspired me to write a love letter ….a love affair that is broken and needs repair.  The one person that I need to respect, appreciate and learn to fall in love with.

Dear Body,

I don’t even know where to begin this letter. There are so many feelings and frustrations.

I am sorry. I am sorry for all that I have put you through…and all I continue to put you through. I am not worthy of your strength. I have spent years abusing you with food— when it was other things that were hurting me…and you continue to be there for me. You have held me up and pushed me through so many layers of darkness. You didn’t give out, you didn’t break down. I tried to seek help in the past many times and fix you…. I had lost the same 100 lbs multiple times with multiple people and programs…but I didn’t love you or me enough to keep it off. I put us through weight loss surgery trying to find the answer. Trying to get us the help we needed. You came through with flying colors. I made so many promises to you back then. Promises to you and to God. I promised you I would protect you. I promised to nourish and take care of you. If you healed and pulled me through the surgery…I would treat you like the temple you were..that you are. I would learn to hold you sacred.

You kept your end of the deal. You healed and thrived. You lost 165 lbs. You got fit. We were doing so well. We had a new lease on life. We have lived that life strong for over 7 years….but it is getting harder. This spring you started to give out. You waved a white flag. You needed some help. We were anemic. I had run you down. We needed a reboot. It scared the daylights out of me. I made promises again that if you pulled through I would make it right. We ran the tests, had the blood and iron infusions…we were on a plan. We had some vein work done. Focusing on some goals, wanting to build you a beautiful shell that you deserve to live in.

In the meantime— work and the personal life keep pushing and pulling…and months have gone by. Once again, we are off path and I am dropping my end of the deal. Why do I continue to do this to you? Why are you the last priority? Why do I abuse you like this? You deserve to be loved. You are ALWAYS there for me no matter what–you show up ready to fight everyday….why don’t I fight harder for you? After all this time, all this blood , sweat and tears….why don’t I honor you? Why don’t I make you a priority? Without you…I have no existence. I should be taking care of you like a rare diamond. You are the only one I have…you deserve to be worshipped. Yet, when I look in the mirror –I don’t see you for your true beauty. I see you for what everyone is going to judge. I see my sagging skin, my thunder thighs, my big butt, all the loose skin. I stand in front of a mirror naked and I am disgusted.  I see every lump of cellulite, every excess pound. I am embarrassed. I am ashamed. I am so sad. I am so sad that I don’t love you like you deserve to be loved. I don’t know how to love and accept you. I wouldn’t know what that would even feel or look like. I can’t imagine not worrying constantly about what I am wearing or how it looks. Doing my hair and my makeup. I don’t know what living in my skin and appreciating my body even begins to feel like. I look in a mirror and see how much further I  have to go….to where? Perfection? Is there such a thing? NO! How do I learn to love you? How can I give you 100% to someone else if I can’t accept you and love you myself.

So today….I am looking in this mirror and I am telling you I am sorry. Please forgive me. I do love you. I love you for show up everyday and fighting for us…especially when I don’t want to anymore. I poison you with sugar…and you filter it out. You survive and for that I am beyond blessed and thankful. But I am sorry…and I am going to start doing better. I am going to start loving you more than the other stuff. I am going to make you THE priority. I am going to stop poisoning you. I am going to give you the fuel and vitamins to take care of you. I am going to take the steps to make you stronger. More efficient. More beautiful. I am going to give you the sleep and rest you deserve. I am going to pamper you when you need it. I am going to respect you. I am going to find you someone who will love, respect and adore you as much I should.as much as I WILL…and as much as you deserve.

We are done settling for less. Please be patient with me, as I have no idea how to change this….where to even begin…but you have my word that today we will start. Little steps, little daily changes— they will add up. You are the most important person in my life…and I do love you….I just need to learn how to do it, and show it.

Always and forever,

ME.

Filed under: Regain Control, Self, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Is fitness your passion?

Posted on November 15, 2012 by mydailydetour

If this post hits home with you:

Maybe you are a fellow Beachbody coach that is already changing lives every day with the incredible programs P90x, Chalene Extreme etc.  We know the incredible results you can achieve from those programs and that is why we have all drank the shakeology and continue to preach the vision. Can you imagine adding a PT certification to your protocol? Can you imagine having the science and knowledge on why those programs work, to be able to train those clients one on one, and to have the credentials to get that incredible job at the club down the street. I can’t imagine a better asset to your personal business. It is such a great credential to have in your bag of trick especially when someone comes at you with  the typical “ oh, you’re part of that network marketing…etc”….you will have the answer that you are actually NASM certified in Personal Training etc. and that is WHY you work with Beachbody. GOLDEN!

Maybe you’re a fellow Weight Loss Surgery Patient.  You all know this is where I get crazy passionate.  You made a drastic decision to change your life. To gain a chance at living a new life in a new body.  This is the most overwhelming and life changing experience you can experience in one lifetime ( in my opinion ). You re-discover your body in so many capacities.  So many of us find the passion to pay it forward. To educate others on the options of fighting morbid obesity. To share our experiences and pay it forward.  You have been given the gift of a new body by that surgeon, why not give yourself the gift further education and the tools for your long-term success, and the power to help and educate the community! How many times have you joined a gym trying to lose the weight , and left it because you felt like an outsider? How many personal trainers have you hired that made you feel terrible and didn’t give you the time of day BECAUSE THEY DON’T GET IT!!!  They don’t know what it is like living in an obese body. What if you would have hired a trainer that was obese, that has walked in those shoes? Someone that understands food addiction and the insecurities that weight forces you to live with everyday. THAT trainer will change lives. This is you. This is your opportunity. What you will learn personally is one of the best gifts you can give yourself for long-term accountability. To understand your body and how it works. How crucial your muscles are to burning fact. This certification you will be able to apply to your life every day,  be able to share it with friends and family— or better yet you will have the tools to make a career change if you are seeking it!! This could be EXACTLY the change you are looking for in 2013.

( My dear friend Frank who just completed his first 1/2 marathon in Disney last weekend. I am so proud of him! You can follow him on Facebook at Frank Surace: https://www.facebook.com/fsurace1018?ref=ts&fref=ts )

Maybe you’re a strong force and leader in the Weight Loss Surgery community. You are presence that is paying it forward everyday— running a company ,business or even a surgeon. Maybe fitness is not a passion for you— you do it on a personal level but you have no interest in working in it. I am reaching out to you because you have a following. You have people in your communities and circles that are out there running marathons–falling in love with fitness. Pay it forward and send them this email.  This once a year ( for the first time ) program and payment plan will allow people to get their certifications that may not be able to under normal circumstances. You forwarding this email to them with a quick not “ Hey, you might find this interesting..” could give them a new career….it could add one more rock star out in our community paying it forward—helping others. At the end of the day….isn’t this our mission?

( My dear friend Yvonne McCarthy, SUCCESSFUL LONG TERM gastric bypass diva that works tirelessly in our community to just pay it forward. A true blessing in my life– and a angel in so many others. You can follow her Facebook at Bariatric Girl: https://www.facebook.com/wlscoachtamika#!/bariatricgirl )

Maybe your one of my amazing trainer friends that NEEDS TO DO THEIR CEU’s!!!!! This goes out to you guys. There is a new weight loss specialist program from NASM that I think is amazing. JUST DO IT!! Add it to your credentials.  From that former morbidly obese chick client….I beg you….please do it. Be that trainer that can change lives with compassion and understanding.  There is so much to understand and learn about working with this specific client….I promise this CEU will pay you back again and again. The power of a referral for a trainer that gets it is priceless. If I would have had ONE personal trainer in my past life work with me, that understood that weight loss seeking client….it could have changed my whole game. BE THAT TRAINER. Check out this CEU.

( Meet my friend D.J, and yes, he is as scary as he looks :)   I had the pleasure of working with him at Lifetime Fitness in Michigan.  One of his many certifications is NASM. He is a no excuse hit it hard blood sweat and tears–yes, you may puke but you will live— kind of trainer and I adore him. He is a true role model for me, he changes lives everyday. )

So here is the nuts and bolts….AND TIME IS LIMITED!!! Right now you can register for any NASM program— Personal Training Certification or specializations: Women’s Fitness, Weight Loss Specialist, Nutrition etc….load up a curriculum cart—- and you don’t pay for it until February 2013—-and THEN they are breaking it up into 12 payments!! SERIOUSLY!!  If you started NOW  you could literally be certified and working with clients before your first payment is due. Let clients pay your tuition bill!! Where else can you make an investment like this in yourself over a period of time?

Are the wheels turning? Do I have your attention?

 WAIT! IT EVEN GETS BETTER!!!

 Here is the biggest gift I am going to give to you:

 Michael Golembeski

( Meet Michael– or as I now refer to him, Mr. NASM. He  is AMAZING. You can follow him on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/michael.golembewski)

Office 602-383-1263

Cell 480-217-6206 Call or Text

 He is the game changer. I begged him for permission to give you his direct contacts.  Call him and only him directly and he will answer each and every question you could possibly have— trust me, I know.  He has the patience of a saint. I have been talking and working with him since JULY!! As many of you have seen I am finally taking this adventure. I am doing the Personal Training Certification, Women’s Fitness and most  precious to me the Weight Loss Specialist. I have signed up for ALL THREE— and it was before this special!!

He will help you pick the program and customization that is right for you and the goals you want to achieve.  I can’t begin to tell you how many programs I have looked into, different companies, different prices etc. I have called gyms, hospitals, Dr. Offices, trainers that are running huge clientele…and I hear the same thing over and over….NASM.  It is not the easiest certification out there….but it is the best. There is not a fitness door it won’t open. Michael has the keys.  He gets our community, and he is all about educating and paying it forward. He is the gift I am giving you. To be able to call and get that person that will understand where your coming from and where you want to go…and support your journey…..PRICELESS. It will cost you NOTHING to call him and get information. PICK UP THE PHONE.

 It is that time of year—holidays. I know you are making your gift giving list and checking it twice.  Put yourself on the list. First gift of the season is for YOU! That is right….a gift to you that will change your 2013—and life. Priceless money spent that you will not feel until February….and even then it is broken into 12 monthly payments. Focus and get that certification…and you can pay off that certification with clients within a couple of months. Let your clients pay for your education! Better yet….call that person that buys you the typical Christmas present…and tell them you want something more important this year—investment in you.

I wish you all good health and happiness. If you have any questions….PLEASE ASK. This offer is very short lived…and such a huge opportunity to change your life.  I am going to be starting to study for the personal training certification in the next couple of weeks. I would love some study partners. I will be walking the journey with you every step of the way!

All the best,

Laura

**** You may forward this blog to anyone and everyone you know that may benefit from it!!!   PAY IT FORWARD!!!! Who do you know that has a passion for fitness? That is looking for a career change? Sent them this link!

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Are you WORKING for it?

Posted on September 13, 2012 by mydailydetour

This could relate to so many things in your life: fitness, nutrition…..FINANCES!

“Your financial future really has no relation to your financial past.  There are plenty of examples of people who have gone from homeless to incredibly wealthy.  It’s a choice.  Your choice.”

I work a crazy job to live in this crazy apartment in this beautiful city. I am committed to living here until March 2013.  I am living paycheck to paycheck ( with a 401K and medical benefits ) because of CHOICES that I am making. Right now I am choosing to try to eat organic, making payments to invest in school, headed to NYC for a conference….choices that have value and are building my future plan. There is no extra $$ for new shoes or new fall fashion….those I define right now as wants, not needs. I have a closet of shoes and clothes, as much as I want something new…..I want more freedom in my future, so it is not a choice right now. Everyday it is about choices….choose to skip that Starbucks pumpkin latte, cook at home don’t go out to dinner etc. Right now I am choosing to invest in myself and my future. I want a different future. I don’t want to punch into a time clock and check into corporate america. I want to spend more time working something I am passionate about, spending time with family and friends….not grinding away in the corporate retail world. In order to do that I will have to makes changes in the definition of my wants and needs. There is a cost to everything. Right now I am ordering credit reports to play clean up. I want the stress of money off my back. If it means adding more income to pay things off so be it. If it means making purchasing changes….lets do it. Sacrifices today ( Starbucks, cable etc) will lead to less stress and a sense of calm I have not had in a long time. I am downsizing and eliminating stuff in my life. Do I need 3 christmas trees in a house? I think not!!! Sell it to use the money to pay down debt, or better yet…donate it if you can afford it. I want to lead a cleaner, simplified life. Less is more to me these days. I want to spend less time cleaning and maintaining a home full of “stuff” and spending more time doing and living!

Ask yourself: Do material possessions define you? Do you use them to define yourself for other people or yourself? Do try to keep up with the girlfriend or “The Jones”? Are you financially healthy? Do you know your credit score? When was the last time you saw a credit report? Do you waste money on throw away 2 minute pleasure ( Starbucks)? Do you have tips for us on how to cut corners?

I am WORKING it from many angles. I am working for a healthier, less stressful and emotionally rewarding future!

Filed under: Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Do you have roots?

Posted on September 6, 2012 by mydailydetour

Here is a thought for you….

Do you have roots in your life? Roots are generational. Roots take time to grow. The deeper the roots the more glorious the fruit or the tree. Roots are anchors, they provide stability and strength.  Do you look around and see other things and other people….and you think they have it better so you dig up your roots and chase after “that”? Do you change positioning in life seeking something else constantly? I know I can be guilty of this myself.  Maybe instead of looking for better, we need to anchor down. Get stable. Grow roots. Invest. FOCUS.

What would happen if we committed fully right now to things in our lives? What would happen if we STOPPED and planted our feet firmly right now where we are at? What if we took ownership in everything in our lives right now? Our jobs, our weight, your marriage, our families…..What if we commit FULLY. What if we quit running and blaming …and we decided to lead in honor? What if we persisted and dropped the exit strategy RIGHT NOW and invested instead for the long haul?

These are just thoughts that are running through my mind this morning. I have been doing a lot of soul-searching ( as many of you that follow me know) and I have been listening to some amazing speakers and reading some great content….and I really think these points are valid. I am going to school fulltime right now while I am working fulltime. My time spent studying for school lights up my heart and soul. My days off are spent working on my future vision and inspires me to no end….but it makes the next day difficult when I unplug and replug into my current path. It creates crazy highs and lows. I am so inspired about my future investment, I forget to be GRATEFUL for my current situation that I have worked so hard to create. For many of you that know me and have followed me…the last 6 years have not been easy. My life has gone through so many changes–jobs, cities I have lived in, relationships….I have worked so hard to correct and better my situation after the economy fell out in Detroit and I made the life choices I made (moving back to Michigan after my surgery) –I needed to stop this week and remember to be grateful for RIGHT NOW. Sitting here today in Chicago, things are so much better than they were two years ago. I need to be grateful and thankful for that itself. I was sitting in a bad place in Texas after making some crazy decisions to follow my heart. Nordstrom gave me an opportunity with Chanel after I had the rug pulled out from under me. A dear friend gave me an opportunity to move to California with him to start a new chapter. He literally came to Texas and drove Max and I to California for a fresh start– I will forever be thankful for that. That change led me to more stable ground. Together we both decided to come back to the midwest and get closer to home and family.  Today I live in a great apartment, I have a really good job that I find success at each and every month, I am closer to my family, I am healthier, Max is well……WOW…….I am lucky. It has been and could be so much worse. Instead of dwelling and wallowing ( is that a word) in my frustration for a brighter future…..I realized I need to be grateful for today. Today is better than yesterday. The future has the opportunity to be even more incredible with the investments I am making in it right now….but I need to remember to be grateful for today.

I also know that my reactions to all situations around me are controlled by one thing….ME. I need to do better at my reacting. I need to do better at focusing on how I can apply the life I want to the life I have….and making small changes that will add up. I create and influence my environment, especially at work. If I go to work everyday with the mindset that I wish I was home building my future— I will be miserable. If I go to work everyday focusing on what I don’t like about my job, what is not fair, what needs to change….I will be miserable. Only I can change that. What if I went to work and focused on being thankful for having a good job, in a profitable company, doing work that I am really good at? What if I looked at every customer and focused on fulfilling their needs and really meeting them, instead of being frustrated at them or annoyed from being interrupted from my task at hand? What if I looked at every customer as a future friend or client relationship?

When you do right it will come back to you. When you do wrong, it will come back to you. For me, its time to prosper. It is time to be grateful for what I have….and seek what I want to become. I am ready to commit. I am ready to focus. I am ready to be grateful for what I have RIGHT NOW.  I need to slow down and be grateful–develop what is around me. Develop and grow what I have to access to right now. I need to increase my character by working and living in loyalty and honor. I need to remember the words of my amazing mom…” If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.”

I am lucky to have the job I have and I need to be grateful for it. I have to check in to that job for 8 hours a day. I need to start choosing to make it an incredible 8 hours instead of an empty 8 hours. I have learned so many times— over and over— that the grass is not greener. I know that I choose what I let affect me everyday. I decide if I am going to let a customer, or a co-worker affect my day. It is pretty sad to give up that power to anger or frustration from somebody else. Why give that power to another?

I committed to a one year plan in July. I need to stop looking around…and water my roots. I need to stop looking at other opportunities and develop what I have in my possession. My life is rich in family, friends and opportunities. I need to enjoy my current “wealth” and water my roots. I am stable and settled…..I just need to FOCUS.

What about you?

xoxo,

Laura

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Are you a SUPER WOMAN? (Reality Check 8/31)

Posted on August 31, 2012 by mydailydetour

Can you relate to this? I am so incredibly guilty of this personally. I always want to fix everything. Be a perfectionist. Make it right. In the process I lose focus on myself, and I suffer. I want to overachieve at work so I will work an hour later— which in turn makes me make a bad choice of sacrificing the hour at the gym. That is just one example of the many bad choices I have been making lately by trying to be all and do all…for everyone and everything.  I spent a lot of time yesterday buckling down on things I had to do ….for me. I also thought about my time and energy and where I have been giving it the last month…and realized I am out of synch. I am setting boundaries, not so gentle ones. I am protecting the most important investment I have…..ME. I am going to exercise the word NO along with my body. Nobody asked me to play Super Woman. Right now I need to save me, which in turn will most definitely save others. I am taking back my super powers. I am FOCUSING on the priorities and REGAINING CONTROL of what is important.

My weekly weigh in.

BEGINNING WEEK (7/6/2012) : 217.4

LAST WEEK: 216.4 ( I  never posted it, was too disgusted!)

THIS WEEK: 220.8

RESULT THIS WEEK:  GAIN +4.4

TOTAL REGAIN LOSS: +3.4

Yep, that is right. I am 3.4 higher than when I started. True story. And I feel it. In every outfit I wear, ever moment on my feet. Fat, tired, bloated, headaches, cravings, soooo cranky. I am also mad, sad and disgusted. This has been a CRAZY summer–full of surgeries and challenges. I also bit off a big committment in July and started back to school. So I have added full-time school committment onto a full-time and crazy management job, all with the mission of making life changes. It is an incredible journey right now that is making me feel so alive and passionate…but it is also spreading me thin and teaching me a lot of life lessons. I am learning PATIENCE. A dear friend keeps telling me Rome was not built-in a day, but I don’t want to believe them. It is also teaching me PRIORITIES. Clearly defining your priorities and making sure your steps during the day are leading to them. GOALS— what are they and most important….why are they your goals? If you don’t have a crisp clear definition, it is going to be incredibly hard to find them in this madness. Most important FOCUS. That is what I am struggling with right now. FOCUS–crystal clear, laser sharp focus. When you get side tracked, pulled in another direction….you lose the momentum you built. For me, the last vein surgery, learning how to study again, the crazy work inventory, ending dysfunctional relationships,  the huge event coming up in the store on 9/15….these all overwhelmed me. I lost focus. I began to turn to food as comfort. Slowly. A bite here, a skipped workout here….telling myself I would get back on track tomorrow. Well tomorrow didn’t come. I  have been in downward spiraling rut since about 8/11. Cliff dive!! And let me tell you in pure Laura words…..IT SUCKS. Living and hanging out in the food addiction. But guess what…..DONE. Time to fess up, face the scale, post the ugly and start scratching, clawing and climbing back up for air. Because guess what…..this is REALITY my friends. This is real life. This what EVERYONE is experiencing in life…..it’s just sad that so many don’t admit to it or talk about it. Life is not perfect anywhere. Once you have a food addiction, you always have a food addiction. There is no cure. That is what I truly believe. To me, it is a difference of if you are living in addiction or living above it. Life above it feels soooo much better. And is soooo much easier. And soooo much cheaper :) We deserve to live on top of the mountain. It is hard work to climb up there….but once you are there it is an incredible view!! GORGEOUS.

So, don’t mind me. I am lacing up my hiking boots….time to start climbing back up my mountain. The good news is I have support cables and plenty of gear. So if you are up to it….lace up with me. I have no trouble leading this camp. I have your back when you fall, as I know you have mine. This is a REALITY based camp. We get down and dirty, we tell it like it is…..we push each other to face the truth and CLIMB. Every once in a while we get a little lost….we take a detour….but guess what, we do a head count and we will turn around and come get you!

Have an incredible weekend. Play hard, eat clean and CLIMB. Hopefully my reality check next week will be better…..I have 7 days to climb and see where it takes me!!

xoxo,

Laura

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