Development

Rejection or Protection

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Rejection…yes it is redirection and God’s protection, but frankly that does not help change the hurt.

The thing about rejection is we tend to make it all about ourselves and not in a healthy way. We can get ourselves to a place of low self esteem and worthiness to full on self hate.

I am currently struggling through a rejection season in practically all aspects of my life . I caught myself in the negative feedback loops of what if’s and if I only was more x,y,z then things would be different. I was starting to fall into a victim/pitiful mindset.

You can internalize and make the rejection about you by choosing to be better , not bitter. Choosing to see it as protection, redirection and the following these steps:

  1. Be accountable for your actions or lack of
  2. Look for the lessons from the experience
  3. Express gratitude for the experience- do so in a journal, letter or to the person
  4. Do not compare yourself to others, comparison is the thief of joy
  5. Take care of your body- eat healthy, sleep and get movement in
  6. Take care of your mind- affirmations, devotions/prayers , read
  7. Do things that make you feel confident and empowered
  8. Lean on those who lift you up
  9. Avoid romanticizing the relationship/ job / friendship that ended (delicate balance when looking for the lessons and giving gratitude)
  10. Most importantly give yourself grace as you process through the emotions

Do you have any other tips?

XOXO,

Cecee

*Advice based off of personal experiences and knowledge gained from a variety of books.

I’m Feeling 22…

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Whoa! 2022 is here and for me this year feels like it will be just as transformative as being 22 was.

A fun pic of me at 22 vs now in 2022…

When I was 22 I was finishing my final year of college and trying to figure out my next chapter in life . Well in 2022 I’m yet again looking at what is next in my life. This year I have a lot of mirrors in front of me already. More to follow as I work my way through some reflection and decisions.

As always my goals for each year are Mind, Health and Spirit, but some of them could easily cross over into another category. Since that is the case I’m switching the format and just listing all my goals.

2022 Goals

  • Visit ALL Indiana State Parks
  • Visit 1 new state
  • Finish my Certified Nutrition Coaching through NASM
  • Finish the 66’ SS Impala update with dad
  • Reduce time on Social Media – max 2 hour per day. Past year had a limit of 3 hours.
  • Practice jump rope skills at least 30 mins per week

Theme Word for 2022

HOPE

My sweet friend Cori wrote inside a book that she got me for Christmas Hope to mean Honor, Obey, Pray, Encourage. I find this beautiful and very necessary for what I meant when I chose Hope. I have HOPE that I am on the right path and making decisions that will honor God, myself and my family.

What is your theme word for 2022?

XOXO,

Cecee

Farewell 2021, with Love

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Farewell 2021, you were beautiful!

In 2021 I feel I achieved more than I sought out to do. Recap of my 2021 goals:

My 2021 Theme: Love. Learn to love and accept myself where I am. I feel my affirmations and surrounding myself with nature and also the right people helped me achieve Love this year.

2021 Goals

Health:

  • Working on moving more with getting at least 8,000 steps in each day. This goal I improved from 2020 where I averaged in the 6k range ending 2021 in the 7k range.
  • Intuitive eating to maintain weight vs macro tracking I fell short here and have started tracking again and working towards mindful eating practices

Mental, which I actually mean Mindset:

  • Read 8 books. I did read 8 books, just not all the ones pictured in previous post as I did receive some gifts that I read right away.
  • Daily affirmations- write it in my journal and/or post on social media. This probably was the coolest thing to reflect upon . My number 1 affirmation was about being grateful/thankful/blessed and overall that is how I feel about 2021. See image below of my affirmations and daily prayers for the past year.

Spirit:

  • Daily devotional I listened to different devotionals online daily as I began my prayer time
  • More time in nature and taking quiet moments So many trips in nature! My favorite purchase of the year was my hiking boots.
  • Take a road trip with my sister My sis and I did a road trip to Wisconsin Dells and had the best time.

I have always known that nature is my happy place, but this year I truly felt overjoyed and beyond grateful to experience the beauty God created. I believe you can see the joy on my face in the images above!

In experiencing the joy and beauty I couldn’t help but think how incredible it is that God thought the world needed one of me. So in those times of struggling with loving myself and seeing the beauty of me I lean on that thought. The same God that created the beautiful mountains and streams in his image created beauty in me.

What was your take away from 2021?

XOXO,

Cecee

2021 Full of Love

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A new year and new goals, but first let’s reflect on 2020 goals. I declared 2020 my Come Back year and it was that plus more than the goals I had laid out.

Health: I believe I was successful in my health goals by 80% . I carried around a gallon jug of water for half the year and in April took back control of my diet.

  • Increase my water intake to 8 glasses a day. I am really lacking on my hydration skills lately.
  • Reduce my junk food intake. I have gotten in a bad habit of chocolates, chips and fast food.

Mental: I was successful here as I hired a mindset mentor (see Turn the Light Back On), read 1 book and listen to 2 audio books. I also bought a house to regain my peace. I still have moments where I feel I need to please, but it didn’t rule me like it had in 2019.

  • Increase my business skills with monthly business development courses, books or coaching calls.
  • Reduce sacrificing my own physical, mental, and emotional health to please others.

Spirit: This was a half win as I did do daily devotionals, but it wasn’t always 30 mins. My negative self talk improved drastically after learning to forgive myself.

  • Increase my God time with at least 30 mins a day for daily devotions, readings and prayers.
  • Reduce negative self talk. Apply what Kristin Sharpe mentioned at Linda Toupin’s finale. When a negative thought arises say out loud, Stop! Be Gone.

My 2021 Theme: Love. Learn to love and accept myself where I am.

2021 Goals

Health:

  • Working on moving more with getting at least 8,000 steps in each day.
  • Intuitive eating to maintain weight vs macro tracking

Mental which I actually mean Mindset:

  • Read 8 books (image below).
  • Daily affirmations- write it in my journal and/or post on social media.

Spirit:

  • Daily devotional
  • More time in nature and taking quiet moments
  • Take a road trip with my sister

What is your theme for the year?

Happy New Year!

XOXO,

Cecee

Turn the Light Back On

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Have you ever felt like you lost yourself?Perhaps you felt you were at rock bottom or completely broken?

That was me 12 weeks ago. I felt like I was stuck in a lifestyle I knew I didn’t want, but had no way out. I felt so much pain, anger, resentment and honestly had a victim mentality.

Today I am a different person. I noticed, my friends and my manager all pointed out my attitude and presence have shifted.

My question for you is, are you unhappy? Do you want to change? Are you ready to do the work?

If the answer is yes, I want to refer you to the ElevateU program. This program undoubtedly changed my life. In the program you will work with this gorgeous gal, Allison Vaeth to seek your truth to elevate your life.

ElevateU is much more than just a workout and meal plan. This program focuses on daily tasks to help shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

Ally is much more than an online fitness coach. Ally truly is a mindset mentor/coach. She poses the questions that make you think and get to the root of your actions.

What can you expect from ElevateU? Expect to dig deep to work on your mind, body and spirit with intention. Being intentional will lead to effective change and growth.

ElevateU brought the light back out of me. I am finally feeling like my old self, but a better version! I am back to being a happy, positive and energetic woman. A ray of sunshine as I’ve been told 😊.

On a high level, below are some of the ways I’ve grown from ElevateU:

  1. I am more aware of my energy and my intentions.
  2. I have forgiven myself for the past and I am accepting that I am worthy.
  3. I am now treating my mind and body the way it deserved all along. I understand my triggers for falling into unhealthy eating habits with no exercise and can now address it quickly.
  4. Most of all I gained a support group of like minded people to help cheer me on!

Just look at this incredible group, full of joy and positive energy! We also have several incredible souls not pictured!

Do you want to join our team?

Do you want to make incredible connections?

Do you want to define your vision and purpose?

Do you want to get your weight under control and actually maintain it?

Do you want to get stronger both mentally and physically?

Don’t let you fears and limiting beliefs hold you back! Join our team to change your life and make an impact.

What impact do you want to make?

XOXO,

Cecee

2020, A Come Back Year

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A new year, new decade and new goals, but first let’s reflect on 2019 goals.

Health: I failed in this category on the frequency, but did journal on occasion.

  • I plan on journaling at least weekly. I will be focusing on my thoughts and feelings to continuously grow.

Mental: I feel I succeeded in this category and was validated with being recognized as 2019 underwriter of the year by one of my agencies. 

  • Learn a new territory and new system at work

Spirit: This was a half win as I did read my daily devotional, but I didn’t travel to a new state this year.

  • Read a page a day of 365 Moments of Peace for a Woman’s Heart
  • Travel to 1 new state and possibly another country

My goal for 2020 is still broken down by categories, but I am adding a new spin to goal setting. I am going to add 3 things I want to do more of in 2020 and 3 things to do less as well as creating a theme for the year.

My 2020 Theme: Come Back: recover from a deficit.

The last 2 years I have felt that I have been going backwards. I thought my life was on the right path to achieving my goals. I had the perfect wedding, house, job, financial security and was preparing to start a family and in a blink of an eye it all starts slipping away.

I want 2020 to be my come back year and my goals for the year are:

Health:

  • Increase my water intake to 8 glasses a day. I am really lacking on my hydration skills lately.
  • Reduce my junk food intake. I have gotten in a bad habit of chocolates, chips and fast food.

Mental:

  • Increase my business skills with monthly business development courses, books or coaching calls.
  • Reduce sacrificing my own physical, mental, and emotional health to please others.

Spirit:

  • Increase my God time with at least 30 mins a day for daily devotions, readings and prayers.
  • Reduce negative self talk. Apply what Kristin Sharpe mentioned at Linda Toupin’s finale. When a negative thought arises say out loud, Stop! Be Gone.

Happy New Year!

XOXO,

Cecee

A Decade of Love, Loss and Lessons

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This decade has been filled with change, pain, joy and so much growth.

In this decade I graduated from college, moved 8 times, bought and sold my first home, married and divorced, got my fur baby, a few job changes, started my blog and Mary Kay business, lots of travel, many new friendships and said goodbye to some loved ones.

Several things didn’t turn out like I had planned, yet some turned out better than imagined . The good and the bad are all part of God’s plan.

Highlights from this past decade:

Several beautiful weddings and celebrations filled with love!

Love and marriage led to lots of precious babies… seriously my friends make some cute kids!

Moved 8 times Terre Haute -French Lick- Medina- Richmond-Indy apartment- First Home in Indy- Fishers- Nashville

I played hostess with the mostest

I was a jet setter to 3 countries and 29 states! Total state count is 33 with the goal of 50 by 50.

Blessed with inspiring, strong, loving and supportive women #squad

Lessons – graduation to real world, dog mom, exploring new cities, golfing, fishing with an open face reel, fitness, overcoming obstacles, welcoming new experiences, and being grateful for every moment with my loved ones.

Began my Mary Kay business and started to regain my confidence

Overall top 3 lessons:

  1. Put it in God’s hands
  2. Show grace, gratitude and kindness towards yourself and others
  3. BOUNDARIES

Cheers to the decade that shaped me.

I’m looking forward to a bright future full of love , grace and gratitude!

Happy New Year!

XOXO,

Cecee

Honor

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With Veterans Day around the corner most people will pay tribute by honoring those who have served our country.

Have you ever thought about honor and what it means ? Until today I hadn’t really thought about the true extent. Today’s sermon at church was about honor. Honor means high respect; great esteem.

Do you honor your nation and veterans regularly? Do you honor your parents? Do you honor God?

The congregation received army men today as a reminder to pray for our nation and those who have served and still currently serve. I’m so grateful for the freedoms and blessings I have due to those who protect our nation. Thank you Veterans! I’m keeping this army man in my car as a simple reminder of gratitude along with a prayer reminder. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalms 33:12

The Bible says honor thy mother and thy father. Kids don’t always honor their parents request. Can you imagine how much easier things would be if they did? As I get older I understand what that fully means. I am sorry to my mom and dad for the battles as I was growing up, but I’m grateful for their parenting. The expectations to follow God’s word, of honoring your parents created a strong sense of respect for them and authority figures. I think the value of respect that was instilled in me is a big driver in respecting myself and pushing to be the best person I can be.

A great question asked today was “how can you honor God?” This is a personal question for you, but how I’m choosing to honor him is by sharing my love and amazement of his work.

God has blessed me with some pretty amazing people in my life, who have helped me see his messages. I’m so grateful to have those who can help me grow in my faith. I hope God works through me to touch the hearts of others .

XOXO,

Cecee

Uncomfortable

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Have you ever been so uncomfortable that you felt like your life was spiraling out of control? Well, that is how I have been feeling for a few months now and the impact is not good.

My reality check today was being told “stop being so negative, it is not a good look on you”. The comment honestly made me a little mad at first due to the billion things on my mind that has impacted me, but then I opened my eyes.

My move and experience has not gone as expected.  I have been faced with far more challenges than I could have ever anticipated. I have flipped my life upside down and basically ever aspect of my life has changed. I am very uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable is scary and hard, which has lead to far too many complaints and self doubt.

I realize I need to lift myself up, face challenges one day at a time and lean on my support system. My support system is the only aspect of my life that has not changed. Currently I have only been able to find comfort in my support system and daily devotions. I pray that I soon find comfort in my job and new environment.

My last post I mentioned my health goal this year is focusing on my mental health.  A big part of what I have been focusing on is self awareness along with reflection. Being self aware can be hard and having loved ones point out the truth to me has been a blessing.

Recognize the blessings in your life and embrace uncomfortable change. I know I am going through this for a reason, even though that reason is not clear yet.

Proverbs 3:5-6

XOXO,

Cecee

 

New Year, New Goals, New City

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I introduced you to my mindset of goals vs resolutions in my 2018 Goals post.

Before I share my new 2019 goals I will update you on how I did in 2018.

My 2018 goals are listed below:

Health Goals:

  • Minimum of 60 minutes of cardio each week: Completed for majority of the year and fell off track towards the end of the year
  • Strive for 7-9 hours of sleep each night: I didn’t do a good job tracking, but feel I may have averaged closer to 6 hours a night. 

Mind Goals:

  • Read and learn more about blogging: I joined Indy Blog Society and met up with an Indy blogger to learn more .

Spirit Goals:

  • Visit 2 new states: Visited San Diego, CA in January and road tripped through OK in December.
  • Quarterly try something new that is outside of my comfort zone : First Quarter tried Thai food, 2nd quarter learned how to fish with open face fishing reel, 3rd quarter learned how to back a boat trailer and 4th quarter sold my first house. 

I have a lot of change happening in 2019. I have big news…. I am moving to Nashville, TN.

I will be relocating for my company to handle the middle Tennessee territory. I know the opportunity for my career is great, but I am still sad to say goodbye to my loved ones in Indianapolis.

My goals for 2019 will be focused on my mental and emotional health. I struggled a lot in 2018 in these areas and expect more struggle with all the upcoming change.

Health:

  • I plan on journaling at least weekly. I will be focusing on my thoughts and feelings to continuously grow.

Mental:

  • Learn a new territory and new system at work

Spirit:

  • Read a page a day of 365 Moments of Peace for a Woman’s Heart
  • Travel to 1 new state and possibly another country

Proverbs 3:5

Onto the next adventure…

XOXO,

Cecee