Goals

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

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

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

 

Thank you, Next …2018 recap

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2018 … I can go on about all the struggles and challenges you hit me with. Challenges that caused me to feel so broken, but I will just say Thank You, Next.

It’s ok to be broken and sometimes some of the pieces are so broken they will never be fully restored to what they once were. Now I can pick up all the pieces and rebuild into something new.

2018 also had some beautiful highlights that I’m very grateful.

In January, I turned 30 and celebrated in a big way with friends locally then off to Cali!

February was low key, so low key that I hardly have any photos from the month. I did enjoy a Valentines dinner with my friend Laura and Indy Taco week with Ben and Elizabeth.

March, I started back on track with counting Macros, played in the snow, joined friends in a St.Patrick’s Day pub crawl, and hosted my family for Easter.

April was my favorite month of travel! I went to a Stanley Cup playoff game, Austin, TX and Virginia. I spent a lot of time with friends.

April was also very scary as a lump was found on my breast during my annual exam. At 30 years old, I had to go in for a mammogram to determine if I had breast cancer. Thankfully, I am ok and must continue to monitor. I urge all to be diligent about their health.

In May, I traveled to Vegas for Kristi’s bachelorette party, met my friend’s little boy, enjoyed time around the pool and planted a garden.

June was Wine Fest, fishing for Father’s Day, and Indy Pride.

July I did a fun 4th of July photo shoot for a blog, hosted a brunch pool party, attended my cousin’s bridal shower, went on a girls trip to French Lick then onto Nashville,TN and the biggest challenge was when I backed a boat trailer and learned how to fish with an open face reel 😊.

August was a lot of working on the house as I decided I wanted to put it on the market in September. I played in my ladies golf league all summer along with an outing for work. Lots of pool days, a date night, kept grinding in the gym and cheered on Kevin as he and his partner won their division at CrossFit Summer Bash . I am beyond grateful for the time and help my family and Kevin provided in order to get the house ready. I basically was a regular at Lowe’s all month.

September was a whirlwind hosting my last Labor Day pool party at the house, listing the house, lake life, traveling for work meetings, MI vacation, Candlelight Tour, and cousin’s wedding.

September also began the next series of health issues and vet ER visits for Pippa.

October I accepted and offer on my house, said bye to my blonde locks, had a packing party and passed out candy on Halloween for the last time at my home on Wawasee Court.

In November, Pippa and I said our final goodbye to our home on Wawasee Court and moved in with a friend in Fishers. I then had more work travels and met Barbara Bush! I traveled back home for the Christmas tree lighting at West Baden Resort and Thanksgiving.

In December, Jessica and I decked the halls and hosted a cookie exchange, I made a Christmas card, I traveled to Austin to help Annie pack as well as celebrate her 30th, work trip to Nashville, Christmas celebrations and then a trip to Wilstem Guest Ranch.

2018, I thank you for the beautiful moments and the lessons.

Now 2019, I know you are full of growth potential, but please don’t be as stressful.

XOXO,

Cecee

Where the hell is the carousel?

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I feel like the last 2 years of my life I have been on a roller coaster and I’m desperately seeking a carousel.

It’s funny that I’m trying to find some consistency in life to cling to, but the only constant is change.

I have had a ton of change with divorce, selling my house , the ups and downs of dating, changes at work and several other challenges. Life keeps hitting me with more twist and turns.

I know that I would quickly be bored on a carousel of consistency in all aspects of life, but there are some areas I feel I need it. I’m realizing the carousel I need is knowing myself and what I can expect from how I treat myself and how I allow others to treat me.

Life is a roller coaster there is no way to predict the ups, downs, twist and turns in life. All you can do is buckle up, hold on and follow the track.

XOXO,

Cecee

Seeing the wildflowers through the weeds

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I recently traveled to Austin, TX to visit my little, Annie. If you haven’t visited Austin I highly recommend going. This was my third trip to Austin and I can never get enough of this city! The food , shopping and nearby state parks make it a perfect vacation destination! You could potentially end up craving ROBERTO’S BRAZO FUERTE QUESO from Tacodeli all year long. I count down the days for that wonderful cheat meal!

April in Austin provides the beauty of blue bonnets and other gorgeous wildflowers along with overall wonderful weather. I wanted to experience the beauty of the wildflowers as well as a state park this trip so we visited Inks Lake State Park. The park is beautiful with a wonderful lake, waterfalls and wildflowers. Hiking around the park, enjoying a picnic on the rocks by a waterfall and searching for wildflowers was my favorite part of the trip. I do wish I had packed some sunscreen!

I wanted to search for the wildflowers as someone told me that I am a wildflower and I completely fell in love with the term. Wildflowers are sporadic, they sway where the breeze takes them, and they are beauty amongst the weeds.

Even though there are aspects of life I prefer having planned vs swaying, I have made an effort in being more sporadic and accepting of moments. Everyday life, like weeds can be overwhelming. Taking time to search for those beautiful moments can be challenging, but worth it.

During our hike I reflected on all the times that I continued to worry about what’s next and the path to get there. There was no clear direct path or plan leading us to this field of beautiful wildflowers, but we still found them. Appreciating the moments and beauty in little things is my goal as I often get wrapped up in my own mind and easily overwhelmed.

Visit Austin and parks around the city, embrace beautiful moments and don’t let the weeds overwhelm you!

XOXO,

Cecee

Intentional, Incredible, Inspired…

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This past weekend I attended the Arnold Sports Festival for the 2nd year in a row. This year just like last I gained more than just free products and samples. Being around all the athletes and fitness enthusiasts I am always inspired not only by their physique, but by their mental game and dedication.

Most people look at these athletes and only see their physique and physical strength, but do not understand how intentional they must make each day. These athletes have so much dedication to stay focused on strict meal and workout plans. The plans they follow are down to a science and very structured.

Life is hectic and one can easily fall off track without a strong mental game. As of late my head has not been in the game and motivation has been lacking. I have a decent understanding of what I need to do to get my fitness goals back on track, but need the push!

Last time I fell off track I needed to fit into a dress for a wedding… sadly enough I am in the same boat again a year and a half later. In 2016 I worked with my girl, Ally Vaeth  to fit in a dress for a NYE wedding. Following a meal plan through Thanksgiving and Christmas was tough, but necessary to hit my goal. With the help of Ally and dedication to the plan she created I was able to fit in my dress below!

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I have reached out to Ally again to help me get back on track and hopefully remain consistent in the future.  Ally is so detailed in her plan and genuinely cares about your success. When we met to go over how this program would be set up she made a comment about being intentional each day. This really stayed with me as the days I don’t have a plan are the days I easily skip the gym and have fast food. My schedule is different everyday and changes each week, so a set routine is hard to develop. I need to intentionally include my fitness and meal plans in my weekly to do list.

My before pictures this time around are so embarrassing for me and I am not ready to share until some progress is made. Stay tuned as Ally helps kick my butt back in shape!

Here is the goal dress I bought in September (pic is from September) and sadly have gained 10 lbs since. Operation fit in dress in process!

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XOXO,

Cecee