Turning Grief into a Dream Not Left Behind

And so as my family and I walk through the weeks following the death of our Mother, Grandmother, Wife, Great Grandmother, we all are processing this differently - yet we are keeping in contact with one another , supporting one another and loving each other through our grief.

Yesterday afternoon was rough for me, I did what I knew to overcome the dark sadness that lurked in my solar plexus in the morning. I went to the gym and pushed my body to the limit, so I could feel something, anything other than the pain of the grief. The gym has always been a way for me to process challenges in my life. I drove myself for two hours and was successful for a time until my girlfriends called me afterwards and I cried with them through the sadness . They reminded me that these times will come and go and that they will be there to help me move through them.

I told them I wanted to put the sadness behind me and find that inner motivation,drive that has always been inside me to accomplish things in my life. My girlfriend reminded me that it's there, maybe hidden, but it was something my Mom always supported in me. She was my number one cheerleader and always, always had faith in me that I could move the next mountain I decided to climb in my life. And yes, maybe she isn't here physically , but she is with me in the spirit realm of life, watching and guiding me.

And so, as I prepare for the days and weeks ahead in 2016, I know three things: I will publish my Mother's works as she asked me to , not two months ago , I will publish my own book and I will continue to write on my blog. My Mother loved reading my blog posts and in fact, I can recall one day , she called me and said " I just read one of your blog posts, congratulations, the batton has been passed to you my daughter, you are a beautiful writer." Oh my god, the tears strolled down my face, knowing what an amazing writer my Mother has been since I was a child! This was one of the biggest compliments she ever gave me.

Today, is a new day, I have only shed a few tears today and my inner motivation is coming back. I will turn my grief into making some of my Mother's and my dreams come true in 2016.

For all of you out there who has had parents, grandparents, spouses pass on, find the good that they gave to you! Honor them, keep their legacy alive by celebrating them!  Let the grief be a catalyst to something new, beautiful and amazing!

Love and Light,

Kimberley

Starting Over Again, My Journey Back to the Gym

Well, it's been almost six months since I last wrote a blog. Why? Because I have spent the last seven months of my life focusing on healing my body from so many things, it seemed like it was one thing after another!

I am happy to say that I have started working with my trainer again after almost a year. It's a slow go for sure! It's only been three days with him and I could barely make it through the third workout. In fact, I sat in the parking lot at the food Coop and just started to cry. Everything hurt! My back, my thighs, my hamstrings.

Good lord, I remember the day when yes, I would have been sore but it wouldn't have felt like this!

Jeff has been with me through a lot of life changes and he stays by my side keeping me going and my eyes on my fitness goals.

So, what happened? Well, I shared some of the story with you in the blogs in February (probably more detail than you would ever want to know!) But the story unfolded as the months went on.

It seemed as I addressed each issue, yet another one would come up. Was I ever going to regain my energy and be the person I once was?

A diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia turned into lymphatic congestion, hormone imbalances, adrenal fatigue, iodine levels being extremely low, a thyroid nodule being found. I just wanted my energy back so I could do the things I loved to do and working out with my trainer was at the top of that list!

How did I deal with all of those things? I did my research, I contacted alternative health care practitioners that I knew would help guide me and I changed my life! I left my stressful corporate job, I started eating foods to support me and I stopped eating foods that weren't doing that. Coffee being one of them! Yikes- my favorite thing on the planet! It's right up there with alcoholic beverages, sex and shopping!

Was it hard? Yes! Were there days I sat and cried out of frustration and discouragement? Yes! Did I give up? NO!  My health and fitness will always be my number one priority!

Now, I am in a great place of recovery. I am feeling content and happy to be where I am. I have learned a whole lot and I have started sharing my knowledge so that others can learn from my experiences.

And, I am reunited with Jeff and deadlifts and squats!! It will take time, but I am better than I was before! A much healthier version of me!

With Gratitude,

Kimberley

What Do I Know

What Do I Know

1. That sometimes it take every bit of inner strength to keep moving toward your goals! And there are times

when you have to exercise extreme self control to get there!

2. That eating real food that comes from the earth gives you more energy and health than any boxed or packaged food! And you feel that you are doing something good for yourself!

3.) I know that no matter who tries to knock you down in life, no matter who tries to bully you into doing something, STAND YOUR GROUND! LIVE YOUR OWN VALUES AND PRINCIPLES. After

all, YOU are the one that has to look in the mirror when all is said and done!

4.) Our bodies need exercise, get moving, stop sitting on those chairs, the couch and get moving! Even small steps begin the journey!

5.) Find something, anything that will motivate to change your life in a positive direction, no matter what you want to do! Grab the inner most part of you that truly wants a different life and find any role model you can to aspire you to achieve your goals! Watch an inspiring you tube video over and over, keep a magazine cover by your side, meditate on what you want, play motivating songs on your IPOD! Do WHAT IT TAKES to get yourself one step closer! 

( If Steve Jobs knew how much I admire him! and what an inspiration he is to my life!)

Here's to You My Readers! Get Moving! Get Motivated! Do What You Love!

Kimberley