What's it All About?

“How is it going?” It seems like everyone I talk to this month asks the same question.
And honestly I love it! I just wish I had a more exciting reply!

My life is amazing… I had a wonderful winter in Florida with Jeff. We were able to spend time with family and friends and walk by the ocean for almost four months. I wrote and planned for my book launch while he worked on perfecting his pickle ball serve!

Now that we’re back, life is settling back into our Iowa routine… that’s something people don’t really understand. When we’re away, we’re not on vacation, we simply move life to a warmer place and settle into a Florida routine. I know it sounds like I’m spoiled, but I can’t imagine spending the whole year away from either one of my sons.

Launch is in full gear- My book, Reflections of Joy will be released on Monday, May 13. It’s available to order everywhere books are sold online and also at my local bookstore Dog-eared Books, because they’re cool like that.
It dawned on me a couple of weeks ago that my title doesn’t really tell you everything there is to know about the book, so I did a series of posts on my socials to break it down. I’ve gathered them together for you here. If you like what you read, feel free to buy the book!

Chapter 1: Give it Up
So where does faith fit in a health book?
For many years when I owned businesses, I worked hard to be neutral on all things including politics and faith. I didn’t want to offend or make someone uncomfortable by talking about my beliefs. Silence meant out of mind, which meant out of practice… at least for me.
Once I closed the gym, I spiraled a little bit. Many of the good habits went out the window and I seem to have lost my purpose. I tried my best to be a good wife and a good mother, but something was missing.
I had a lot of free time on my hands as well as poor sleep habits. One morning, long before the sun came up, I grabbed a journal and started to write… and write. My journals included scripture and I felt myself needing more. Some time after that I found myself in a place where reconnecting with God made sense. And when I decided I needed Him, He was everywhere. Not only in journal prompts but in chance meetings with long lost friends. In the smell of lilacs. In a song. In a rainbow cast across the words.
I seemed to flourish and the words poured forth and I was no longer afraid. I am who I am and you are who you are and we can find health and joy together no matter what we believe.

“Throughout this chapter, I share a few practices that have helped me shift my posture from desire to gratitude. As I work to reconcile my relationship with God, my expectations have changed. I’ve accepted his love and grace, which are never-ending, and learned that He wants me to be happy. Through this, I’ve begun to notice things that bring me undeniable joy.”

I am one of the things that brings Him joy. And He is responsible for me finding the courage to write this book. I am no longer afraid to mix it up. Reflections of Joy includes spiritual references, because they are important to me. I hope the words He put on my heart, resonate with you as well.

Chapter 2- Write it Down
I believe everyone has a story inside that deserves to see the light of day before they pass on. You may not think you’re a writer, but you may be surprised once you begin.

I come from incredible people… my husband and children, my parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends have all made me the woman I am today by sharing parts of themselves with me. Unfortunately, life is busy and as close as we may be, I don’t know all of their stories. As adults we work to provide, as kids we run in circles trying to learn and grow. Who has time for the stories?

“My grandmother passed away just a few years ago at the age of 94 and although we spent a great deal of time together, I’m sad that I don’t know more of her stories. It seems we were always busy cooking or catching up on current events – now that I have time to learn about the people who influenced her, she isn’t here to share the details.”

Life comes full circle... I recently became a grandma!
“The morning I found out about Baby M, I started writing to him. I didn’t know his gender or his due date. I didn’t care… I lovingly wrote to my future grandchild about what was happening in my world and that if his parents.… I wrote because I want future generations of my family to know who I am and where I come from. I want them to have a treasure to turn to someday when I’m gone. I started another journal when I found out about Baby C I will continue with each grandchild to come.
There isn’t a structure to my writing, just occasional entries to share a story, often about something his daddy did that will make him laugh. Sometimes, it’s about an incredible place he should visit when he’s older or a movie he should watch. As I continue to write, I’ll include books I love, songs he should know , and recipes for the cookies he will help me make.”

Start small… write one story and share it with someone you love.

Chapter 3: Reflection

I used to look in the mirror and think “someday”.
Someday I’ll lose twenty pounds. Someday I’ll fit in better clothes. Someday I’ll look in the mirror and be happy. Someday I’ll be smarter. Someday I’ll know enough to write a book.

Someday is today. I finally love the bright eyed woman who looks back at me. She has some work to do and a few things she’d like to change, but she has become everything I dreamed of and is becoming the woman He hoped for when he created her.
Wife, mom, grandma, coach, author, daughter and friend. I like her a lot.

“Confidence is an attribute that is made up of entirely more than looks, knowledge, or wealth. It is an inner strength that radiates outward, influencing how you are perceived by others…
Because you can’t borrow or buy it, it’s important to begin by understanding that confidence comes from appreciating your strengths and weaknesses. Not everyone can be the prettiest or the smartest girl in the room, but you can own who you are and embrace what you do well. Listen when there is something you can learn and share when you can make someone else’s life better.”

Chapter 4: Up & Down

Once upon a time I joined a gym. And I was terrified. I knew I was out of shape. I knew I was overweight. I knew I was going to ache… if I didn’t die. I was 39 years old and I thought I would “fix myself” before I turned 40. I did a pretty good job of creating new habits and building my endurance. I lost some weight and I caught the workout bug.

I opened a gym similar to the one I attended and fell in love with coaching and helping people. I believed anyone could do what we did, and I always tried to help people modify when needed. I’m a firm believer that most people can exercise, but sometimes after injury or illness, or by simply being blessed to grow older, exercise needs to change. And that can be a hard pill to swallow.

“During the last few months, I’ve discovered I don’t really like exercise. Shh! Don’t tell anyone, but nothing appeals to me less, except for maybe cleaning the house. So I’ve decided to do things that don’t feel like exercise.
I walk every day, not to burn calories but to be in nature, to work through my problems, and to be with God. I used to try to reach the magical 10,000 steps, and even though I still wear a step-tracking device, I try to focus on simply getting up and out of my chair. I work in the yard, park far away from the store, and set a timer to get up from this manuscript occasionally…
Over the next few weeks, I’d like to challenge you to explore your options, figure out what feels good to you, and do something faithfully every day.
You do You. Set a timer to remind you to get out of your chair at least once every hour. Buy a standing desk. Move around your office as you take a sales call. Walk for half of your lunch break. Sign up for a class. Learn to lift, swim, or dance. Do what brings you joy and makes you want to do it again tomorrow.”

I love to walk, especially on a beach… but I’m finding springtime in Iowa to be quite lovely as well.
What is your favorite way to exercise?

Chapter 5: Savor

After many years of trying to be a planner, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m much better off as a prepper. Each time I shop I take the time to wash and prep produce and I try to have a few yummy snacks or meal starters ready at all times. It saves time, money and frustration when dinner is just 10 minutes from start to finish.

“This method of prepping has helped me save money. Cleaning the fridge used to be a once a month thing for me. Now that fewer people are eating here, the little jars and bowls of leftovers get lost much easier than the large containers did. This task has bumped up the priority list to a weekly chore. I sort through leftovers and decide what to eat immediately, what to freeze, and what to toss. I also go through my produce drawer to see what needs to be used up before I go to the store and purchase more.
Confession: I collect fruits and veggies like some women collect shoes, and I’ve been known to forget the most perfect little eggplant in the bottom of the drawer until it’s unrecognizable.”

I share my process and the ways to make the most out of a meal by cooking once & eating twice without the grumble over leftovers.

Chapter 6: Your Calling

In hind site this chapter could have been called Find Your People… or in my case Feed Your People!
It turns out that Gods plan for me was to bring people together and I like to do that with food!

I don’t know if every call involves other people, but gosh I’m glad mine does… I’ve met the most amazing individuals and through an unplanned give and take I’m a better human after each new encounter.
There is so much to do in a day… And sometimes it’s hard to commit to following a new call. But try to find a way… your family, friends, and faith community are right there waiting to help you be You.

“If your life is like mine, you’ve likely tried to borrow a few more hours for today from tomorrow on more than one occasion. It’s never worked for me, so if you figure it out, give me a shout! I’ve learned that everything on my to-do list will be there tomorrow, but there’s a chance that the people I love won’t be.
The current trend is to protect your time. To say no. To shun the guilt of declining another invitation. I hope the trend will pass as soon as possible. We are created to be in community. It doesn’t matter what the house looks like or what’s on the menu; send the invitation. Spend time with people. Organize a barbecue or a potluck – you don’t have to do it alone. Ask some friends to join you for a walk. Join a book group. Volunteer at a local event.

Share your stories. Share your love. Do it often, and the world will be a better place.”

“For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them.” ~Matthew 18:20

Chapter 7: Let Go

It occurs to me the most of us would never reach place where we needed to “let go” of anything if we always believed we could succeed at everything.
I remember the days when my young sons were planning to BE many things – a doctor, a fireman, a ninja, and a chef. When asked WHEN they were going to be all these things they would look at me like “What do you mean? Can’t I be all of them at the same time?”
When do our brains start to hold onto the doubts instead of the opportunities? The switch flips and we see obstacles in place of adventure… we honor fear as we allow ourselves to fill our minds with insecurities, limitations, fear, excuses, status quo, and numbing as we chase perfection.

My simple solution is offered at the end of the book:

Turn it around.

“Learn to identify the negative talk and the doubts in your life. You can do it because you likely notice it when someone else drones on about how awful their life is. Every cloud has a silver lining, right? Find it. Write it down. Again and again and again.
Do it until you no longer see the bad in the world but opportunities to help.
Do it until you no longer dread the job but enjoy the connection with your coworkers.
Do it until you no longer look in the mirror and feel ashamed but acknowledge the process.
Do it until others notice a change in you and begin to look at the world in a new way.

Let go of what was and be the spark that makes the world better.”

Well… there you go! Reflections of Joy condensed into a few printed pages!

It’s not a how-to book. It’s a how I book. How I learned to love the woman in the mirror once again. My book is not a diet book, but there are recipes. It’s not a workout book, but I share ideas of was to start moving again. I share stories of inspiration as well as information about some really great people who can make your journey back to health full of joy.

If you read it, please tell me. That’s the hardest part of this- I don’t know who will read and what they think.
If you read something you want to talk about, drop me a note… I’d love to chat!

Be Happy