Goodbye, Adios, Ciao, Au Revoir, Sayonara

I cannot believe it is the last day of 2015.  I think it is true that the older you get the faster time goes! 2015 has been a good, but challenging year for me.

Yesterday was a really good day!  I got to spend some awesome time with my family.  We did some shopping together and I spent some of my birthday and Christmas money and bought myself some Beats headphones!!! I also got myself an iPad case I needed! We also had lunch out at our favorite BBQ place

Then last night I had bible study with my favorite group of ladies (we call ourselves the Joy Club). In my 39 years, I have never felt like I fit in with a group of women like I do with these ladies. We are different ages and in all different stages of life.  And each one of them are like my sister.  I feel like every single thing I have ever tried to get over my anxiety; medicine, therapy, etc has never worked.  But meeting with this group of ladies each week and being able to open up and know that I will still be loved no matter what has been the best thing for me.  I encourage all of you to find a group of friends that will unconditionally love you for YOU!!!  True friends are hard to find, so when you do don't let go.  And last night, they surprised me with a delicious hot fudge cake and ice cream and lovely gifts for my birthday! I felt so special and so blessed!

We took down all of our Christmas decorations today! I was so sad! I love having up all of the lights and decorations. I seriously considered leaving my tree up all year and decorating it for all the holidays, but we took it down! Now my living room looks bare :(  

Our big party plans for tonight? We are staying home!! We are going to watch a movie and play board games with the kids!  If you are going out tonight, please be safe!

So what are my "resolutions" or "goals" for 2016?

I really don't know, but here are a few graphics I have saved the past few days that spoke to me, so I thought I would share them.  I just want to be happy and I just want to be me!

Today's Bible Verse:

The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
2 Peter 3:9 NLT

Sending you love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Why Me Wednesday?

Today has been an awesome day! And I will share more about it with you tomorrow!! HAHA, I will make you wait!

But for now, I want to share something else with you. This morning I was looking back at my Facebook memories and I came across a note that I wrote 5 years ago on this day. As I read through it I was brought back to some things that I am still going through and the things I was thinking during those times that I needed to be reminded of today. So I thought I would share it here:

Why Me, God?

Have you ever asked God, “Why Me?” I know I have more times than I can count. I wonder why on several things such as:

• Why did I have to watch my husband die when he was only 29?
• Why did I lose half of my eyesight when I was only 30?
• Why do I struggle with this pseudo tumor every single day?

I think it is natural to question the events that happen to us sometimes. We wonder why God allows bad things to happen to good people. I have really been struggling lately with my health and I wonder why God does not just take the problems away from me. However, when I was in the shower this morning as I was asking myself a long list of why questions, God answered me with scriptures I had memorized.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28 (NIV) – The word that sticks out to me here is ALL. He works ALL things, not just the good, but the bad as well. Everything we go through is for good even when we cannot see it at the time. I hold onto the promise that one day my why questions will be answered and I will understand, but if not I hold onto God’s promise.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) – Wow, my troubles sure do not always feel light and momentary, but when I think about what awaits me in the end it feels worth it. Each time I remember this verse, I think of Christ and his suffering on the cross. He took all of that punishment for me and for you because He knew what it would achieve. That gives me a hope that my life here is achieving something more.

Do these scriptures answer my why questions? No, but they give me hope and remind me of God’s promises. The Bible promises “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NIV). God’s peace will provide enough for me even if I do not receive the answers to my questions.

Do not feel bad about questioning God, but be open to the fact that you may not receive the answer you are looking for, but an answer that guides us to God’s promise of eternal life that will far exceed any answer we could receive here on earth.

“I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.” ~Mother Teresa

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

Reflections:

I am in no way a writer. I am not poetic or literary in any way shape or form. However, if my troubles and struggles can help someone else, then they are worth sharing. Maybe, just maybe, God gives us troubles so we can continue to let his joy shine through us so others can continue to have hope. Let your light continue to shine (even when it is hard and does not feel worth it). You never know who can take comfort from knowing that you have overcome your problems and that there is hope that they can too.

In Christ,
Kari Goodman

I hope my rambling thoughts can help someone reading these words today!

Verse for the day:

Sending you love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,
Kari

A Boring, But Productive Day

I am tired day, proof is in my picture today.  I am not sure why, but I have just not been sleeping well and it is catching up with me.

Today was pretty boring, but I spent the day catching up on my housework.  I had not really done much since all my family left after Christmas and some TLC was needed here today!

I am also excited to report that I signed back up for the new Weight Watchers program today! I am planning on using the next few days learning the ins and outs of the new program and starting in on Monday, January 4.  As of now, I am planning on doing the program online, since I am not able to drive to meetings.  I am ready to get back to some accountability! I have also slacked with my Plexus products and some of my oils and Young Living products I was using every day.  I am planning on starting a new routine to incorporate all of those as well!  

And tonight we ordered pizza and rented movies!!! A nice relaxing evening at home!

Today's Bible Verse:
Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy!

Psalm 99:3 NLT

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Year 39!

I know it has been ages (well really like almost 2 months) since I have last blogged, but I have needed the break.  I have enjoyed not having the pressure of always coming up with what to write and how many people will read and will it be any good and blah, blah, blah.  Well today is my birthday and I am turning 39.  My last year before I turn the dreaded 40, which honestly does not really bother me at all.   So I have decided that this year I am going to blog my year! I am just going to journal my year.  I am going to write for me and take the pressure off of who else reads and if no one else likes it then OH WELL!  

Today is also my 8 year anniversary with my handsome hubby Cliff.  He never gets the excuse to forget my birthday or my anniversary!!!

Today started off with a trip to the chiropractor for my adjustment and then off to Starbucks for my free birthday drink.  And of course, I got a Venti because, well DUH it was FREE!

Then it was up to Bloomington where we went to the Half Price bookstore and then to my consult at the IU Health Spine Center.  I was very impressed there and left feeling positive that I may be able to get some non-pharmaceutical treatment to help my back pain!

Then we went to Olive Garden for my birthday/anniversary dinner. I ate light with just soup and salad so I could enjoy splitting this tasty black tie mousse cake with my hubby!

Then we headed to the theater to see the new Star Wars movie.  It was really good!!!  And now we are home sweet home and I got to give Cash his new squeaky toy I bought for him at PetSmart today! He is in heaven and the boys are loving it while they try to watch the Pacers game! Lol!

I had a very good day! I am so excited to see what year 39 brings to my life! 

Today's Bible Verse:
But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The Lord is great!"
Psalm 40:16 NLT

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Top 10 for November

I can't believe it is November already. This year has flown by. I am excited for a new month to use it as a fresh start for some of the goals that I have. I have really been slacking on lots of things over this past year. I have lots of excuses (some of them valid). And I am learning that sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to actually uses excuses. I will be posting more on this another day. 

So for today, I'm going to share my top 10 goals that I want to work on for November.

1. Post something every day that I am thankful for.

2. Be more conscious about my nutrition. Pay attention to what I am eating and when I am eating. I have been bad about not eating most of the day and then binging.

3. Get back to the gym. I am happy that I'm starting back with my personal trainer tomorrow.

4. Be more consistent taking my Plexus products. I've been slacking on that to lately.

5. Be more consistent with my blogging. 

6. Spend more quality time with my boys. 

7. Step out of my comfort zone. Do the things I know are right to do without worrying about what everybody else will think about me.

8. Incorporate my Young Living essential oils into more parts of my day.

9. Cook and eat dinner at home at least six out of seven evenings per week. I did a lot of meal prep this weekend in order to meet this goal. 

10. Live each day intentionally and filled with JOY!

The next two months are my favorite time of the year. I love the holidays and the joy and happiness during the season. I'm excited to get back to living my life each day with the goals of being happy and healthy.

I hope that you are all doing well.

Sending you all love and happy, healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Share a goal you have for November in the comments. 

In His Image!!!

Happy Monday friends!

I wanted to take a minute and tell you all that have stuck with me through my quiet periods how much I appreciate all of you!

Life with 3 teenagers is so busy, hectic, and crazy.  I felt like making time to blog was becoming a chore.  So I decided to just take a short break.  I am back now and have a brain full of ideas and thoughts I want to share with all of you!

I have also really been thinking about “why” I wanted to blog and how my “why” has changed over the past few years.  When I started, I was dead focused on weight-loss and dieting.  I was excited to share those weekly numbers with all of you.  I still think that is important, but my primary focus shifted when I started gaining some weight back and realized a very important fact; I HATED myself!  Like not just a little bit, but in every way imaginable.  I had lost over 100 pounds and I still did not like who I was.  Maybe weight loss was not only what I needed to feel better about myself.  Now, I know it is important to eat right and move more in order to be physically healthy and I am still working on that.  But what would be the point of losing the 288 pounds I want to lose and still not like who I am, still not want to leave my house, and still wait on something else to make me feel good?

So this blog is going to be morphing alongside my changing “why.”  I think it is so important to learn to love ourselves so that we can take care of ourselves.  I will tell you right now that I do not have all or even a few of the answers to this, but I want to share what I am discovering along the way.

During the month of September, I had the privilege of teaching the 3^rd-6^th graders in out KidZone on Sunday mornings.  So much of the material we covered was so relevant to what I was working on.  It was definitely a God thing!

Our verse this month was from Psalms 139: 13-16 (MSG):

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
    you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
    Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
    I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
    you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
    how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
    all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
    before I’d even lived one day.

What powerful words.  Knowing that I was formed together piece by piece by God makes a huge impact on how I view myself.

Yesterday, we were discussing how God created man in His own image.  We were put on Earth for a specific purpose.  And the end of that passage it says that:

God looked over everything he had made;
        it was so good, so very good! Genesis 1:31 (MSG)

He made me, He made you and HE SAID THAT IT WAS GOOD! If God says it is good, then how can I say I don’t like myself, something He created in His image?

We were not created by some random chance, some flipping of a coin.  It is time that we learn to love the person God created us to be!

I hope you all have an amazing week!

Sending you love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

What has society become?

I'm saddened tonight by a growing trend in our culture. 

Since when did so many people enjoy putting other people down?

When did society say that only a good time can be had when we are mocking, criticizing, and belittling other people?

And I'm not just talking about YouTube stars who are ranting on and on about fat people. I'm talking people right in your own communities, in your schools, in your churches, in your workplaces, in your home. 

It has become acceptable and even applauded when others are bringing people down. Why? Is it really funny to make fun of someone who you don't really even know?

This was brought on by a trip to the local bakery/coffee house after picking the boys up at school. The entire place was filled with kids from our local high school. I was appalled at the things I heard them say about people I know and care about. 

I'm upset with myself tonight after not confronting them and asking them these questions:

Do you really know this person?

Do you know what their home life is like?

Do you know how much they give and do for others?

Do you know the struggles they face everyday?

Why do you think it is ok to giggle and laugh about such mean things?

And then I started thinking about how this has become the norm. This has become entertainment. 

We have to teach our children that it is not okay to get enjoyment out of bringing others down. I know I'm guilty at snickering once in awhile, but I'm really going to try to focus on being more positive every day to every person I meet. 

Just some thoughts. 

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Break the chains,

Kari

Mental Health Monday - Be You

Welcome to Mental Health Monday! This was born out of Liz and Steph's  session on Depression, Anxiety and Healthy Living from Fitbloggin’ 15. Every 1st and 3rd Monday one of us will host a link up for others to share their experiences with Mental illness – either from their own experience or from the experience of helping and walking with others. Our goal is to reach out to the world and let people know that they are not alone in their struggles. You are never alone. Join us – link up, visit new blogs, support others. Speak out: “I am crazy…CRAZY AWESOME!”

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend, whether it was a long or short one. 

I'm battling the ickies (possibly the flu) right now, so send up some prayers for me. So today, I'm simply going to share a poem I came across on a website. I hope you enjoy it. 

Be Yourself

By Ellen Bailey

Why would you want to be someone else

When you could be better by being yourself

Why pretend to be someone you are not

When you have something they haven't got

Cheating yourself of the life you have to live

Deprives others of that only which you can give

You have much more to offer by being just you

Than walking around in someone else's shoes

Trying to live the life of another is a mistake

It is a masquerade; nothing more than a fake

Be yourself and let your qualities show through

Others will love you more for being just you  

Remember that God loves you just as you are

To Him you are already a bright shining star

Family and friends will love you more too

If you spent time practicing just being you

 

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Break the Chains,

Kari

Five on Friday

Happy Friday everyone!  Time for Five on Friday!  Today I am sharing my top five moments of the week!  

1.  I got out and socialized a lot this week!  One dinner with my Young Living group and two gathering with my awesome church ladies!

2.  Lots of good moments with my fur baby, Cash.  A convertible ride and snuggles.  And I even caught him loving up on my mother-in-law (he usually tries to eat her(.

3.  Had an amazing time at my youngest son's football game last night (he is the one actually waving, which is a miracle since we are an embarrassment to his whole life).  And my parents, sister, brother-in-law and nephews (the two cuties) came to cheer him on to victory.  Matthew even got his name announced on the loud speaker for an awesome tackle.

4.  My new shirt (mine is blue though) came in just in time for tonight's football game, where I will be cheering on my oldest son who is the lead snare drum player in the marching band!

5.  My favorite scripture from this week's studies and quiet times!

This is hard to keep to 5 things!!!! I am already planning what to share next week!

Praying you all have an amazing weekend!

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Manna and Mercy

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

So a common theme among lots of groups and studies I have been doing lately has been that God's mercies are new every morning.  Many days (especially lately with CRAZY schedules and three kids needing to be in three places at the same time) I feel empty by the end of the day and I dread getting up to do it all over again.

I think especially as a mother (but not only) we give and give and give and give every single day until our cup is empty.  And we MUST refill our cup so we do not burn out and become so overwhelmed that we simply give up.  But how do we do this in the crazy busy lives we live.  

And then this scripture came to me:

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day."

Exodus 16:4

Yes, this is from the Old Testament, but it still applies to our lives today in 2015.  The people of Israel had just gained their freedom from slavery in Egypt, something they were really wanting for a long time.  And they are finally free and what do they do, gripe! Sound familiar at all? How many times do we base our joy and happiness on whens or whats? Anyway, that is a whole different topic.  But the Israelite's were complaining that they were hungry, and they might as well just go back to being a slave so they could eat. 

BUT GOD! (I just love those 2 little words that pack such a punch)  God provided for them.  He told them that each morning He would send down manna and each evening he would send down quail. BUT, they had to only gather as much as they needed for one day at a time (with the exception of the Sabbath).  What kind of trust did that require? They were starving and God tells them to only gather enough for each day.  This is where the what-ifs probably started; what if there is no more tomorrow? what if I need more? what if, what if, what if? And some people tested God and took more than they needed and guess what? It was filled with maggots and stunk! God never failed the people, He provided what they needed each day, but no more.

What a lesson we can learn from this.  God will provide what we need to get through each and every day.  He will fill our cup each morning so we can pour it out little by little throughout the day.  But we must do out part too.  We must allow Him to fill our cups.  We must read His word and seek His will and pray.

And when we go to bed each evening, we may be empty, exhausted, overwhelmed. But guess what? Tomorrow He will give me exactly what I need to make it through that day!

So when you feel like you just can't, like the cup is empty, remember that only God can fill it up, only He can give you what you need and HE WILL EACH AND EVERY TIME!

Sending love and healthy wishes!

I NEED YOU! and Other Stuff

Happy Transformation Tuesday!

Unfortunately, I have no new story to share with you today. I am still on the search for more stories to share for Transformation Tuesday! If you would like a chance to tell your story, click here to fill out the form or e-mail me your story at klgoodman1976@gmail.com I LOVE seeing all of the inspiration and we have to lift each other up! We are all in this together!

So get to sharing!

So yesterday evening I did something that was very difficult for me. I attended a Celebrate Recovery meeting at a local church. This is a Christ-centered 12-step recovery program. I loved how the leaders said it was for hurts, habits and hang-ups. I'm still processing a lot and trying to figure out exactly where I want to begin, but I know I have some food issues and anxiety issues to work on. I will be sharing more as I process more. 

I haven't shared this here before, but my nephew has been staying with my family since March. He is 15! He brought a cat, gecko and fish into our family when he moved in. And yesterday we added another new member; a fat tailed leopard gecko named Waldo

And Cinder, the cat, gave him the formal welcome

So we now have 5 cats, 2 geckos, 1 dog, 1 fish, 3 teenage boys, a husband and a mother in law here! We are bursting with activity and joy!

And my nephew, Logan started soccer practice tonight! Isn't he handsome:

I also had a consult with a new chiropractor today. This back pain just keeps getting worse. I feel really good about my visit (even though I'm sore from his adjustment) and I go back Thursday. I'm hoping to get this pain under better control. 

Lastly, it was girl's night out with my church ladies tonight. I had so much fun and I'm so happy that I'm getting out of my shell and bonding with other women!

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!!!

Break your chains,

Kari

Breaking the Chains

 

Happy Monday friends!

I am glad to be back to blogging this week!

I have taken some time off to really work on some things and I am back feeling better than ever!

I have realized that I was allowing myself to be chained up by so many things and I am finally working on breaking free!

I am tired and worn out of being a victim. 

I have played the victim from circumstances in my life:

• losing my vision
• depression
• becoming a young widow
• diagnosed with fibromyalgia
• anxiety
• low self esteem
• being overweight
• blah blah blah blah

NO MORE! I am going to start focusing on the things I can control and stop being obsessive about the things I cannot control.

I went to an all day workshop for Young Living Essential Oils on Saturday and something that was said there really stuck with me. And that was to live above the line.  Under the line are all the negatives that weigh us down and keep us stuck (illness, circumstances, stress), but if we focus on enhancing our life above the line things will be so much happier and joyful.

I am working really hard on getting out of my shell and making a point to interact with other people.  I have another thing I am really going to try to get the courage to do soon and I will share as soon as I can.

I have also been working on redesigning my blog site some, so take a look and give me some feedback!

And if you have a minute, listen to this song.  Going to be my anthem for awhile!

So that is all today to save you from reading FOREVER!  We are so busy this week with soccer, football and marching band so I will be sharing pics from the boys all week!

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Break the chains,

Kari

I'm here!!!!!!!!!

Howdy friends!!!

Have you missed me??

I'm still here, still doing good. 

Just taking this month to get back in the swing of school, homeschooling my nephew, football, band and soccer schedules. Whew! I'm a busy momma!!

I'm also working on re (kinda) designing my blog. 

So, I'll be back soon. 

Just wanted to pop in and say HI!!!

Sending you all love, health and happiness!!!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Mental Health Monday - Marriage Woes

Welcome to Mental Health Monday! This was born out of Liz and Steph's  session on Depression, Anxiety and Healthy Living from Fitbloggin’ 15. Every 1st and 3rd Monday one of us will host a link up for others to share their experiences with Mental illness – either from their own experience or from the experience of helping and walking with others. Our goal is to reach out to the world and let people know that they are not alone in their struggles. You are never alone. Join us – link up, visit new blogs, support others. Speak out: “I am crazy…CRAZY AWESOME!”

I apologize for my absence the past few weeks here.  I have had a lot of crap going on in my life and it has just been nuts.  I have really been thinking a lot about my blog and what I am wanting it to become since getting back from Fitbloggin.  I am considering revamping it a little bit to fit more into what my journey has become over the past few years.  I will share more as I make some decisions.  I will keep blogging, but shifting my focus away from only fitness and weight loss.

I am going to share a very personal struggle here today.  One I have not shared with anyone before, but in the name of transparency, I feel I should talk about it some.

My marriage has been struggling a little.  Now don't start worrying, we are not separating or divorcing or even using those words.  We have just been going through a lot of stress lately with our business and life in general.  And it has taken its toll on our relationship some.  We are working hard together to rekindle some of the closeness we had in the beginning.  And I think this is very common in a lot of relationships and not discussed enough.  

As I have been studying and reading, I came across the poem/story called "Perfect Love," author unknown.  This is like God's letter to the Christian woman regarding perfect love:

Wait, not until you are first satisfied, fulfilled, and content with being loved by Me can I bring you true love.  You see, first you must give yourself totally and unreservedly to Me, discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found. Only then, will you be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have for you. You will never be fully united with another until you are united with Me.  Exclusive to anyone or anything else, I want you to stop planning, stop wishing and allow Me to bring it to you.  You must keep watching and experiencing the satisfaction that I am, expecting Me to do the greatest of things.  Most importantly, keep listening and learning the things I show you,  Just wait...That's all!  Don't be anxious and don't worry.  Don't look at the things others have received, or that I have given them.  You just keep looking at Me, or you'll miss what I am teaching you.  Then, when you're ready, I'll give you a love far more wonderful than any you will ever dream about.  Most of all, I want you to see in his flesh, a picture of your relationship with Me and enjoy the everlasting union of beauty, perfection, and love that I offer you.  "Believe it and be satisfied."  My daughter, until you are ready - I am working even this moment to have you both ready at the same time.  Until you are both satisfied and content with Me and the life I have prepared for you; you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me, thus, perfect love.

These words really hit home to me.  I have been working so hard on loving myself, even liking myself, let alone receiving the love my husband has to offer me.  But this really speaks to just rest in Him, focus on Him and it will all be okay.

That is really all I have to say for now.  This was not planned for a post, but I really felt the need to share with all of you,

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,
Kari

Atychiphobia - Mental Health Monday

Welcome to Mental Health Monday! This was born out of Liz and my session on Depression, Anxiety and Healthy Living from Fitbloggin’ 15. Every 1st and 3rd Monday one of us will host a link up for others to share their experiences with Mental illness – either from their own experience or from the experience of helping and walking with others. Our goal is to reach out to the world and let people know that they are not alone in their struggles. You are never alone. Join us – link up, visit new blogs, support others. Speak out: “I am crazy…CRAZY AWESOME!”

This week's link up is hosted by Stephanie (who just finished the IronMan yesterday AMAZING) at Athlete at Heart.

Why do we accomplish things and then all of a sudden we slide backwards so far we never feel like we can go forwards again?  This is something I have thought about over and over again.  I lose weight, things are going smoothly and BAM I quit and gain back.  I get into an amazing exercise routine and BAM, I quit and have to begin again.  Why do I do this?

Well, I really think it is a fear of failure.  When I was googling graphics for this post, I came across this big word and it's definition:

Atychiphobia is the abnormal, unwarranted, and persistent fear of failure, a type of specific phobia. As with many phobias, atychiphobia often leads to a constricted lifestyle, and is particularly devastating for its effects on a person's willingness to attempt certain activities.

I honestly believe that I am so afraid of failing, that I might as well not try.  If I don't even try, I can't fail, right?  I hate the feeling of failing at anything.  It is like an anxiety attack when I can't do something,  Even at the gym with my trainer, I get teary eyes if I cannot do something he asks me to do.  Silly, right? But it is me, and I am sure it is some of you as well.

I know I have to work on this and I have a counseling appointment today so I plan on asking for some advice on how to work on this.  I know in my brain that I only fail if I truly quit and give up, but I can't tell the other parts of me that.  

I really have no answers for today's post.  I am working so hard on learning to like myself and to put myself out in situations that challenge my anxiety.  I am trying to reflect on the why? 

Why do I bully myself?

Why am I so afraid of what others think of me?

Why, why, why?

I am slowly searching for those answers and I will try to share all my ramblings as I find them.

So, I am leaving you with these amazing quotes I found today.  A few nuggets for thought on the fear of failure:

I am working on journaling an answer to the last question.  So I ask you:

What would you attempt if you knew you would not fail?

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing.

Kari

Family Fun Day and 20 Years

Here is a quick (mostly picture) recap of our awesome day Saturday!

Yesterday was a busy but great day! We started off the day with Family Fun Day! I wore a new outfit:

We headed to Bloomington and had a yummy lunch at Red Lobster, where I attempted to get a good pic of all of us (very difficult with teenagers).

And then I let them be goofy

We headed to the mall where I got to go to build a bear and make Bob! I was a happy girl!

Then it was off to the dollar sale at Half Price Books. We left with a box and a bag full of books and movies. Then we had a nice visit with my grandma. 

We then headed to my parents where my mom surprised me with this cute coffee cozy:

I changed for my 20 year high school reunion and I actually wore a dress!!!!!! It was so hot, I thought this would be the coolest. The boys stayed at my parents and hubby and I headed out to Nick's English Hut. 

I was so excited to get to sit by my bestest friend in the world, beautiful Stephanie. We met our junior year and we have been through lots together. 

Here is a pic of those who came:

It was really nice to see the memorial table set up to remember Jesse and the other two classmates who have passed on. 

And here is my name tag with my lovely picture from my senior year. 

I had a really nice time catching up. I held my emotions together well until the very end and then there were a few tears. It was hard to get the sadness and hugs from everyone about Jesse and I so wished he was able to see our class 20 years later. 

And that was the end of family fun day! I was exhausted and slept so well last night I almost didn't get up in time for church, but we made it!

Tune in tomorrow for the Mentak Health Monday link-up!

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari