Sacrifice and Balance

October 27, 2014

I know--another post in a matter of days. Can that really be? And it isn't even on anything that is unexpectedly undertaking...

But--I had a thought running through my mind today. It was a thought about priorities and what we invest in. Throughout life, we are faced with decisions. Deciding if I will hit snooze and sleep in more, deciding if I will get up and go for a run because it is good for my body, deciding if I will eat that pizza smothered in cheese, deciding if someone is worth investing time into.

And why do we make these decisions? They are based on our priorities in life. A lot of times, I find we are willing to sacrifice big things that are important to taking care of ourselves to fulfill a moment of something we think we need right now.

I am guilty of this. Oftentimes my priorities go to an extreme. I'll choose to study something more--and end up devoting all my time and energies into it. Like school for example. I started this endorsement I have been working on in hopes to further me along in my career. But, looking back--a big portion of this process involved letting go of part of my life. My life became unbalanced and I began to put everything into it--it was even to the extreme that I would say--it's okay to eat out today or skip the gym. I have to get through this class.

Looking back on how I used to think to now--that was never ok. I should have never been willing to sacrifice my health and wellness for something like that. Both aspects are equally important, and really, I should have learned to balance better.

So--reflecting back on my life and to where I am now. Balance is essential to happiness. Things need to balance on what our priorities are. For everyone these are different. But--of equal importance. I think the key thing I am thinking right now though is that we should never sacrifice our health for things that can drain us. I am grateful I have learned this lesson this year and I hope I can do my best to not forget to take care of me as I go through my journey.

Really, life is about the moments we spend here making memories with others. Serving and being there for our family and friends. When we die and meet God someday, it won't be about how much money I made or how much weight I gained or lost or how healthy I ate--but it will be about what I did with this life that was given to me. Did I take care of myself enough that I could be there to help lift up my brothers and sisters here.

It may be mindless rambles for late at night, but this was on my mind tonight. I need to make sure I take care of me so I can help others. Helping others is what it is all about.

Blessings Come in Disguise

October 24, 2014

It is 12:30 in the morning--and my mind is still active and awake. I have had this problem every day this week--and I should be tired. My stress levels are high from school, work, and a few other things I have my hands in. But--my heart is full. I have been struggling for a little bit with wondering if God is aware of me and what is going on in my heart right now and if He really has a plan for me. And this week--I had many reasons to melt down--some did come. But--being the reflective Amy I have become, I am humbled by the tender mercies He has blessed me with this week. I have felt lost and directionless at points the past few months--not sure I'm doing the right things with my life. I know I wrote on my Facebook earlier this week about lessons I have learned during the week, but here in a little more depth--is some blessings I have received.

Blessing #1

A night of multi-tasking and proof reading

I have been working on a reading endorsement for the past 2 years. I had this brilliant idea back then (that younger, ambitious Amy) that a reading endorsement would look great on my resume. So--I jumped in. I am finally on my last class! Hallelujah! But--it has been one of the hardest classes because a lot of the assignments involve working with your own class. I don't have my own class, which makes it hard. So, I've had to work extra hard to complete my assignments--borrowing friend's children, teacher's classrooms, and brainstorming creative ways to accomplish them. It has sucked a lot of analytical juices out of my brain (if I seem more analytical right now--this is why. I can't seem to bring my brain down). But--this endorsement program has brought some amazing blessings to my life. I understand reading development better. I wrote a paper a few classes ago that is getting published in The Utah English Journal. It will be coming out later. I have been reviewing the final edits this week. Publishing scholarly research was something on my list of things to do in life. Bucket list check!

Blessing #2

My National Board Coalition friends at Hill Day

Many of you know I have a passion for teacher development and helping teachers improve their practice because I feel it is a way to influence more children  by producing strong teachers who can help students, in turn influencing more children. Empowering teachers to lead and do this has been a goal of mine in life. I recently was accepted into a program with the Center for Teacher Quality, National Boards, and NEA to do a program called the Teacher Leader Initiative. This involves me doing a capstone project (more work, right?) during the next year of my life. Tonight though, the Utah National Board Coalition had a stakeholders meeting where we invited stakeholders to come and discuss how we can promote National Boards in our state. My job was to invite legislators. I invited Senator Aaron Osmond and he came and we had a great discussion with him about the value of this program and after tonight--I may have a direction for my capstone project that will help impact teachers in our state. We shall see what comes, but this was a blessing in disguise because I haven't been able to pinpoint what I wanted to do, but doors opened tonight.

Blessing #3

A progress photo...I survived a good week of workouts

dub nutrition has become a major part of my life in the past year. When I was struggling with my weight gains earlier this year--I went from a size 14 to a size 8 in about 6 months. But--I have been in a steady maintenance period. I weigh the same that I have weighed since July and my measurements haven't really changed a lot (which I am grateful for the maintenance). I was feeling frustrated though because I felt like I was failing here. I had a great opportunity to work out with a good friend of mine, Elise Gerst this week and also receive a massage from her.  During my massage, we were able to talk about my frustrations, and she reminded me of all the success I have seen. I am stronger, I can lift more and my endurance is so much more than it has ever been. My consistency in taking care of my body has helped me in so many ways. I know that without this piece and having exercise in my life--I would have had major break downs this week. Exercise has become my out. And the amazing thing Elise and I discussed about my dub journey is that not only has this happened to me, but I am becoming this--this new chapter of my healthy lifestyle journey is just starting. I have now narrowed some goals for me of what I want to do next to challenge myself with my health and fitness. And I am excited to work towards those. I have new opportunities I could never have imagined.

Friends--God does hear prayers. I was asking this week for some direction--guidance to things I needed help with in life. And right now--I feel like it has been answered for me. All those angels in my life who helped me see it this week--thank you for being in tune to help me find it and renew my hope. I am one lucky girl! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel--and I know right now is hard as I finish up my class, but I am excited about the opportunities that have been trusted to me this week.

Sometimes I need to be humbled so I can see the hand of God in my life more. So grateful He knows the right ways to do that. And grateful that I can reflect and be thankful.

The Power of Community

August 9, 2014

Today, my heart is full. I've been pondering about the amazing changes I have had in my life the last few months and the way I've gotten there. I'm such a stubborn independent person that I hate depending on other people to help me accomplish things. For the past several years, I wanted to be healthier, and didn't know how. I tried to do what I thought was good from watching and reading and learning, but I had a lack of success. And when I would have success, I would fail and go back to my old ways eventually.

BUT--I have done so well in the past couple months. As I reflect on the difference with my life right now and accomplishing my goals and seeing what I used to do, I have pinpointed a major factor to it all. That factor is my support group. I have the most awesome friends ever.

Let me share an experience that happened today.

This morning, I woke up ready to go to yoga (at 8 am on a Saturday). I drove up to the dub Campus because I love meeting up with my good friend Linnea to participate in her free weekly class. Linnea has this amazing ability to inspire you and help you to want to be better. I have had friends who have met her and have said the same thing. But, when I showed up this morning, it was just me for yoga. Linnea knows I have been struggling with my weight training the last couple weeks, so instead of saying--"It's just you Amy...let's just cancel the class because this isn't worth my time," she said, "Amy! It's just you--I was thinking that if you want we can work on some of those
weight training things one-on-one today to help you instead of doing yoga."

She was an answer to my prayers. There are several exercises I know how to do with weights, but I have been unsure of important things like form and if I am doing things correctly. She spent the morning helping me meet my goals. This unselfish act of hers touched me so much. Some people think we do dub to make money or to help ourselves--but to me Linnea is a true example of what dub is. It is the opportunity to help others become better.

And this is what I have found with my dub family. There are several people who are willing to give so freely of their time and energies to help me to be successful in life. And I am forever grateful to them.

Linnea--thanks for being a part of my dub family--and most of all--being my friend.

dub Problems...

It's been a bit since I've posted last and I am in a reflective mood tonight. I have spent the weekend talking about reflection and the power it has to influence our lives and control the actions we make and I decided I need to reflect on my life the past little while. I have been having some dub problems (my dub family friends probably understand) and I thought I would share them out.

dub problem #1. My hair is growing in faster...and I already have thick hair! And I haven't had time to get it cut--I know--I know--stop complaining about my great hair, right? But--did you know it takes me longer to fix it and it frizzes out so much easier when it is this thick! Ugh! I need a hair cut asap! I've been having to wear it naturally curly because I'm tired of allotting an hour to my hair to fix it! Some days I hate my natural curl!

dub Problem #2. And my nails--they are growing in faster too...I have to cut them more often--and one of my toenails fell off this week from running. But under it my toenail had already started to repair itself....and there is a little toenail underneath of it. So glad it is there! I was afraid it was going to be more painful!

dub Problem #3. I have to wear a lot of skirts--my pants don't fit! I have a few pairs I can wear--but the rest of my pants for work are too loose. So--maxi skirts have been my wardrobe. If you think I am dressing nice because I want to--that's partly true. I think maxi skirt has become my look lately though--so if you see me wearing one, be glad that it fits me! I just bought me this one this week because even my older maxi skirts have been getting too big for me.

dub Problem #4. I can run. I haven't been able to run well for years--my knees have been weak ever since my horse accident and then fracturing my upper tibia playing ultimate frisbee a few years ago. Running has not been my friend. It always hurt me so badly, especially in the knees. But, dropping some weight, taking the youth, and just being patient and working up to it has been amazing to my joints. My knees can do it. The last several weeks, I have been building up my time. Tonight I ran for 25 straight minutes and hit 2.5 miles in that time. I never ever EVER in my life thought that was a possibility. I am becoming a LOVER of running! Me--the girl who loved water and swimming--enjoying running. I even ran on vacation...

dub Problem #5--I have to pee--a lot. I drink so much water these days--and I have to go to the bathroom--sometimes more than once in an hour! I know! TMI! But--I really feel like a camel somedays as I chug my water and realize I have been to the bathroom multiple times. The worst is in the middle of the night--when I am dreaming of going to the bathroom because I have to really go! We won't even mention my dairy problems these days...

dub Problem #6. It costs a lot! Every month I get a new order of dub products. The dub burner, youth, muscle and protein. But--it is teaching me to prioritize my wants and my needs. It is helping me to budget and look at my eating better. I am not eating out as much. I am making healthier choices. I am working out more instead of just sitting around. It's making me stronger and healthier. It has given me some great friends that I work out with regularly with goals that are similar and different than mine. Things that are probably worth more than money can buy.

And these friends--are my dub problems. Actually--let's fix that "attitude" word. These are my dub blessings. I am alive and healthy and stronger than I have been in my life. I have hope and desire to do more and be able to accomplish more.

I have had a lot of friends ask me about dub. For more information, here's my dub website where you can learn about the products and how they work.

http://www.mydub.com/amyjean/

And as always, feel free to just ask me too. I have loved the changes I have seen in my life since I met dub in April and love to share what I have learned. I'm excited to see what other blessings dub can bring into my life. I am so lucky the Lord led me to dub!

The Life Lesson: Being a Life Long Learner

June 12, 2014

Once upon a time, I was ambitious. Ok--maybe I still am ambitious. I have spent the past decade of my life dedicated to a life long mission. Seeking out learning experiences. In all aspects of life--to create a balanced Amy that is better each year because of new learning experiences.

This all started several years ago. I grew up as a shy, timid girl--who was afraid probably of her own shadow. Sometimes I think had I gone to my 10 year reunion from high school--people would have thought--what happened to her? She was so nerdy in high school. Even in my undergrad at BYU-Idaho, I was still that way. Luckily for me--I started meeting friends who taught me to love myself, how to value life, and to experience it. Some people know this about me, but when I was in my last year of college at BYU-Idaho, I made myself a deal. There were two religion classes I really wanted to take that year--and I promised myself if I could get into both, I would do it. One was Bruce Satterfield's class (I took every class I could from him there--he was my favorite teacher). The other was Elder David A. Bednar's Teachings of the Living Prophets class. The night I registered, there was room--so I took two religion classes that semester.

In his class, we had a lot of work--it was probably the hardest class I ever took in my college history--even to this point. But--I learned the most I have ever learned in it. I learned how when you are with people who are smarter than you (or more life experienced might be the better word for it), you ask questions. In his class, we had to have a one-on-one interview with him. In this interview, we were to ask him any question that we wanted to. The question I asked him was, "I am graduating next semester to become a teacher of children. What is the most important thing I can teach them?" His response was, "Teach them to love learning." We sat and discussed this some--one of the most important things they could learn is to love learning--because with learning they will constantly seek to grow and gain more knowledge, especially if they love it.

So--I took those words and moved to Utah. I started wondering how I could do that--and I thought I could just teach it to my students. But--I soon came to realize that the best way for them to learn, was to see that I loved learning too. So--I started seeking opportunities to grow since I would journal with my students or share with them.

Then this last school year, I attended a conference where I listened to a speaker talk about the power of reflection and blogging--especially to share with your students that you are a life long learner as well. Because really--we never stop learning. And the best way we learn is by reflecting and writing and sharing. So--that is my reflection tonight. Sometimes we need to be brave enough to put ourselves in new experiences so we can be learners and be examples to others.

I am so grateful I learned this lesson about 10 years ago. And I know I am still learning and growing. There are so many things I still want to learn and do in this life--and every day is an opportunity to accomplish something. To my friends who understand this about me and continue to entertain me be doing new things with me--thank you so much. Thanks for helping this girl learn and grow--so she can be a life long learner--and a life long sharer. Because all teachers know--true learning comes when you can teach a concept you learned to others.

Don't be ashamed of your life learning experiences. Share with the world--you'll be amazed at how much you grow!


Here's some highlights--although I usually try to do something new each month. I need to be better about documenting those things!

Learning to repel this past year

Learning to Spin this year

I've done yoga before, but rediscovering it

Learning all about beaconing and avalanche safety more

Becoming brave enough to go fish on my own without a guy to set my pole

eating whatever Chef Sunni gives me at the Naked Fish Bistro

Painting just for fun

Having good friends who are patient to teach you to ski

me out on the mountain skiing

Learning to paddleboard

Riding a bike again for the first time since I was a kid

Discovering my Ultimate Body

June 3, 2014

This post is going to be a long one...so brace yourself! It's been a while. I have been wanting to post this for a while, but have been a little hesitant because I didn't know how to share as I've been discovering this still.

The past 6 months or so I had decided I needed to make some changes in my life. I have always struggled with my weight. Mostly because I think I gave in easy and said--"It runs in my family." or "I don't have time to be healthy--I'll do it later."

Me in college--I was not happy with what I looked like then--and I know it affected my self-esteem Luckily I had some good roommates who helped me to love myself.

I had gained weight and was getting to a point where I knew I wasn't as healthy as I have been in the past. I could see it in my pictures and was feeling it even more in my clothes. And I was to the point where it was either go on a diet, or buy new clothes. I didn't want to encourage myself to keep on this path--so I began to evaluate what I was doing that was allowing my body to do this. My new job was making it hard for me--living in my car all the time and not being in a set place for lunch everyday. I was eating out a lot. And not working out as much as I needed to balance the calorie intake. I decided to start calorie counting and using the app my fitness pal to help me keep track of my calorie intake during the day.

This last year on our family trip to Seattle. I could see it in me in this picture--that I was getting out of control again as far as my weight was going. This probably started my mind on how to get better.

I was happy here in this picture taken in October 2013. But--I can see it in my face. I was carrying extra weight that was weighing me down and making it hard for me. Probably the start of realizing that I had some work to do. I was at about 175 pounds here.

I began this journey in December. I decided at that point that I was going to be serious. I had reached 175 pounds and I knew it was more than I wanted to be. I was wearing my size 14 clothes and feeling like they were getting tight. So--I set myself up on my fitness pal and began the tough process of watching what I was eating. And this helped some. I tried working out--but I've been in school doing a reading endorsement as well--so my work outs consisted of sitting on the stationary bike at the gym reading my young adult literature books I had to read for class. During this time--it was hard to balance things in. I was struggling--partly because other things in life had gotten hard too--change has that ability. I was probably going through a bit of depression from some things happening to me. And that wasn't helping. But--I was slowly losing weight. From January-March I had gone from 175 pounds to 168.

Toward the end of March, I met this guy--Mike Wood, who I call "Mike Exercise." He invited me to come work out with him. So--I amazingly agreed to come. He said fitness was his life and taking care of his body was important. So--I went. I met him at his gym he worked out at called "The dub Campus" and we participated in a 50/50 spin class with a top trainer. I came out of the class feeling worn out--but my body felt good. I decided that I would go back and try it again that weekend because my body had felt muscles that I hadn't been able to work out on my own very well. I originally thought--I'll just go back a few times and see if I can learn how to work out better and then go do it on my own. It was a good thought...

Me with Mike--Mike has become one of my closest friends as we have worked on meeting each other's goals for each other's lives. 

I ended up being drawn into this community though. Mike started training me more one-on-one to help me see the benefits of weight training. I started going to more classes at the campus and learning more about dub--Discovering your Ultimate Body. Dub's focus is all about the 3 pillars of heatlh--exercise, nutrition, and supplementation. I studied it more and decided to try the supplements. With the supplements, I was able to come work out at the campus whenever it is open. I started making more friends with the trainers that were there and having some really great work outs. I made friends in classes, and I now have a great support group that cares about my fitness and if I am showing up to exercise. I have worked out with the CEO a few times even and had the great opportunity to learn from him and his wife. I participated in another trainer's 30 day challenge of eating clean. And in all-I have seen results. Since I started working out with dub, I have dropped another 10 pounds, I've built muscle, I've gone down 2 pant sizes and a bra size, and I have so much more energy. My focus has changed from "I want to lose weight." to "What else can I do with my body? What other fun things can I train myself to do?" This is a priceless gift that I don't know I can ever repay the great friends I have made that have helped me to achieve. The dub community definitely has helped me to see my potential and I am realizing that I am on a great journey--a journey to discovering my ultimate body and all the potential that I have inside of me.

This was me at the start of my 30 day clean eating challenge with Caralee Burton and dub. I wasn't sure I could give up the dairy and the sugars, but I did my best and am amazed at the success I had!

This photo was taken on May 31. At this point I had finally dropped below 160. I have built muscle and have more endurance. And I feel healthier! This is my great friend Linnea who I met at dub who has helped me to see that I can do hard things!

I have been with dub for about 60 days now and am seeing some amazing results. I am achieving goals, building confidence in myself and my body, making some amazing friends, and realizing that I can do hard things. I can make changes in my life that can help me to be healthier. I owe a lot to Mike Wood, Jeremy Wardel, Hollie Wardel, Tina, Linnea, Eric, John, Keri, Carol, Caralee, Darian, and all the rest of my dub family who encourage me to keep coming back and to keep doing my best. It truly is the support of this group that has me encouraged to do my best. I am so grateful I have found something for right now in my life that has given me a desire and hope to continue my lifelong goals of being a life long learner by making myself the best I can be as far as my health goes. It is a gift that I am so lucky to have received and one that I am so anxious to share with any of my friends who need the encouragement and help to meet their fitness goals as well. 

So--here's to another 30 days. Anyone that wants to join me, please let me know! I am more than happy to help share this joyful journey with you!

The Spirit of the Season

December 4, 2013

Tonight I had the opportunity to help with the Riverview Stake's live nativity once again. I have helped with this event every year that I've lived here that they've held it (this being about my 4th time). In the past, I've always had the opportunity to be an entrance greeter or an exit greeter. In this role--I have always been an onlooker and have felt that the gift our Heavenly Father has given us is such a valuable gem.

Tonight--I was given the chance to play a different role. I was given the chance to be Mary, riding the donkey to Bethlehem. Now--granted--my friend Jason and I were the last ones to play the role tonight, and Lucky Harry (I'm not sure the real name of the donkey) was tired and gave up on the second round and just sat down and we didn't know what to do, but--I think the whole time I was there put into perspective for me a little deeper thought about what Mary must have felt like.

I think she must have felt so many emotions. She probably felt uncomfortable, scared, amazed, and loved all at the same time. I think she must have felt honored to be carrying the Son of God. I imagine that the 90 mile journey to Bethlehem was not an easy one--and just like the donkey wanted to give up tonight, they didn't. For Joseph to stay with her the whole time and support her must have been true love. I think they must have known real love and joy and had that understanding given to them. They needed that to raise the Savior. 

Someday, I hope to understand that love that we have from the Savior even more. I know that we are here to learn it--it is the first and greatest commandment: To love God and then others. As this holiday season continues--I hope we can keep that love in our hearts and reach out to those in need. 

My singles ward is giving a gift to the Savior this year for Christmas. Being single--I've learned that I can be really selfish sometimes and only think of myself a lot. But--I'm trying really hard this season to think of others and show love to them. Because that is what the Savior would want me to do. So--my gift to the Savior is to do something daily to try to help my brothers and sisters on this earth feel their worth and to understand that He loves them. At the same time--I hope He will help me to feel my own worth in His sight and be able to increase my capacity to love.

I hope and pray for all my friends out there to have a season filled with "Christ-like" love and Charity. For this is one of the most important things the Savior taught us.  Love.