Happy Motivation Monday! 10 Quotes to Start Your Week

It's Monday... Time to MOTIVATE and make DREAMS and GOALS happen! Let's GO!

 

When you can't control what's happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what's happening. That's where your power is.

You can never cross the ocean unless you have courage to lose sight of the shore.

You're not meant to do what is easy. You're meant to challenge yourself. ~ Justin Timberlake

Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes them meaningful.

If you can dream it, you can do it. ~ Walt Disney

Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions. ~ Will Smith

It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart. ~ Mockingjay

Breathe in. Breathe out. Move on. ~ Jimmy Buffett

If you want to feel rich, just count all the gifts you have that money can't buy.

Staying Active and Having Fun

With most gyms closed, many out there are changing up their workout routines. Personally, I have not been a member of a gym for almost three years because I prefer getting outside for a walk or a run. My favorite workout spot is along the Dunedin Causeway because it is right outside my door. Unfortunately, it is a favorite spot for many people, and the last few times I went for an evening walk, I found it difficult to maintain safe distances from people.

As a result, I started looking for creative ways to workout at home on those days I don't wake up early enough to walk before everyone else. The free app Zombies, Run! is something I have used in the past. As the website describes it: "Run in the Real World. Become a Hero in Another. Only a few have survived the zombie epidemic. You are a Runner en-route to one of humanity’s last remaining outposts. They need your help to gather supplies, rescue survivors, and defend their home."

This app turns your run into a game, and who doesn't love games? If you are able to get outside for a walk, jog, or run and stay safe, this app will add a new level of fun to your daily workout. There are over 200 missions, and the app has made many of them free right now in light of current events.

If you are unable to get outside everyday, they have added some new stay at home missions. Essentially, you're all stuck inside because of an increase in zombie hordes outside (a little relatable, yes?). The 30-minute workout includes beginner and intermediate exercises. The first mission includes a lot of dance breaks (and who doesn't love dancing?!) with some other at-home exercises mixed in.

If you are interested in downloading the app and adding a new level of fun to your workout, download at the links below. Have fun!

Tower Life... Day ... Ummm... What day is it?

I have not posted recently about what I have been doing to pass the time while social distancing, and honestly the last few days have all been fairly similar as I worked out a new routine. One thing is for sure, no matter what I just keep swimming and remain grateful for all the good still surrounding us.

As most of you know, I am a Realtor®, and I am lucky enough to work for a brokerage, eXp Realty, that is completely virtual which means we have always been set up to be able to work from home easily and efficiently. That said, I have been spending a lot of time working at home and at the office (with only about 3 of us at the office at the time, we are able to practice social distancing and stay safe). In these changing times, the Floridays team is doing everything we can to still serve our clients and keep the health and safety of everyone our top priority. You can see the video from our team leader, Mark Middleton, explaining exactly what it is we are doing on our Facebook page HERE.

Many have asked me how the real estate market is doing right now. In some ways, things have slowed down. However, I have buyers who are actively looking, and I showed some properties at the end of last week. There are still sellers looking to list their homes. We had a new listing last week, and two more this week so far. With the ability to look at properties online and virtual showings and virtual open houses, there are still many ways to sell real estate and practice social distancing.

Personally, when I have met with buyers for showings, we greeted each other with a wave and a smile. We maintained distances from each other. I traveled with my long-time, loyal companion: hand sanitizer. Honestly, you can see it is well loved, and when I had a buyer tell me they couldn't find any, I gifted them an extra travel size bottle I brought along. To be honest, I have been collecting and storing hand sanitizer for years. I did not panic buy hand sanitizer or soap because it was not necessary. I already had that much stocked up. Will I need to stock up again after this is all over? Yes. Absolutely. 100% yes.

As for life outside of real estate, I really have started to turn into Rapunzel living in her tower. To date, I have completed five puzzles with another in progress, and one and a half books. I made two shirts on the Cricut. I did laundry. I have been cooking. Cleaned and cleaned and sanitized. I've colored. Played Sudoku and Words with Friends. FaceTimed with friends and family.  I have escaped my tower for a few outdoor walks as well for some much need fresh air and sunshine.

If you are like me and still feeling a little stir crazy at times, hang in there. For now, enjoy the time at home with family, play that game you've been meaning to play, do that craft project you bought supplies for months ago, read that book on your shelf, do that at home project you kept putting off. 

I believe as people calm down and adapt to the changes, find their new routine and normal for the time being, things will stabilize and get better. We will bounce back from this. Be kind to one another, take care of each other, and together we can flatten the curve.

Living that Tower Life Like Rapunzel

Although many of you have been practicing social distancing since the weekend, today felt like the first real social distancing day for me. I should have been at work at 6:00 am this morning to process shipment. Instead I slept in this morning and started wondering what in the world I would do all day and for the next couple weeks. That's when it hit me that all of us are about to experience what life was like for Rapunzel trapped in that tower. On a happy note, she provides lots of great ideas of what you can do to pass the time.

Here are some suggested activities to do to pass the day per Rapunzel:

• Sweep 'til the floor's all clean
• Polish and wax
• Laundry
• Mop and shine up
• Sweep again 

Once done with all those chores, Rapunzel provides some more entertaining items on her activity list:

• Read a book...or maybe two or three
• Add a few new paintings to your gallery
• Play guitar 
• Knit
• Cook
• Puzzles
• Darts (be careful!) 
• Baking
• Paper mache
• Ballet 
• Chess (and so many other games!)
• Pottery 
• Ventriloquy (ummm... okay...)
• Candle making
• Stretch
• Sketch
• Take a climb
• Sew a dress
• Brush and brush and brush and brush your hair 

Rapunzel starts her day at 7:00 am. I used to do that, but then we changed the clocks. Now, I continually wake up after 8:00 am. First task to tackle on this self distancing journey: getting back to the 7:00 am wake up routine.

Once I finally dragged myself out of bed, first on the agenda was getting in some exercise. I dusted off the old Nintendo Wii, popped in the Michael Jackson Experience, and started dancing the morning away. Per Rapunzel's suggestions, I also should have stretched... I did not...

Next on the list was cooking. Today, I decided to tackle Keto friendly chocolate chip waffles. They were Mickey shaped (of course!) and delicious. The recipe was from Simply Keto by Suzanne Ryan, and you can order her cookbook from Amazon. By the way, if any of you are missing the Disney theme parks and Mickey shaped waffles, you can buy the Mickey waffle maker I own from ShopDisney It makes 6 waffles at a time, and they are the exact size and shape as the ones sold at restaurants throughout Disney resorts. A little piece of Walt Disney World and Disneyland right at home!

By the time I was done with breakfast, it was about 10:30 am. Oh goodness, this was going to be a long couple of days. I know there are many of you reading this who are totally content laying around watching Netflix all day. I am not that person. Based on past experiences (i.e. 7.5 week medical leave), I get bored easily. I work two jobs partly because I just always need to be busy with something.

Luckily, I work in a small office which means I ventured into the office for a bit to stay motivated and up to date on all the changes happening rapidly in the real estate industry as a result of COVID-19. Don't worry, even with only 2-3 of us in the office, we still practiced social distancing...

 

(Side note: I have also determined that makeup is not necessary at this time.)

While working at the office, the news was released that the Governor of Florida was ordering the closure of all bars and nightclubs at 5:00 pm today, and restaurants were required to a max of 50% capacity. With the tide of things so quickly change, we ventured out for a late lunch at our favorite spot, Clear Sky Draught Haus, across the street for what may be the last time for a while. On the way back to the office, we continued to be in high spirits and channeled the Beatles when in the crosswalk (also worked great at maintaining acceptable social distances).

Once I returned home in the late afternoon, I knew I would be home for the rest of the night... no place to go, right? So it was time for some at home pampering! While relaxing with a face mask, it hit me that I won't be opening boxes upon boxes for a few weeks which means I could paint my nails and not have it be a waste of time! #Bonus!

I decided one way to make good use of my extra time was to work on finishing projects I started but never finished. So after months, I am excited to announce I finally finished knitting a pair of baby booties. Those cutie only took me about as long as it takes a human to grow a baby. So... win?

As you can see, my day was a mix of activities and work. As of now, it is my plan to get through the next few weeks without going crazy. Take note that I am finishing this blog post at about 7:00 pm. The rest of the night will be a usual evening for me, though. Relax, watch some TV, read a book, play the ukulele, color, and do a Soduku puzzle or two. The secret is out... each night I channel a 6-year-old and a 60-year-old. #sorrynotsorry

How was everyone's day of social distancing? What fun activities did you do today?

Stay strong! Be safe! Wash your hands! Don't touch your face!

#MedalMonday - Will Run for Bling

Confession: I don’t love running. Some… most days… I almost hate it. When I run, I am usually dragging my feet out the door. However, even when I say I am going to stop running, I keep doing it. 

For most of my life, running equaled failure to me. Every time I ran a mile in gym class, I always came in last. I eventually stopped caring and would just walk it. I excelled at other things, and I determined I just wasn’t a runner. That became my mindset. When I saw people running, I would think “I want to do that” and then quickly remind myself that I was not a runner.

About ten years ago, I was in Walt Disney World with friends, and it was the day after the Walt Disney World Marathon. I saw people of all athletic abilities, ages, and shapes and sizes walking around with finisher medals. My only thought was “if they can do it, why I can’t I?” At that moment, my mindset began to shift from “I’m not a runner” to “I can be a runner if I really want to be.”

After that trip, I did not go home and buy running shoes. To be honest, my focus was on finishing law school (I had one and a half years left) and then it was passing the bar and then it was finding an attorney job. The excuses piled up, but I never stopped thinking “I can be a runner if I really want to be.” 

Following years of excuses, I finally made the decision I was going to run my first 5K. I started a Couch to 5K program on my phone and got moving. I did a couple local 5Ks, and in November 2014, I traveled to Walt Disney World to run the Jingle Jungle 5K through Animal Kingdom.

After that 5K, I was hooked on running. I did not love it, but I still wanted to keep doing it. That runner’s high was real, the bling was awesome, and despite the pain and exhaustion involved, I still finished every race wanting to do more, and after only a few 5Ks, I set a goal to finish a half marathon.

A few months after that first Disney 5K, I signed up for the Disneyland Half Marathon in September 2015, and shortly after that, I signed up for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November 2015. My mindset had completely shifted from “I am not a runner” to “I can be a runner if I really want to be” to “I am a 5K runner” to “two half marathons? Let’s do it!” 

Every finisher medal I have received is a constant reminder that no matter how difficult something may seem, anything is possible. You just have to have the determination, the motivation, the drive, and the proper tools/methods to get there. 

I have learned to stop saying I can’t do something. Running has taught me that if I really want to do something, I can do it. I may choose not to do something, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do it if I really wanted to do it. I only needed to put in the work to get here. The sky really is the limit. Don’t hold yourself back with the mindset that you can’t do something. Believe me, you can. 

I sometimes think back to my younger self. After she struggled to finish “running” one mile, would she believe me if I went back in time to tell her that one day she would run 13 miles? Probably not. She would probably think I was mental. However, that girl who believed she was not a runner and never would be is now that girl who has ran in countless 5Ks, several 10Ks, and five half marathons. She just had to believe that she could.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” - Walt Disney

Book Review - Girl, Wash Your Face

About a year and a half ago, it seemed like everyone was talking about this book, Girl, Wash Your Face. I would see it on social media, hear people talking about it, and stumble upon it when browsing the aisles in Target. Eventually, I was intrigued enough to add it to my Amazon wishlist. Some time later I purchased it. Then for months, it sat on my bookshelf. Each time I finished a book, I would look at it sitting on my bookshelf and decide the time was not right. I did not want to read a self-help book. I was doing fine. Or there was another book intriguing me more to read it.

The last several weeks have been a struggle for me. Things have not seemed to be going my way. I was feeling a lot like I was taking one step forward and two steps back. I was putting in the work and not seeing results. I was putting myself out there only to be rejected. I was doing my best to help people and just getting yelled at and told I'm horrible. Needless to say, I was left feeling beaten down and defeated. I was not giving up. It's not who I am. I was just tired.

When I finished reading The Flight Girls (see my review HERE), it was time to decide what to read next. I looked at my bookshelf, and Girl, Wash Your Face stuck out to me. I still was not sure if it was what I wanted to read, but I picked it up, flipped it open, and it landed on a chapter titled "The Lie: I'm Not Good Enough". It was a lie I was currently telling myself in various areas of my life, so it felt like fate that I flipped to that page.

At 220 pages, Girl, Wash Your Face is a quick read. Rachel Hollis writes in such a way that it feels like one of your friends is sitting with you telling you her experiences to help you get through tough times. Like me, I am sure many of you are guilty of being hard yourself, being your worst critic. Rachel is right there with you telling you she is the same, she knows exactly how you feel, and these are the things she recommends you do to stop beating yourself up and start caring for yourself. Become your number one cheerleader, your top advocate.

There is nothing in this book that was particularly mind-blowing. Nothing that I have not been told or realized at some point or another in my life. However, there are so many things you need to hear over and over again, and from multiple people for it to really stick. Or in some cases, it sticks, but when something comes up to derail you, it's hard to get back on the right track. That negative voice in your head takes over, and it is a strong voice.

This book is a great read when your mindset is more negative than positive. When you feel like no matter what you do, it's not right, not good enough, not making a difference. This book will be your best gal pal telling you she knows exactly what you're going through, she's been there, and she's there to help lift you back up to be that marvelous woman you are.

I picked this book up off my shelf at the right moment. Exactly at the time when I needed it. To anyone having a rough time and feeling like each day is struggle, I recommend you pick up this book and let Rachel be your supportive friend. She'll help put right back on the right track to being amazing.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5
When to read: When you're feeling down and out and need a lift

No Gym Membership? No Problem!

It’s the start of a new year and new decade which means many of you came into the year with goals to eat right, exercise, and get healthy. It’s also halfway through the month, which means many of you have probably already dropped the ball on your goals. 

I understand how you are feeling. Eat right, exercise, get healthy. It all sounds simple enough. It’s not easy. If it was, everyone would do it. It can be so overwhelming. My first piece of advice: stop trying to do everything at the same time. When you try to do everything, it’s overwhelming, and after the first setback, you feel like you failed, think “what’s the point?”, and give up. Keep it simple, pick one thing first. Do that one thing for a while and then add in the second thing. The results will follow, and you’ll be motivated to keep going.

Today’s focus is on exercising outside the gym. There are people that love the gym. There are people that tolerate the gym. There are people who hate the gym. I am somewhere between #2 and #3. By no means, do I love the gym though. It’s smelly and stuffy, this time of the year it's crowded, and after running 45 minutes on a treadmill, I’m always a little bit let down that I am still in the same place. For this reason, I cancelled my gym membership years ago and took my workout outside. 

One of the reasons I moved to Florida was to be able to enjoy the outdoors all year round. I know there are people out there who like the cold. I am not one of those people. Although, on those brutally hot summer days of Florida, running outside is not at all appealing - there is still the pool though. 

One of my favorite workout locations is the Dunedin Causeway. It’s nearby, and the views are always amazing. Those ocean views never get old and are way more appealing when compared to staring at a TV above a treadmill every day of the week. It’s a great place to walk, run, or ride a bike. The views, the salty breezes, the people all around - it rarely even feels like working out. 

Another great place to get in a workout is the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. The trail covers a distance of 38.2 miles and runs between Tarpon Springs and St. Petersburg. It’s a great place to take your bike, walk, run, or even inline skate. It’ll take you through some great areas such as Downtown Dunedin where you can stop and explore the town after your workout. 

The trail does take you through some urban areas and busier intersections, so proceed with caution. Thankfully towns are continually enhancing those crossings to keep bikers and walkers safe. In September 2019, the City of Dunedin in a cooperative project with FDOT, Forward Pinellas, and Pinellas County added a thermal traffic sensor to the trail crossing on SR-580. The thermal imaging detects pedestrians and automatically activates the flashing lights. This location is one of three in Florida, and if successful, I am sure more will come in the future. 

As you begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle, start by doing what your mom always yelled when you were a kid - Go Outside! Enjoy the fresh air, the views, and more while exercising, and the best part of all? It’s free. No contracts. No monthly payments. 

Here in Florida there are countless places to get outside and workout. What are some the great places near you? Share in the comments!

As always, have a magical day!