Change your thinking

I had planned a completely different post for Monday, but, apparently, the post had plans of its own.  No matter; I spoke from my heart -

I want to help women learn more about themselves, feel more like themselves, and be more like themselves.

 To do that, I design-one-of-a-kind garters (and a few hair accessories), like these:

Fun, right?

But it isn't enough.  Changing the way you perceive yourself is a process.  It is different for everyone so I can't just give you a five step program and call it good.

What I can do is invite you to take part in my growth and offer to be a part of yours. How?

I am so glad you asked because I have a proposition and a give away for you!

Remember when I told you I was training for a 10+ mile obstacle course? I'm still going strong and it has made me really happy.  Every time I run I feel so proud of myself and when I do strength training, well, I actually feel like I might die, but once I stop wanting to vomit I feel pretty fantastic.

But a funny thing has happened. Six weeks in to this whole deal my body hasn't changed noticeably and it doesn't really bother me! My stomach isn't any flatter, my thighs still jiggle when I run, and my butt is neither higher nor tighter. But I'm still happy to go out there three to five times a week and run, lift, stretch, and sweat for at least half an hour.

I think it has to do with a shift in my thinking because I never stuck with a workout program when I was just in it for the "hot body. "

• Now that I have a goal it is so much easier to do the things I know will help me reach that goal. 
• Because I use the Couch to 5K podcasts I don't have to think about how long I've been running. I can just zone out and I naturally keep pace with the music.  It's really really nice to let my brain just wonder where it will.
•  And then there's the sweat issue.  Sweating is gross so I usually try to avoid it, but now I look at it as a chance to clear my body of toxins.  Heck, I might even get a better complexion out of it!

Don't worry, I am not about to tell you to start training for an athletic event, magically solving all your problems.  Instead, I want you to be part of my big event.

I want to run on your behalf.

 

Yeah, you.  The you who is weak from cancer treatment. You over there who finds herself bullied because of office politics even though you are a grown up.  You, sweetie, the one who found the strength to get out of an abusive relationship and continues to get out of bed each day.  And you, yes you, that lady who exercises four hours and eats only 800 calories a day because you'd rather die slowly than put on an ounce. I want to do this thing for you.

On April 22, I'm going to put my training to the test at the Mud Crusade where I'll complete a three-mile obstacle course. In the mud.It should be fun and terrifying. Like Disney World.

from the Mud Crusade page on Facebook

I plan to make and wear a special garter during this grueling delightful experience.  My friend, Alison, has agreed to help me with embroidering a logo. This is where you come in.

I want you to help me come up with a word or phrase that describes each of our journeys.

It needs to be something that describes the woman you are or hope to be such as "ferocious" or "saucy," even "demure." You could offer a change you want to see "equality" or "feminine = strong."

My hope is to have people ask about the garter so I can tell them that I wear it because I represent you (mother of two premature babies who diligently fund raises so other moms don't have to go through all you did).

Leave your suggestion in the comments. Make sure you also leave a way for me to get in touch with you.

In a week, I'll have you vote on the top three.  Then, we'll vote again to pick a winner. Once we know the winning phrase I'll have the ever talented and vivacious Alison embroider it onto some fantastic fabric and I'll make two garters.  One for me and one to give away.

So let's hear what you've got!