Good Friday

Sitting here enjoying my cup of joe, enjoying the quiet time and reading my devotional. The topic was JUDGING! Eeeeek! It's a touchy subject right? Have you ever been judged? Have you ever judged someone? I've been on both sides of the fence. I've lately encountered a rough patch where someone close to me judged me and my ways. The sad thing is it ruined our friendship and it hurt me deeply. But by the Grace of God I've been able to forgive and move forward. Sadly, I often get judged or questioned. Often get asked: Am I really that happy? Does being a Christian make you better than me? I shouldn't do this or that. We all walk different paths in life. We all have challenges. We all have different beliefs.

Just because a certain person acts or lives a certain way it's not our place to judge or assume. Often times when one is looking at a person through a magnifying class it's really them they are looking at. We need to stop looking at others faults and instead embrace their good qualities. Nobody is perfect. I'm not perfect! Instead we should encourage each other, look past their faults and simply love them for them. If Jesus loves you for you then strive to be more like Him...Walk in LOVE, Talk in LOVE, Act in LOVE ❤

Allow God to deal with you first, and then you will learn the scriptural way of helping others grow - Joyce Meyers

In honor of Good Friday remember Jesus died for you. He forgives us everyday. He loves and accepts us for us ❤

Thank You Jesus for dying for me. Thank You for forgiving me. Thank You for your new mercy everyday. Today I am set free from living in fear. I'm free of my self image issues. I know how to forgive, I love others for who they are and most importantly I'm your child ❤

Box Jumps

I was feeling crampy and had a huge headache today.  Working out was not on my mind but I sucked it up!  I got in a short yet effective workout.

• Ran 1 mile with the jogging stroller
• 45 Burpees (15 with a push up)
• 3 rounds of 1 minute Jump Rope
• 30 Box Jumps

If you know me you know I LOVE doing box jumps!  I'm building my strength back up and it feels good to overcome the fear of falling flat on my face.  Here is a short clip via Youtube (Sorry the sound is low) but you get the idea.

Click Here to View Video

You can do ANYTHING you set your mind too - Think STRONG & FEARLESS!

Blessings!

Fearless

Woke up feeling FEARLESS!  Nothing and no one is going to steal my joy.  Does that mean that everything is peachy?  NO!!  I have my challenges that I face daily but I chose to see the goodness in it all and keep pushing forward.  When I am in my prayer closet I give all my worries, anxieties and fears to the Lord.  He's the one that is able to help me.  He will guide me.  

Last night in yoga I was FEARLESS!  In class we practice handstands.  I was so EXCITED when my instructor told us we were going to do that.  But also knew I needed to humble myself and learn the correct form to avoid injury.  I struggled at first to get my legs up against the wall (it's harder than it looks) but with my fellow yogi's encouragement I was able to do it - AMEN!  I held the pose for a good 30 seconds, sweat dripping down and body shaking but I DID IT!   That's being fearless - being able to do something without the negative thinking control you.  Yoga to me is my time to relax, stretch my muscles and become stronger mentally.  I often get asked respectfully if I should be doing it because I am a Christian women because practicing yoga makes room for the enemy to come in.  But I respectfully disagree because I only worship one God - God Almighty, I pray daily and I can still be still in the Lord.   Part of praying in my opinion is quieting the mind and being still in the Lord.  And when I am in a pose such as Warrior 2 or Child Pose I am still.  

April is approaching and I ready to take my yoga to a new level - adding another class to my routine.  I really want to accomplish my handstand, want to become leaner and stronger mentally.  I'm thankful that I found an instructor who takes the time to perfect my form and is a sweetheart.   This is my journey and I am loving every part of it.  

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength - Mark 12:30

Fingers and Toes

One of the things that I wanted to do as a mommy was read to my children before bed.  The main reasons why I do it is to teach Max development skills (talking/communication) and we have a special bond that brings us closer and he hears my voice for sense of comfort.  Last night he was so cute because he was cooing as if he was reading the story to me.  Alex and I think that he is going to start talking early.  I think that would be pretty cool!  Wonder if he will say MOMMY first! LOL!!!  

I love how Alex captured this moment of us.  It brought a smile to my face because looking at Max I can see how he is enjoying it.  When I look at myself I am still in AWE of the mother that I am becoming.  Never would I thought that I was have these sweet moments with my child.  I'm very THANKFUL.

Max is my sweet boy.  I love how we just bond together.  I love how needs me when he is hungry.  I love how he lets me sing to him.  I love how he falls asleep when I sing to me.   "Mommy Loves You, Daddy Loves You, Jesus Loves You."  Maybe one day Max, you will sing that song to your children.  Maybe when you are hurt you'll remember those sweet words.  Maybe when you need comfort you'll call me to sing those words to you.   

Mommy and Daddy will always LOVE you.  Jesus LOVES you.  

Happy 3 Months Maximus

Maximus turned 3 months on Thursday ❤ Feels like yesterday I was checking myself in for my C-Section. Time sure flies by when you're having fun. So much has changed in the past 3 months. He's cooing, pre-teething, sleeping thru the night, still breastfeeding, holding his head up and still a happy baby. Everyday he continues to grow and makes our life worth living for. He's my motivation everyday to be a better person. Maybe one day you'll read this Max and I hope that you're proud of me for knowing I did my best day in day out. When you wake up I love seeing you smile, I love our cooing conversations when we are changing your diaper, I love the bond we have when I'm nursing you, I love how you like taking pictures and I love that your my sweet boy.


I also LOVE that you and I kick butt running together! When you were in my belly we ran all the time. Running with you makes me stronger, happy and a faster runner! When I first starting with the jogging stroller I thought I was going to DIE! But with each run we get faster and stronger. Friday I accomplished a new PR: 3 miles in 25 mins! That like an 8:00 mile! WHOOOOO! This morning we tackled 4 miles in 47 minutes but next time we will go for 40 minutes. Either way just thankful I'm starting him young and getting him used to running with me. I'll always be a RUNNER GIRL!

It's been a good week - my PPD is better, I'm focusing more on my home, my career and being surrounded by people that are encouraging. I have no time to dwell, I have no time for self centered people and I DEF don't have time for the enemy to come into my mind/heart and steal my JOY! I'm a child of God and I will stand in His ways, always show love and move forward everyday.



God is Good ❤

Breaking the Wall of Fear...

The fear of being in the gym!  Especially for us women.  We can be intimated by the machines, using proper form, other women and self courage.  Over the years I have learned to just have inner confidence, always have a plan going in and just do your thing.  You have to remember that everyone is there for the same reason:  To Get Fit/Healthy.   

Now I never used to be a gym go'er or fond of it...I personally like to train outdoors.  It's much more liberating...weird I know haha!  I enjoy running outdoors, climbing ledges, doing box jumps at park and now practicing handstands on a wall.   I have grown to enjoy Gold's Gym because everyone has a "Get It Done" attitude.  No time to waste when at the gym. It's all about taking that inner confidence and applying into our health.  We all have it....but most times we let FEAR get in the way.  The word says:  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT  I use that scripture when I am feeling defeated or insecure about myself whether in the gym or outdoors.  

With that said here are some helpful tips to guide you in your fitness journey:

1. Create a workout folder/notebook to keep track of your workouts, food journaling, etc. I seen a few ladies at the gym last night who had a plan with them. I, myself always carry my notes/training schedule in my phone. Although last night I was in full beast mode I got distracted by looking at my phone. hehehehe!  

2. I see it allllll the time! Ladies (even men) don't use proper form when on the machines or doing basic exercises. PLEASE! If you don't know something ask a trainer, use youtube or ask a fellow gym buddy. Always remember shoulders back, butt out, core engaged and look straight ahead. NEVER compromise form - Practice makes perfect :)  

3. Create Affirmations. Your affirmation needs to be true, it needs to be positive and it needs to be in the present tense. Don't lie to yourself.  Example: I have ripped abs. Instead, make it about the process of getting ripped abs. Every morning tell yourself that you're on your way to losing the last 10lbs or whatever your goal is.

Just always remember this is YOUR journey!  Don't compare yourself to others, don't compete with others and simply never forget where you came from.  Stay humbled - I see it all the time when one loses weight, gets leaned out or whatever the case may be their attitude becomes ugly.  Fitness is NOT about being a size 2...it's about feeling STRONG & FEARLESS on the inside.  That is the true meaning of being FIT.  

This picture reflects my hard work - YES my muscles are defined.  But my main purpose is to have to strong arms to carry Maximus, do the works of the Lord and always to be in Prayer. 

Blessings - Coach Angela 

Happy Spring

Hellloooooo Spring!  I just LOVE this time of year.  It's a fresh beginning and a time for Spring Cleaning in all areas of my life.   It's a good thing I don't have much to clean out LOL!    As in my previous posts I been sharing with you about my challenge with postpartum depression and I thank you for not judging and simply hearing me out.  But just an update on that:  Things are getting better although yesterday was STRESSFUL!  I was reminded today that I am not doing anything wrong and I'm a good mom.   I just really get freaked out when Max starts crying his head off for now reason.  But after yesterday's meltdown he just needs a little more TLC from his mommy.  And that I don't mind.  Last night in yoga I released all the negativity that was flowing in my mind. No need to keep all that junk in my mind - why?  It brings no value to me....just stress! I need to start claiming, speaking life  and finding ways to handle this challenge.  Prayer, working out, talking with a friend and simply focusing on the blessings of motherhood.  With that said.........

We have exciting things coming up in our home.  This weekend Alex and I take our course on being table leaders for a marriage class at Jubilee Church. The lesson will be Love & Respect. If you live in the Bay Area and are looking for a marriage course, I highly suggest this one!  It really helped us, we were able to renew our vows and then came Baby Max.  Doesn't get any better than that!  We are truly blessed to be given this opportunity and we are looking forward to inspiring other married couples, sharing what God has done in our marriage and also bettering our marriage.   When keeping God centered your home is a happy home :) 

We are also cleaning up our eating and workout plans!  I'm excited to be learning more as a Fitness Coach, Alex is going to start training me and I am going to be trying new clean meals.  Since I can't have green veggies due to breastfeeding (Gives Max Gas) I need to get creative.   This is going to be interesting because I dislike cooking but hey I love a new challenge.   A Fit Couple is a Happy Couple :)   (Notice all the happiness LOL!)  

Lastly, we are FINALLY back on track with our Dave Ramsey financial course.  We were thrown off for a bit due to our maternity leave but Thank God we are now able to see things being paid off.  We are claiming to be DEBT FREE by March 2014!  We've done it before and we'll do it again (It shall remain that way).  If you are wanting financial freedom Dave Ramsey is the man!

What are your favorite things about Spring?   

Here a few of mine

• Tulips
• Running outside
• Passion Tea Lemonade from Starbucks
• Picnics at the park 

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart - Pslam 37:4

Running Sets my Mind Free

Happy Monday ☀

Yesterday I ran in the She Is Beautiful Baby Mama 10k with Max. Our first race together. We ran along the Santa Cruz coastline, weather was beautiful, hearing the waves crash against each other and being surrounded by beautiful women of all shapes and sizes. Usually I would run with my iPod but I wanted to really listen to the waves and clear my mind of all the junk/negative thoughts that have been stirring I'm my mind lately. The thoughts that I were having were "Am I Strong Enough to be a Mother?" There have been moments that I just can't do it, I get all stressed out, I just cry and want to be alone. I know this is normal for mothers but I would think is it going to get worst?? Some might say its postpartum depression, shoot maybe it is but I'll be damned if I'm going to let it control me and my home!! So as I was running yesterday I took those thoughts and released them into the ocean! I was praying that God would give me the strength, heal me from PPD and continue to guide me in motherhood. When I came back around to finish the last mile I kept looking at Max and all he was doing was SMILING! Oh man I just wanted to stop and get on my knees and Thank God! Because I knew that I was being set FREE! I know that I'm stronger than I think! Max's smiles were confirmation from God ❤ As I crossed the finish line the only thought that I was praying on was "This is it Angela, there's no going back. It's a new chapter for you, you're going to overcome all the obstacles, it's not going to be easy. It will hurt at times, you will cry, you will feel defeated but just know I'm here for you. You're human!" Soon as I crossed and saw Alex I felt all my worries, fears and concerns were left in the ocean! Usually I would tear up as I cross the finish line but yesterday it was more SMILES! Because I was full of HAPPINESS!!! But seeing Alex brought me so much joy, I know he's proud of me for not giving up, finishing every mile of defeat and believing in Gods trust. Yes I can rely on Alex for support but ultimately I have to trust in God! He's the one that's going to get me through my rough days. He's going to bring me to the finish line!!!!!

My point is if you are reading this and you are going through tough times, maybe even postpartum depression just know you're going to get through it. You might not see it now but if you BELIEVE and Trust in God you will! I'm sharing my true honest feelings with you because I know someone is going through it and you feel alone. I'm an open book and I always keep it real. I have my days but in the end I'm ALWAYS smiling, always thankful and will always be true to myself.

PPD is not to be taken lightly so seek professional help, stay in prayer and continue to surround yourself with positive people.

I'm thankful that I'm adapting, being real with myself and I know that I'm getting stronger as a woman of God, wife, mother and fitness coach. I LOVE being Max's mommy and will continue everyday to do my BEST!! Us FIT MAMAS have to stick together!

Strong & Fearless ❤

Free in The Lord

God is GOOD! These past few days have been healing for me. I woke up Saturday feeling BRAND NEW! I had posted on my Facebook that I was Happy! Behind the post I was just feeling so FREE from hurts, disappointments, fear and uncertainty. I had been praying for situations in my life and finding balance. I kept asking myself why isn't anything working and the reason is I wasn't letting my feelings go!!! But come Saturday morning all the negativity was GONE! My prayers had been answered and I was dancing in The Lord!

It's just been an AWESOME weekend, I'm so MUCH happier, I see things more clearer and I'm finally living in balance! Now don't think my life is perfect because its NOT! I still have to work in being FREE and keeping it that way. I'm just at a place where I can see past the negative, embrace the goodness and be responsible for my mind/soul.

Yesterday I accomplished a running goal - competing in my first race post C-Section. The run was peaceful and gratifying! Seeing my clients embark on their own journey, have the support of my family and being around women of all sizes. Anything is POSSIBLE! But when I sprinted across the finish line all I could feel was FREEDOM!! Happy to be ME!!!!!!!! Yes the time mattered and receiving a medal but really mattered was I was HAPPY! Happy to be a fit mama who loves The Lord wholeheartedly.

Just remember YOU are in control of your thinking! You are not responsible for others way of thinking or how they treat you. Continue to free your mind of junk, grow your faith and simply be HAPPY with yourself. Bear good fruits and you will be blessed ❤

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. (Psalm 71:20 NIV)

Good Morning & Happy Saturday ☀☀ Had a great family night ~ Got our racing bibs, new workout gear, saw some friends and just enjoyed being a family. Even had a few OH NO moments: had to nurse Max in the car ~ That was interesting and had to leave dinner because he was cranky! LOL!! But you know what? It was all perfectly OK with me...had my boys, didn't need to stress and its all part of being a mother. The most rewarding important job I have ❤❤❤

Today My workout plan consists of yoga and prep for the race tmrw which includes spending QT in my word/prayer. For most tmrw is just a race but for me it's more than that. It'll be my first race post baby, I'll be seeing my son at the finish line and most of all celebrating this BIG accomplishment. I may not be where I wanted to be physically but spiritually I'm totally fit to run 4.97 miles - Most women that have a C-Section take much longer to recover but once you're already healthy with a STRONG heart & mind ANYTHING is possible! This one is for ME! Not for a PR, not to compete with the women on my right, not for praise but to simply HONOR MY BODY with all the Glory to God ❤

My favorite scripture ~ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7 NIV)

Trust in Him

Good Morning & Happy Friday!

Got some much needed rest last night and woke up early to spend time in the Word. I've been battling a few things in the sense of motherhood - to the point where it was starting to cause fear in my mind. I took some time yesterday and reevaluated my priorities and finding a new balance. I've made a new work schedule (working from home is a challenge) where I can work and also have quality time with Max. I also looked into joining a mom group - I need a place where I can simply be a MOM! Share my struggles, share the goodness and what not. And I'm going to see a therapist to get some advise from a person who has no idea who I am. Don't get me wrong I'm very GRATEFUL for my circle of friends, my husband and family as they have been very supportive and there for me. But I just need to be somewhere where I can be Angela; not a coach, not a friend, not a wife but just ME! I know talking to a professional is going to help me - I've seen a therapist since I was 6 years old so I know how beneficial they are. No I'm not CRAZY! LOL!! Although sometimes I think I am! But in all seriousness this is going to be good for me. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed - in fact I personally think more people should talk to a professional. Now you might be wondering, why not fully Trust in God? I definitely do: He's my ultimate counselor, His daily wisdom gets me through, His everlasting peace and He's created counselors too.

The funny thing is I woke up to study and my devotional talks about balance in life and trusting in God! See how funny God is - He's always on time! It's a new day, the heaviness has been lifted and I'm looking forward to this new path I'm on. I'm human, I cry, I get frustrated, I'm happy and most importantly I'm proud of the type of woman I am....a Strong Godly Woman.

Wherever you are in your life, the struggles you may be facing or the uncertainty just be patience, trust in God and its all going to work out.

You are STRONG, BEAUTIFUL, SMART, FEARLESS and God LOVES you! Let Him design you.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: (Psalm 37:5 NIV)

I Belong Just the Way I Am

What a day!  Def negativity was flowing on FB and in my personal life, Max was being fussy and every time I was done praying BAM negative energy flowed right back into my heart/mind!  I'm a pretty positive person but today I had to bite my tongue and use wisdom.  Thank GOD!  Soon as Alex came home I was itching to leave and be released from my mommy duties.  But before I left I wanted to weigh myself - I haven't done so in awhile.  I was curious!  The good news is I have lost 40lbs!!!!!   I weighed 165lbs when I went in for my CSection (December 21, 2012) and now I am weighing in at 120lbs.  AMAZING!  Now you might be thinking do I worry about the number on the scale?  NOPE!  It does not define me. Do I want to be skinner?  NOPE!  Just want to be toned and be able to wear a sports tank (No more shirts).  It's just crazy to see how I used to look compared to now.  Yes, there are times that I look back but I think my body is different now cause I JUST HAD A BABY!  LOL!!  As you can see I am hard on myself.  Crazy I know!  LOL!!!    Hard works pays off - I'm proof!  Now you might be thinking how I did it?!  Simple:  Clean Eating, Shakeology, Exercise, Prayer and Determination.  Nothing crazy, no yo yo dieting, no crazy meal plans - just simple healthy foods.   As for my workouts just used what I know and added my PLBC twist to it.  I basically practice what I preach to my clients.  Everyday it's a challenge to skip my workout to stay home and be lazy but I look at my son Max and say NOPE!  Get your butt up and be that FIT MAMA you strive to be everyday!  It's not always easy leaving him or Alex but I have to take care of myself in order to be a good mother and wife.  Wherever you are in your fitness goals - DON'T GIVE UP!  Everyday press forward - use the negativity as motivation and just GO HARD!   YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Tonight's workout was AMAZING especially yoga!  I was able to challenge my mind and body - do poses I only dreamed of doing.  Tonight I did one (forgot the name hehehe) that I been seeing all over IG.   So, when I did it and the teacher complimented me on it all I could do was cry...tears of joy!  It just shows you that when you believe and go after your goals good things come out of it.   

My point in all of this is don't let the negativity bring you down.  I know sometimes it's easier said than done but def go into prayer and leave all the fear, anxiety and people's passive aggressive attitudes in Gods hands.  It's not our place to fix all that - Once you release it you'll feel a sense of peace!  It's like you just climbed this big mountain and you are on top yelling with your hands up THANK YOU JESUS!!   That is how I am feeling right now - PEACEFUL!!  I will take this peace and carry it into tomorrow.  New Dawn New Day - Good Night. 

God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace - Psalm 29:11

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

Today we spent time reading and hanging out...lots of bonding during our feedings. It's become my favorite part of the day with him. When I first became pregnant I immediately wanted to breastfeed but I didn't know how much work it would be! He literally eats, poops and sleep...REPEAT! And of course he'll throw in a few smiles here and there. But I wouldn't change it for nothing! Just glad that I work from home, he latches on great and I have milk galore. It's so good for him health wise...prevents ear infections, colic and other sickness issues. I pray everyday that you won't get sick - In the Name of Jesus!

Although I've had to cut back on my greens because it makes him gassy which equals crying which stresses me out! LOL! I'm missing my asparagus and spinach. The flip side of it I can drink my Shakeology daily which helps!!! Breastfeeding is AMAZING! I guess you can say I'm one of the "lucky" ones! I want to continue to learn and help other moms that nurse.

We love story time and we read to him almost every night - planning those positive seeds. Of course he has no idea on what I'm saying but seeing him smile and cooing makes me happy. Reading is good for the babies and it sets the time for a healthy childhood.

Again, I LOVE BEING A MOMMY!!

Happy March

Today is March 1 - the beginning of a new month which means new goals, new challenges and Spring!     One of my favorite seasons:  fresh flowers, fruits, sunny day, longer days and cute workout clothes.

It's also a new time for my goals!  I've officially booked my first photo shoot post baby - May 19!  I have a little over 2 months to prepare.  My MAIN goal is to look toner and be able to wear a pair a Nike Shorts - you know the itty bitty kind LOL!  That means lots of SQUATS and LUNGES!  And of course take a few shots with The Maximus.  My fitness goals are as followed:  Begin Insanity, run 3x a week (Stroller too), eat cleaner and tone up!  I've lost my baby weight now it's time to tighten up the muscles and get ready for the gun show LOL!!!  I'm also running in two races:  408k and She's Beautiful 10k Run with Maximus.  He's become a big part of my running - I ran with him throughout my whole pregnancy so he's used to it.  I can't wait for him to say "C'mon Mommy Let's Go Running!"   Just the word MOMMY alone, I can't wait for him to call me that! AWWWWWWW!    Being a mommy ROCKS and I wouldn't change it for anything.

Yesterday I went on my first play date and it was FUN!  We made onesies for our boys to running to support their running mamas!  And of course the poopy diapers, crying and breast feedings.  I went from "Hey wanna go to the gym" to "Let's have a play date!"

My last goal which is the MOST important to me is to focus more on my walk with the Lord - In fact it's a daily goal but I want to get deeper in the word.  I'm going to re-read Proverbs 31 and really apply more of it into my daily life.  Need more patience, wisdom to be a stronger wife and encouragement to teach my son.

I'm always dreaming BIG and planning for BIG things in my life but that is how I roll.  If I don't I just get complacent and not motivated.   Life is too short and I don't want to spend my days saying "What If".  

I pray that you all are inspired by my post, inspired to dream BIG and inspired to be a better YOU!