Period Anxiety and Phone apps

So I have this app on my phone that I thought would be a good idea to have. It would track my periods, tell me when I was ovulating, and I wouldn't have to give the deer in the headlights look and completely make up a lie when my period gyno doc would ask me the start date of my last period. Because it's on my phone now bitches. I could even tell her the last time I had sex. (It's a feature of the period calendar)

Now not until now I'm kind of second guessing this. I see this day looming on my period app that-no lie-has a BIG RED BAR across tomorrow. Because tomorrow is when the menses start. Great. Now I have looming period anxiety. I'm all crampy and I know the the gates of hell that is my vag will open it's fury unto me for a week, starting tomorrow. I wish I was a little irregular on my schedual or something, but I'm not. I'm like friggin' clockwork. So period app LOVES this fact about me and puts it in my face like "HAHA! Tampon duty starts tomorrow, ho-boat! Sorries!" Ridiculous. I hate you period app. I hate you.

Now WHERE is my chocolate and potato chips and wine?? (period survival kit, just fyi).

Jason helps alot with this part. Well done Jason. I'll say something sweeter NEXT week.

Shut up or leave.

Those were the first words spoken to me when I was in Marine Corps bootcamp. Of course I cried like a baby because I was like-"You JUST HURT MY FEELINGS, WAAAAH!!" But seriously I was in bootcamp and I needed to toughen up a bit. Back at home-I was a spoiled brat. Now-of course I'm not, I've worked my butt off to get to where I am. And I'm still not there....but very close. Which makes me push even further. I can't even tell you how many times people tried to knock me down-heck-people have *tried* to do it to me in this past week numerous times! But I WILL not let it happen. There are certain things in my life that I KNOW work. And there are things that I know DON'T work. One thing is-you can't expect to be coddled forever. If you feel like you are going to cry at the drop of a hat when you get critiqued for anything-you need some help. I got help when I needed it-and no it wasn't just the Marines from where I got help. Everyone is wired up differently-but you can hone your skills and your DNA (Determined Natural Ambition) and use it for the greater GOOD-and not to have a pity party. If you are sensitive-that is fine! But you must learn how to use that personality trait to better yourself and the people around you. If you use it for crying and complaining-you are screwing yourself and your career/dreams. You can actually use that trait to be a empathetic loving person towards others. To help people who need it. But you have to understand not everyone will respond to this.

*Sorry sister-this will not always work*

Understanding others personalities is a very hard thing to do. It's an everlearning process for everyone. You talk to everyone differently, bottom line, even if you don't really know it. Because deep inside, you know how to get the response you want out of them. BUT. And this is a big BUT. If you are trying to get people to see your goals and dreams and aspirations-and they do not have the same VISION-then you are pretty much screwed. But don't cause a shit storm over it. Move on. Learn from it. It's probably in your best interest. You need to have like minded people around you that have these same goals, dreams, and aspirations. But oil and water never mix-so if that's the case in your inner circle of success partners-take a good hard look and know when to make your graceful exit.

Give credit to where credit is due. My drill instructors who I borderline HATED in the beginning-actually became my role models and mentors in the end. By the time bootcamp was near it's end-I looked up to them and completely admired them for toughening me up, and changing my outlook on life. That I actually have the power within me not to use anyone else as a crutch. I thanked them immensely. I never brought up when they "hurt" my feelings. I never doubted them as leaders. They DID lead me into being a more well rounded individual. They showed me what it was like to be emotionally and physically strong. They showed me how to be independent and confident in my abilities. But never, ever did I once question the madness. I learned, I cried, I overcame. And I am OH so thankful that someone was out there to point out my flaws and tell me what I needed to do to change them.

I went to my first ever "improv" acting class this past week. I am not going to lie-I almost walked out! I was so scared of being silly and loud and obnoxious in front of everyone. In our very first exercise, the director of the agency would stop at me every time, and say (loudly)-"NO DEMI, DO IT AGAIN." And over and over and over this occured. He then said "I AM DOING THIS BECAUSE I KNOW YOU HAVE MORE IN YOU. PUT IT OUT THERE AND USE IT." It seriously was a major slap in the face for me. I was pissed off. But I begrudgingly accepted my fate of the day of this crazy class and just let it go. What an amazing feeling that was! I never thought I could do any of that in front of people-just let everything go and let my DNA shine on through. But I did, and I am so much better for it! And for this I was offered to audition as the female lead in a movie. Is that crazy or what?! It just goes to show-YOU have much more than you think you do inside-and if someone pushes you-LET THEM. Don't take offense to it-or else it will get you NO WHERE. You will get back tracked and stay the same way. Life is about progression in your attitudes and beliefs. If someone is pushing you and "hurting" your feelings-there probably is a reason why. They see something in you that you probably don't see. If you don't accept that challenge-you will remain stagnant in life. And don't ever think you can do any of "this" on your own. You will fail.

Support is crucial. Accept it or don't. It's on YOU.


Demi Bean
www.demibean.com

I AM: Determined.

de·ter·mi·na·tion 
noun
1. the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.
2. ascertainment, as after observation or investigation: determination of a ship's latitude.
3. the information ascertained; solution.
4. the settlement of a dispute, question, etc., as by authoritative decision.
5. the decision or settlement arrived at or pronounced.

Sometimes I am a little brash, sometimes I'm sweet as can be. I can also be a major bitch. But I am also someone who loves fiercely-and goes after what I want. I have to admit-I usually get what I want. And that is a great quality in my book.

I think we all need to have a little bit of this "attitude" within us to be successful. You have to be DETERMINED to get what you want in life. Being a former Marine has definitely helped with that for me-as I used to be VERY shy and meek. I still am that shy little girl, but everyday I try to challenge myself to be a little bolder. And that's my challenge TO YOU. Be bolder. Go after what you want. If it lines up with your goals in life-anything that stands between you and your goals is nothing but a stupid roadblock. Tear em down!! It all starts with your personal health-mentally and physically. Don't wait to take care of these 2 vital elements in your life!! Life is simply too short to wait to improve yourself, your family, your friends, your income, your stability, etc. I will leave it at that. It's taken me YEARS to get to a point where I am HAPPY. But, finally at 31 years old-I am just beginning to scratch the surface of what I am destined to do. I know I will encounter many roadblocks as this journey goes on-but I am not going to let them stop me this time. This time..is MY TIME. Time for me and my family. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not a daily struggle. Keep that in mind when you are just "floating" through the days wondering where the years have gone. The only thing stopping you is YOU.

db
www.demibean.com
www.800casting.com/68222

The time I sharted in the car

One time a long time ago-last year-I was taking a drive. I was by myself, and I really have no idea where I was going, can't remember. What I DO remember is that I had just had my Shakeology..oh an hour before I was driving to wherever I was going. I thought I had to fart. It wasn't a fart. The odor wouldn't really go away. I had realized the horror at what just happened. Some other "extras" came out as well. Sick. I KNOW. I was completely horrified but THANK THE HEAVENS I was wearing a dress and there was a gas station nearby. I panickly sprinted calmly walked into the gas station and had to throw my now tainted thongs in the garbage and ride home commando. It was so gross. You're welcome.

Crap in my 3 year old's purse

And when I mean crap. I mean CRAP. Specifically "princess CRAP." She wears this said purse like she's friggin Queen of England, all up on her elbow, like all fancy. She won't go ANYWHERE without it. It is always bulging at the seams and she swears everything in it is VITAL to her very existance. Like, DON'T EVEN *THINK* about trying to clean it out, because she will cut you. While you are asleep. The only reason why I got these pics are because she was busy brushing her teeth. After dipping it in the toilet. We are not normal, and apparently have passed the not normal genes to our children. I mean, we don't brush our teeth out of the toilet or anything. We are VERY trashy FANCY parents. Ahem.

Crime Scene Evidence Submission picture #1

Ahh. You're probably like, "NBD, it's just a purse for little girls." BULGING at the seams.

Crime Scene Evidence that our kids are crazy normal and girly; submission picture #2

I know it almost looks like a vaginal opening, but I promise you it is not. I had to use herculean force to get that zipper to open. Yet she opens it with ease. Wierdo.

Crime Scene Evidence Submission picture number #3

Now, this is where things get dicey. I mean, she has a SEWING KIT in there. WTF is she going to sew, she's 3. Also please note the goggles, the 2000 NASA commemoritive coin, a reading lamp for books (???), a dollar bill, a hotel key (whatthefruit), a business card (because she does biz on the daily and absolutely needs one), gummy bears, and like 103490349 pens and pencils and markers. It's like a hookers purse. After taking this pic, I saw the future hoarder of america coming up the stairs and immediately had to stuff everything back in her purse (frantically) before she gives me evil devil laser eyes that would probably have killed me on the spot. She promptly snatched that purse out of my hands. Yikes. It was A CLOSE CALL PEOPLE.

And that my friends, is my daily dose of true crazy from this house.
DB

Uhhmmmm....

I don't want to become one of those phantom bloggers, I really am trying to do better and blog more. But really, I ain't got nothin. Let's see....I just went to Walmart and got some sunless tanner and skin lotion. Also-Beachbody is doing great. Shakeology rocks my socks off. Workouts are goin good, kids are great, (although my 3 year old has taken a kin to LYING to me about very obvious things) SMH...anyway-Jason REALLY likes my butt lately. Ok that's it. I'm eating asparugus. Yay for delish pee smell.

Demi

www.demibean.com

sort of not health related

Today I had a panick attack. This morning specifically.

Something triggered me.

Now, I haven't had one in a LONG TIME...but sometimes, it does happen. I can't get my breath, I start shaking, I feel like the world is going to end, I feel like I am going to die, and I eventually need medicine to calm me the F down. I have medicine on hand if I ever need it. Sometimes there are things that happen that holistic care just can't take care of, unfortunately. I will say though that after getting healthier-they have lessened ALOT. But when they do happen-I am ready with medicine specfifically for this. And I have to lay down, for a long time. It sucks, and I hate them. But everyone has their issues, and I'm not going to pretend life is great all the time, because it's not. There are ways to present yourself to the world that is honest and relateable, and even in a positive way. Not the "woe is me" but more like "wow, this happened to me today, can a sister get some support?" And I move on...eventually (after meds wear off).

I missed my hair appt today. Which sucks because my hair is a lions mane right now-but I know I could get it done whenever. It's just hair. I think I may have had a dentist appt too today. But whatever, it's just teeth. Plus, it gives me more time to floss and make the dentist think I floss all the time, when in reality, I only floss the week before the appt. Don't judge.

So yeah, this is me, not perfect,not shiny. And I will never portray that I am. I am glad I did my workout early this morning, because Lord knows I wouldn't do it now. Another plus to early morning workouts-you never know when a panick attack is going to ruin your day, so better get it out of the way. I probably spelled a million things wrong in this post. Whatever.

I'll blog when I'm more coherent. who knows.
Bye for now. DB

Alana Graduates 3rd Grade!

Thank God.

So proud of this little bugger. I can still remember when she got me fat as a cow when I was preg with her, and I can still remember being called to the school when she did something "not fitting a Christian school." Oh for the love. We're normal-not perfect. But I do love her school-it's a good balance of faith, learning, and manners. Our job as parents are to tell her she doesn't have to live to a certain standard of living that the school may put out there-and that it is SO OKAY to be different. And also if someone ever hits her it's ok to kick him or her in the kidneys or balls (if applicable) as hard as she can. Don't judge. But just make sure that you pray before bedtime and talk to Jesus alot. That's what I call (in this fam) a well rounded individual. She also get's me a beer out of the fridge-AND EVEN will take the bottlecap off-and AND use the bottle opener if it's not a twist off. That's what I call a good kid. She also can read really friggin well. Proof:

See? We're not all beer and kidney punching. We do teach our kids, as well as making sure Alana has excellent grades, and excels in her faith.
Also-we are passing down the gift of physical fitness-more proof she is made of amazesauce:

The award I am MOST PROUD of. Dont' judge.

And last BUT certaintly not least: She gets the best award ever. MOST SOCIAL. Because we all know the extroverts are the most successfull in life. Ok I just made that up. But whatever. I like that she ain't scared to talk to anyone (that's not crazy), and will stand up for herself. And she has the loudest voice known to man, with an attitude to match.

What's even more hilarious-Jason had to leave early to go to court. For a speeding ticket. SMH.

Alana, you are my heartsong. I know I will write about you until the day I leave this earth. Until then, be strong, be confident, and be brave. Stay strong in your faith. And in your abilities that you know how to fight. And soon I get to show you how to shoot a gun. Watch out boys.

demi

Stress/Goals/REWARD

As a competitive person by nature-I strive to be the best. You know what happens when you do this though-you FAIL. Now these failures would never make themselves so noticeable in a "normal" person (that-I am NOT), but for me-it's a big fat sign that says, "YOU ARE A FAILURE." I am learning to deal with this-but for me it sometimes takes somewhat drastic steps. Just recently I "unplugged" for a bit (oh, big deal right-well for me it IS), and the reward was wonderful. I had a chance to clear my head-really look at what is important in my life-and recommit to what makes my life great. By reading alot of my posts on this blog, you probably think, "Damn, this chick has her crap together." I want to clarify, that NO I DO NOT. I struggle and stress the F out just as much as everyone else. The people who put themselves out there as these perfect individuals, are usually the most screwed up ones. And I don't mean that in a negative light-I mean that in a TOTALLY NORMAL light. God says we are "FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE." And that, too, includes our struggles. The point is, is that we are made to be WONDERFUL. Anything that holds us back are just little things I like to call 'doubt,' 'worry,' and 'stress.' Market disrupters-if you will. The market being you. We are also made "Fearfully." So those little interruptors and temptations in our lives should be absolutely scared sh*tless if we handle it right. That's where we have to be strong. Strength comes with patience, grace, and boldness. Don't be afraid to step out of your box and show your true colors. It's who you are. Fear is not of the Lord at all. Fear is what can kill us, and we might never see what we were meant to do in this life. And that is an absolute tragedy. Go get the rewards you were meant to have. I know I am.

I hope that made sense because that was just verbal diarreah in my brain that came out of my fingers onto this computer screen and I wrote it in probably 1 minute while I was sitting on the toilet.

Happy Belated Mothers Day Mommas.
From the poop throne:
Demi

P.S. J got me 2 little birdies I've wanted forever (what?... I ADORE birds, call me wierd..and ask if I care). And the kids made me a cutie card for Mom's Day. Along with a day on the boat in Charleston! GREAT DAY IT WAS!!

It's a new day

For me, for people around me. Things get better, day by day, minute by minute. I am thankful for so many things right now, and yet sometimes I, or people around me, get their heart broken. It breaks my heart to see them go through that, but I do believe there is hope at the end of the tunnel. I believe that if we stick through the hard times, that we will be greatly rewarded. Yet if something never changes, maybe it's time to move on. We only know that though if we try and we fight.

It's YOU

It's not your mother or your father. Not your sister or your brother. It's not your God or your Government. It's not the high school bully or your eighth grade home room teacher. It's not your therapist or your wife or your boyfriend. It's not luck or even circumstance. It's not your height, weight or age that makes life great, or not. It's You! It's you that makes you happy or sad. It's you that makes you smart or stupid. It's you that eats right or not. It's you that chooses to exercise or to sit on your ass. It's you who puts the cigarette in your mouth. It's you that yells at your 3 year old daughter. It's you that doesn't have patience when you need it. Your parents created you, but it's you that decides to make something of yourself. Point the finger in the mirror because that image before you is the only creature on earth that can guarantee happiness, fitness, health, love, joy, purpose and a state of well being. Hoping and wishing that everyone and everything else is going to bring you a better life is a farce and a fantasy.

When you learn how to rely on yourself, you discover that it's not really about you anyway. When you finally stop relying on others for your happiness and blaming them when it doesn't happen you'll see life for what it really is. A community where we help each other. The transition from "me and my problems" to "how can I help." is easier for some than others, but it needs to happen if you want a full and happy life. You have to get your act together because important people in your life need you. They need you to be thoughtful and trustworthy. They want you to listen and NOT give advice unless they ask. They hope you'll be patient, caring and understanding. If you pull this off you'll also learn than perfect strangers are willing to listen to you, because you'll have something they want. You'll have the formula for a good life. A happy life. A healthy life. You will not longer need to rely on others for your happiness because your happiness will come from helping others.

Tough love from TH

Life Happens

I usually only blog when I feel inspired, or if I'm ticked off about something. Today, will be a little bit of both.

First off-Glory to God in His Highest. Without Him, I would be a useless moron who acts only on emotion. I would probably be in jail or dead if it weren't for Him saving me.

Secondly-The promise of resisting the devil, and him fleeing from you-really is true and does work! Yeah, I know, we read it all the time, but do we believe it? I've had some experiences play out in the past week that were really rough, and I faltered. I played into the devil's evil intentions of trying to make me feel helpless-and I believed him, for a short while. Then I was like, NO! I will resist, I will not let words of anger or derangement come out of my mouth even when someone is directing the most hateful words and intentions towards me. I carefully monitored every single word that came out of my mouth and asked for the Holy Spirit's help--and you know what? The devil fleed. AMEN to that! Satan comes to seek and destroy, even through family members or friends. Being a Christ follower doesn't mean you will have no troubles-in fact your troubles may triple! We just have to persevere through it and show that we can gain character, because that is exactly what happens. Every obstacle that we overcome through Christ Jesus will give us more strength to make it through the next obstacle we come in contact with.

Lastly-I am KILLING it, with the workouts. You like my transition there? LOL. I think alot of us make a bunch of lame excuses as to not get in shape. They compare themselves to other people. "Why don't I have a sixpack" or "Why do I have cellulite." Wah, Wah, Wah. Think for a second if the way you looked had nothing to do with working out. Would you still do it? What if the only benefit was how you felt inside? How about then? What if working out was the only way to prevent the type 2 diabetes that runs in your family? Or heart disease? Or depression? Would you do it then, even if you still had a fat butt and no six pack in sight. Well I hope to God your answer is YES I would-because that is THE heart of the matter. Yes, working out has what I like to call "fringe" benefits of the nice stomach, butt, thighs, muscles, etc. But we can't do it just for that. We MUST do it for our internal health and wellbeing mentally as well. If you don't workout at all, and you eat crap food all day, you will never be 100% satisfied with life or the way you feel about yourself. PERIOD. And if you think you can get by without it, you are sorely mistaken and are just simply lying to yourself. Anyways, I just wanted to let you guys know, that I feel great. Mentally and physically. It really doesn't get better than this-to feel this way even after having kids. Yeah, we all get in a funk sometimes no matter what-but IT IS UP TO YOU AND NO ON ELSE-if you let yourself get out of it and get on with your life, and live the life you were meant to live.

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

In Him and Health-Demi

5 Reasons you can't lose weight

5 Reasons You Can't Lose Weight (from MSN)

Even if you skip breakfast, drink too many calories, or just don't have time to plan, you can still fix your weight-loss problems.

You haven't had a bite of pizza or a lick of ice cream in, like, forever, but you still can't lose a pound. What's up with that? Here's the real what, plus some expert fixes.

1. Consciously or not, you're clueless

"Very few Americans tell the truth about what they eat," says Elizabeth Somer, R.D., author of 10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman's Diet. In one USDA study, more than 80 percent of women underestimated their daily food intake by a whopping 700 calories! Part of the problem is visual: Most people don't have a clue about what a true portion looks like, Somer says.

The fix

Find your measuring cups and spoons. And if you don't have one, buy an inexpensive kitchen scale.
Measure out the recommended portions of everything you eat for a week. You'll quickly learn to accurately identify a 1/2-cup serving of pasta, a 2-ounce muffin, a teaspoon of butter, a cup of cereal, or a 4-ounce portion of chicken.

2. You skip breakfast

Successful dieters share a common habit: They eat breakfast, say University of Colorado researchers who monitor people who have lost at least 30 pounds and kept it off for a year or more. The benefits are big. As well as preventing 10 a.m. attacks on the vending machine, eating breakfast boosts your mood, memory, and work performance.

The fix

Adopt the gold standard: Top 1 cup of whole-grain cereal with berries and fat-free or low-fat milk. Add OJ and coffee and you'll be good to go for hours.
Try the make-ahead version: The night before, put these into a preheated wide-mouth thermos: 1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal, a few chopped dried apricots, a pinch of brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, a drop of almond extract, and 1 cup of hot fat-free or low-fat milk. Close tightly. In the morning, just open the thermos, sprinkle with slivered almonds, and spoon out a warm, delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast!

3. You eat without thinking

Do you nibble off the plates of others? Constantly taste while cooking? Feed small fry in "one for you, one for me" bites? Each mindless nibble averages 25 calories, and with only four mindless bites a day, you gain a pound a month!

The fix

Turn mindless eating into mindful eating, says Somer, by keeping a food journal and writing down every single thing you eat. You'll be amazed.
Eat food only when served on a plate to avoid overindulging.
Eat sitting at a table, not watching TV, driving, or flipping through magazines. And don't rush meals—enjoy each bite.

4. You drink more calories than you realize

Sugary sodas, teas, and juice drinks don't fill you up, yet they pack on pounds. So do happy hours. For example, a bottle of sweetened green tea has 140 calories, the equivalent of a chocolate chip cookie. And a large margarita can have up to 800 calories—more than four cake doughnuts!

The fix

-Can't give up regular soda? Make it an occasional treat.
-Nix supersized cocktails and drinks made with high-calorie mixes or cream.
-At parties, alternate a glass of wine with a glass of sparkling water.
-Make your own iced green tea, and sweeten lightly (1 teaspoon of sugar has only 16 calories). The plus: Home-brewed tea usually has more healthy antioxidants, which often get lost in commercial processing.
-Cut juice calories by mixing 1/3 cup of OJ, apricot nectar, or your favorite juice with 2/3 cup sparkling water.

5. It's not you, it's your life
You swear you want to eat well, but in the next breath lament how hard it is to find the time, money, or mental energy to make it happen.

The fix

Try tough love: Stop blaming others, the weather, your job, your life, the dog, etc. Focus on reaching your goal. "People lose weight every day, often despite overwhelming odds," Somer says.
List your excuses, and then brainstorm solutions. Lack of time? Cook large quantities and divide into single portions to eat throughout the week. Keep meals simple, and buy prepared foods, including sliced veggies and fruit.

In Health!
Demi

Sounds like life to me

Song lyrics to a song by Daryl Worley, I highly recommend a listen!

Got a call last night from an old friends wife, said, I hate to bother you
But Johnny Ray fell off the wagon, hed been gone all afternoon
Well, I know my buddy, so I drove to Scullys and found him at the bar
Said, Hey Man, whats goin on, He said, I dont know where to start
Sarah's old car startin to fall apart and the washer quit last week
We had to put Mama in the nursing home and the baby's cuttin teeth

Sounds Like Life To Me
I didnt get much work this week and I got bills to pay
I said, I know this aint what you wanna hear but its what Im gonna say
Sounds like life to me, it aint no fantasy
It just a common case of everyday reality
Man, I know its tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk youre caught up in some tragedy
It sounds like life to me

Well, his face turned red and he shook his head
He said, you dont understand, three kids and a wife depend on me
And Im just one man, top it off we just found out that Sarahs two months late
I said, Hey, bartender, set us up a round, we gotta celebrate
Sounds like life to me, aint no destiny
Yeah, the only thing for certain is uncertainty
You gotta hold on tight, just enjoy the ride
Get used to all this unpredictability, sounds like life
Man, I know its tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk youre caught up in some tragedy
Sounds like life to me (sounds like life to me)
Sounds like life

Why not YOU??

..From Jillian Michaels..a.k.a. Trainer in "The Biggest Loser."

She hits the nail on the head with this one.

"Life Lessons You Can Learn from 'The Biggest Loser'

It's no secret that I have my issues with reality TV. I hate the "Biggest Loser" eliminations. I loathe all the contrived story beats of temptations and challenges. The creative editing makes me utterly bananas and yet here I am, still on "Loser" going into a double season of 8 and 9!

Why? Because the goodness of the show always prevails. Because there are some lessons I have learned while working with my "Biggest Loser" contestants that I think are powerful enough to change the world. Here are some for you to ponder ...

1. Nothing Is Impossible

Let's face it: If I can take a person that is 400 pounds and get them into run-a-marathon shape in four months, we as human beings are capable of just about anything.

2. You Should Never Ask "Why Me"-Instead, Ask "Why NOT Me?"

Society—and sometimes even our own friends and family members—says you are arrogant and selfish if you want to be anything beyond the norm. Strive to become healthier or richer or more successful than average and it becomes a "Who do you think you are?" scenario. That is such a crock. <---This is SO true (coming from me, Demi).

The next time you feel less-than or undeserving of making a healthy change, ask yourself that question: Why not you?

On "Biggest Loser," my contestants learn to stop asking "Why me?" and ask this question: "Why not me?" Why not me get gorgeous, healthy and famous? Why not me fall in love? Why not me have the career of my dreams? And here is the best part: by putting themselves first for once, they change their lives, achieve their goals and inspire a nation. So, the next time you feel less-than or undeserving of making a healthy change, ask yourself that question: Why not you?

3. You Must Choose To Be Happy

Life will not always be easy. You won't always be happy. Things will go wrong that are unfair and totally out of your control, but ... you have a choice. You can choose to become a victim of these unfortunate events or you can choose to learn from them and grow.

A lot of the contestants on "Biggest Loser" have had very sad lives—some filled with tragedy, all filled with physical hardship. But the ones who succeed do so because they come to find a meaning and purpose in their struggles that propels them towards a beautiful rich fulfilling future.

Are you at a lifestyle or weight turning point? What choice are you going to make"?

In Him and Health-Demi

What is your WHY?

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."
-Friedrich Nietzsche

You will hear this alot floating around Beachbody-but seriously-What is YOUR why?

-WHY are you working out?
-WHY are you making sacrifices?

There are so many other "why's," I just can't list them all here, but for YOU, personally, you know what your WHY is. What I want to reinforce is that your "WHY" needs to be LONGTERM.

For example: If your answer to my first question, "Why are you working out?" is "So I can look good in a bikini this summer." Well, that's great and all, but are you going to stop your health and fitness goals once summer is over and you get to cover up in sweaters? All the hard work, the sweat, and the determination you may be doing now for summer needs to be continued all year long my friends-it needs to be a LIFE long commitment-so you can live a long, healthy life, God willing.

Nobody makes a long term life commitment without knowing WHY they are doing it.

What is your "WHY?"

In Him and Health-Demi

YOU'RE INVITED TO THE PARTY! WOOT!

Haha, gotta love that title. Who doesn't want to be invited to a party? Well, the party I'm talking about is The Beachbody Revolution that is EXPLODING right now! Want to be apart of the party? You can get in SHAPE AND GET HEALTHY (I can help with that) and/or you can be A COACH! (I can help with that too!) We have a great team of coaches here, and you can sign up on this page. We plan to take this team to the next level of coaching, and let me tell you-it's getting to that level already. Our next goal as part of this coaching team is to ALL meet at the next Summit in Hollywood next year-and if you sign up now-you can be well on your way by then on being successful at what you/we do! Let's DO THIS! If you want to help people by sharing your personal fit story, or be a coach and start your fit journey at the same time (because people are inspired by that too!) Sign up! Get yourself healthy-and at the same time-get others healthy. Also at the same time-get financially rewarded as well (which is DEFINITELY not the only/most important reward!). People right now are dying to be healthy. Think about that for a moment. They look in the mirror every day and analyze their bodies, seeing something they don't like. Or they might eat alot of fast food, and feel this horrible guilt afterwards. They just don't know what to do. Or it might be something more serious. They can be physically suffering from ailments like diabetes, joint pain, heart problems, or depression..from being overweight. Do you have friends like that? Do you have a whole community like that around you? YOU can help change that. Wouldn't it be an amazing thing to help someone in that way? THAT, my friends, IS the reward. THAT is why Beachbody coaches are among the happiest, most life-fulfilled people that I know. To them (and me!) they have the best job in the world. It doesn't stay in one spot. There is always room for advancement, and you never get laid off! It gets better, and better, and better. Sign up to be to be fit and sign up to be a coach. TODAY is the day.

**Remember, coaches get 25% off all products, and Beachbody Club members receive 10% off!**

In Him and Health-Demi

How a Home Business can SOAR!

She even teaches classes (that are also customers!!) at a gym, this girl ROCKS!

Positive Outlooks

So today was a slow start for me...but after working out-I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER! Today I feel like I need to really spend some quality time with my children-after them celebrating me so sweetly for mother's day, I just want to let them know how special they are to me. Isabel won't quite understand, but I know it will mean alot to Alana. After I pick her up from school today-I'm going to get her a pedi-that gets her every time! And then we'll go the pool, with Isabel and hang out.

I've noticed that when I look at things in a positive way, positive things happen. Growth happens. Family dynamics change. It's like looking through a child's eyes. Just to stop and look around, and think about how blessed we are, the fact that we have clean running water, food in our fridge, and a roof over our head, there really is nothing I need to complain about. On the flipside, if you always allow negativity in your mind, it can ruin you. It can mar the beauty that is all around you, and your children could look at life that way too. What a terrible thing for an adult to experience, let alone a child. So, that is my prayer for me, and for anyone who is reading this. Pray that we can always look at people, places, or anything deemed "ordinary" through a child's eyes.

Accountability

What I want to say is this: Accountability is SO important. If you are secretly chowing down on food late at night, and wondering why you are not getting results..well, then maybe it would be a good idea to talk to someone about that. If you are skipping your workouts, and eating desserts left and right, have THAT person to talk to, to motivate you to NOT dwell on it, and make up for it the next day.

One thing I want YOU to keep me accountable on is my alcohol intake. Yes, I said it. I like to have a nightcap every night, and I would like to not have to do that anymore. So, I am going to go on a "no alcohol" fast starting tomorrow. I am not shy when it comes to drinking socially, I don't think there is anything wrong with it, even as a Christian, if you can control yourself, than have that glass of wine with dinner! Or even have a couple with a friend if you feel like it. I'm not judging anyone but myself! So I am going to just 'keep things in check' and make sure I'm not dependent on anything. So check up on me from now and then and ask me if I had something last night and yell at me if you want to. I can take it! :) Honestly, I think I will be fine with it, but like with other "diseases", you gotta catch these things early...not like I'm anywhere near that..but still, I want to have a fog-free mind so I can hear God when I need to and wake up with a fresh mind that allows me to serve Him and my family and friends. I feel like this is what I need to do. Thank you for being non-judgmental and being understanding.

In Him and Health-Demi