"I'm so excited!"

"You got this"

"Yes! It's almost over. Wait...not yet? Omg that was only the half point!"

" I want this to be over!"

"Ugh why'd I do this"

" I am more than a conqueror. I can do this. I trained for this. Just think how good Boiling Crab is going to taste."

" My hip...my knee.  I want to stop."

" Yessssss! I did it! Whoa! That was good!"

These are the incremental thoughts and sentiments I had last Saturday when I ran my first 15k Double Road Race. It's a new style of racing that provides an extra challenge for runners because you're essentially running 2 events in 1 day; a 10k=6.2 miles and then a 5k=3.1 which are separated by a mandatory recovery period.

The challenge comes during the second leg, after the recovery because your body has been resting and really believes its done with gruesome long distance running. To its suprise, you have to get back up and finish out the race. Now, I've been preparing for the race for about 6 weeks,  but there's nothing like race day. New environment,  different altitude, the distraction of hundreds of other people around you. It was challenging but so enlightening. Not only was I proud,  but I placed 4th in my age division. Beyond the metal, there was so much gratitude for the journey getting to the finish line.

Physical fitness is more than an important activity for health and aesthetics (if thats your focus). It is the most simple test of mental strength. You get to see what type of person you are when things get tough, when you want to quit or when you're finding it difficult to just to keep moving.

How you speak to yourself really determines your beliefs, your faith and how healthy your relationship with yourself is. Do you speak words of encouragement and affirmation?  Do you speak words of defeat? Do you focus on the unknown fearing for or worrying about the worse?

How do you love on yourself in the quiet, lonely amd intimate moments with yourself? Are you gentle? Do you speak power into yourself like you would do another?

Tuesday is deemable as #transformationtuesday across social networks,  so today I ask, how can your mind be transformed? How can your relationship with yourself be transformed?

Despite the fact that my race was challenging,  I would absolutely do it again! There were so many times I wanted to walk but I chose not to. Even if I slowed my pace, I was not going to quit. I was so proud of myself,  I decided I would run a half marathon in November.

"The true measure of a (wo) man is not where (s) he stands in times of comfort and convenience but where (s) he stands at times of challenge controversy"- MLK

Stand strong. Do something that takes you out of your comfort zone. Whether big or small, physical or not, test yourself!

BE Strong. BE Transformed~
By: Tiffany W.

There's a whole lot that in occurs in our lives everyday. We`ve all had situations and circumstances that could have derailed our lives. We've been through major transitions that have brought about feelings of ambiguity, joy, sadness, excitement, and even disappointment. Despite all that, one thing that remains constant, is that change occurs, and we are present for it all. So when we can choose to respond and sit in feelings such as anger, sadness, doubt, distrust, or discontent, we can powerfully choose to live life staying full of love and hope.

What does that look like?

Well that is you staying in the moment and being still in the moment while choosing to balance not only your expectations but also how you choose to honor your self, mind, body,spirit, and stay in a place of forgiveness; you know, abiding by the 5 commandments of self love. See, love really has the power to transform life and all that you choose to see.

Think about it. If you've ever been in love or have known someone who's been in love, you know everything experienced is different. Love has an effect on how you smile, interact with others, and even what you truth you decide to see in life. Well, romantic love isn't the only love with life-changing impact. So is self love, and just a centrally spirited sense of love in general.

While others around you choose to worry about being good enough, the evils of the world, the amount of wealth accumulation they have (or for most of us, the amount of debt), and why it's a good reason to not trust others or believe there is even good left in this world, you can choose a different perspective. You can choose love and hope.

Yes there are inequalities, dangers, hurtful people, and many barriers that exist in the midst of a possible great life, but at the end of the day your attitude is the determining factor. Consider the perspective that there is a life of abundance, a life if love, a life of possibilities, a life in which you can make a difference, a life that you're worthy of attaining or at least going after.

Cutting your self off to the possibilities of life is not one reflective of choosing to honor your self, mind, body,or spirit. Self love is more intricate in living a great life than most people consider. So today, this week, every day and every week, work on choosing to  activate a feeling, perspective and walk of love and hope. I guarantee life will not only feel better but it will be better.

BE Love~
By: Tiffany W.

Happy  #selflovesunday BEautiful BEings! Its the day of spiritual revival and I myself and feeling renewed. Good things always happen to our souls on Sundays. Its the beginning of the week and I want to share something special with you.

Today I got the most empowering text from a good friend and sister like figure in my life. She said, "Have you been posting anything? the last post I could see is the Valentine's day one, I think something may be wrong with my browser. Let me know."

Do you know why that was empowering?  Because I wanted to quit blogging. I knew I wasn't going to quit but I considered,  what do I need to do differently to make an impact? I truly want to create content that the average gen y woman can relate to and to be honest when people don't comment,  like, repost or even acknowledge what you do, it's easy to think, well maybe it's not good. It's good enough for me because it's my truth, but I have to consider as to whether it resonates with others...

That text let me know,  that even if it's just 1 person, someone cares. 

I'm going to have a truth moment with you:

I have been frozen for literally 1 week. No writing (until last night). Little feeling. Little exposure.  Little interaction.  I've confined myself to my room for the most part. Laying in bed, praying, meditating and watching movies I've seen 100 plus times. As I've felt emotionally dead, mentally I've driven myself insane 100 plus times.

Feelings of failure,  despair, confusion,  dissapointment, and dare I say doubt. About what? The path I'm on. See, from a place of faith and spirituality, I can see the future, but the present leaves me in total confusion sometimes. One thing I know for sure is that when you get a vision from God several times in your life, that vision is showing you whats possible. I believe divine sight, inspiration and vision is real. Whatever God shows you,  will always take place. I've seen my life.  I've seen the impact, the joy, the love, the abundance,  the family, the philanthropy,  and the legacy.

The problem with having such clarity while being a typical millennial and someone with depression, is that I become an enemy of time. With visions and goals there comes action. With action, there's not only expected outcomes, but expected outcomes on my timeline. Certain times of the year falling on my face is no problem, I get that happens in life. Other times, the times in which I'm most prone to experiencing a depressive episode, my failed Great Expectations become a problem.

The reality that I know: Life is NEVER as bad as it SEEMS. If you can find gratitude in having shelter, food, health, clothing and love, you're doing better than about 2/3rds of the world. In the end, the world never really knows what might have been done (in light of failure) they just remember you're impact (whether negative or positive). The reality that my well self knows: I am enough.

Well reality has almost nothing to do with the mind of someone in a depressive state. A different darker dimmer reality exists. It's the one that says, " What I'm doing isn't working. I don't matter. No one pays attention to me. I want to give up." (If you believe "depression is a choice" or don't really understand it, I suggest you visit http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml).

I fall victim to my own great expectations.  No matter what I do or what I say, the judge in me can easily choose to nullify everything; every step, every effort and every piece of "success."

The truth is that true acceptance and perfect self love is hard for anyone. That's why its a journey of fascination for me. Not just on a personal level, but on a psychological level. In fields like Positive Psychology and Personality Psychology,  looking at all measures of self concept are the most compelling stories of human behavior. Self acceptance is hard for anyone, but especially those with the most critical, heart and mind.

Naturally, I'm critical and I overthink, but when you take account of my brain chemistry at times (the depression) I become anxious. I become obsessed. I become inundated with thoughts that counter what I KNOW to be my true being. My advantage: I'm extremely cognizant of the mental and at times spiritual battle going on inside of me, which is why I know what I need to do to recalibrate my internal state.

There is beauty in learning about yourself. There is beauty in accepting your own journey,  your own truths, your own limited limitations,  and the possibilities that exists. There is beauty in timing. There is beauty in special relationships. There is beauty in darkness. There is beauty in life.

Sometimes life gets hard and overwhelming but we must just pray and surrender, and continue to love on ourselves.

No matter what, I still chose to love on myself (even though my mind didn't connect to it) I worked out, prayed, meditated, burned my incense/sage, watched what would make me laugh, listened to my sermons and read uplifting messages.

I knew I'd come around. ..eventually.  Nothing lasts forever. Nothing . I'm glad to say I'm back.

Do you have a story of triumph? Would you like to share something from your own self love journey. I and the world want you to share your story. Please email beyou@livethebelife.com if you want to be featured as a guest blogger.

BE Encouraged~
By: Tiffany W.

It's #fearlessfriday wooot woot!
Let go of fear, and hold on to FAITH! Have Faith in yourself to be bold, courageous, and free enough to live YOUR life how YOU WANT TO!

Question: Why are people so afraid of BEing themselves?

Others opinions can be so impactful on your life if you let them, whether you see them as positive or negative. But what about just going with your own gut? What about taking your own risk? What about finding out what joy and success mean to you? At the beginning and end of the day, YOU get to deal with YOU; your thoughts, emotions, habits,  fears, wishes, goals, discomforts...thats all you.

Understand for every action there is a reaction, and everything we choose to do or not do in this life affects someone else, but if you're living to appease others, that's a limiting way to live. People will disagree with choices you make and that's ok. It's your life and others don't have to understand.

Want to start a business?  Do it.  Want to get a makeover? Do it. Want to move to another location?  Do it. Want to leave everything behind and travel the world? Do it.  Want to try a new hobby that seems out of your comfort zone? Definitely do it. Want to change career fields? Do it. Want to step out of the box you and others have put you in? Do it!

The first commandment of Self Love that I discuss in my book BE Love: Daily Intentions Guiding You to Self Love is Honor Thyself. Well it's difficult to really love yourself if you don't A. Know who you are B. Allow yourself to just BE C. Can't connect with that commandment because you're looking at yourself through other's eyes.  Get your mind and spirit aligned. Learn to follow your spirit and intentionally connect to who you want to be and what you want to do with this life!

BE You~
By: Tiffany W.

Is there something you've been wanting to go after and try, but you just keep talking yourself out of it? You know deep down inside it's something you should be going after because there's a tug on your spirit. Well...just go. Just Do It! Even when you doubt yourself, when you feel afraid, and especially if you're uncomfortable. All it takes is one step, then another, and then another.  Convincing yourself is 90% of the battle.

People who have a weak connection with their spiritual selves, and allow their minds impose too much on their lives, tend to live in confusion and are indecisive.   Clarity occurs when you know how to silence  your mind and allow your spirit to guide you.

" If you'll become a confident, decisive person, you'll accomplish a lot more with less effort."- Joyce Meyer

Look, this life is meant to be lived with you giving and receiving love, joy and abundance.  You will get what you want when you learn to surrender and give away whatever you're supposed to give. We are all blessed with different talents, passions, purposes, and ideas, but unfortunately most of those blessings go to the grave. They never see the light of day because their vessels lived a life of fear and may have walked away from their purpose because of doubt, confusion or even past mistakes.

"If you feel that God is prompting you to give something away, help someone out, or make a change in your life, do it! Take some action and sow seeds of obedience."-Joyce Meyer

Guess what, everything doesn't work out how you want it to and even when you want it to because you as a person must be molded and formed to be the right person at the right time to be the poster child of that vision,  purpose,  passion or idea. Timing is everything,  and even if what you want doesn't pan out when you want it to, keep going, everything will always work together. 

I've never considered writing for a living and because of this blog not only do I have my first devotional book, but I'm working on second book now. Amazing things happen when you honor your spirit and walk in obedience. Choose faith over fear because there's an amazing life on the other side of what you can't see.

So today, I want you to look at your vision board, your list of goals, your journal or wherever you capture those dreams, goals, visions,  etc. I want you to declare favor and ask your higher power to direct you in the way to share gift. What you seek is seeking you and it will find you if you stay open. Make steps this week towards what you want.

BE Fulfilled~
By: Tiffany W.

Isnt it funny that when you're experiencing growing pains it just feels really painful? You want the pain to end and you just want to get that rough patch over with?  Well maybe the funny part isn't really the pain, but its the realization you get when you find yourself maturely reflecting on an experience and you can sit back and laugh or really just speak from an objective space.

Its kind of the sentiment that occurs when you go through the stages of grief from a serious or hoped to be serious relationship which ended.  At first your angry, then confused, then you miss them, and then maybe hurt, sad and you finally get over it. One day, youre even able to speak about your ex without being passive agressive or sharp tongued. But did you ever think you'd see the day where you could joyfully function without and be totally ok speaking about them?

Well it happens and so does time for all matters of life. One recent lesson God has shown me and completely confirmed with a conversation from a man I met weeks ago is that all of life comes full circle. The circle of life isn't just a memorable line and sentiment from The Lion King. Its a true reflection of the total Earthly experience of our
BEing. No matter how something occured in your life, nothing is an accident or coincidence.  Everything will always connect, including your connection to the lessons you've learned throughout life. Your lessons in trust, love, platonic relationships, career, faith, finance, leadership, socialization, etc.

Therefore when you go through non-ideal times in life, remember that you will GROW through whatever you're experiencing.  More than that,  beyond anything you can see, those times will make sense, eventually.  Just like you can Honor Yourself and all that you've gone through, know that during those tough moments Honoring Your Spirit,  and allowing it to lead you to your next step is pretty important on the journey of self love.

Faith will carry places that your mind cannot conceive. There is always a greater force than you, thus there will always be a greater purpose than what you can see. Celebrate life as much as you can, even when it doesn't seem worth it.

BE Positive,
By: Tiffany W.

You have a moral and spiritual obligation to share your gifts and walk in your purpose.  Like...it's a REEEAAAALLLY big deal.

Think about it. Have you ever watched an interview of your favorite entertainer, leader, motivational speaker, athlete or entrepreneur?  If so, do you notice when asked about how they got a point of notariety or even into their line of work, they often respond along the lines of " I'm not different than anyone else."

They are human but realise they found the answer to a common problem, fear and it's cousin, doubt. They realized that their great idea, vision, or passion really paved a road to understanding their purpose here on Earth. They tapped into it, developed it and shared with others. Now becaus3 they shared, you have someone to look up to and admire. What if they never shared?

It's not to say you have to or even need to be a well known person to make a difference with your gift,  passions, and purpose. You just have to BE You and share. Its imperative because
1. You never know who's life you can absolutely transform
2. You never know who will take away key memories of the realness of your work, speech, invention,  business,  story, etc.
3. The more you give, the more you receive
4. You will a sense of peace and joy like no other
5. The service we provide to others is the price we pay while occupying this planet
6. You, your vision,  your story, your experience,  your talent matters

So if you're keeping something inside of you, you should really work on letting it go. Creative talents, great ideas, a book, a movie, or any talent,  you HAVE to share,  enthusiasticslly, authentically,  and without expectation.

If you need any tips, feel free to email me beyou@livethebelife.com

BE You~
By: Tiffany W.

Do you know how amazing you are and your life is?

Granted, you may or may not have everything you want or desire. You may even be going through a rough season. You may have recently lost someone. You may be one of the millions of people fighting through a seasonal episode of depression.  Despite all of that,  you and your life is amazing.

Sometimes it's really hard to the light at the end of the tunnel, but I think that's because we're paying more attention to the tunnel then the light. Staying focused on not only what we're grateful for in the moment, but also on whats at the end of any season keeps you motivated.

Stay encouraged.  People and situations seem powerful enough to take our joy and smile,  but we have the power to choose how we want to respond to the world.

If you feel like you are in a deep funk or experiencing a depressive episode its even more important for you to have a Self Love tool kit available.  What should be in your tool kit? Poems, affirmations,  intentions,  declarative statements,  uplifting songs, encouraging spiritual scriptures,  fitness, eating clean (yes this dramatically effects your mood), comedic films/shows/text, a creative process (writing, singing, dancing, painting, etc.), deep breathing, random moments of forced smiles, and the most important,  daily actions that uplift another.

Yes these are all tools you can use to stay encouraged.  Of course choose whatever resonates with you, but whatever you do, remember you and your life is amazing.

BE Encouraged~
By: Tiffany W.