"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.

Hey Ladies! The timelines you have in your head about these "milestones" you must meet, are not real. I'd first like to bring to attention, the obsession with 30. You know what I'm talking about. 

For starters,  most of you want to be in your dream career, job, car, and/or living situation by 30. Yes, the idea of pure independence and social power as a woman definitely seems like the way to go. You possibly spend your 20s sacrificing your physical and mental health so you can satisfy your ego and obtain the "things" your heart desires. If you have all that, or are working on all that,  that's wonderful for you. It's great to have goals to work towards. It keeps life fascinating.  On the flipside, are you constantly comparing yourself to others if in fact you haven't acquired those "things" yet? Are you allowing those acquisitions define your value? Do you see yourself as less or more valuable without or with them, respectively?

Secondly,  are you feeling the pressure to be a global citizen?  According to MMGY Global, 6 in 10 millennials would rather spend money on experiences than on things. Translation,  we travel a lot! With hundreds of travel blogs, social media accounts deddicated to deals and photo sharing, one could feel the "pressure" to travel. Well, one could also feel that they have to get all the adventure out of them now, right now, this very moment, especially before 30 when life "begins. " Give me a break. I get your YOLO mentality,  and I understand you never know what the future holds,  but if other generations could survive putting off travel, you won't go off the deep end if you waited.

Hmmm, what do we have next? Ahhhh good ol marriage. Now this right here...this is the whole reason behind this post. Elite Daily posted an article this week, sharing that a 29 year old woman who had been in a 2 year relationship committed suicide because her 30th birthday was days away and she was not married nor with children. Her goal: have a family by 30. May her soul rest in peace. This right here calls for major conversation.  This story, plus that of women marrying themselves,  just tugs on my heart.

Life is not defined by you obtaining a husband (or wife). You are more than a BEing waiting for a ring and ceremony.  Yes, love enhances your life so much more. Yes, having a committed long term partner makes life a little sweeter, but life is so much more. Do you love yourself?  Like, reeeeeaaaallly love yourself? Do you give to others? Do you pour love in others? Have you connected to and began walking in your purpose?

Marriage is an institution of security,  moreso for the woman than man. A wife secures a man to bear children and obtain wealth. That's the history of it. Marriage until the late 19th century, has never really been about Love. Its been about security. The presence of motion pictures began to really idolicize notions of romance. Now today, partially thanks to companies like Disney and DeBeers, we are obsessed with romamce, rings, marriage (as an event more than a committment). Women in the US, used to get married in their teens because they had to. Now we have the power to choose because we don't need marriage for financial security. Dwell in that.  For the most part, your life in 2015 is marked by a sense of freedom. You don't live in 1920. Which also means you can speak up and become more involved in the process.

This married by 30 business can lead to diminished esteem, depression, anxiety, and desperation. First off, anyone can GET married but it's not just about getting married...its about staying married. Learn who you are. Find your purpose. Live your happy. Fall in love with you and you'll attract what you want, I'm so sure of it.

There is no rule as to when you "should" get married. It's a mental and social construction.  ITS NOT REAL! Come back to reality please. You're causing yourself unnecessary stress and pressure, and that is not healthy.

Ask yourself,  do you a wedding or a lifetime of commitment with someone? Do you realize that marriage is not just about having someone forever? Are you the person you need to be, to even be married? Are you selfless? a good communicator? aware of your faults? actively working on healing past hurts and trauma?  trusting? a committed person?

Hey woman, let that obsession go, whether you're 25 or 35. Live life and whatever you're searching for, will find you.

BE Unrestricted,
By: Tiffany W.


**View Article referenced in post

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.

One aspect of Honor Thy Body that's very important to me is fitness. Being physically active really does help me balance my mood and motivates me to push through life. Since the beginning of the year I've been doing 2 fitness challenges: at least 10mins of jump rope a day and run at least 1 mile per day. Well I regret to say I've missed 3 days haha but I'm still rocking with both challenges and it feels great.

The greatest thing about a challenge is understanding the psychology of it all. You actually get a perspective into your own level of commitment,  excuses making, and patterns of consistency. If this was me last year I would have been so mad at myself for missing those days, but not 2015 Tiffany. I was still active those days, I just didn't go outside at all, so I didn't complete those days, and now I'm starting over, and I'm ok with that.

Well 5 days ago, a friend and wellness client of mine asked if I would find an ab challenge to do with her. I was excited because I haven't done much of abs in a while. I found this challenge and absolutely love it. Fitness in general for me is for physical and mental health, but ab work is for vanity and I'm ok with that too!

Take a stab at it for 30 days. The key to getting results is 80% nutrition so you MUST be watching what you eat. Lots of green veggies, lots of water (ideally half your body weight, but in oz of water), compelx carbs like brown rice, quinoa (keen-wah), sweet potatoes/yams (not southern style), cous cous, lentils, etc.  Eat clean and do this ab challenge and I'm sure your tummy will look quite different at the end of 30days!

BE Well,
By: Tiffany W.

Always find a reason to keep going.
Life is a process, process takes action. Unlike a tree we cannot just BE still and expect life to take its course. We have to take some type of action and sometimes we just don't want to.

19 days in January and I already missed 3 days of some personal goals for myself.  I didn't beat myself up but I had to dig deep to push myself to keep going.

You, and I, must keep yourself open to receiving the inspiration you need to live a life you deserve and BE who should and want to BE. You gave more power than you beleieve and the more you tap into it, the stronger the power gets. Honor your mjnd and spirit by really focusing in feeding it content that assures you of who you are
  Our mundd is our greatest enemy.  Creating limiting beliefs, doubts and stories of blame thus creating a life of struggle. BE assured that challenges will occur, but do you think they're meant to constantly keep you down? I know what it feels like to get caught up in your own mind. It happens to me when I get off track and don't use the tools I know that keep my mind, body, and spirit aligned and free of negative energy.

We all have access to a life of purpose and prosperity and I do believe we can easily flow into it if we are functioning in the right spiritual space. You can only flow when you focus on that flow. Yes, even BEing in flow takes focus. Whatever we want to BE, whatver whatever state we desire to BE in, must have a concentrated energy on that.

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.

Blessed Monday BEautiful BEings!

Are you feeling refreshed from the weekend? It's a new week and new day!

Another opportunity to live fearlessly and go after life! Another opportunity to BE Fearless with life! BE Fearless in love, your pursuit of happiness,  your connection to joy, your transformation,  accomplishing goals and making dreams happen, and even in BEing you!

Yesterday I saw the movie, WILD, and wow, that movie sums up Fearlessness.  Despite the fact that a woman who was overcoming drug and sex addiction,  processing a recent divorce, and still mourning the loss of her mother,  went on a 1,000mile hike on the Pacific Coast Trail and experienced generally nothing but physical pain, horrible hunger, and the resurfacing of traumatic memories,  the movie was an ode to fearlessness and transformation. 

When we step out on faith in any area of life and step into a realm in which we are uncomfortable,  great things happen! Shifts happen. Risk and great returns occur, in the form of valuable lessons.

You may not always get the experience you expect from stepping out on Faith, but you will become a stronger and more positive person. For this fact, positivity is never something we can have too much of.

Fearlessness helps you see the silver lining in anything,  and keeps you present. Depite the fact you may be nervous or fearful of an act, your spirit kind of says, hey im going to do this, hope for the best and will let it go. Which to me is much better than making up a thousand and ten reasons why something won't work, why you're not good enough, etc. Been there, done that, sheesh it's exhausting.

This year, I'm working through my own  fears. Even though most of life I've been rather carefree and fearless, I realized that after experiencing a lot of loss and what I considered "failure" in my life in a small period of time, it unconsciously shook my spirit of courage and my sentiments of belief in myself. For that reason I decided my personal mantra for this year would be , Give It Up, Let It Go! Go after my blessings. Go after the visions God places in my spirit.  Go after the things I have of fear of not accomplishing. No matter what I do, hoping for the best, having faith that divine order will take place, and just letting go.

So this week and beyond, I hope that you can live through an eye of faith.  No act of faith is too small. No step towards fearlessness is too small. In conversations,  approaching someone you don't know, submitting an application for something special, picking up a new hobby/interest,  starting that side business, or whatever it is.

Think positive. Think Big. Have faith in the best outcome, whatever it may be. Be Fearless and live some life!

BE Fearless~
Written by: Tiffany W.

Can you believe this is the last Monday of 2014???? Wow. It's unbelievable that the older you get, the faster time seems to pass. I'm starting to think that may be because we begin to put limits on time itself. Its as if we create time within time. As a child, we play, we eat, we sleep and we wonder. We don't say, ok, I can play for 20 minutes each day until x. No. Often times we exceeded our play time and were firmly reminded by parents that play time is up.

This moment and each moment we receive are truly all we have. Yes we can plan, but all we really have is right now. Let the knowing of the now and it's infinite possibilities leading to every moment be reason enough for excitement!

Do you believe in what you've been committed to doing in your life? Your job, your career, your passion,  your family,  etc. When there is passion and faith in your life, your excitement is evident,  even in the smallest task.

You may not know exactly how the future will unfold,  but you can have excitement for the direction that you are heading in. Every obstacle is leading you to a greater you because each one is making you stronger. 

Every opportunity that looks like a no, is creating a path for a greater future because you are 1 step closer to a purposeful opportunity. Every severed relationship is teaching you the power of people, purpose and change. Every success shows you the possibility.  It all comes together and taking a step back, can definitely help put life into perspective especially if you're not "feeling" like being present to the possibilities.

Often times what we believe can trump what we feel and in certain aspects of life this can be beneficial;  let this time of reflection and preparation for the new year, be that time.

I wish you well in these last days of 2014 and pray that you will receive all the strength,  love, hope,  health, wisdom and encouragement you need to take you into 2015!

Let's live this life as best as we can!

BE Excited!

By: Tiffany Wright