Change Your Mind, Change Your Life

Change your thoughts and you change your world. -Norman Vincent Peale

I believe in the Law of Attraction and the power of Manifestation. My body is a result of this powerful truth. When I became sick two years ago, I created a Manifestation Board; a collage of images of fit and healthy women doing things I was told I would no longer be able to do. Women running in the sun, or smiling in the snow. Women with strength and flexibility. I found these images in magazines and clothing catalogs and I cut and pasted them onto a large poster board. I looked at this every day, multiple times a day, because I wanted to convince every cell in my body that what I was looking at was real for me. I wanted my brain to make a connection with these images and direct my body to that reality. 

And it worked. 

Every decision I made with my diet and lifestyle was easy and practically effortless. I lost weight without trying and my autoimmune disease began to leave my body so quickly that my doctors still don't have an explanation for it. I became more flexible as the tightening loosened in my skin and connective tissues. My pulmonary function tests have been excellent and my digestion improved. I went back to teaching dance. I began working out and was surprised at the work my new body could do. I set new fitness goals and became an amateur CrossFit athlete. And every new thing I have introduced has made me healthier and happier without struggle or restriction.

I am building a new body. And not just with weights and exercise. But with my mind.

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. -Buddha

So, what shall I change about my world now?

This holiday season has revealed a few things I would like to turn my attention to. I did not enjoy having so little to give this year. And the little I could do felt under planned and haphazard. No one else would have noticed. If I wasn't writing it here, no one would call me on it. But it is the things that we see when we look closely at the reflection of our hearts that we have to contend with. I appreciate the grace that I receive from others, but I see the things I would like to change for 2014. And so I will make a new Manifestation Board. Here is a snapshot, but I am sure I will add to it.

Visit http://trello.com to make your own and Manifest a New You in 2014!

From Night Owl to Early Bird – worms are Paleo, right?

Which comes first – new habits or new people?

After years of being a night owl, staying home with young children, and working second shift, it is time to conquer early mornings.  Early to bed. Early to rise. Early work outs. New habits. Just like most things, I have a plan. And just like most things, it involves CrossFit.

There are a number of classes throughout the day at CrossFit Juggernaut; the earliest is at 5:30am. I used to think these people were crazy. I know the kind of energy CrossFit takes, and to have that kind of energy at 5:30am must mean you’re not normal. I frequently said, “You will NEVER see me that early.” And I meant it. I had every intention of sticking to my comfy cozy class at noon. But then, I met the 5:30ers. I befriended them on facebook. I began to like these crazy people. Even admire the insanity it takes to WOD before the sunrise. And they were constantly hitting PR’s (personal records - a way of measuring gains in CrossFit.) I thought, there must be something to this, and I have to check it out.

So, this morning, I did. I reserved my spot in the 5:30am class, posted about it everywhere on facebook for accountability, and I got there. I am so glad that I did! What an exciting group of Juggernauts! Everyone was happy and ready for their day, looking sharp and well-rested. I think I might have had some drool in the corner of my mouth still, but they looked awesome! I was fully expecting to see everyone’s “morning face” which is my favorite face of the day, but none could be found, except for mine!

And guess what! I PR’d my power clean! (For all you non-CrossFitters, I lifted a heavier barbell from the floor than I normally do.) And I had energy for days, even without eating a large meal 2 hours before class like usual. I also noticed that even though I was well-hydrated, I didn’t have “trouble with my single unders.” If you are a CrossFitting Momma, you’re giving me a virtual fist bump right about now, and I thank you for that.

So, which comes first- new habits or new people? I would say my character changed first, and the habits have followed. I’ve always been successful, but my desire is to be successful at any activity, at any time of day. And so I will be scheduling myself for these early morning classes while my situation allows. I will be monitoring my sleep, to avoid chronic inflammation that can creep up when one is over tired. And I will be adjusting my nutrition routine to support this earlier work load. And I’m going to enjoy myself! I always love meeting new challenges head on. Don’t you?

For more information on chronic inflammation as a result of not getting enough sleep, 

please read this previous post:

Systemic Sclerosis... Catalyst to Better Health?

Polyphenol-rich beverage shows anti-inflammatory potential

Polyphenol-rich beverage shows anti-inflammatory potential

To learn more about this functional nutritional beverage please visit my website.

Before/After Photo Update!!!!

Before: 165 lbs! I am still wearing size 14 maternity clothes, 18 months after my 2nd son was born!

After: 125 lbs! 2.5 years later, these skinny jeans are a size 0 and my shirt is an extra small!

The CrossFit Effect

In the 16 months since I last updated this blog I have undergone some major life renovations. I began working out again, and I continued to lose weight effortlessly, dropping another 20 lbs for a total of 30 lbs lost since I was first diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis! I went back to my absolute passion, teaching dance! I teach ballet, contemporary, and hip hop 4 nights a week. My oldest is now in 1st grade, and my youngest is still at home with me during the day. They both take all boys hip hop (so cute!) And unfortunately, their dad and I are now separated, but the family is transitioning well. I haven't meant to ignore this blog, but life happened, and here I am again!

I was right about Gluten Free, Sclero Free. At my last follow up, my rheumatologist told me that technically, I no longer have Scleroderma! I have "Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease" with less than 10% chance of developing full blown Systemic Sclerosis. She has absolutely no context for why the gluten free diet has made such a drastic difference, but it has! I am now working toward a strict Paleo diet: grain free, dairy free, sugar free, hunter/gatherer... and I'll keep you updated on that journey as it unfolds.

So, what is the CrossFit Effect?!?  CrossFit has had such a positive impact on my life. Not just on the way my body looks and feels, but with my self-confidence as well. Getting through these crazy WODs (Workout of the Day) is making me feel as though I can do anything. Be anything. I am setting new goals all the time, and surpassing them consistently with life-changing personal records. But it is the community that has made all the difference. Having a place to go and be with like-minded people, lifting heavy weights and pushing our bodies to their limits and beyond, becoming elite athletes together, with team work and a healthy competitive atmosphere. I've never come across anything like it. It has truly changed my life. I'll talk more about CrossFit and its amazing benefits in my upcoming posts. In the meantime, find a CrossFit Affiliate near you! You won't regret it!!!

I am so excited to be blogging again! Please be sure to read my previous posts explaining Scleroderma and why I chose to go Gluten Free. I believe these results are possible for everyone, and not specific to me. I want to spread the word that we don't have to live in fear of Systemic Sclerosis. We really can make Scleroderma Look Good!

Bon Courage!