Category: Inspirational

Baby Steps and Moderation

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

I’ve been trying to get healthier for awhile now, but old habits creep back in and I start back down the not-so-good bunny path.  I’m done trying to do a major overhaul on all areas of my life at once, which gets pretty overwhelming and leaves me feeling defeated.  I think I have finally found the best balance for me.  Moderation and baby steps.  Moderation for the bad habits like ice cream and Budweiser (not together), and baby steps to make better ones.

I’ve started making smoothies each morning that are nutrient packed.  That way I’m not skipping breakfast and starving by the time 12 o’clock rolls around.  I’m planning out my lunches, not just my dinners.  By planning what I want for lunch each day is not only saving me money, but keeping me on the right track.  My little lunch tote is packed with veggies, fruit, lean protein, and a small portion of pita chips (moderation, my friends, moderation).

I’ve also started reading health magazines and websites for extra motivation.  Instead of searching “food and drinks” on Pinterest, I’m tailoring my search for “healthy dinner recipes” or “low calorie snack ideas” that way I am not tempted or distracted by the sweetness of pies and cupcakes…. yum, cupcakes!  See, I have problems.

I’m starting to create tasty, healthier recipes and I plan on sharing the good ones with you.

It’s important that what fuels my body be good and worth it.  80% of how we look is what eat.  I’m not talking about just weight and size, but also overall health.  I don’t want to look exhausted all the time or have zero energy.  I’m so over it.

 

You Are Not Your Own… Sweet Scripture Reminder

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

Sometimes I need a gentle reminder that we were put here for a reason.  Our bodies are not our own and they were bought with a price.  When I struggle with body image and with old eating habits, it’s nice to remind myself of this.
1 Corinthians

I may not be perfect in my actions, but I can never give up.  I wrote this sweet scripture in my journal that houses my weekly meal plans, ideas, and just thoughts that I have.  Sometimes when I am struggling and slipping into old habits it’s nice to say this scripture to myself.  In that moment I forget my struggles and am instantly reminded that I serve a purpose.
scripture for body image

“Today I make the choice to treat my body as a gift.  It was bought with a price, and I will glorify God in the choices and actions I make when it comes to my body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Remember to Believe In Yourself

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

 

believe in yourself

It’s hard to believe in yourself all the time.

I had a pretty trying past week/weekend and I didn’t believe in myself.

I had a test for my CFP certification that honestly, I wasn’t ready for and really believed that I wouldn’t do well.  Sometimes I surprise myself by thinking so negatively about my abilities.  Don’t you hate it when you don’t believe in yourself.  I need to stop.  I did pass and I did pretty well for someone who didn’t open the 700-page book with study questions until 3 weeks prior to the exam.

I am intelligent and I need to recognize that in myself.  Plus, I need to give myself more time to prepare for tests/projects that cause me stress.  I don’t like the way I think or stop believing in myself in those  moments.  I started thinking that sometimes when it’s hard to believe in yourself that’s when it’s important to remember you need to believe in yourself the most.

I created a little mantra that I am going to print and hang in my office area as a gentle reminder to always believe in yourself.  If you struggle with doubting yourself then I suggest you print out the words above and repeat them to yourself until you stop.

 

 

A Little Motivation for Your Wednesday

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®


I have found a new role model, y’all.  Her name is Marie Forleo and I’m pretty much in awe of her awesomeness.  Her words hit home with me, she gives great advice, and gets to interview some of the most interesting people.

Sometimes you just need to hear it – point-blank to get it to click.

What Are You Afraid Of? Facing Your Fears

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

Take a deep breath.

Your parents and loved ones are still going to love you.  You aren’t going to disappoint anyone and if you do, then perhaps you didn’t mean that much to them in the first place.  If you make the wrong decision then more than likely, it won’t be the last decision if you ever get to make.  You can change your mind and shift gears.  Years from now, if you realize it was the wrong decision then you can make a new one.  You are able to point your life in any direction that you want.

You will still be loved at the end of it all.  Sick of a job then pick a new one.  Want to get into a new field then study up on one that interests you to learn as much as you can about it.  Don’t like the city you live in then save money and move to a new one.  Tired of the daily grind then find something, anything that you are passionate about it and go for it.

face your fears

It’s easy to tell yourself these things, but it’s another thing to actually do it.  So, take a deep breath and leap.  You will land on your feet.  It might take you some extra time to perfect that landing, but you will do it.

Here’s to taking chances, changing your life for the better, and being happy.  You have to be your own knight in shining armor.

Cheers!

Inspirational Quote: Zig Ziglar

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

zig ziglar quote

Sometimes you do not need many words in a post to sum up your feelings.  This quote hits perfectly for the day and the moment.  Glad someone like Zig Ziglar came around with such a perfect quote.  

I appreciate it!

Cheers!

reflection of the past 3 years

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

Photo on 2012-10-22 at 10.43 #2
I know, I know.  It’s a bit late around here, but I’ve been working all day and then came home to cook a delicious dinner for J and I.  Then in ironic fashion I sat on the couch for two hours while watching The Biggest Loser.  At least I got in some activity at work today!

Now, here I am prepping for my Weight Watchers meeting tomorrow and it’s got me thinking about where my life has taken me the past 3 years.  It’s been a pretty amazing journey and I’m happy to say that it’s nowhere near over.

I’ve discovered so much about myself.  For instance, I’m an extrovert.  I didn’t know that 3 years ago.  I love to cook healthy.  Developing a healthy body starts with your mind.  When I started to lose weight 3 years ago it never occurred to me that your mind needs to be in partnership with your body.  Once my mind snapped to it, then the rest followed in suit.  Such a great feeling!

Cheers!

P.S. I am still well aware that I need to share my Resolutions still.  However, for January I decided no more Diet Coke and so far … so good! I’m a week strong!

10 Things I’m Thankful For

Posted on by Meredith Rines, MBA, CFP®

B&W #roadtrip

Happy Thanksgiving! I’ve decided that since it was Thanksgiving and all that it would be a good time to write down what I’m Thankful for this year.

1. My family. After this afternoon’s FaceTime session with them I realize that they are quite unlike any other family I know and for that I’m truly thankful.

2. J. It has been a wonderful year with him and I am grateful every day that we met sitting in Steak-N-Shake late one night.  It’s great having a guy that is so supportive of my ideas, my dreams, and everything going on in my life.

3. My friends. The first text I received this morning was from friends wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving. It’s great to remember all the fun times we’ve shared in 2012: a cruise, a haunted house, road trips, weekends at the lake, ‘family’ dinners, and so many more.

4. Work. This year has been quite a departure for me from the past several.  I started an amazing journey as a Weight Watcher Leader and have met so many amazing, supportive people since that time.  I’ve also been blessed with a job at a local law firm that has supported me through my school with a flexible schedule and has always been a place to go when I need an extra quiet study room at midnight.  Finally, I recently started a job as a Sales Associate at a retail store and cannot wait for my future with such a bright company.

5. Maggie.  We all know how obsessed I am with that pup so it’s no surprise that I can’t even make it half-way through my list without mentioning her.  Maggie and I have had quite a life together these past years.   I am thankful that she picked me that cold, rainy day in a hospital parking lot.

6. Graduate School.  Though I complain about it.  I am grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to further my education.  In less than 25 days I will be walking across the stage at Missouri State receiving my Masters in Business Administration degree.  Alright, so I actually won’t be getting my diploma that day, but I will be receiving an empty leather holder that symbolizes all the hard work and late nights I have put in these past 2 years.

7. My parents.  I know that I mentioned family as number 1, but the more I thought about it I really think my folks deserve their own number.  My Mom and Dad are awesome.  Seriously, I have the best parents around.  They support one another as they support their two kids.  I cannot say thank you enough to the two people who brought me into this world, guided me, and taught me to be an independent, educated, young adult.

8. J’s family.  They have welcomed me into their lives this past year and I’m grateful.  J’s family is absolutely wonderful and knows how to have a good time.

9. My Grandmas.  I’m lucky to have two amazing Grandmothers that have taught me a lot as I’ve grown up.  Still to this day the sound of wind chimes puts a smile on my face thanks to my Grandma D. who always had them on her front porch.  Grandma W.’s sandtart cookies are my all-time favorite and each Christmas I look forward to them.

10. Creativity.  I like that I can think out of the box (most days) and have a passion for creating.  There are so many ways to reduce stress out there and I’m glad that the one that helps me calm down the most is just so simple.

Okay, I know this post was a bit long.  Sorry.  Happy Thanksgiving and may your day be filled with happiness!