My journey has been a bit rocky as I try to find my footing. The frantic pace of work, kids, housework and working on the LTYM show has not allowed me as much time as I wanted to write about my one word. I tend to withdraw into myself when I am not feeling very confident. Thankfully I have a strong support system of friends. Alexandra reminds me that I know what I know. Story reminds me to give myself grace and reminds of all that I am juggling. I do not want to complain because I have these amazing opportunities and challenges. Some days I want to shut off my brain nad sleep. Instead I wake up and jot down ideas for the blog, for LTYM, for work and reminders to myself.
My biggest challenge so far has been sticking to my exercise routine. I got a bit discouraged that the numbers on the scale are not budging; however, my clothes are fitting better. My lovely personal trainer, K, suggested a program at our fitness center that measures my current body composition. I can use it as a tool to measure my progress. I realized that I underestimate my own physical strength. I am capable of much more when I am gently pushed by my personal trainer. I did crunches for the first time in years. I normally loathe crunches, but K makes my workouts fun. I am finally deciding to take another class at the fitness center besides yoga and zumba. K teaches a spinning class early Thursday mornings, so I am braving the early hours to try it out this week.
My fearless director, Alexandra and I are e-mailing, direct messaging each other and calling each other on the phone daily as we work towards bringing Milwaukee its inaugural production of Listen to Your Mother. Alexandra is a lovely soul, and we work together in harmony and synchronicity. This project is challenging me to push beyond my comfort zone. I am full of joy and confidence as Alexandra reminds me of what expertise and strength I bring to our team of two. I am grateful daily for her friendship and belief in me. We are finalizing our venue, and we are finalizing our charity. I am currently scheduling our auditions for March 2nd and 3rd. I am so excited to bear witness to all of these wonderful stories. 
How is your progress? Has it been like mine, one step forward, two steps back? How are you doing after your first month of your one word?
Keep up the good work… Hope all is well with you!
Thanks Alex. Life is going well. I just wish these little ones would stop growing so fast.
Tell me about it… Like lil weeds
You’re a gem, Jen.
This proves LTYM–changing lives by empowerment, for those in front and behind the scenes. Claiming ourselves back. You do bring so much, and you are a blessing to anyone who knows you.
I love you.
xo
I love you. This opportunity has brought me back to myself. It has inspired me and empowered me. I cannot wait to see how this journey unfolds.
Oh honey. You are so brave and strong. I’m proud to know you and to watch you do great things,
Thank you sweetie. Today I do not feel very brave. I just feel overwhelmed by all my feelings. I know that I will make it if I keep taking baby steps. Your support and words of encouragement help me so much.
Remember to be kind to yourself. You are doing great and I am proud of everything you are doing. I don’t see two steps back, I see pauses.
Thank you so much mamita. I am my own worst critic. I am trying really hard to listen to all the positive progress I am making. Today I got in my workout first thing in the morning, and I have gained 0.2 lb of muscle mass. I am building strength bit by bit.
Going against everything I stand for to say: Woot Woot! cause definitely worth it
Sometimes you need to gain a little weight before you can lose it. Muscle weighs more than fat. I’m converting those energy stores over to lean muscle.
The weight loss journey is a complex one. The thing is to remember that fact
Grrr. Sent too soon, what I mean is just remember how far you have come. Don’t ever forget that
Yes, I could not even bring myself to put forth any physical exercise when I was so anxious and depressed. I have come so far. Nothing is going to stop me now!
Look at you! Such an awesome supah stah! (Totally doing a Mary catherine stance right now)
Now I’m going to go the gym and do the supah star stance like Mary Catherine Gallagher before every workout. If my colleagues look at me funny, I’ll tell them that it works for me.