lucky fire dragon rises to be queen of her routine

[Son of Rylos]

Lucky, you are going strong!!! So much success in these two weeks PLUS the retreat sounds like it was lots of fun and very fulfilling. Glad the radio silence was for a good reason Keep up all the great work and success

[LydiaJaybird]

Also, this morning I had a good talk with hubby about my work on the website and courses of the teacher I work with and we agreed that I won't take on any new courses to translate on the site (there are still plenty waiting for translation) as they, too, will need constant updates and tending, but rather take another translator on as team member. It's a bit delicate as it is spiritual teaching and the person translating need to understand the vibration behind the words and make sure that doesn't get lost. Interestingly most professional translators can't even handle it for long as the energy is really powerful and they somehow get burned out... ooops. I've seen that with editors who proof-read for me and for a colleague as well.

 

Wait, what are you translating?

[Mad Hatter]

Congrats to a successful retreat! Hope you'll get back on the pole this week.

[lucky fire dragon]

So glad you had an awesome time! W.r.t. work, I don't count how many hours of work I get done, but whether I got the job done or not! Finances which should take someone interested in it about 30min. takes me a couple of hours... But you'll have to find a way that works for you. I like the idea of not counting hours, but that you were constructively working (not N.F - that's fun) at the computer/desk.

Hope you have an awesome week 3!

 

That's what I used to do, but then so much didn't get done any more and I was wondering, am I planning too much or am I just being too lazy, which is what got me starting to track my time to see - and of course invited the angle of judgement right into it

 

Am thinking more and more, it is simply so much and time to delegate more. And yes, you're right, some things definitely take me longer than they take other people and even within my own days sometimes the same task goes super fast and on other days it takes me ages it seems.

Today is one of those days, where I wanted to get certain things done and dusted, but somehow only managed a fraction of it. So, seeing that rescuetime tracked 5 and 1/2 hours of productive work is comforting. 

I got interrupted a lot, had to take the kids places, clean out a mess in the fridge, ash overflowing in the oven,... it was just one of those days where you run across things that need to be done, wherever you look... so obviously I didn't get as much done as on a focused calm morning. Seeing what it added up to in terms of dedicated time is really helping perspective now

 

 

Lucky, you are going strong!!! So much success in these two weeks PLUS the retreat sounds like it was lots of fun and very fulfilling. Glad the radio silence was for a good reason Keep up all the great work and success

 

Thank you!! Hope you're off to an up start for the new year and will go check just now 

 

 

Wait, what are you translating?

 

nothing scary, I promise. It's actually a really wonderful thing called Divine Openings and to me one of the biggest joys in my life. It's helped me find so much joy in life, helped me create good finances, improved my marriage, my confidence in myself and keeps helping me being kind on my body with whatever I do. It's very powerful spiritual teaching, so what most people do instinctively is read slowly in order to have time to assimilate. That is how it's designed and how it changes complete lives around to much happiness. What most editors do however, is read super fast, which is their job, so of course they do that, and then the things that are shifting for them get a little rough... imagine driving real fast on a road that has still a whole bunch of bumps and potholes in it. Going slowly the road usually smooths out naturally for people and then they can read fast, go deeper and be super fine. I have worked with it since about 7 years now, so to me it just feels like home, what to others is quite intense.

One of the effects of Divine Openings is that it gets you in closer touch with your emotions. It also teaches you how to deal with uncomfortable emotions, so that you can shift them and spend more time being happy, but for conscious living it's crucial to be aware of how you're feeling, honestly and to know that all emotions are equally valid and valuable. People who rush through it, then have all those emotions come up and aren't yet ready to deal with them that well, so it scares them. Which is a pity, because if they gave it some time, it would help them tremendously on things, they battled with all their lives. But hey, who am I to say, what way others are meant to go and what they should do or not. I only give advice to those who ask and that is very rewarding. I would never push it onto anyone who doesn't want it. If somebody really does not want to feel or change, they usually have very good reasons not to. When they do want to after all, I am happy to help in any way I can. Divine Openings is just my favorite way

[lucky fire dragon]

Congrats to a successful retreat! Hope you'll get back on the pole this week.

 

Thank you!

 

Ugh, pole class didn't happen last night  Train was having some trouble and so late that I would have missed most of my class so I went back home instead AND TRAINED AT HOME 

 

Really proud of that because I felt cold and tired and quite done with my day, but I did it anyway, whoooooohoooooo

 

Did my Angry Bird Workout and had a strong leg day, it seems 

 

Angry Bird Workout 

(goal / sets -> total / shiny stars)

 

Leg lifts (both legs straight up to hip height)   

15 / 8;8 / 7;7 -> 15 *** (level up) yay

Arm climb (with resting in seat)

3 / 1 / 1 / 1 -> 3 ** (try again, but wow, I did 3 times!!)

Push Ups (did the first 3 with elbows close, Dan and yes they ARE harder for me ooomph, so after that I went back to elbows out to not be totally demotivated will keep adding them in though)

15 / 5 / 4 / 4 / 3 -> 16 * (try again)

Aerial Squats

30 / 10 / 10 / 10 -> 20 ** (ouch my knees, but yay I did it!!)

Dolphin Plank

120 sec / 40s / 55s / 35s -> 135 sec ** (haha, I think my increasing flexibility had me walk in closer and that make it actually harder than last time! Well, that's progress too so yay)

 

off to eat something and catch up with you guys    

[annyshay]

Thank you!

 

Ugh, pole class didn't happen last night  Train was having some trouble and so late that I would have missed most of my class so I went back home instead AND TRAINED AT HOME 

 

Really proud of that because I felt cold and tired and quite done with my day, but I did it anyway, whoooooohoooooo

 

Did my Angry Bird Workout and had a strong leg day, it seems 

 

Angry Bird Workout 

(goal / sets -> total / shiny stars)

 

Leg lifts (both legs straight up to hip height)   

15 / 8;8 / 7;7 -> 15 *** (level up) yay

Arm climb (with resting in seat)

3 / 1 / 1 / 1 -> 3 ** (try again, but wow, I did 3 times!!)

Push Ups (did the first 3 with elbows close, Dan and yes they ARE harder for me ooomph, so after that I went back to elbows out to not be totally demotivated will keep adding them in though)

15 / 5 / 4 / 4 / 3 -> 16 * (try again)

Aerial Squats

30 / 10 / 10 / 10 -> 20 ** (ouch my knees, but yay I did it!!)

Dolphin Plank

120 sec / 40s / 55s / 35s -> 135 sec ** (haha, I think my increasing flexibility had me walk in closer and that make it actually harder than last time! Well, that's progress too so yay)

 

off to eat something and catch up with you guys    

Wow!  Very impressive workout especially when you went into it not feeling it.  Keep it up, lady!

[Mrs Van]

Wow!  Very impressive workout especially when you went into it not feeling it.  Keep it up, lady!

I understand about watching the time. Yes it does help to know what took how much of your time!

 

I agree with Anny, impressive workout and you did amazing! You go girl

[Mr_Willes]

 

 

 

Keep room for leeway, you are doing so many things! 

 

That was what i was trying to say in the beginning of the challenge:

 

 

Like they said a very challenging challenge. Do you have a good balance between workout and work? just looking after you...

 

 

I think you are super strong trying to fit in all those things, and sometimes it's a juggle but i think you are doing a tremendous job!

 

Keep it up if you can, but if you were to tune down some goals i would totally understand (and even think it would be a very wise decision).

 

[lucky fire dragon]

Wow!  Very impressive workout especially when you went into it not feeling it.  Keep it up, lady!

 

 

I understand about watching the time. Yes it does help to know what took how much of your time!

 

I agree with Anny, impressive workout and you did amazing! You go girl

 

It's quite enlightening Making peace now with 5-6 hours of office work of ANY kind being my "duty" more than done and getting back to the sweet spot of choosing "which project do I feel like proceeding on today?" instead of feeling obliged to keep up. Ahhh, all the adulting, soon I'll be like 10 cm taller for all the growing up

 

Thank you 

[lucky fire dragon]

 

 

 

Keep room for leeway, you are doing so many things! 

 

That was what i was trying to say in the beginning of the challenge:

 

 

 

 

I think you are super strong trying to fit in all those things, and sometimes it's a juggle but i think you are doing a tremendous job!

 

Keep it up if you can, but if you were to tune down some goals i would totally understand (and even think it would be a very wise decision).

 

 

Willes, you keep making my days with your gifs

 

And you're sooo intuitive!! Yes, leeway was due now and although I did get up early to do my yin yoga (because it makes me happy and gives me a great start into the day) I am now sitting at the desk just to catch up on NF a bit before hitting the day and enjoying every minute 

 

Very subtle hint you gave me here

And I am listening happily

 

And now it's TRANSLATION TIME - with all the other office and website things that piled up it came short and I found that by now I am missing it, how cool is that?

[lucky fire dragon]

Quick rave before still:

 

yesterday my teenage boy who thinks he too "old" to do silly things like play in the garden etc spent 4 hours (!) with two mates in the snow, yayyyyyy

Snowball fights and whatever all - he was utterly soaked through and the happiest I have seen him in a long time.

Today two of his mates are coming here for the afternoon and are planning to spend some more time out in the fields just two streets from us.

I am one very happy mom right now

[Priscillia]

Your discipline is really showing in this challenge.  I know you normally have a bunch of it, but the way you write feels like it's growing in leaps and bounds Lucky

 

Grats on the Monday workout and the peaceful retreat   Hope translation time is good!

[Lightning]

Quick rave before still:

 

yesterday my teenage boy who thinks he too "old" to do silly things like play in the garden etc spent 4 hours (!) with two mates in the snow, yayyyyyy

Snowball fights and whatever all - he was utterly soaked through and the happiest I have seen him in a long time.

Today two of his mates are coming here for the afternoon and are planning to spend some more time out in the fields just two streets from us.

I am one very happy mom right now

 

Sharing in your happy moment.     Seeing our teens being "kids" for a little while is a great feeling.  

 

Push-ups with elbows in is a totally different exercise, isn't it?!  Great job as always!

[Mrs Van]

Quick rave before still:

 

yesterday my teenage boy who thinks he too "old" to do silly things like play in the garden etc spent 4 hours (!) with two mates in the snow, yayyyyyy

Snowball fights and whatever all - he was utterly soaked through and the happiest I have seen him in a long time.

Today two of his mates are coming here for the afternoon and are planning to spend some more time out in the fields just two streets from us.

I am one very happy mom right now

Ah isn't it awesome when they play like that!

[SymphonicDan]

I hope I'm never too old to do silly things like play in the snow

[lucky fire dragon]

Your discipline is really showing in this challenge.  I know you normally have a bunch of it, but the way you write feels like it's growing in leaps and bounds Lucky

 

Grats on the Monday workout and the peaceful retreat   Hope translation time is good!

 

It is growing in leaps and bounds, really proud of that.

 

And giving it my all here, makes it very clear, I have taken on too much in my work projects. That's just that. Too much

Loved it all, so I wanted it all and now I have it, haha, just can't keep up.

 

This challenge is giving me HUGE clarity on big things and one is to transition out of a major part of my work together with my teacher and rather have more time for my own sessions and especially family again. Will hand over a big chunk or maybe all of the website work that I've been doing. Will finish the current translation project still. Will hand over the logistics for the events with her here, although I might still be the one to do the upcoming one in March and I will hand over many other projects I had as well. Looking back at it now, I marvel how huge it had gotten and everyone around me tells me they had been wondering how I managed all along.

 

Ooooh, and I can't tell you how sweet the relief feels, since I made that decision!! It's a whole new freedom, whoooooooohooooooooo

Turns out you can love something so much, that you can suffocate yourself with it, even if it's the most wonderful thing in itself.

 

Will take it very easy on my challenge this last week as we have now a lot to organize to make this transition smooth, easy and happy on everyone involved. Especially the German community we have built up over the last 5 and half years here. Have to also make sure my teacher doesn't feel rejected in any way, because that is not the case here, but communication over email and a few skype sessions only can sometimes be tricky and I want to make sure to get it across right.

 

Big emotions on all of this, but yay 2016 will really be a whole new level for me

[lucky fire dragon]

Sharing in your happy moment.     Seeing our teens being "kids" for a little while is a great feeling.  

 

Push-ups with elbows in is a totally different exercise, isn't it?!  Great job as always!

 

Best feeling 

 

Oh they so are!! Haven't been doing much since to my embarrassment  

Went to another awesome pole class last night, but struggled a lot due to lack of training over the week, it's like my muscles have forgotten they can do things... Also it's getting definitely harder now. Subtle changes like taking the other arm up or down on a move instead of the familiar version and it makes things straight away so much harder, ooooph I will learn a lot here and by the end of this year I will be strrrrrrrrrrong

 

 

Ah isn't it awesome when they play like that!

 

Oh it so is!!

 

 

I hope I'm never too old to do silly things like play in the snow

 

Ahahaha, no you will never be!! I'm sure about that one.

 

Built a tiny snowman on my walk with my girl on Sunday (there isn't much snow left right now) and it was great fun!

Let's never ever be too old for silly things in general 

[lucky fire dragon]

Oh, I wish I could say, I'll catch up on the forums again this week, but honestly I doubt it. Kids need a lot of attention and time for school things, my work life needs to be sorted out and I have many things to deal with there still,... I'll keep up with the gentle parts of my challenge still but be easy on myself for the harder parts. Those times will come again and right now there are other priorities.

 

Water goal is going well

 

Restorative yoga and morning routine very well 

 

eye training is going okay, not doing as much as would be good, but not forgetting it entirely either, so that's something and I'll up it next challenge 

 

walks have been taken sometimes better than none

 

pole is coming awfully short, but that's okay for now

 

 

Love you all, will be back as soon as things are beginning to flow without me, and how glorious that will feel 

[SymphonicDan]

pole is coming awfully short, but that's okay for now

 

 

You're right, if you can't keep on top of pole and NF at the moment because of more important things, then you must focus on your current priorities instead... you'll lose some pole strength if you spend some weeks not practising, so it could be worth doing some quick familiar bodyweight exercises at low-moderate intensity at least once per week to keep your muscles and proprioception fresh.

 

It looks like you have some exciting times to start of 2016 - good luck for everything!

[Mrs Van]

 

Oh, I wish I could say, I'll catch up on the forums again this week, but honestly I doubt it. Kids need a lot of attention and time for school things, my work life needs to be sorted out and I have many things to deal with there still,... I'll keep up with the gentle parts of my challenge still but be easy on myself for the harder parts. Those times will come again and right now there are other priorities.

 

Ooooh, and I can't tell you how sweet the relief feels, since I made that decision!! It's a whole new freedom, whoooooooohooooooooo

Turns out you can love something so much, that you can suffocate yourself with it, even if it's the most wonderful thing in itself.

 

Will take it very easy on my challenge this last week as we have now a lot to organize to make this transition smooth, easy and happy on everyone involved. Especially the German community we have built up over the last 5 and half years here. Have to also make sure my teacher doesn't feel rejected in any way, because that is not the case here, but communication over email and a few skype sessions only can sometimes be tricky and I want to make sure to get it across right.

 

Big emotions on all of this, but yay 2016 will really be a whole new level for me

All the best with this transition and freedom. I know you will handle it right and I pray that she will understand and accept it in the spirit/light it is meant. I had the same problem with trying to keep up every where. Sometimes you just can't. I can't tell you how many times I woke up in front of the computer at night, having fallen fast asleep, so this last week I just took the time in the morning to sleep that extra hour instead of working out.

See you soon though! And catch my prayers for you as they swiftly fly to you!

[Lightning]

I'm starting to think we need a Go With the Flow accountability group or something.  There is such a huge difference between skipping a workout to take care of truly pressing needs (kids, business, self-care) versus not working out because you don't want to.  I think a lot of us had to shift our priorities a bit over the last week or two.  But, the important part is that we didn't give up, we just took a little detour and will jump right back on the fitness train.  

[lucky fire dragon]

 

You're right, if you can't keep on top of pole and NF at the moment because of more important things, then you must focus on your current priorities instead... you'll lose some pole strength if you spend some weeks not practising, so it could be worth doing some quick familiar bodyweight exercises at low-moderate intensity at least once per week to keep your muscles and proprioception fresh.

 

It looks like you have some exciting times to start of 2016 - good luck for everything!

 

Spot on as per usual, Dan!!

I had noticed that already, because I sucked super bad on my pole session last week, it was horrible, really 

Thank God for mini challenges though Did some leg lifts for that last week and that helped already.

Despite one pole training in between at home only, this weeks session went a lot better *relief*

 

Also I feel so much better after any training, it really isn't something I should drop completely, no matter what life circumstance are currently going on. Hadn't realized that so clearly before, now I do.

 

Things are shifting daily at my work situation, we're basically creating a new position for me while recruiting others to take on many of my former projects and I am torn between huge relief and freedom to then fear of giving away too much and "what about our income?" is the little voice in my head freaking out about... When I am rested and balanced I feel a deep calm and happiness about it all, so I am sure it will lead somewhere fabulous. Just small self me goes a little frantic in between as it doesn't KNOW exactly what it's going to look like yet as we're all on a learning curve here. 

For this, too, having regular exercise is a great balance to anchor me and let go of any tension coming up.

 

Am thinking of a daily bodyweight workout plan that I can stick to without having to think or plan, in order to help me get back on that train.

 

Thank you, let's make 2016 rock the best ever

 

 

All the best with this transition and freedom. I know you will handle it right and I pray that she will understand and accept it in the spirit/light it is meant. I had the same problem with trying to keep up every where. Sometimes you just can't. I can't tell you how many times I woke up in front of the computer at night, having fallen fast asleep, so this last week I just took the time in the morning to sleep that extra hour instead of working out.

See you soon though! And catch my prayers for you as they swiftly fly to you!

 

Thank you, Elize, your prayers are much appreciated and we are on a good way, it seems. I often wonder how you do it all, ever think of doing less as well?

Then again you are an amazing amazon mom and somehow seem to manage great   super inspiring to see!

 

I am catching up with the kids on schoolwork that got neglected without me even knowing and am realizing how very precious the time with the kids is. Then my youngest fell sick with stomach flu day before yesterday and that, too, tells me where the time can go quickly and how it's good to leave a buffer for those days... being a Mom really is more than a half-time job as is!

Will be awesome to have the time for it again, squeeee

 

 

I'm starting to think we need a Go With the Flow accountability group or something.  There is such a huge difference between skipping a workout to take care of truly pressing needs (kids, business, self-care) versus not working out because you don't want to.  I think a lot of us had to shift our priorities a bit over the last week or two.  But, the important part is that we didn't give up, we just took a little detour and will jump right back on the fitness train.  

 

That is a great idea!! Yes, there is a difference, yet as you and Dan say it's important to not drop it all, I can testify to that. The tricky thing with the accountability group will be that if I don't find the time to keep up with you awesome people on your threads (and hardly even my own), that makes me hesitate join the group as I probably won't be that regular showing during those times and then I feel bad dropping you... any ideas for that?

 

Marvel how you all keep up with sooooooooo many threads!! You're amazing

[Mrs Van]

Thank you, Elize, your prayers are much appreciated and we are on a good way, it seems. I often wonder how you do it all, ever think of doing less as well?

Then again you are an amazing amazon mom and somehow seem to manage great   super inspiring to see!

 

I am catching up with the kids on schoolwork that got neglected without me even knowing and am realizing how very precious the time with the kids is. Then my youngest fell sick with stomach flu day before yesterday and that, too, tells me where the time can go quickly and how it's good to leave a buffer for those days... being a Mom really is more than a half-time job as is!

Will be awesome to have the time for it again, squeeee

Marvel how you all keep up with sooooooooo many threads!! You're amazing

I don't think my workout takes up half as much time as yours or Lightning or others' does, because I have to fit it in 45min. max in the mornings. I also multi-task a lot, like now: on a 10min. break between Afrikaans and Math with the boys, quickly put tonight's chicken in the oven to bake so long, washing is running in the machine ... and I caught up to an email. Going to make myself a nice mug of coffee, then tackle the math. Three or four things done within an hour.

Edit: though I did change some of my workouts, like stamina for walking and mowing which has to be done later in the day, so I can have two mornings where I can sleep half hour later!

[raptron]

I have faith that the work situation will all work out well for you! Sounds like everything is super busy on your end over there. It can be easy to forget that exercise helps us feel better in many ways because it turns into another thing we have to check off on our day rather than something where we look forward to the benefits. Maybe think of your workouts or whatever you really want to  get into as a reward for dealing with your hectic life so that you will be less likely to miss them and will get to relish in all of the good feeling afterward?

 

An accountability group doesn't mean you have to be in all the time, but it could be a nice place to check in once in a while if you are not planning on having a new thread.

[lucky fire dragon]

I don't think my workout takes up half as much time as yours or Lightning or others' does, because I have to fit it in 45min. max in the mornings. I also multi-task a lot, like now: on a 10min. break between Afrikaans and Math with the boys, quickly put tonight's chicken in the oven to bake so long, washing is running in the machine ... and I caught up to an email. Going to make myself a nice mug of coffee, then tackle the math. Three or four things done within an hour.

Edit: though I did change some of my workouts, like stamina for walking and mowing which has to be done later in the day, so I can have two mornings where I can sleep half hour later!

 

45 minutes isn't that much less, I train for about 1 hour on the pole but not every day and in between it would probably do to just do 15 min a day even. So time is no excuse for not exercising You're a multitasking queen, I love it and love your edit even more Mowing is definitely stamina, smart combination of things that need be done anyway... and mmmmmmh on the later morning 

 

I used to do that too, right now I don't feel I have the energy for it, being this unclear of where exactly I am going is taking a lot out of me... but it's temporary and will give birth to shiny, awesome times!!

 

 

I have faith that the work situation will all work out well for you! Sounds like everything is super busy on your end over there. It can be easy to forget that exercise helps us feel better in many ways because it turns into another thing we have to check off on our day rather than something where we look forward to the benefits. Maybe think of your workouts or whatever you really want to  get into as a reward for dealing with your hectic life so that you will be less likely to miss them and will get to relish in all of the good feeling afterward?

 

An accountability group doesn't mean you have to be in all the time, but it could be a nice place to check in once in a while if you are not planning on having a new thread.

 

Thank you and good point, that is where I am heading. Reward, not another thing to tick off

 

My tactic this time round will be a very basic thread and then hang on to the mini challenges, those ALWAYS tempt me into action in the end

And I am looking forward to catching up with you guys more again. It will all work out, I know that. Just wish I knew already how