A Lesson In Getting What You Give

Lately there are relationships I have felt very neglected in. I feel like I give and I give and I don't get much in return. I'm sure we've all experienced a relationship like this at some point in time and eventually get over the feelings of neglect and move on but I've learned a few lessons from this season in friendships. I've learned that perhaps the times I felt I was giving so much of myself, I was actually doing so with the hopes that that same selflessness would be shown towards me. Every time I would give of myself or ask how my friend was going with genuine interest and get less than that back, my next interaction with them would be a little less than. I would give just a smidge less of myself because truthfully, I was hurt and didn't want to give more. I didn't want to feel as exposed or offer all of who I am. I didn't want to share all of what was happening in my life because they never asked me anyway and I was hurt by that.  

But thinking this way and interacting in this way has got me wondering. Is my relationship with The Lord the same, just reversed? Is Jesus giving of himself to me again and again and I'm just giving him my leftovers? 

If every time I meet with Him and only bring half of my heart and half of my passion and half of myself... am I right to expect all of Him? If I only give half of my time and attention, if I only approach Him when it suits me and when I feel like it, how does that make Him feel? Does Jesus feel like a worthy player in my life? Does He feel like He has any place at all? Any importance? 

Probably not. 

Relationships of all sorts are hard. They require selflessness and work and energy and love and grace. They require commitment and forgiveness and humour. They require vulnerability. They require heart. And they require two people committed to putting the other persons interest before their own. 

I am learning that reaching out in my vulnerability offers to me the genuine love and interest I so wanted. I am learning that offering all of my heart and my time and every corner of my mind to The Lord allows His love and grace to flood me. I am learning that giving all of myself and not holding back offers such a deep treasure in friendship. 

workouts for the weekend

Joel and I just drove back down to Sydney after spending 3 weeks away up the coast for his work. It's good to be back! This weekend our plans are to look at a few potential properties to rent as we've been living out of our suitcases since early December and staying with our friend since late January. I'm so looking forward to finding our next home and unpacking and settling in. It's amazing the difference it makes having all your own stuff around you.

As promised, here are two workouts from my past week. And remember, practice proper form and lift at your own fitness level. Annnnd....clear any new workout regime with your doc ;)

Enjoy :)

Shoulders/Chest/Triceps
Run through each movement back to back, performing 12-15 reps per set. Repeat 3x, resting 1 minute in between

Standing row + Chest press + Tricep dips
Shoulder fly + Push-ups + Tricep kickbacks

Abs/Legs (my favourite!)
Run through each movement circuit style for a total of 3 rounds. Try to complete within 20 mins and only rest for about 30-45 seconds in between sets. Increase each rep by 2-3 movements each set you do

Plank x 30-40 second hold
Jumping Squats x 10
Reverse Crunch x 10
Kettle bell Thrusts x 10
Leg Lifts x 10
Mountain Climbers x 10/leg

saying goodbye to running, weights and a workout.

It's been awhile since I've posted a home workout but then again, its also been awhile since I've had the desire to complete a home workout. I kinda lost my drive to pursue anything outside of God this past August - which I give myself grace for - and those pursuits that somehow came to life were a struggle. Can I be honest about something? I really don't like running. Training for my 7km race was hard. I think the only thing I really enjoy about going out for a run is when it is over. Looking back on things I think I tried really hard to give running a fair go and to enjoy it. It seems like the cool thing to do and there are so many people out there who make running look effortless and awesome. I wanted to be a part of it! Well, I tried it, I really did, and I look back on that effort and am the first to say, I am not a good runner and I do not enjoy it. I wanted to enjoy it, and I think for a moment in time I convinced myself that I did, but I don't. For months I tried to get my breathing pattern right - didn't work. I tried and tried to maintain a decent stride - inconsistent. I stuck with it. I trained for a race. I completed a race which I am so proud of myself for doing but I'm going to be honest with myself and admit that as much as I wanted to be a runner, as much as I wanted to love running, it is not the sport for me. I am not a runner and that is ok. In my opinion, life is too short to spend it exercising in a way you do not enjoy. Now this is not a jab at all to those who are runners, I admire you greatly and wish I could join you, but its just not the sport for me and this solid body of mine ;)

The form of exercise I am a fan of? Weights. I love 'em. So much so that I declared this "the year of weights" in terms of my exercise regime. I first started dabbling with weights about 4-5 years ago and noticed a huge difference in my body and my strength then I do today. I want that back. I want to feel strong again. And it's a form of exercise that I absolutely love so why wouldn't I participate in it?

I have two really awesome exercise routines I've done in the past 10 days that I want to share and I'd love to hear how you went if you get the time to complete them. They are both adaptable to your own personal fitness level and can be completed in your home within 15-25 mins. I'll post those two in time for the weekend and for now leave you with a great abs routine.

My educational background is in Pilates and I have a strong belief that the strength of your core will influence and dictate the strength of all other areas of physical fitness. I have come into contact with many people who suffer from back issues, myself included, and I really do believe that your back is only as strong as your front so if your experiencing back weakness/pain it is essential that you begin to focus on the front, on your core. In my opinion, the plank is one of the best, if not the best, abdominal exercise you can do. This abdominal routine incorporates 4 variations of the plank which will definitely have you feeling stronger in the end.

Complete each movement back-to-back for a total of 1-3 sets depending on your fitness level. As always, make sure you follow proper posture and if unsure of how to complete an exercise have a certified professional show you how. And of course, before beginning a new exercise program make sure your cleared for it from your doctor.

Enjoy :)

Kettlebell thrusts 1x15
Plank 1x35 seconds
Reverse crunch 1x15
Right sided plank 1x35 seconds
Leg lifts 1x15
Left sided plank 1x35 seconds
Plank with leg lifts 1x15/leg

Rest/stretch for 1 minute and repeat if desired.

2013

Usually people write a post like these (goals for the new year) at the beginning of the new year. But better late then never, right? In all honesty, I've thought about and discussed New Years resolutions with Joel way back in the beginning of January when we were celebrating our anniversary. I've just been lazy busy and haven't had the chance to share the update. I find that people (myself included) feel very encouraged and ambitious at the start of a new year. It's a clean slate and the idea of a fresh start sometimes makes me a little too "goal happy." This year is different though and although a fresh start is welcome and awesome I find that what I am most desiring for myself and my life is to scale it back a little bit and focus on living a simple and happy life. No fuss, no chaos - just a simple and disciplined life. Those are my two goals : discipline and simplicity. 

My life is already pretty simple but I guess what I really mean is I want to live in the simplicity and enjoy it. I want to really enjoy the moment God has me in rather then desire the one I think would be more suited. I want to find joy in the simple weekends spent at home gardening and doing groceries because that is what He has blessed me with. I don't want to be so busy wishing for something else that I miss the blessings that come with the simple things.

And discipline? Well, we can all use a little more of this in our lives I think. I want to grow in discipline in my time spent with Jesus, with my health, with my intentional relationship with my husband, with my intentional relationship with my friends and family, in every area of my life really. I guess really living a life of discipline goes hand in hand with living a life of integrity.

So there we have it. Two goals. Just two little goals. But I feel good about them and look forward to learning and growing from my lessons in simplicity and discipline this year.