Mutt Strut 2016

Sunday, 6/5/2016, 9-10:30am

University Park Town Field

6544 Queens Chapel Rd., University Park, MD

Please join us at the University Park soccer field and take part of a walk around town with our lovable, four-legged friends. Registration is only $5 and includes a t-shirt.

 View Registration Form

For more information, to help volunteer, please contact Ms. Linda Verrill at 240-472-1983 or [email protected]

For information about the University Park Civic Association, visit UPCA

Happy Sunday all... Luckily our neighbors know we are fit freaks or one might think I'm just crazy but either way... The older I get, I care less about what people think and more about how I feel. Fitness is a major part of my life... I'm that person doing bodyweight exercises in front of the TV when I have time to catch up on shows I enjoy. I'm that person that will be doing jump squats at my desk if I sit too long. Not because I have something to prove or I want to show off, but my body and joints literally ache if I sit idle for more than an hour. Some people make comments like "girl you doin too much..." Or "why are you obsessed with working out?"... I used to think that way many years ago... When I was unhealthy, unhappy and NOT DOING ENOUGH. I'm not going to judge anyone's efforts but my mindset has always been go hard or go home in everything. Each workout I try to beat my last best... I'll admit it's addicting when you beat personal bests.. I tell my clients, progress is not always found in how much weight or inches we lose but in your fitness level too. Improving strength and endurance with each workout is great when you can look back to where you started as a newbie and see how far you've come. Don't compare your progress to someone else's... We are all different... Focus on yourself and your journey because YOU are your competition. And never judge someone else's journey because you don't know what they went through or know how far they've come to get there. We were ALL beginners once and we all still have our vices and insecurities regardless of what stage in our journey we are at. The journey is ongoing and we all have to just keep at it no matter what anyone else thinks. Have a great day all. 

We focus a lot on physical health but let's not forget what's really important. Make time to reflect and heal spiritually and emotionally. Living a healthy life should be done so with a holistic approach.   Think about it... How often have we tried to "get fit" then quit or "fail" because of some emotional baggage or internal situation we have yet to rid ourselves with?  I'll be the first to admit that I have a daily internal struggle with whether or not to let go of certain things or react to it.  

When I was younger I was very reactive, aggressive and confrontational. I held many grudges... Over time it left me quite empy, cold and sometimes insensitive to situations.  Most considered me very intimidating because of my overbearing and controlling demeanor. It took some soul searching and drawing myself closer to God and appreciating that some things were meant to be left alone or "released".  Negative things or people don't DESERVE your attention and energy.  Don't let it draw you in... The more you let it, the more of your energy it consumes.  Eventually, it becomes so overwhelming that you become that very energy.  You feel it, you think it and ultimately you spread that negativity to other areas of your life to include other people.  Negative energy is like a virus and it's very contagious. If you do not feed it, it will starve, die and/or go away. If you find it difficult to avoid or ignore, turn your focus inward and upward for spiritual guidance. Remember this, if it doesn't make you happy or healthy, it serves no purpose.  Let it go and leave it to God to handle.  

Regardless of your beliefs, pray for strength and peace of mind. If you don't pray, at least practice quieting your mind with meditation and breath awareness to calm you and ground you. That's a start, just do your best and try not to let anyone steal your joy or shift your spirit, focus and energy on to unproductive and negative things. It's just not worth it.

You are better than that and you do have a positive purpose. Have a blessed day!

Peace & Love,

Liz

The Fit & Happy Diva

Happy #FlexFriday... My flex for today is about staying flexible on your journey. Whatever your goal is... Always remember that your only limits are those in which you place on yourself. Keep at it (work that brings you closer to your goals) and you'll get there. Progress comes with practice and perfection exists when you finally accept the imperfections in the process. Love, Liz The Fit & Happy Diva

The current path of this world is not really set for comfort and easy living for all. We tend to get caught up in the images and/or perception of the media and others as to how we should look, what we should buy and wear or how we "should" be living... There is a false sense of happiness and security that fulfilling these desires could bring. When in reality, this feeds our negative thinking and fuels deepset insecurity. We are constantly being force fed these influences that make us think we need or must have more, or that we as individuals are not good enough so we must change our image, who we are and how we live in order keep up with next person or compete with one another. WE HAVE TO STOP THIS. Our health and happiness are at risk when we continue this negative cycle. Negative thoughts create negative behavior and habits. REFOCUS your priorities and change your thoughts to reflect inward. See the beauty in simplicity and imperfection. Imperfections and differences... These are things that make us beautiful and so unique. Don't take life so seriously all of the time. Keep in mind that life normally isn't easy for most so never compare your struggles or number of blessings to others. Focus on creating a life of purpose and gratitude that truly feels good on the inside... Not just one that looks good on the outside.

Love & Light,

Liz

The Fit & Happy Diva