The Well- Pilates & Performance

Every day is a chance at a new, clean slate. I’m not super crazy about the saying, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. There are so many other possibilities when faced with life’s lemons. When you think of the problems with a positive outlook it helps to get you through difficult times.

Things get a little sideways sometimes. Motivating ourselves through the tough times needs mental strength and an external push at times. When things don’t go as planned, a little (or a lot), just remember that there are ways to make things work.

You never know... it could be a saving grace. Things will work out just how they are supposed to. You just have to be a little patient and make the best of that sour situation. Your best is enough.

When life gives you lemons, order the lobster tail. Ziad K. Abdelnour





Psalms 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Self sabotage is a sneaky little thing that can squash our goals. We don’t intentionally set out to work against ourselves. We seek to change things but continue to fall back on habits that are comfortable and make us feel safe. Then we beat ourselves up. We should be a bit more compassionate with ourselves, creating change and undoing years of habits isn’t easy.

Our intention for change is so good, we set our minds to it then, something stops us in our tracks and throws us off the rails.⁣ A snide comment from someone, a reminder of past negative experiences, hurts, rejections or failures, even just a bad day. We are capable of reaching our desired outcome. We need to deliberately overcome the negative narrative running in our minds telling us we can’t do it, it won’t work, we aren’t good enough. Our brains seek familiarity and will continue to fall back to that comfort zone if we don’t retrain and push through.

⁣⁣This continuous battle inside our head will hold us back from reaching the success we crave. Until we change the way we think and what we believe about ourselves, the struggle will continue no matter how hard we try. Maybe today’s the day. Write down those goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Take one thing on that list and do the best you can to implement that change. It may take days or weeks but that’s ok. One step at a time. You are worthy of the effort it takes to reach your goals. Your best is enough.

⁣⁣You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. C.S. Lewis





Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Being hurried all the time can be so draining. Work, our personal responsibilities, trying to fit it all in can make us feel overwhelmed. Getting caught up in things beyond our control can be a struggle mentally and physically. It is not uncommon to feel a little or even a lot of stress. It seems almost unavoidable.

Let’s take a moment to stop and smell the roses. Give ourselves a chance to focus on our feelings. This gives us time to decide if it’s possible to adjust our attitude and improve our day or situation. Even noticing how we are feeling can create a change in our demeanor. We might not be able to avoid how chaotic our day is but, we can change our outlook on the situation. Your best is enough.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. Winston Churchill





John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Life can be challenging…
I think at times all of us feel a little broken, discouraged or unhappy. Sometimes we can feel crushed, and life seems like a struggle. It can help to acknowledge the fact we are struggling. When we face that truth we can overcome the struggle and learn to manage, handle, and heal it.
When we are feeling down in the dumps, it takes courage to pull ourselves out of bed for a new day and get back at it when all we see is hard things around us.

What would we be without the hard times? Remember, challenge makes change. Many hard experiences have some aspect of good. We can try to find the light in almost any situation we grow from. Our story is our light. Have the courage to dream a positive, creative future... the cracks in our armor let light shine to the other broken people in our lives. Your best is enough.

Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have. Norman Vincent Peale





Josh 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Chloé Giancola Photography

The challenges in our lives can sometimes feel like they are paralyzing us, stopping us from being able to move forwards. To anyone in the middle of a hard time right now, I am so sorry. Our days can be so overwhelming and lonely at times. We are all human so we have all been through some struggles before. You are here now so the good news is you have survived the hard times in your past. It is crazy that our brain so easily forgets what we have made it through and tends to quickly go to a place of melancholy.

We forget that bad situation became an experience in growth and healing. How a seemingly hopeless future turned into blessings beyond measure. God creates a way through hard times and we can easily forget how each struggle made us stronger mentally, physically and spiritually. It didn’t destroy us then, and it won’t destroy us now.your best is enough.

Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are. Bernice Johnson Reagon





Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

If we look for faults, we are going to find them. It doesn’t take that long. They are there. In fact if you want to know what my faults are, just ask. I’ll tell ya...
I’m a bit chatty.
I can be quite sensitive.
I’m a bit excitable.
There is oh so many more, but that ought to cover it for now.

At the end of the day, everyone has imperfections, yet we have all been created by the Creator’s perfect design. If we realize all of us have a mix of characteristics that can be seen as good or bad, it becomes easier to be less critical of those around us

It feels good to see the good in others. When we choose to see others in their best light, we are more likely to give each other the benefit of the doubt and to do our utmost to always find the finest qualities in each other. Your best is enough.

The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth.
Albert Einstein





Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Life’s lessons guide us and shape us as we journey our path in life. The struggles can be blessings in disguise. They strengthen and humble, often preparing us for the future. When hard times come we get creative, looking for solutions to problems and facing truths that we may have been avoiding. We will tend to repeat the issues we don’t repair.

Lessons change us. Our mindset and ingenuity will be what determines our resolve when we get to the other side. Magnified levels of anxiety can never change the future, our actions will change our future.

We can reject fear, embrace courage, show grace and kindness. We can all make the effort to show up better in our lives to ourselves, our loved ones and friends. Our lives are a choice. All day, everyday. We can make ours matter today. Your best is enough.

You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. C. S. Lewis





Prov 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

We are not finished yet. No mater what stage of life we are in, we are not really completely done, every day progress is really about living our best life. We may not have conquered the mountain yet but we can certainly celebrate all the steps we have taken in the right direction.

Even if we feel like things are moving very slowly, progress is progress. Moving forward can look like some simple things. Showing up for ourselves more times than we can count. Digging deep to find resilience and strength. Moving gracefully through some frightening storms and finding the silver lining. Finding hope for tomorrow even when today looks gloomy.

Lets take some time to recognize all of our big and small wins. Consistency is the magic that will help you make significant strides. Wherever you are on your journey, the strength you dig deep for, to forge ahead is worth celebrating. Your best is enough.

Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow. unknown





Prov 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD,
and thy thoughts shall be established.

Everyday we choose to not change our negative and unhealthy habits is another day that we aren’t working towards our goals. We don’t realize it but, through the years all of us create new habits. Some good, some not so good. At some point, eventually those habits start controlling. It’s time to take back control.

The choice is ours. We are the only one that can be in charge of our actions. We can start making those baby steps in the right direction today. Not waiting until next Monday, or the next. Putting off implementing new healthy habits only reinforces those current habits that are not getting you were you want to be.

Don’t let your doctor bill far outweigh your grocery bill. I don’t know about you but I want to die of old age not disease. Let’s vow to making one little change at a time to create a happier, healthier life and begin forming new habits now. Not next week or the week after. Let’s see just how much abundant life we can pack into our years we have left. Your best is enough.

It is health that is the real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver. Mahatma Gandhi





Psa 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…

Sometimes life is just hard.
Somedays we try our best and it doesn’t seem like enough.
Sometimes the struggle is real.
Somedays we mean to help but only seem to hurt.
Sometimes you make mistakes.
Somedays we question all we are doing.
We are human. Each day we try, we will grow. It won’t be perfect every time but, there is always grace. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be good.

Keep Going • Stay Strong • Keep Trying • Keep Pushing Forward

You got this. Your best is enough.

I beg you take courage; the brave soul can mend even disaster. Catherine the Great





2 Chron15:7 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

Chloé Giancola Photography

Some of us don’t have a village or a giant team of supporters. We sometimes feel alone, left out, excluded. Honestly, even if we don’t freely admit it, we ALL can feel that way at one time or another.

Maybe we live a little outside the box. We don’t quite fit the mold, we can’t seem to squeeze our way into the circle we feel we need to fit into. You are not alone. There is no class on how to be cool. No manual with step-by-step instructions on fitting in.

You are unique. There is truly nothing wrong with that. We can be independent, different, a little peculiar and choose to be authentic.
Be real.
Be honest.
Be YOU.
Keep refusing to conform, to fit in the mold of someone else’s idea of who we should be. Look out for others that might be feeling like you, find genuine people to connect with and build your own tribe. Genuine people attract genuine people. Your best is enough.

To be nobody but myself-in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make me somebody else-means to fight the hardest battle any human can fight, and never stop fighting. e.e. cummings





Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I often think about the different characters I play in other peoples story. The lens that others view you through is coloured by their upbringing, beliefs, and individual experiences. Some people see your bright personality as endearing and others see it as annoying. And none of it has anything to do with the person you truly are.
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Some people think you are weak and emotional and others feel safe to be themselves around you. Some people think you are selfish and others respect the way you stand up for yourself. And none of it has to do with who you truly are as a person.
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We need to understand that we have no authority over how people view us so we can’t try to control the way others see us. The only thing that truly matters when the dust settles at the end of the day is what you genuinely see in yourself. You are the only you there is and that is your superpower. Your best is enough.

Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world. Arthur S.





Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

We could spend our whole life telling ourselves we are capable of great things. Believing that if we put our minds to it, we can achieve it. The problem is we often put off accomplishing what we want. Something always comes up, the time doesn’t seem right or life gets in the way.

Let’s not be ok with that any more.
Light the fire, find your passion and turn the page in that chapter or start a whole new book. No more maybe tomorrow or when the time is right excuses. We can’t do things the way we always have and expect different results.

Start doing instead of just wanting. Take the chances, step out, leave those comfort zones behind. That is scary for sure. You are capable of more. Go after it and stop looking back with regret wishing you had done whatever it took to be fulfilled and happy. It is time to start doing instead of wishing. One small step, one day, one dream at a time. Your best is enough.

If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse. Jim Rohn





Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Chloé Giancola Photography

Visionary’s and dreamers are what this country was founded on and responsible for basically all the possession, both simple and lavish, we have. Any of us that has ever done anything great in our lives and was not just successful but left a legacy is a dreamer with a vision.

A vision inspires action and creates the energy and will to make change happen. Dreamers inspire others to commit to a purpose, to persist and to give their best. Contributing more, serving a more meaningful purpose. Helping more people, willing to improve on something that already exists. Using our creativity to make things better.

The world needs more positive visionaries... go after your dreams!! Let’s cheer each other on to bigger and better!

You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream. C.S. Lewis





Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Beauty is not defined by the reflection in the mirror, the number on the scale or what the little tag says inside your jeans.

Beauty is taking care of yourself. Working hard. Treating others the way you want to be treated. Having compassion.

Beauty is finding your passion and going out and making it happen. Taking risks and acting on opportunities.

Beauty is challenging and pushing yourself physically and mentally to become the best version of you.

Beauty is giving to give not just to get, not caring who gets the credit.

Beauty is the choices you make to create the life that fulfills you. Being real and true to others and yourself. Your best is enough.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years. Audrey Hepburn






Psa 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works;
and that my soul knoweth right well.

We are often made stronger by the hardest things. Easy doesn’t build character or make us stronger. When we fail and make mistakes we gain wisdom and fortitude. Getting everything right (who does that?) doesn’t teach us anything. Heaviness, wounds, obstacles. Those are the things that build us. There are few people that live a life without obstacles.

We are made stronger when we are challenged. Struggles faced with perseverance and tenacity, build our character. When we need to dig deep to find our footing we find what we are made of. There are some that tend to run and hide, not taking the opportunity to gain resilience. If we avoid our struggles we miss the chance to grow stronger. We can embrace the challenges for the opportunities they are, to gain boldness and confidence. Your best is enough.

People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built. Eleanor Roosevelt





Rom 5:3-4 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

The dictionary lists several definitions of grace but this is my favorite... ‘the condition or fact of being favored by someone.’ Grace belongs to every person. The world values what is seen on the outside, but your own personal beauty comes from inside.

We are not here by accident. We have things to accomplish, a beautiful light to shine, and people to inspire. We shouldn’t hide our gifts and talents because we can’t see our worth. It’s there. Nothing anyone says or does can change our value.

We have to stop talking to ourselves like we would speak to our enemies. Give ourselves some grace, start speaking with kindness and encouragement to ourselves. You were made with care and perfect design by a loving creator. Find joy and truth in that fact today. Your best is enough.

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world. Lucille Ball





Psalm 139:13–14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful,I know that full well.

We all have a purpose. It isn’t something we typically choose, and someone else can’t give it to us. It is something we nurture that exists within us, our own God given gifts and talents. Purpose creates meaning, a sense of direction and guidance for our path and dreams. Prov. 29:1 says ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish...’

Imagine what our lives would be like if we consciously decided to proceed today with whole hearted intention. Waking up every day with a plan and clear vision. Realizing that today can propel us forward in life. Each day could be a step toward our goals. Never letting anyone tell us our dreams are crazy or too big. It’s not too late. If your dream doesn’t scare you it’s not big enough. Your best is enough.

The point and purpose of this grand adventure we call life is to see what all we can become with all we have been given. Jim Rohn





Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Abundance in life is what we are all after. The reward for planting, watering and properly protecting any seed is hopefully, abundance and fruit from a season of work and sacrifice. That seems simple enough but often we look back and wonder what happened to our harvest. If we want results in our life, one thing is for sure, there is no reaping if we don’t sow. The seed can be anything, time, money, resources, faith, hope or love. The important part of planting the seed is the heart and intention behind it.

Then wait (work)... sometimes we plant and then literally just wait. Have you seen anyone with an amazing garden? They don’t just plant and then walk away. While waiting for the fruit they work so very hard to create the perfect environment to have a bountiful harvest. Waiting is tough.

Maybe we are waiting for a financial bounty, a healing, a restoration or a future endeavor to take off. Whatever it is, your harvest may take longer than anticipated, but if you continue to use your gifts and talents to do the work, you will reap a beautiful harvest. Don’t give up. Your best is enough.

Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit and you reap a character; Sow a character, and you reap a destiny. Charles Reade





2 Cor 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Chloé Giancola Photography

🎄 July Fundraiser!! 🎄

🎅🏼 Starting tomorrow, bring in any monetary donation to put on the Money Tree for Cumbee Center! The work they do for local people in abusive situations is so heroic. Your money will go directly to Cumbee Center to help provide necessary things such as toiletries, food, and more for men, women, and children seeking shelter from their abusers. It takes so much courage to leave and find better for yourself and family; join us in helping Cumbee Center be a soft place to land 💕

Searching for life’s big secrets is frustrating. There isn’t a single one of us who has all the answers. The good news is you really don’t need to have all the answers. This life is about trying, failing and growing. Achieving the necessary skills through struggles and failures to find the solution to the situation. Each time you stubble you gain wisdom.

When there is another hill to climb these lessons will guide your next decision. Only this time you are better prepared. The longer you repeat this the narrower your margin for error becomes. The better you get. The more you succeed. It is not about having the answers now. It’s about walking the next step. Chin up and keep going.your best is enough.

Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. Vince Lombardi





Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

It’s hard to make progress when we are weighed down by the heavy things in life. It’s exhausting, stressful and distracting. Some of those bags can hold us back from the best parts of life. Those heavy bags gotta go. Worrying that people don’t like you, stewing about the past, holding onto anger that is really only affecting us (they probably aren’t even aware we are upset). Saying yes when we don’t really want to or don’t have the time/energy, because we are afraid to disappoint someone. The big bag of comparison, wishing for more, worrying over yesterday or tomorrow. Drop those bags, walk away, leave them behind and don’t look back.

Worrying won’t change one thing, but it will steal our today if we wallow in it. We can’t change the past, only God knows the future. We can’t do it all. We can’t be it all. We can’t carry it all. We can only do what we can do. Be only what we were made for. We are enough, we can’t be everything to everyone. Your best is enough.

Everyone comes with baggage. Find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack. Unknown





Jer 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Look for the people who keep it real. Those that make you feel less lonely in the mayhem and freely open their heart. Who are honest about their flaws and fears.

In a world where so many people put up walls, and back off when hard things arise, look for the ones who are honest. The people that show genuine grace and kindness. Find the ones that are loyal. That will be there when life gets nuts, and the future looks unsure. They let you be you, they don’t make you tiptoe around to their good side, because all they have is a good side.

The ones who accept you exactly as you are but push you to be the best version of yourself. They are the ones who will encourage you, and love you, and cheer you on in the right direction.

A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world. Lois Wyse





Prov 18:24
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Chloé Giancola Photography

Are you being intentional about making connections? Reaching out to others can help us feel grounded and connected. When someone comes to mind, check on them. Maybe it’s your best friend, maybe it’s your mom or could be just an acquaintance. Text, call, reach out and ask how they are doing, tell them you appreciate them and are thinking of them.

Make a phone date with someone you love. Near or far, doesn’t mater where they are. FaceTime, Zoom, or pop your AirPods in and call while you are cooking dinner or folding laundry. Someone needs to hear your voice today.

Find someone or someway to serve. Give a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or maybe you want to give monetarily to something you believe in. It doesn’t matter. Find some way to give of yourself. One of the quickest ways to connect is to step outside of your own situation to give to others.

Our friendships are one of the sweetest gifts in life. When we give of ourselves we boost our own endorphins, lifting our mood and reducing our cortisol levels. This lowers our stress levels and helps us to be more centered and feel more alive. Your best is enough.

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. Audrey Hepburn





John 15:12-13 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

So often we think things about those we love and care about but don’t SAY it to them. We might just let the feelings be assumed. What we say out loud matters... especially to those in our life that make living better.

Some people find it hard to express how much they care. If we just let them know that we are thinking of them, it’s a great start. A gesture of kindness can be enough if we are at a loss for words and don’t know how to communicate it.

Don’t be afraid to tell people you love them and they matter to you. Small gestures, expressions of care and looking into their eyes and letting them know how we feel really matters. Your best is enough.

The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. Victor Hugo





Jer 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

When we think of July Fourth, we think barbeques, fireworks, spending time with friends and family. America's birthday is really the ultimate patriotic event. The anniversary of America’s independence is a time for celebration and gratitude for freedom. May we remember that freedom isn’t truly free. We are debtors to all who came before us, it is their sacrifice and faith that laid the foundations of our lives. We pray you have a safe and happy holiday!

We're blessed with the opportunity to stand for something, for liberty and fairness. And these are things worth fighting for, worth devoting our lives to. Ronald Reagan

My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth. Abraham Lincoln

May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right. Peter Marshall

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The Declaration of Independence, 1776





Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bo***ge.