After watching the video with my children (when they were awake, it has even more meaning now). I love when music inspires us like this one does!  And I love the humour in it too...reminds me to be less serious about life!

Yoga and meditation today was pretty good. And I will admit, sometimes when we "stretch a new muscle" - like creating a new habit, we are put up against challenges that have us question things.  Today, when I did my yoga selection, I noticed that it was great (and had some stretches that challenged me) but it seemed very choppy  and lacked flow into the next stretch or pose.  I hadn't noticed this before, but today I felt more aware and felt like I was changing how my body moved a whole lot more than normal.  Not complaining, but noticing.  I also found that when I did Dr. Wayne Dyer's meditation today, I was finding myself a bit distracted by the "Ahhhhh...." sound that he did on each exhale.  I found myself trying to follow along, and at times I did really wonderful "ahhhhhhh" sounds, yet - I was finding it too strange for me (I was judging myself), so I just returned to focusing on my breath and I really enjoyed his affirmations during the last half of the session.  

​Later today I realized that I was doing really well.  I had gone to get groceries, but didn't plan to be out for lunch hour as I had the intention to be home by 12:30, and didn't bring anything to eat. I started to get hungry by 1:00 and instead of driving to Subway (that was close to the grocery store), I held off and made it home to have my 2nd shake of the day just after 1:20.

As I began to prepare dinner, I decided to make some kale chips.  I love chips and I recognized that tonight might be a challenge as I can easily dig into the Halloween stash of chips.  Yet I was being very mindful and knew that it would be a treat for me to enjoy crispy kale chips instead. I enjoyed some kale chips and then I came to my office to sit down at my desk and there was a mindless moment...yup, I am human.  My kids asked for a piece of chocolate from the fundraiser the girls did for gymnastics a few weeks ago.  They brought it to my office when I was working in here a few days ago and I broke off a piece for each of them to enjoy, and then I wrapped it and put it on my desk.  It sat there for several days (and I don't normally crave or eat chocolate, so I assumed it wasn't an issue).  Today (after I made my beautiful and tasty kale chips...and when I sat down at my desk for the first time today, I mindlessly opened the last piece of wrapped chocolate that the kids didn't eat...I put it in my mouth, let it melt and then realized what I had done.  I wasn't present in the moment, I was distracted and unfocused.  How could I be so mindful a few minutes sooner, to then sit down and be so mindless? Because I am human...and I then took a moment to reflect on how often this likely happens to many of us.  When we are really focused and present, we can make decisions that we are conscious of and this is where our change occurs...and when we allow ourselves to be distracted, we can find our subconscious mind in control.  Tricky, sneaky unconscious mind, you!  I'd have to say the chocolate was pretty good, but really?  How did I even let that happen?  Amazing what distracted minds can do.  What area of your life are you allowing your subconscious mind to be in  control?  I am certain that it isn't just with eating habits.  I know for me it is also when I am shopping and spending money.  Some habits sure are difficult to break, especially when our subconscious mind is so powerful!

These moments of awareness make me realize that it is ok to feel weird or off when beginning new routines.  It is normal to have highs and lows and at times, and this can bring even more questions than when we got started.  I am human...and if I didn't question or feel strange at times, it would be even more weird.  

So as you begin new routines, forgive yourself for feeling odd, unfocused, strange or even a bit unsure about if what you are doing is for you.  Chances are - this is just part of the process...and the day we give up because it feels too strange or we feel that we've failed, is the day we do fail.  Failing is not an option, I will continue moving forward even when things are not as expected or when I've fallen down.  Reminding myself to "let go" of expectations at times and to forgive myself when I've made a mistake and also allow uncertainty to be part of the journey, is where brilliance occurs.  

I choose brilliance.  How about you?

​

The choices that I made today...felt so aligned and BRILLIANT!

Song choice: Beautiful U R - by Deborah Cox
​Yoga Choice: 20 minute mindful morning yoga practice (all levels)
​Meditation Choice: guided mediation to connect with your Spirit Guide and Receive Self Acceptance
​

Something I didn't mention in my video today...when I was in meditation and I came to the place where I met my Spirit Guide(s), I found them telling me about patience with myself - and oh my there was so much they told me, very specific things...and here I am a few hours later, and because I didn't actually write down the messages this morning immediately after (during my journalling time)...I have forgotten what those messages were.  Might be a great sign to do this same mediation again next week.

My day started out not so great.  I woke up at 5:50, again at 6:00 and then in a deep "dreaming state again", I woke to the loud sound of Silento - on my alarm.  Yes, I choose a song that I knew the kids liked...and of all mornings, this would not have been my choice, considering he starts out yelling (as it seemed at 6:25 am) "You already know who it is, Silento, Silento, Silento...." As I reached for my phone and jumped out of bed.

So I am reminded to never use that song as an alarm song again.  Fun song, just not a great one for waking up to.  Whip Nae Nae

I began my routines of using the Yoga and Meditation that I selected for myself for the day...and I will admit, I didn't feel very "connected" to the sessions that day.  (links above).  Now the issue very well could have been me. I was in a "funk" to begin with and ironically it was the first day of my new cycle.  At times in the past year (since I've had adrenal challenges, I have noticed a certain level of "grumpiness" on this first day of my cycle.  So when it happens, I recognize it, and find gratitude for being a woman with healthy reproductive organs.  Always, always gratitude even when we are in a state of "discomfort or grumpiness".  I allow it to be my reminder to be grateful for what I have.

Last night when I went to bed...I didn't take time previously to write a blog for my day...so my facebook post acted as one that I knew I would copy and paste into my Courage to Be blog today.  

At 9:10 pm last night I wrote on Facebook as a quick summary of my day:

Really? As I see the time, I realize it is time to prepare for my early morning routines. 
I did find myself wish for more time to sleep when my alarm went off today, yet I knew I made a commitment to myself to follow through on my new healthy habits. Pressing snooze was not an option.

20 mins of yoga, 20 mins of meditation and 20 mins of soul journaling (Elisa Romeo, thank you)

I also met a friend for lunch and as busy as I was, and I almost canceled, I knew that my soul wanted me to meet up with my friend Kari. (My soul journaling exercise was my reminder first thing today, I wasn't willing to go against it)

I got the kids to bed after taking time to enjoy a great evening with them learning about Michael Jackson. (They requested it, so we learned a lot together.) Jack also wrote multiple letters and drew pictures to Micheal and he hopes that he will come back to life someday.

A wonderful evening after a great day (that had some hectic moments and I practiced forgiveness for the imperfect parts that almost knocked me off course)
As I was just about to get myself ready for bed, I noticed a card tucked under the blankets by my pillow. It was a beautiful card from my husband (Cam) who is my biggest cheerleader. He is cheering me on, for this day 4...for sticking with my early morning plan and my healthy meals all week. He has seen me start and quit a lot of things...so his support is so helpful.

I can say that if you have a decision to make and you have been putting it off or making excuses -please set an intention to decide on your START date. Day 4 for me and although I struggle at times to follow through, the rewards far outweigh the challenges! You deserve it. Don't keep putting this off...time waits for none of us. 
​
My soul message (near the end of today's few pages) speaks of a message that came to me many years ago after my friend Chris passed away. In my dream he said, "keep on keeping on" a dream I will NEVER forget and his message came through my soul journaling today along with other wonderful reminders.
Nothing changes until you do!

Today I was reminded how important it is to take time for ourselves without exception...and by committing to my early mornings (something that for years I assumed that I couldn't do - because I love my sleep), I have placed a priority on my "self-care".  

During my morning routines - that start with waking up before the alarm, I found myself laying in my bed at 6:00am, wishing that I could have another hour or more in bed.  I caught myself working on my quarter 3 taxes until 10:00 last night, which left me with little time to prepare for the next morning (as I have successfully done the past few nights).  

I rushed through my planning process and found a 20 minute yoga, 20 minute meditation and a song of the day to use. (my kids are looking forward to the song of the day as much as I do).

For anyone who is enjoying my shares about my 20 minute yoga, meditation and song of the day:

• Yoga: Yoga for Detox with Adriene
• Meditation: Mindfulness Meditation in 20 minutes (guided technique/anxiety/depression/stress relief)
• Song of the day: Roar, by Katy Perry

I also had the intention to do my first cellular cleanse day when I woke up.  This intention was with me right up until the end of my yoga, meditation and journalling routine.  Then something happened to distract me.

​

I bring my cell phone with me (which is on airplane mode until I need to click on the yoga/meditation links). I usually allow my alarm to go off as I am walking to my basement and preparing my essential oils while airplane mode is still turned on.

Half way through my yoga this morning, (around 6:30 this morning), I got a text message.  It was my mom.  I thought I should read it as I hadn't talked with her in a  few days.  However, I waited until my yoga was over.  After I replied to her, I continued with my 20 minutes of meditation (after I told her that is what I would be doing, so that she would know I may not reply immediately).  Through my meditation I got another message or two.  I continued to ignore them and enjoy the process of relaxation.

When meditation was over, I started to journal.  I only had one full page done (between personal journalling and soul journalling), and didn't have much to say...even my soul journalling was simple and quick with no major "juice" like in previous days.  I looked at it as a non-judgment moment and went about my time to get upstairs to continue my routines (Ionix, and usually shake - but planned to have my first of 4 cleanse drinks of the day).

As I got upstairs, my mom texted again to ask me to call her.  This is not part of my routine and I did want to call her back, but knew it might impact my structure to my morning.  But decided to embrace it and allow myself to let go of "structure".  Yet, day 3 into a new routine, this might not have been the best idea, because as I listened and talked with her, I was finding myself mixing my shake and drinking it (while taking my vitamins) after I took my ounce of Ionix, only to realize as I was half way through, I planned to cleanse today.  I caught myself rolling my eyes at myself, and then instantly forgave myself for the mistake and the moment of self-judgement.  IT HAPPENS, there will always be other days I can do a cellular cleanse...even if it means I do my first double day cleanse next week.  My soul asked me to be gentle with myself today in the journalling, so I was happy to oblige. The more we beat ourselves up for something we forgot about or had planned, the longer it takes us to shift into our new healthy, happy mind/body/soul connection.

The morning continued to go in the direction of "curve balls".  As we realized how cold it would be, the kids all scrounged for warm outdoor clothing after they were done their showers and breakfast (which also consists of their FAVOURITE shakes - Kate: Pumpkin Spice, Jack and Hannah, Mint Chocolate).

I realized that the kids were going to miss the bus.  And I had a moment of relaxed bliss.  The kids missing the bus isn't my idea of "fun", but I recognized that it isn't the end of the world.  I felt relaxed bliss, because I had already had my shake and ionix - so this wasn't a day I would "skip" my best meal of the day and opt for a drive thru, that I so often would do (even just a week ago when I had to take them to school).  I was reminded again, that when I place priority on "putting my oxygen mask on first" in the morning with my "self-care time", I am better able to cope with the demands of "things that come up".

I took them to school, drove to Wasaga Beach and promised my kids that when I came back at 11:30 to volunteer with Jack's class, that I would have new gloves/mitts for each of them to wear.  And again, I followed through.

So as I reflect on my day not going at all as I planned (except for the first hour of my day - minus the distraction from my text messages)...I would have to say that being in the moment sure beats, getting bent out of shape about it all.

Today is the busiest day of the week. I know that I will not be able to get everything done that I had set out to accomplish, but this is where letting go of some of the expectations that I have on myself will be my way to be gentle with me and love where I am anyway.

By the time the kids are home from school, I know I will feed them an early dinner so that the girls can get to their gymnastics class on time.  Jack and I will do his homework and read when we are watching the girls (do what they love to do) and we will get home for a later bedtime (because gym goes later than normal bedtime).

And we will continue doing our best again tomorrow.

One thing I am grateful to not only learn today, but to also practice, is being gentle with myself.  I love that my soul journalling brought that up.  My soul's simple message from today is below...and yes, my soul writes very fast, so my printing is messy.  Unlike 3.5 pages yesterday and the day before, my soul simplified the message today...now I realize why.  Today is about simplifying and being gentle with the process.  

​Curious about soul journalling, find a link on my first day.

​

Before I share details from my habits today, I will just back up and share that yesterday turned out to be better than I expected (I try not to have expectations so that I don't become disappointed)...my only expectation for myself was that I would give it my best and follow through with what I decided that I deserved to follow through with.  Was it easy?  I would have to say it was easier than I thought it would be.  I realize that I was prepared.  There is a difference between "hoping for the best, and winging it" vs preparing and being ready at all times for cravings or hunger to rear it's head.  I had healthy snack options at my side and rarely needed them.  

By 3:00 I found myself having a headache.  I messaged one of my accountability partners at that time to ask her how she was doing on her first day?  I also told her that I was feeling a headache (and I don't typically ever suffer from headaches).  She reminded me to have water (which I had by my side and realized that I hadn't had enough water).  I drank some and had 1 or 2 chewable snacks (dairy free - yummy).  And I continued on with my plans to go grocery shopping for healthy choices to have in our home.  I intended to make baked fish, but out favourite seafood place is closed Mondays and I had forgotten until I pulled in to shop.  When I went to a grocery store to find fish (I already purchased all my produce at one of my favourite whole foods (type of store) called Goodness Me...but I didn't have the fish I wanted.  Something had me refrain from buying fish from a regular grocery store (I guess I am spoiled with the choices we have a Johnny's in Barrie, ON.), I just couldn't buy fish from Sobeys. 

So chicken it was.  I made chicken with mushrooms, a bit of white wine and organic chicken broth to make a very light sauce and some ground black pepper, dijon mustard, green onions and garlic to add flavour.  It was so delicious. 

I made a side of quinoa and broccoli (seasoned with lemon, pepper, garlic and a bit of olive oil).  

Having 3 children, I hear, "eew, that is what we are having for dinner?" and my son even said after that, "what are the kids eating?"

When dinner was served, the kids had a bit of a hard time with it, but they all ate everything on their plates eventually without a whole lot of fuss.  Amazing how much they will eat when they stop looking at how it looks, and start to taste it for what it is.  Healthy doesn't mean disgusting flavours.

Before bed, I made sure that I was prepared for my early morning ritual.  I found the Yoga and Meditation videos I would use, I texted myself both so that it was easy to find them in the morning.  I found the song that I would wake up to and I read for about 20 minutes (Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection), before falling asleep.

This morning came and was another success.
I woke up again before my alarm went off.  I found that I had many dreams through the night, but I did find that I woke up almost once an hour since 2:00am.  Each time I would wake up, I would think it must be time to be up...almost as if I didn't need the 8-9 hours sleep that I normally do.  But I managed to always get back to sleep and woke up at 6:15 am again, and made it down to my yoga/meditation room in the dark.

My alarm this morning was set to the song by Avicii called, Wake me up. And although I woke before this song came on, I listened to it before I began my 20 minutes of yoga.

My 20 minutes of yoga today was for strengthening my back.

My 20 minutes of meditation was so relaxing...beautiful sounds of ocean waves continuously.  I could have stayed in that state for much longer than the time it was.

I continued to journal.  2 paragraphs of self journalling, and 3.5 pages again of soul journalling.  My soul sure is smart.  (if you are just reading this for the first time, feel free to go back to yesterday's blog entry to find out more details about soul journalling)

When the kids woke up, I already had my Mint Chocolate shake, my 2 Product B, my 3 Brain Boost, and my 1 accelerator.  I turned on today's song of the day, "Wake me Up" on our apple TV and I added it to a new playlist called MORNINGS, so now we have two songs in that playlist (video playlist), the first song from yesterday (Coldplay, Adventure of a Lifetime) is not only our new favourite song and video, but it was one that had the 4 of us breaking out in dance at 8:00 this morning!  The kids even said, we can't wait to see what song will be added tomorrow!

Here I am, at 9:32am, feeling so grounded, balanced and inspired (light).  

I am grateful that I have given myself this beautiful gift of time and health.  That hour in the morning (that I once created excuses about) has become my favourite time of day for myself!

I look forward to hearing from you. If these blog entries have inspired you to create new healthy habits, I look forward to cheering you on.  

Ironically someone I care about so much, a family member - reached out and told me yesterday in a text that my post from yesterday inspired her to recommit to herself.  As I was typing this entry today, I noticed a text from her about her "day 2" also!  

Together we can encourage others to feel better too.  Keeping it to ourself doesn't multiply the inspiration...let's share this and help others create change too!

​

​Because I MATTER...I told myself, as I asked the question WHY?  When I allowed myself to get creative with "bubble letters" in my journal, I simply answered a question, the question was
WHO ARE YOU CHOOSING TO BE?  My answer was clear, Being the best version of me, because I MATTER!!

That was it, I signed and dated it and I felt my body, mind and soul follow suit.

It was 9:20pm on October 23, 2016 and I knew that I hadn't been honouring myself as much as I thought I was doing all that I could to do so.  

Exactly 24 hours before this moment a dear friend of mine (Kirsten), shared a Yoga Intensive program with me, she told me it was starting on October 24th and it was something that would be 5 days per week going from 6am until 7:30 am for an entire month.  I got excited with the thought of it, but quickly found myself making all the excuses for why it wouldn't work.  Yet for the entire 24 hours, I continued to think about how great it would be if I would commit to myself and make some positive changes, starting with waking up early to take time for me before anyone else in the house was awake.  

When the negative self talk came in (which I refer to now as the lizard brain, thanks to a great mentor, Colin James), I knew that this wasn't me...this was my past dictating my future and I was listening to my self talk as some sort of boss in my life.  And then I remembered that the power is within myself to either believe the negative self talk or to acknowledge it and move beyond it.

​​That lizard brain got louder and LOUDER.  It was saying things such as, "are you crazy? You can't get up before 7:00, you can barely wake up before 7:30, so who are you kidding?  This will be just ONE more thing you will start and not complete and it will be a waste of your money.  You may start strong, but there is NO way you will create a new habit"  And the messages continued.



48 hours earlier I had also made a commitment to myself, to get back into healthy eating habits through the program I cherish and represent in my business.  The past few months have been less than ideal.  I wasn't a product of my product for quite sometime, I would find myself doing great for a bit and then falling back into bad habits.  I was rushing most mornings to get the kids fed and out the door, and half the time they were missing the bus so I was driving them to school.  Instead of having a shake, I would find myself driving through the Tim Horton's drive thru to have a breakfast sandwich approximately twice a week.  There were many days that I would go to Barrie to do errands or meet up with others, only to find that I didn't plan well, and would get hungry while in the city...so I would often pull through a drive through to have a 6 inch sub or a wrap (trying to convince myself that this is a "healthy-ish" choice), only to find myself lacking in energy and motivation throughout the day.

So once again, because of my previous commitment to myself to return to my healthy eating habits and now adding a "get up out of bed" and yoga expectation 5 days a week, I was finding myself hearing that lizard brain saying, "yup, you really are crazy...you think you can return to a healthy eating habit by doing a 9 day cellular body cleanse and finish it continuing as a 30 day system AND wake up early and do yoga...yes, you Tara Cooper have lost your mind...and I call the BS card on you...you will NOT do it, because you have tried so many times before, and you have NOT EVER continued...but go ahead, go against what I say, and I will PROVE that you can't follow through."

Yes that lizard is a bother, it is downright rude if you ask me...but I knew (because of so much work I've been doing on my mindset) that this is normal and this lizard brain of mine is trying it's best to keep me safe in my bubble of comfort.  My lizard LOVED to sleep in and eat junk.

So as I prepared to move forward with a BEGINNER'S MINDSET, (in order to build myself some new and sustainable healthy habits), I thanked my lizard brain (picture of the lizard drawn by Colin James) for trying to keep me safe and I made a conscious decision to plan for the next day. October 24th would be my first day of new beginnings.

• I will wake up at 6:25am to Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay
• I will take my peppermint and orange essential oils and put them in my diffuser
• I will do 20 minutes of yoga: Easy Yoga for Beginners - Full Body Gentle Flow Yoga (youTube)
• I will do 20 minutes of meditation with Either: Chakra Cleansing & Activating guided meditation on YouTube OR Buddhist Meditation for Beginners  (I did end up choosing the Chakra Cleansing today)
• I will do 20 minutes of journalling or soul journalling (I love soul journaling, goes so much deeper and beneficial for me)
• I will have my Ionix, my shake and my vitamins when I finish
• I will make breakfast and lunches for the kids

Did I do what I set out to do?
Well that lovely LIZARD brain of mine tells me, "don't get too excited, because you have started strong in the past, only to fizzle out within a few days".  However, my soul is cheering me on, saying YES, you did it, you proved that it is possible to rise early before anyone else, and even before your alarm went off.  You were able to get everything done that you set out to do and you ROCKED it Tara.

So yes, I did what I set out to do and I do feel wonderful.  I enjoyed the Yoga and the Chakra Cleansing (links found above) and had 15 minutes to journal, which was NO PROBLEM to complete, I wrote the entire 15 minutes.  I started with 2 paragraphs of personal journalling and then completed approximately 3.5 pages of Soul Journalling (see link for more on how to do soul journaling if you are interested). Or for a more detailed exercise, buy Elisa Romeo's book called Meet your Soul.

I began the day as I planned to and I loved every single moment of it.  I got my Ionix and my shake with vitamins before anyone came downstairs for breakfast. I managed to make lunches and breakfast for the kids and we enjoyed a continuous replay of our song of the day: Coldplay's Adventure of a Lifetime.  The kids had a bounce in their step and so did my husband and I.  They got on the bus.  And our day was off to a great start.

The morning was light, fresh and inspiring.  I look so forward to beginning my day the same way tomorrow.
Nutrition as planned for anyone interested in doing this too (if you don't know what certain things are, and have interest, just ask.), include consumption of water throughout the day also.
Morning:

• Ionix (1 oz) 
• Isa-shake mixed only with water
• Accelerator x 1, Brain boost x 3, Product B x 2
• Greens (1 shot)
• snack midmorning (likely IsaDelight)
• e+ shot

Afternoon:

• Ionix (1 oz)
• Isa-shake mixed only with water
• snack (Chewables or IsaDelight - or veggies with hummus)

Evening:

• fish (baked) - will share recipe soon (I tend to put it together as I make it)
• rice or quinoa mixture
• veggies and or greens (1 shot if needed)

Before Bed:

• sleep spray (2 sprays)
• IsaComfort x 2
• IsaOmega (1 or 2)
• Thyroid medication (as prescribed)

*I am not currently taking any other supplements or vitamins at this time, but will increase or alter times as I bring habits back into my routines.


I choose music today to be about Intuition and Connection...and a bit of Physical!  This is a great chart to help with music choices for your Chakras.