Before and AFTER

October 25, 2011 By Tina Moore 3 Comments

TODAY IS A SPECIAL DAY.

  • It’s an opportunity
  • A new beginning
  • A choice
  • A celebration of life
  • A celebration of YOU

I didn’t always see the day as an opportunity or a beginning. I saw it as a chore, and oftentimes I would will myself through the day.

In my past, I was stuck in unhealthy patterns and allowed certain relationships to dictate my thoughts, values, morals and opinions. I had a voice but it was being silenced by the choices I was making.

I could blame others, but ultimately it was the lack of understanding and my continued poor choices that kept me SILENT, SAD and STUCK.

That was BEFORE, so what happened? What changed?

I made a DECISION and that decision created a SHIFT and that shift, CHANGED MY LIFE.

My inner voice said:

“ENOUGH!”

I was faced with the internal decision of either change my life or accept what I considered a ‘half-life’ ruled by fear, anxiety, pain and depression.

  • I wasn’t even close to reaching my potential, and I knew it.
  • I wasn’t living; I was existing at a slow rate.
  • I was an example of what happens when your spirit isn’t being heard.
  • I suffered in silence and then put on a brave face and marched through the day.

That’s tough to write because it brings a wave of emotions: I remember that life and I don’t ever want to return to it. I will do whatever it takes to keep this life I now lead: celebrating JOY, GRATITUDE, and AUTHENTICITY, honoring my INSTINCT and living in TRUTH.

What I know based on my experience is you can make a DECISION, create a SHIFT and then experience the incredible, FULL feeling LOVE, JOY and GRATITUDE brings to your life.

My eBook, “The Decision” is officially available today. This book openly tells the story of where I was BEFORE and where I am AFTER. I share deeply painful experiences and how I dealt with that pain. I share STEPS on how YOU can sustain JOY, and find your SELF despite relationship stress or money issues. I used to feel so weak and insignificant but now I feel a quiet STRENGTH and a heart full of JOY. I share how a seemingly random goal SAVED MY LIFE.

My intention with this book is to inspire, motivate and help you see another way of living that is not only possible but totally achievable!

I don’t want you to buy the book if you aren’t ready. Keep reading my blog, seek other sites, books or inspirational stories until you are ready to commit to your well-being…but know that YOU ARE WORTH THE INVESTMENT whether it’s the time it takes to write in a journal, talk to a trusted friend or read “The Decision”.

It’s not about me, it’s about YOU.

My goal is simply to share, inspire, support you and then watch you FLY.

This book has taken over a year to get to you…but it took me decades to live it and find my peace…

THANK YOU for reading this blog and sharing it with others. I appreciate YOU and your loyalty to this site.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

My promise to you: I live what I speak and will continue to write what I learn.

From my heart to yours,

Tina

PS. To purchase “The Decision” just simply click on the button on the top right corner or click HERE.

Many Marathon Memories

October 20, 2011 By Tina Moore 1 Comment

Immediately after Jody and I crossed the finish line!

Last week I shared my journal entries and photos of my very FIRST MARATHON: 42K on my 42nd birthday.

The day itself was amazing but the weekend began with a FUN ride to Victoria with Jody. Our laughter and conversations started there and carried on throughout the weekend.

I LOVE GoodLife Fitness Shirts!

On Saturday we met at the “Race Expo” which is such a thrill for me. When I arrive, I can’t contain the energy and excitement I feel for the actual race day.

You find your bib number then pick up your race package which includes the bib, timing chip, safety pins, and other information. You can check out the vendors who have everything from sport drinks, clothing, and jewellery to magazines, books and massage services.

I LOVED the shirts you get with GoodLife Fitness Marathon and Half Marathon. They’re exceptional! Good quality, nice colors and excellent fit.

Incredible!

Looking back on race day, I have no regrets starting at the earlier time because we were a smaller group who owned the city streets that morning. We didn’t have to wait for a large mass of people to cross the start line before we could cross; we all just crossed over together. I felt connected to my little group of early morning risers!

 

It does look funny!

During my long training runs I had strange cravings for bread so I decided to pack some with me. I can’t tell you how many comments I had regarding my ‘buns’.

“Does that hurt?” (As my buns banged against my butt for 20K…and the answer was no, it was almost like a massage!)

“Hey, there goes BUNS ON THE RUN”

“You’d better watch out for the birds! They’re following you!”

Despite my funny buns, I was extremely grateful at around 28K as I inhaled the first of the buns. At 32K I inhaled some more and then the buns fell out of my little bag, so the birds did indeed get my buns.

At one point in the run a young teenage volunteer steered us in the wrong direction, so Jody and I ran a little further than necessary. Luckily the road swung around and we ended up back on track but that was a slight moment of “Oh-oh!”

He said he was from a drinking group with a running problem!

Another section of the road there was a fellow handing out small shots of beer. Did we stop? OF COURSE WE STOPPED! We had a quick little cheers and went on our way.

At 32K I was really happy; it was only 10K to go. At 37K my legs decided they were getting tired and I sensed negative thoughts trying to creep in but I repeated my motto:

I FEEL GOOD; I FEEL STRONG

I also insisted on jogging with a SMILE so I pushed through. At that moment, you have a CHOICE and I chose to NOT INVEST IN NEGATIVE THOUGHTS.

At 40K I started to get emotional and at 41K I saw my sister and my Mom at the side of the road cheering us on. It cracked me up because I could hear my sister in her high heels trying to catch up…clickclickclickclick…along the side walk…

Jody and I could see the finish line, we weren’t stopping for anything!

Because our time was much better than expected, I don’t think anyone actually saw us cross the finish line but we finished strong, happy and victorious and were greeted by huge hugs and tears from friends and family a few minutes later.

It will be a day I never forget.

TUESDAY I LAUNCH MY EBOOK CALLED:

”THE DECISION”

YOU CAN GET A SNEAK PEEK OF THE FIRST CHAPTER BY CHECKING OUT THE SIDE BAR THIS WEEKEND!

It’s been over a year of hard work, PASSION and dedication towards something I strongly believe in and I can’t wait to share the entire book with you.

Make this weekend a memorable one. Do something a little out of your comfort zone, create a random act of kindness or carve out some ‘me’ time.

See you on Tuesday!

With a smile,

Tina

 

Where Do You Find Your Happiness?

October 18, 2011 By Tina Moore 1 Comment

I was writing in my journal about happiness. I’ve had some struggles with work and finances, having to move, people from my past and all the stress that can create; however, every day I pretty much wake up feeling HAPPY and GRATEFUL.

This is my actual journal entry:

“I love being so happy. I feel unbelievably blessed in my life but I feel sad for people that don’t experience this feeling on a regular basis. HAPPINESS IS A GIFT I HAD TO GIVE TO MYSELF. No one could have given this to me.”

That is the truth for me, and for you.

I can love, nurture, support, encourage and guide you but I can’t give you happiness.

Your husband, boyfriend or partner can’t give you happiness.

Your children can’t give you happiness.

Your car, your job, a new laptop, designer purse, stylish haircut or circle of friends can’t give you happiness.

YOU GIVE YOURSELF HAPPINESS.

All those other things can compliment, enhance and improve your life, but they can not make you happy.

So what makes you happy?

From my experience I will say:

  • It’s honouring who you are by listening to what you are being told on the inside: RESPECT YOUR INSTINCT.
  • It’s being mindful of your emotions, seeking to UNDERSTAND your choices and make changes for things that don’t work for you.
  • It’s healing past pain.
  • It’s expressing who you are whether it’s through dancing, wearing red lipstick or gardening.
  • It’s treating yourself with LOVE and KINDNESS and not being so internally critical and mean.
  • It’s making HEALTHY CHOICES for your body by exercising, eating fresh, unprocessed food and managing stress and anxiety.
  • It’s surrounding yourself with POSITIVE, loving people and limiting negative, angry people.
  • It’s expressing GRATITUDE for all the daily BLESSINGS in your life.
  • It’s being OPEN, HONEST, and REAL with yourself and others.
  • IT’S LIVING AUTHENTICALLY.

Happiness comes from within and can never be filled by another person.

What power you give them if they are in charge of your happiness! No, please don’t give your power away, EMPOWER yourSELF by being the SOURCE of your inner happiness.

Have you thought about what part of your life isn’t working for you? What relationships are draining your energy? Are you listening to your instinct or quietly choosing denial? Is your voice being heard or is someone else speaking for you? Do the choices you make empower you or erode your spirit?

I understand those are difficult questions to answer but your happiness may lie in the unedited TRUTH and UNDERSTANDING of those questions. Sometimes happiness isn’t found through beauty…sometimes happiness is found in the gritty, raw, proverbial rock bottom when you are sitting with just yourSELF, a box of tissues beside you, feeling alone, exhausted and verbalizing in the empty room how terribly unhappy you are. Your voice echoes back. You know in your gut, something has to change.

I know exactly how that feels.

In that moment, you have a choice.

CHOOSE YOU.

CHOOSE YOUR RIGHT TO HAPPINESS.

CHOOSE YOUR INSTINCT.

UNDERSTAND YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM; YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

MAKE THE DECISION TO CREATE CHANGE BY CHOOSING TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BE HAPPY ON THE INSIDE.

REMEMBER: HAPPINESS IS A GIFT YOU GIVE YOURSELF; NO ONE CAN GIVE IT TO YOU. YOU HAVE CONTROL!

CHOOSE YOU!

With a smile and much love,

Tina

PS. I am ready to launch my eBook called “The Decision”. It offers steps and guidance to FIND YOUR HAPPINESS. I share my personal experience of years of depression, anxiety and toxic relationships and how I turned that around to now sustaining lasting JOY. If I can do it, you can too! The book will be launched in just a few days with a FREE GIFT just for you, so don’t miss out!

THE Jog Blog – MARATHON!

October 13, 2011 By Tina Moore 7 Comments

PURE JOY!

It’s difficult for me to put into words the true depth of my emotion regarding the marathon I ran on Sunday, October 9, 2011 in the beautiful city of Victoria, BC.

I have enormous GRATITUDE for the LOVE of friends and family cheering me on both in person and through emails, thoughts and prayers. Thank YOU!

I continue to feel the purest of JOY and the smile just won’t leave my face. I remain EXCITED, ENERGIZED and HAPPY. It is such a GIFT.

I decided I would let the photos speak for themselves and share some actual journal entries:

Saturday, October 8, 2011

8:30 am

Tomorrow I run 42K. It’s still a bit surreal.

It's a long way!

I feel happy, strong, blessed, grateful, determined, focused and supported.

I feel GOOD.

9:16 pm

I’m in the hotel room with my dear Sole Sisters, settling down and getting focused.

Photo taken just before they ran their half marathon!

What do I see for tomorrow?
  • Sunshine
  • Excitement
  • Gratitude
  • Joy
  • Love
  • Strength

I plan to enJOY every minute of it!

I see Jody and I laughing, enjoying the gorgeous scenery surrounded by happy people.

The volunteers and spectators were AWESOME!

This is it Tina. 42by42.

This is the one and only time you will experience 42K on your 42nd birthday so enJOY it, LOVE it, APPRECIATE it.

I am blessed.

I am strong.

I am happy.

I feel good.

I feel ready.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

5:30 am

This is it!

Here we go. So EXCITED!

I’m EXCITED! HAPPY!

Not fully awake!!

Feeling FOCUSED. DETERMINED.

Such a BEAUTIFUL morning! HAPPY!!

NO OPTION TO FAIL.

I want 42K of JOY, 42K of LAUGHTER. 42K of MEMORIES.

I literally said to Jody, "What? We're at 16K already?" Too much FUN!

I HAVE DECIDED TO HAVE AN AMAZING RUN.

Feeling totally HAPPY, JOYFUL and STRONG!

Positive, happy, joyful energy.

 

Half way there and feeling nothing but JOY!

Loving, excited, POSITIVE thoughts.

I have my friends and family here and I have so much support from people through emails and messages.

I have much to feel grateful for – GRATITUDE, LOVE, JOY and DETERMINATION can take you much further than 42K.

How lucky am I to run today?

I think of my friends and family who are ill and struggling or who are caring and fighting for their loved ones who are ill.

I am blessed to run today. I am blessed and grateful.

Still SMILING!

I will run with that appreciation in my heart.

I will remember where I’ve come from and where I want my life to go.

When I turned 39, I DECIDED to CHANGE my life. Seeing "39" reminded me of where it all began.

I am so BLESSED.

I will continue to say that because that is how I feel to my core.

Remembering 40by40, where my new life began...so GRATEFUL and HAPPY!

I AM HAPPY.

I AM EXCITED.

I didn’t think I’d finish the marathon within 5:29 hours so I changed our start to the earlier time so we wouldn’t have that pressure. Despite all our stops for photos, food and a quick shot of beer (come back next week and I’ll share some of the silliness along the way) Jody and I finished at 4:52! I was shocked!

The time flew by as we were literally laughing our way through the course. The scenery was spectacular, the volunteers were awesome, the spectators were amazing and I had such an incredible day.

THANK YOU JODY KENNETT FOR BEING SUCH AN AMAZING FRIEND AND COACH.

At 40K I got choked up as I was trying to convey my gratitude to her and she said,

“Don’t you cry now! You have to finish strong!”

So I sucked up the tears and focused on the remaining kilometres ahead.

We finished with a sprint and a smile.

I wish I could bottle this amazing feeling, this pure, raw JOY, GRATITUDE and LOVE. I want you to have it. I want you to feel it. I want you to share it.

I WANT YOU TO LIVE IT!

Please contact me if you would like to take part in a focused, supportive group where a fitness goal is the end result but JOY, LAUGHTER, LOVE and GRATITUDE is the journey. Don’t forget, I never exercised in my life prior to the age of 39. Anything is possible!

Wishing you a loving weekend full of blessings. See you on Tuesday!

From my heart to yours,

Tina

PS. The eBook is near completion! I share more of my personal journey and the steps I took to change my life. These steps will help you create a JOYFUL, HAPPY, AUTHENTIC life. I can’t wait for you to read it!

Everyone Has A Story, What’s Yours?

October 11, 2011 By Tina Moore 1 Comment

Have you ever read the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books?

The front cover states:

“You’re the star of the story! Choose from 44 possible endings!”

Basically you do not read the book from start to finish. The book contains many different adventures and you are asked to make a CHOICE. This choice can lead to success or difficulties. The adventures you have in the book will be a direct result of the DECISIONS you make.

Kind of sounds like life, huh?

I started thinking about my life, my ‘story’. Over the last few years, my life has taken a completely different course. Prior to turning 39 I had a very sad story. Although I had wonderful times in my life, generally speaking each chapter contained:

  • Depression/Anxiety
  • Toxic Relationships
  • Lies
  • Guilt/Shame
  • SELF-loathing
  • Fear

That’s a very sad story indeed. So what’s my story now? My story has changed significantly because now I experience the following on a daily basis:

  • LOVE
  • GRATITUDE
  • AUTHENTICITY
  • LAUGHTER
  • JOY
  • SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS
  • INTEGRITY
  • INSTINCT
  • PASSION

I now experience:

SELF – Love

SELF – Care

SELF – Respect

How did I change my story so dramatically?

Just like the “Choose Your Own Adventure” children’s books, I made the DECISION to do something different. I DECIDED I was worth the fight. I DECIDED I didn’t want to live in such pain and sadness. I DECIDED to do whatever was necessary to turn my life around.

And I did!

My life is more colourful because I’m making different choices. I have a different perspective. I understand my value and worth.

Life is an adventure, and YOU are the author of your story.

What kind of story are you choosing? What chapter is being repeated? What characters continue to create chaos and dysfunction? Where is the humour and laughter in your story? Where is the love? Are you the victim in your story or are you the hero?

THIS IS YOUR LIFE.

THIS IS YOUR STORY.

Choose your own adventure.

CHOOSE YOU!

With a smile,

Tina

PS. Don’t forget to come back on Thursday and check out “THE Jog Blog” as I’ll share the incredible experience of running my first marathon. It was a day full of JOY, LAUGHTER and GRATITUDE.

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