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Excuses & Refinding Your Purpose

August 14, 2017

Lately, I’ve been feeling sluggish and limited. I’ve had zero motivation. I’ve told myself a million excuses. And then I snapped the eff out of it.

The past year or so I’ve played the part of a wellness & fitness coach in my community.  I have helped people lose weight and find their specific formulae to loving themselves. It’s made me feel amazing. I love helping people. I feel called to it. I worked as a bartender for years while in college. What is a bartender, if not a life coach of sorts? Alright an enabling life coach, but you get the picture. Letting them hash out their life’s woes over a cocktail or two, I’d offer any advice a worldly 21 year old could. Sometimes all people need are to be heard. I realized that helping people made me happy. It took me many years to get my career back to where I found that purpose, but that’s a story for another time.

So, lately I’ve been feeling just…..meh. I haven’t been excited about my work. I haven’t been excited about my writing (something I’ve always loved to do) and I have been eating terribly. I’m talking, “I know that processed cheese dip is going to make my stomach pissed off at me, but I’m going to eat it anyway because….screw my stomach.” Yeah. Self. Destructive.

The reason behind all my…MEH has been my back.

When I was 21, due to riding horses my entire life, having a genetically bad back and a car wreck, I found myself unable to walk and basically missing a disc in my back–my vertebrae were rubbing together. I had surgery to fuse the two vertebrae.

As a result, a lot of pressure is being put on the vertebrae above my fusion and now that disc has degenerated too.
I also have a pinched nerve in the middle of my back.
I also have two injured and healed rotator cuffs (shoulders).
I also have a weak knee that aches on occasion.
Yep, I’m a total mess.Excuses: We all have them and they all stink. HA

Dealing with this new disc problem has been weighing on me lately. Not being able to get to the gym in over two months is taking its toll. My stomach is bloated, my shoulders hurt and crunch, I feel sluggish. My stomach is in absolute disarray. My mind just isn’t there though. I COULD figure out a workout plan with specifics defined by my physical therapist and eat well to help my body. But I haven’t.

I’ve been feeling limited. And sorry for myself. I’ve gotten down on myself. I’ve been self destructive and I’ve been self pitying. I knew I needed to STOP IT but I’ve had that stupid little voice in my head telling me what’s the use? It led me to not wanting to work, not feeling capable of helping people because HOW COULD I WHEN I FEEL THIS WAY?! I felt like a fraud when I said things like “self love!!” while dissing on my own body.

Let’s look at how I snapped the eff out of it.

One night, Brian insisted that we get in the pool. I am not normally a pool person and I hadn’t wanted to get my hair wet or have to re shower or whothehellknowswhatotherexcuse. My back hurt too much. All I wanted to do was lie on the couch and browse Pinterest. But he talked me into it, telling me it would be good for my back. I knew full well he was right. When I got in, he came over to me and lifted my feet from the pool bottom. He held me there suspended in the water and the weightlessness I felt, that immediate release of pressure on my injured back…. I suddenly realized how selfish I had been behaving.

I bawled like a baby.

I’m starting to tear up even writing this. For one of the first times in months, I felt….nothing. No pressure, no pinched nerve, no pain. I was floating and it was amazing. I knew I should have done it earlier. I just don’t like pools and I made that my excuse.

I was too miserable being miserable that I was missing all the signs to STOP IT and GET OUT OF MY OWN WAY and give myself some relief. Brian knew I needed it. He’d known it all along. But I was so stupid and self sufficient that I didn’t need to listen to him. I was lost. I was hurting. I was continuously getting down on myself for feeling bad.

It’s a vicious cycle. I was down because I was hurting. And because I was hurting I didn’t want to go to the gym. And because I didn’t go to the gym I was down. And it made me hurt and not want to go even more. HOW STUPID. Even a fitness coach needs a reminder sometimes. Self pity is an easy cycle to get into.

I’m too this or I don’t have that. What you’re really doing is excusing bad behavior. You are justifying it to yourself. If you had a friend, would you be OK with them giving you these justifications?? That they just don’t feel like it?

Floating in my pool was the best thing I had done all week. Being there in the moment, enveloped in the arms of the man I love, I cried like a baby in amazement of not one thing hurting for the first time in a long time. Sometimes it takes a midnight swim to make you realize how stupid you’ve been acting. We are all capable of great, amazing, stupendous things, if only we’d get out of our own way.

So I’m approaching my business in a new way. As R.E.M. sang, everybody hurts sometimes. Instead of letting it control my life and my motivations, I’m taking the reins and using it to find new ways to get through to my clients. To maybe sing a different tune that will resonate with someone who my message hasn’t before.

I’m done being selfish. Let’s talk about your goals. I’m here to help you chase them down. Not quite sure? Let’s talk about your excuses, then. Email me, comment on this post, find me on Facebook.  Always remember, you’re worth it. I’m blowing up some floaties right now, I’m heading out to the pool… Because I’m worth it too.

So much love,

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged: back, excuses, problems, purpose, real talk, self love, wellness

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sunnyjennadanielle

⠀
Health | Life | Food | Travel | Dogs
➕ a little wine and a lot of sunshine.☀️
⠀
💍@whereisox
📍AZ 🌵
⠀⠀

Jenna | Healthy Lifestyle
Blame genetics/adulting. Dark circles have been pa Blame genetics/adulting. Dark circles have been part of my life for-ev-er. Complimentary from @filorgausa comes their Optim-Eyes best-selling eye cream and I’ve been using it religiously for the past few weeks.
⠀⠀
First off, I love the texture—it’s super light and hydrating. Second, and probably most importantly: I look like I actually got some sleep (I didn’t) or that wasn’t blessed with bad genetics (I was).
⠀
@filorgausa wants to help you fake a good nights sleep, too, so they’re offering my followers $10 off a bottle of your very own Optim-Eyes! Use code IGEYES.
⠀
Adulting is hard, but you’ve got this, even if you need a little help here or there. 😆 👀
⠀⠀
#optimeyes #eyecream #ocotlyfamily
We got out of town this past weekend and watched t We got out of town this past weekend and watched the sun set over the Arizona high desert. We watched our daughter and pup frolic through a meadow (scroll for the vid😅) and just enjoyed the breeze, the mountains and each other.
⠀
This week is turning into craziness for me so today, my post is about slowing down and feeling the sun on your face.
⠀⠀
Deep breath. Inhale gratitude.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Exhale doubts.
⠀⠀⠀⠀
Ok, now go 🏃‍♀️
Hair health begins on the inside! @hairlavie gift Hair health begins on the inside!  @hairlavie gifted me their Clinical Formula Hair Vitamins to try out. I’m blown away with the ingredient list:
⠀
Reishi mushroom, collagen, biotin, zinc, iron, copper, flaxseed, horsetail, kelp, vitamins d, e + LOTS of b’s AND MORE!
⠀⠀
Whole-body wellness is essential for hair health. I love that @hairlavie prides themselves on transparency, responsible sources and science-validated benefits of their products. I can’t wait to see the results!
⠀⠀⠀
So how are you taking care of your hair health?

#myhairlavie
We’re heading up north to find some adventure to We’re heading up north to find some adventure today!🏔 My in laws are camping up near Flagstaff and we’re thinking of crashing their campsite. 😏
⠀⠀
The temps are slowly winding down here in AZ—yesterday only got to 105°! I’m going crazy and need to get out of town. Let’s what what we can find!
⠀⠀
What are y’all doing this weekend?!🙌🏼
They just keep getting better! @styledsettings cam They just keep getting better! @styledsettings came out with a new white and gold set and you know I had to get it. 🙌🏼
⠀⠀
⭐️ Ever since we started building our house a few years ago, I had this vision for a white and gold kitchen. When it came time for the sink and cabinet handles to be put on, the only thing my husband and I could agree on was dark bronze.😏
⠀⠀⠀
👉🏼SUNNYJENNA15 for 15% off! 🙌🏼
⠀
Luckily I have plenty of gold kitchen utensils to brighten up my favorite room in the house! All of these cuties come in @styledsettings new White & Gold Luxe 8PC set. My husband loved the garlic press.
⠀⠀
If gold isn’t your thing, they also have this set in copper 🤩 with pink or black! Girls, if you want to add some color to your kitchen, you have to check them out on @amazon. They have everything from measuring cups to knives to dish drying racks (mine’s gold, duh).
⠀⠀
Get 15% off your order with my code SUNNYJENNA15
⠀⠀
⚪️🔵🟢🟠🟡🟠🔴🟣🟤
I’m curious, what colors do you have in your kitchen??
✋🏼🤚🏼TEN things to be GRATEFUL for RIGHT ✋🏼🤚🏼TEN things to be GRATEFUL for RIGHT NOW.
⠀⠀
Maybe I needed to write this list; maybe you needed to read it today. Whatever the case, these are just scratching the surface of all the things to be thankful for in this world.
⠀⠀
1. Music
2. Your cozy place
3. An outfit that makes you feel good
4. Access to the internet
5. Right here, right now (deep breath)
6. Friends and family
7. A good book
8. Fresh food
9. Fresh air
10. Doing something kind for a stranger
BONUS 11. That beautiful places exist in the world (see picture)
⠀⠀
Today, I am doubly grateful for #11. Just looking at pictures of beautiful places sets my heart to dreaming.
⠀⠀
👉🏼What’s one thing you’re grateful for today?👈🏼
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to A huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to wish me happy birthday on Monday.
⠀
This year, I’d like to work on my photography skills. Being up in Sedona last week inspired me to get back to learning my camera. When I’m in a beautiful place, I want to capture it so that when I look back, I can remember exactly what it was like.
⠀
Do you set personal goals on your birthdays?
C H E E R S to T H I R T Y T H R E E years! 🎈 C H E E R S to
T H I R T Y  T H R E E years! 🎈
⠀
This year has not been ideal to say the least. Lots of anxiety, trips cancelled, family’s new babies not snuggled & new daily frustrations.
⠀
Amidst all of it, I’ve found a deep and happy peace. I am surrounded and supported by the most amazing people. I am finally unafraid to present myself as who I am (although at times it may be hard to describe!).
⠀⠀
Thanks for being here, right now. I hope you’ll join me as I twirl my way through the next 12 months. Cheers! 🥂
⠀
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”
Birds flying high, you know how I feel Sun in the Birds flying high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by, you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me
⠀
And I’m feelin’ good.
⠀
Can’t stop posting Sedona content and I’m not sure I want to. 🤩 Can you blame me?
⠀
Hope y’all have the most amazing weekend. My mom is visiting and we’re having a little girls shopping day for my upcoming birthday on Monday. 😆
⠀
📸: We hiked Cathedral Rock in the dark at 5AM to watch the sunrise from the top. Full Sedona blog post coming soon!
Get moving! Every next level of your life will dem Get moving! Every next level of your life will demand a different version of you. You can rise up from anything. You can recreate yourself as many times as you damn well please.
⠀⠀⠀
Learn new skills, think new thoughts, choose to be the catalyst to the next, best version of yourself. All that matters is that you decide & begin.
Follow on Instagram
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sunnyjennadanielle

⠀
Health | Life | Food | Travel | Dogs
➕ a little wine and a lot of sunshine.☀️
⠀
💍@whereisox
📍AZ 🌵
⠀⠀

Jenna | Healthy Lifestyle
Blame genetics/adulting. Dark circles have been pa Blame genetics/adulting. Dark circles have been part of my life for-ev-er. Complimentary from @filorgausa comes their Optim-Eyes best-selling eye cream and I’ve been using it religiously for the past few weeks.
⠀⠀
First off, I love the texture—it’s super light and hydrating. Second, and probably most importantly: I look like I actually got some sleep (I didn’t) or that wasn’t blessed with bad genetics (I was).
⠀
@filorgausa wants to help you fake a good nights sleep, too, so they’re offering my followers $10 off a bottle of your very own Optim-Eyes! Use code IGEYES.
⠀
Adulting is hard, but you’ve got this, even if you need a little help here or there. 😆 👀
⠀⠀
#optimeyes #eyecream #ocotlyfamily
We got out of town this past weekend and watched t We got out of town this past weekend and watched the sun set over the Arizona high desert. We watched our daughter and pup frolic through a meadow (scroll for the vid😅) and just enjoyed the breeze, the mountains and each other.
⠀
This week is turning into craziness for me so today, my post is about slowing down and feeling the sun on your face.
⠀⠀
Deep breath. Inhale gratitude.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Exhale doubts.
⠀⠀⠀⠀
Ok, now go 🏃‍♀️
Hair health begins on the inside! @hairlavie gift Hair health begins on the inside!  @hairlavie gifted me their Clinical Formula Hair Vitamins to try out. I’m blown away with the ingredient list:
⠀
Reishi mushroom, collagen, biotin, zinc, iron, copper, flaxseed, horsetail, kelp, vitamins d, e + LOTS of b’s AND MORE!
⠀⠀
Whole-body wellness is essential for hair health. I love that @hairlavie prides themselves on transparency, responsible sources and science-validated benefits of their products. I can’t wait to see the results!
⠀⠀⠀
So how are you taking care of your hair health?

#myhairlavie
We’re heading up north to find some adventure to We’re heading up north to find some adventure today!🏔 My in laws are camping up near Flagstaff and we’re thinking of crashing their campsite. 😏
⠀⠀
The temps are slowly winding down here in AZ—yesterday only got to 105°! I’m going crazy and need to get out of town. Let’s what what we can find!
⠀⠀
What are y’all doing this weekend?!🙌🏼
They just keep getting better! @styledsettings cam They just keep getting better! @styledsettings came out with a new white and gold set and you know I had to get it. 🙌🏼
⠀⠀
⭐️ Ever since we started building our house a few years ago, I had this vision for a white and gold kitchen. When it came time for the sink and cabinet handles to be put on, the only thing my husband and I could agree on was dark bronze.😏
⠀⠀⠀
👉🏼SUNNYJENNA15 for 15% off! 🙌🏼
⠀
Luckily I have plenty of gold kitchen utensils to brighten up my favorite room in the house! All of these cuties come in @styledsettings new White & Gold Luxe 8PC set. My husband loved the garlic press.
⠀⠀
If gold isn’t your thing, they also have this set in copper 🤩 with pink or black! Girls, if you want to add some color to your kitchen, you have to check them out on @amazon. They have everything from measuring cups to knives to dish drying racks (mine’s gold, duh).
⠀⠀
Get 15% off your order with my code SUNNYJENNA15
⠀⠀
⚪️🔵🟢🟠🟡🟠🔴🟣🟤
I’m curious, what colors do you have in your kitchen??
✋🏼🤚🏼TEN things to be GRATEFUL for RIGHT ✋🏼🤚🏼TEN things to be GRATEFUL for RIGHT NOW.
⠀⠀
Maybe I needed to write this list; maybe you needed to read it today. Whatever the case, these are just scratching the surface of all the things to be thankful for in this world.
⠀⠀
1. Music
2. Your cozy place
3. An outfit that makes you feel good
4. Access to the internet
5. Right here, right now (deep breath)
6. Friends and family
7. A good book
8. Fresh food
9. Fresh air
10. Doing something kind for a stranger
BONUS 11. That beautiful places exist in the world (see picture)
⠀⠀
Today, I am doubly grateful for #11. Just looking at pictures of beautiful places sets my heart to dreaming.
⠀⠀
👉🏼What’s one thing you’re grateful for today?👈🏼
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to A huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to wish me happy birthday on Monday.
⠀
This year, I’d like to work on my photography skills. Being up in Sedona last week inspired me to get back to learning my camera. When I’m in a beautiful place, I want to capture it so that when I look back, I can remember exactly what it was like.
⠀
Do you set personal goals on your birthdays?
C H E E R S to T H I R T Y T H R E E years! 🎈 C H E E R S to
T H I R T Y  T H R E E years! 🎈
⠀
This year has not been ideal to say the least. Lots of anxiety, trips cancelled, family’s new babies not snuggled & new daily frustrations.
⠀
Amidst all of it, I’ve found a deep and happy peace. I am surrounded and supported by the most amazing people. I am finally unafraid to present myself as who I am (although at times it may be hard to describe!).
⠀⠀
Thanks for being here, right now. I hope you’ll join me as I twirl my way through the next 12 months. Cheers! 🥂
⠀
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”
Birds flying high, you know how I feel Sun in the Birds flying high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by, you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me
⠀
And I’m feelin’ good.
⠀
Can’t stop posting Sedona content and I’m not sure I want to. 🤩 Can you blame me?
⠀
Hope y’all have the most amazing weekend. My mom is visiting and we’re having a little girls shopping day for my upcoming birthday on Monday. 😆
⠀
📸: We hiked Cathedral Rock in the dark at 5AM to watch the sunrise from the top. Full Sedona blog post coming soon!
Get moving! Every next level of your life will dem Get moving! Every next level of your life will demand a different version of you. You can rise up from anything. You can recreate yourself as many times as you damn well please.
⠀⠀⠀
Learn new skills, think new thoughts, choose to be the catalyst to the next, best version of yourself. All that matters is that you decide & begin.
Follow on Instagram
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