Let's Make 2009 OUR YEAR!!!

I have heard the saying, "Make 2009 YOURS" a lot this past month. That is all well and good and that makes me excited, but here's a thought.....why not make 2009 OURS??

Goals always seem more achievable when they are worked on as a TEAM. Collaboration toward a common goal and having that accountability partner who makes sure you are progressing is vital to this. When you experience success, then that success is shared among those with whom you have connected. Plus it motivates them to create their own success, too! When you have a setback, you do not have to figure it out alone. You can reconnect and set up another set of strategies to try and other perspectives may appear that you will never see by yourself. It also may help a team member get an idea for their own goals! Everyone wins when you work as a TEAM!

I currently coach a team of 3 highly motivated individuals who encourage Beachbody customers to see results in their workouts. We work together on our goals. When one of us succeeds, we all celebrate with them. When one of us has a setback, we think about solutions that may help that person get started again. It's a team effort, and I make it a point to let my team know they are never alone. I am also part of an incredible mastermind group, and it's the same type thing. When one succeeds, we all celebrate. When one has an obstacle, they bring it to the team and we brainstorm ideas to help them progress again.

Make sure that you connect only with those who are really serious about achieving their goals and someone who is NOT negative. Those two things will stop the progress even before it begins! Now maybe your positivity and your aggressive goal seeking will jumpstart that person, but please DO NOT, under any circumstances, allow their qualities to infect you and make you stop moving forward in 2009!!

I encourage you to share your 2009 goals with someone. Become accountable to someone else for your success, and be that accountability partner for someone else. You will be glad that you did!

So - say it with me - Let's make 2009 OUR YEAR!!

2009 is around the corner - ARE YOU READY??

I am SO excited! The New Year is heading our way, and with it new opportunities, new possibilities, and another chance to transform ourselves for the better! Let's get fit and FABULOUS together! We are here to help each other succeed!! This is the place - and now is the time!

I do not like making resolutions because they are just empty promises. Resolutions leave too much room for turning away from them and dropping them altogether. I am starting to use the word COMMITMENT. That means that you are drawing your line in the sand, saying to yourself and to the world, I WILL DO THIS, NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES! Even if you have a bad day or a bad week, your COMMITMENT will keep you pushing forward to success and REAL results!!

For the next 90 days, let's stay committed to your own goals, and find a friend whose goals you can commit to sharing. Accountability is so important in this, and consistency will lead to your victory!! So take a moment to answer these questions for yourself:

-> What are you committed to seeing in your health and fitness future in 2009?

-> Who do you plan to share this commitment with?

-> What are your "before" stats (chest, waist, hips, thighs, upper arms, weight)?

-> Where will you post your accountability for the next 90 days (your personal blog, emails to your accountability partner, journal that is in your home, etc.)? Feel free to use this place and the comments section as your accountability posting if you would like! I would LOVE to be your partner!!


Remember to take your goodbye photo and take update pictures every 30 days. Watch yourself change and see the results you have been longing for!! Also, remember to celebrate EVERY success!! Whether you lost 2 pounds this week, or only 1 inch, NOTHING is too small to celebrate and help motivate you to that next success!!

If you are interested or just curious about what YOU can achieve for a 90 day COMMITMENT to yourself, commit to YOURSELF - TODAY!

Let's make 2009 our time to SHINE!!!!

Give yourself the gift of GREAT HEALTH!

It's Christmas Eve!

As we celebrate this holiday season and give gifts to our family and friends, think about gifting yourself with GREAT HEALTH in 2009! Beachbody has amazing fitness products, high quality nutrition supplements, and tons of motivation and support to help you see real results this time. Do not put this off - we are not promised tomorrow!

Beachbody has something for everyone - there IS a solution for you!

* ChaLEAN Extreme has just been released and will help you lose up to 60% of your body fat. If you are a fan of Turbo Jam, then this will definitely take you to the next level!
* If you have 10 minutes, then you have time to work out! Tony Horton's Ten Minute Trainer will help you take charge with just 10 minutes a day!
* Kathy Smith's Project You: Type 2 is the Diabetic Fitness Solution. Beachbody has partnered with the American Diabetes Association to provide a great fitness and nutrition solution to help persons with diabetes. Take charge of your diabetes for less than $100!
* And of course, my personal favorite: Hip Hop Abs will help you dance your way to great abs! No situps and no crunches! Personally, I removed 48 pounds and 27 inches from my body with this program!

Each program comes with a meal plan and tools to help you transform. Plus, you get ME as your free online fitness coach to motivate you and encourage you to success!

Take action TODAY on your fitness resolution! It's easy as 1 - 2 - 3!

1) Visit my website - http://www.blessingoffitness.com, click on the "Join" tab, and select "Join the Team Beachbody Community" to register for FREE!

2) After you finish registering, sign in to http://www.teambeachbody.com with the username and password you used to register, and click on the "Shop For Products" button.

3) Select your fitness or nutrition product that you will give YOURSELF as the gift to your best health!!

Remember, if you have any questions about the best product for YOU, feel free to email me at misscmac@blessingoffitness.com.

Happy Holidays!

Robin Miller's Slow Cooker Chipotle Lime Chicken

Hi all!

I shared this with my Facebook family and with my "tweeps" on Twitter today. So many people from both places have been asking for this recipe!! I decided to send it to you via this blog. It's SO delicious and it's enough to share or freeze for later! Hope you enjoy making it too!!

Thanks to the Food Network website for providing this recipe!! It's been modified to add extra "flava"....


Ingredients:
1 cup sliced onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
4 pounds skinless chicken thighs (I used half thighs and half breasts)
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
1/3 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon minced chipotle chilies in adobo, with 1 teaspoon sauce from can
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:
Arrange onion, celery, and carrots in bottom of slow cooker. Season chicken thighs with sea salt and pepper and arrange over vegetables. In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, lime juice, chipotle chilies with sauce, and garlic. Pour mixture over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Serve on top of brown rice, topped with avocado and cilantro. Use lime wedges for garnish and to squeeze over chicken for extra lime taste.

Serves 8.


Any veggie side would be GREAT with this - corn on the cob, green beans, green peas, squash, broccoli, asparagus, even a baked apple would make this meal AMAZING!!!

Setting Up For Your Success - TODAY!!

As stated in an earlier motivation, it is NEVER too late to start again! As long as you have been given a brand new day, you have a new opportunity to exercise, to eat better, to relax and release stress, and to make your life better than it was on yesterday! You truly can lose that weight, have excellent health, gain energy to get through your day, and have a longer life to spend with your family. All you need to do is SET YOURSELF UP for success! Make it easy for you to do those things to better yourself and your life!

It is YOUR choice to do those things that ensure you will succeed. No one can make you eat the right foods for energy and health. No one can force you to get out of bed or come home from work and exercise. No one can physically sit you down and make you relax. No one can do that but YOU! Ask yourself if you are worth the time and effort. Of course, from my point of view, you ARE that important and should treat yourself that way. However, only you can answer this question for YOU.

How can you make it easier to set yourself up for success in 2009? Take a look at these tips:

• Schedule your workouts in the the WOWY online calendar. Set this up for at least one month in advance, so there is no question about what you are going to do every day. If you plan to walk for 30 minutes everyday at lunchtime, or doing ChaLEAN Extreme every morning at 9:00, put that on your calendar in WOWY.
• Find a workout buddy to make it fun and help keep you accountable. You can always send WOWY invitations to your family, friends, and those in WOWY who inspire you.
• When shopping for groceries, make a list in advance. It makes it easier to choose those foods that are better for you. Also, don't go shopping when you are hungry, because ANYTHING goes in the basket when that stomach is grumbling.... :-)
• Pack healthy snacks (granola bars, grapes, carrot sticks, apple slices) in the car, at your desk at work, and your house. If better food choices are nearby, you will be more apt to eat them.
• Find 10 minutes a day to sit in silence. No TV, no phone, nothing. Use this time to take some deep, cleansing breaths and relax. You may have to find a creative place to do this, like the bathroom or in the car before going in to work or home.
• Take a 20 - 30 minute walk at lunchtime. Walking gives you a GREAT break and you can feel good that you are taking care of yourself!

Take action on these tips, and watch yourself SUCCEED!!!


You have been an INCREDIBLE team this year!! I am just SO DELIGHTED about the successes you have been sharing with me - losing from 5 to 45 pounds, being able to have energy to keep up with your children/grandchildren, finally being able to fit into that outfit or those jeans that you have had for years! I thank EACH OF YOU for allowing me to be your coach and help you this year. I am here to see you SUCCEED in 2009, too! Wouldn't it be FABULOUS if one of you won the $10,000 monthly transformation prize?? I want to see that happen for YOU!! Please let me know how I can help!

Starting January 3, I will be starting a 90 Day Fitness Challenge. I am doing ChaLEAN Extreme and helping others with their workout programs. If you are interested in joining me, send me an email - I would love to have you and see YOUR success HAPPEN!!

Have a great week!

A Healthier 2009 Starts TODAY!

Hi my friends!!

Sorry if this is a tad early, but I want to help you achieve your New Year's resolution and make 2009 the best year ever! I am not kidding!

I am starting a new fitness program January 3rd with my friends. We're building a team of people who want to get in great shape by April—no excuses, just lean/mean results!

I am an Emerald Coach and distributor of Beachbody programs, so I am going to start 90 days of ChaLEAN Extreme and help some other people get going, too. You've probably seen Beachbody fitness and nutrition products on TV. Maybe you recognize P90X, Ten Minute Trainer, Hip Hop Abs, Turbo Jam, Rockin' Body, Slim in 6, or Yoga Booty Ballet. They really do work!

If you want to join the team, we can support each other to succeed. I just want you to have what you need to start STRONG on January 3rd. I can help you save money off the TV price, too!

This is not about me—I want my whole team to succeed! That's why I got involved with Beachbody. Send me an email to misscmac@blessingoffitness.com or go to my Web site at http://www.blessingoffitness.com, pick your program, and let me know!

January 3rd is right around the corner! We can do it—let me know!

Keep doing it BIG!!!
misscmac

End of the Year - NO COMPROMISES!!

We all made it! It's the first week of the LAST MONTH of 2008!! Time seems to have flown by. You know, only a couple of years ago, I would have used this holiday season as an excuse to do whatever I wanted. Thanksgiving came first, followed by the week of my birthday, then Christmas parties started happening, then Christmas Day lunch was HUGE, then New Years parties. So by the time the new year came, I was working harder to get all the weight back off. It was frustrating to do year after year. How many of you feel the same way??

As we come into the holiday season this year, I encourage YOU to not compromise your healthy goals just because of the season. You are worth the effort that you have put into yourself this year! Keep up the work that you started on your health and weight loss this year! I have kept up with each of your stories, and I am just totally amazed at the progress of my team! I am proud to say that you have lost weight, lowered your blood pressure, lowered your cholesterol level, and a few of you have reduced the amount of medication that you are taking!!! That is EXCELLENT news!

All of this from nothing more than eating healthier and exercising! WOW!!! See, it CAN BE DONE!!!

Here are a few quick tips to help keep this holiday season HEALTHY:

* Carry healthy snacks with you in the car, like granola bars, grapes, bananas, or carrot sticks. It will help curb the cravings for the not-so-healthy foods.

* Take an extra lap around the inside of the mall while shopping - to get that extra walk in for the day.

* If you are shopping online this year, bend over in your chair and stretch your back a few times. Stretching is very good for flexibility.

* Find a healthier alternative for your favorite holiday recipes.

* Have a salad with light dressing instead of a burger and fries for lunch.

* Take your own healthy appetizer to the Christmas party! Pita chips and hummus, a veggie tray with light ranch dipping sauce, or a big fruit bowl are all great options for the party season!!


Do not allow the busyness of the holidays to keep you from your best health EVER! NO COMPROMISES!!!

HAVE A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY THANKSGIVING!!!

MySpace Graphics & MySpace Layouts

Let's talk SIDES!!!

My mama and I had our Thanksgiving dinner this past Sunday (11/23). She did the turkey breast and the dressing, and I did the sides. They turned out to be SO delicious!!! Who says that Thanksgiving side dishes couldn't be healthy???

I wanted to share these with you in case you needed some ideas, so here they are below. Hope you enjoy!!

==============

Sweet Potatoes and Apples
5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
5 large tart apples, peeled and sliced
3/4 teaspoon salt
one-half teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons sage
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 stick butter or margarine, melted
one-half cup maple syrup
toasted sliced almonds or pecans (optional)

Place half of the sweet potatoes in crock pot. Add one half of the sliced apples on top. In a small bowl, mix all seasonings, and sprinkle half the mixture on top of the apples. Mix maple syrup and butter, and pour half over the layers. Repeat layers. Cover pot and cook on low 6 - 8 hours or until potatoes are tender. Serve sprinkled with almonds or pecans, if using. Makes 10 - 12 servings.

Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale (from Food Network Website)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/spicy-parmesan-green-beans-and-kale-recipe/index.html

Corn Casserole (from Food Network Website)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/corn-casserole-recipe/index.html

Israeli Salad (from Whole Foods Market)
3 tomatoes, cut in half then quartered
1 large cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeds removed, and sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 scallions, chopped
4 tablespoons italian flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup lemon juice
one half cup extra virgin olive oil

Mix all ingredients together and chill in refrigerator. Serve cold.

It's been a long time.....

Wow - it has been a long time since I have posted a blog on my site. A LOT of things have happened since the last post in mid-September.

The most exciting thing that has happened is that I was selected for the Hip Hop Abs 2 Infomercial, and I went to California in October to share my weight loss journey with the world. It was the most amazing experience and I would not trade that for the world. I am happy about my 48 pounds and 27 inches removed, and I am happy about where my life is right now. I really want others to experience this same feeling that I have. Here is a journal of what I did and what I experienced:

Wednesday, 10/15/2008 - We got in around 3:00. The driver picked us up and took us on the side streets to the hotel (since the freeway was a parking lot). The driver was REALLY good with his defensive driving skills - we were hanging on for dear life!! We were taking it all in, seeing how high the prices for rent were. I saw an apartment complex that did not look as good as mine does, and rent there was over $2000 a month!!! After we checked in to the Warner Center Marriott, we walked to the mall across the street to look around. We then went to Target three blocks down and picked up a few things for Anthony. Later we went to dinner at Kate Mantelini across the street from the hotel. The food was delicious! After dinner I came in to transfer all my clothes from the big suitcase to the smaller one so I could take them the next day. However, there was heavy rain at the connecting stop, and my clothes were damp as I took them out of the suitcase. I hung them to dry, and we rested the rest of the night.

Thursday, 10/16/2008 (interview day) - The van driver picked me up at 9:45 for my interview. We went to Panavision studio - about 4 or 5 minutes away from the hotel. First I went to the wardrobe trailer. The wardrobe people checked out my clothes to find the most fitted outfit they could. They liked all my pants, but only one of my tops. Luckily they brought EVERYTHING but the kitchen sink with them!! They ended up selecting a blue tee shirt, a cream camisole, and my blue jeans for my interview wear. While I was trying on a bunch of things, Chris (from the original HHA infomercial) came out from his interview session! I got a chance to meet him which was great! They then went to my fitness outfit. They loved my shorts, but hated my tops. We chose my shorts and a couple of tops to go for my fitness outfit. They also had my fat pants available to wear for the photo shoot. I then went to the hair & makeup trailer. They made me look glamorous with airbrushing and did my hair as close to my style as possible. As they were finishing with me, the producer came out and said that it was almost lunchtime and they did not want to start my interview and stop for lunch. So, the people on set checked lighting with me, then we had lunch. We had orange chicken, orange tofu, jasmine rice, green beans with soy sauce, and an asian salad with lettuce, mandarin oranges, bell peppers, sesame seeds, and asian vinagrette. After lunch, my makeup was touched up, then I went in for the interview. I talked to the producer for 1 1/2 hours about Hip Hop Abs, my experiences, how I feel now, what I want to share with everyone about it. The person after me was Dixon, another from the original HHA infomercial! I did have my camera in hand that time and got a picture of him. After the interview, it was time to take still shots in my interview outfit, my fitness gear, my size 16s, and a bikini that was selected for me. The van driver took me home after I changed and left my fitness gear with the wardrobe people. Anthony and I went to Target to get a camera and some other things, then went to TGI Fridays for dinner, and came back to the hotel to rest.

Friday, 10/17/2008 (workout day) - The van driver picked all of us up at 9:15. I got a chance to meet those that I did not see during my interview time. We rode over to Dance Dimensions, which was in the mall across the street. Someone asked why we could not walk over. The driver just said, "I was asked to drive you guys over." When we got there, we were taken in two by two to change into our workout gear and get our makeup touched up. The shoot was to start at 11:00, so we sat in the front area just chatting about everything and nothing! :) The director called us in and we did a warmup led by Anna, another one of the HHA originals. As we were talking to the camera about how excited we were to be there, Shaun T came in!! EVERYONE was so excited!! We shared our weight loss stories with him and got a chance to thank him for creating Hip Hop Abs and transforming our lives. We then went into the workout. The actress, Jennifer, did a lot of talking about how great the program was and all while Shaun led us in a "warm up". Then, he really went for it. I don't remember all the moves we did, but we did a bunch of moves - the Flava, the Get Busy, the Washing Machine, the Party Bounce, the Kick It, the Booty Pop, a couple of oblique moves that I do not remember the names to, and some others. We were in rows of three, and we all got a chance to be in the front row at least four or five times. We worked out for about an hour and a half, taking breaks every 15 minutes or so. Shaun worked the crowd like he loves to do. He was showing off our Tilt-Tuck-Tighten skills by talking to the camera as we were doing certain moves. When he got to me, we were doing an side crunch to target our obliques, and he said, "Work it Clarissa!" He then talked about how my obliques were working and I was not even on the floor doing anything. He then held my right leg up with two fingers, and said to the camera, "I know she is hating me right now!" Um, yeah!! I was losing my balance and my left leg had started to buckle!!! I was thinking to myself, "OH MY GOODNESS! I am going to crash on the floor right here on national TV!!!!! Yeah, this part is getting CUT! WHOO!!!!" After the workout was over, Tania came in and we all shared how she helped us so much - one lady who had lost 96 pounds with Hip Hop Abs shared how she really used Tania to not do any jumping moves because of her knees. He wrapped it up for the shoot, then we all grabbed our cameras to take group pics. We went out and changed back into our regular clothes, and went to lunch at Kate Mantelini near the hotel. Shaun T and Tania and the executive producer and Leili came to lunch with us. We ate and laughed and talked for over 2 hours, then took individual pics with Shaun. Found out at lunch that Tania is engaged to her honey Derek! He's an artist from New York, and he proposed in a painting. She told us the story and it was SO SWEET!!! We finally left for the hotel. I got upstairs and called my cousin in San Bernardino. She told me that she was an hour and a half away. She said she would leave at 6 to give the traffic a chance to die down. Anthony got back around 5:45 from his tour and we talked while waiting for my cousin. She came about 7:45 and we all went out to Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles to eat dinner. (And NO, we did NOT go to the dangerous one down in L.A.!!) After dinner, we went to Hollywood Blvd and walked around on the walk of the stars and went to the chinese theater to get pictures of hand and footprints. We then tried to find the Hollywood sign - which was an adventure in itself that took us all around Hollywood and back to the hotel and back to Hollywood Boulevard. We finally got a chance to see it, but it was not lit up at 1:25 in the morning!!! Oh well, now she knows where it is.....ha ha ha ha ha!!! We got back to the hotel around 2:00 Saturday morning.

Saturday, 10/18/2008 - We packed our bags in the wee hours of the morning, since our flight out was at 9:00 and our driver would be picking us up at 6:45. We had our last free breakfast at the hotel, then went to the airport. We slept almost all the way to Houston. On the way back to Birmingham, there was a cat flying in its carrier in the seat in front of us. Poor kitty's ears were sensitive from all that pressure for ascending and descending!! (Sorry....I'm a cat person....) When we got home, we stopped at the Fish Market and picked up dinner. We then came home, ate, and went to sleep for Sunday.

AN INCREDIBLE, UNFORGETTABLE TRIP!!

I am also excited that I had a newspaper article written about me and my successes! I am in talks with a few people, helping them sign up to try Hip Hop Abs themselves. I want to see them succeed with their weight loss, changing their health issues, and overcoming things in their lives. I received an opportunity to be a part of the Alabama Obesity Task Force, helping to change the lives and health of people here in Alabama!! That is REALLY amazing!

All of the things that have happened over the past couple of months has really humbled me and made me see that my life is so much a part of others. This passion for helping people has always been inside me and God is allowing me to use that passion in ways that just blow my mind! I thank Him for blessing me to be a blessing to others. I will NOT let Him down!

That is why I am a coach, helping others as much as possible. I want to see SO MANY people have this same opportunity to change their health for the better and to change their financial futures for GOOD! I LOVE what I do!!!

I will keep this blog updated at least on a weekly basis with Mid Week Motivations (gonna play catch up for the holiday weekend). In the meantime, have a WONDERFUL and blessed Thanksgiving week! Keep doing it BIG!!!!

Don't Let ANYONE Steal Your Joy!!

Don't Let ANYONE Steal Your Joy!!

I have been really going through the fire the past few weeks. I will spare you the details, but it seems like people are coming after me with the intent to bring me down. I started thinking, "Maybe there are others on my team who are going through a similar thing - maybe this will help them as well."

When you start your journey to better health and wellness, there are people who are there to support you all the way. Then there are those who say they support you, but are doing or saying things that make you think otherwise. People who take you out to lunch or dinner and say, "Oh, have a dessert - you deserve it with your hard work," or "You did not finish your meal. You usually clean your plate, and there's nowhere at work to save the rest. You might as well eat it," or my favorite, "You sure are working out a LOT/talking about weight loss and nutrition a LOT. Why don't you just take a break this week??" Or people, when you see great success, try to undermine all of your hard work or show you that it's "not a big deal".

Everyone, I am here to encourage you to not let these individuals steal your joy! They may be jealous of your accomplishments, or they may not know how to deal with the NEW YOU!! No matter what, go for your goals because they are YOURS! Romans 15:13 from the Amplified Bible says, "May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope." Take the time today to be filled with joy and when those naysayers come along to bring you down, let your joy just OVERFLOW! Be focused on your ultimate goal (lose xx pounds, drop blood pressure to xxx/xx, drop cholesterol level to xxx, wear this outfit to my class reunion, etc.) and BELIEVE that it will happen for you!! Stay EXCITED about it!

I know that you can do whatever you put your mind to do! Fill yourself up with JOY about the goals you WILL achieve!! I am here to see you succeed!!

Have a wonderful day!

p.s. It's day 10 of my September Challenge! Everyone is doing so well in getting their workouts in! If you have not done your workouts yet, you still have time! Just 20 workouts in WOWY in 30 days - that's all - and you are entered into a drawing for a Beachbody Results Pack!! I keep a check every day to see if you have worked out, and am so excited about those who have pushed play! Keep up the GREAT work, everyone!! :-)

THIS COULD BE YOU!!!!

This week's motivation is about vision.

The Bible says that without a vision, the people perish. This is my attempt to give you a vision of what could be YOUR future!!!

The Million Dollar Body Game is an excellent way to get motivated to exercise. You could win up to $250,000, just for transforming your body and health! How could $250,000 change your life? Think about that for a moment. What does good health really mean to you, even if you do not win the grand prize? Check out this link to see the last year's winners: http://www.milliondollarbody.com/announcements/winners_2007.htm

Since I won the best female transformation in February 2008, I will be going for this year's grand prize myself. And yes, this could be YOU as well!!

If you want more information, please give me a call or send an email! I would love to hear from you!

Happy Wednesday!
misscmac

Speak Those Things!

6 months left in 2008 - and you are doing SO great!!! I am excited for your changes, and I can't wait to see what the rest of 2008 holds for YOU! :-)

Now I know that you are wondering, "What is she talking about? She must not be talking about me because of ." Why is it that we think so negatively of ourselves sometimes? Why is it so difficult to speak positive things over our lives? What is going on with us??

There is real power in the words that we speak. The Bible says that death and life "...are in the power of the tongue". If you say that you are defeated, then you already are. If you say that nothing is going to change, then it will not. If you say that no one cares, then you will never see those people that do. You can change the course of your life just by saying good things about yourself and the situation you are in. Even if things LOOK bad, they can change by the words that you speak about it. Saying positive things about yourself can lift your spirits, brighten the day, and empower you to do something positive. Saying positive things about yourself will eventually drive all those negative thoughts and words away. Now don't be fooled - it IS hard to do if you have been speaking negatively for a long time, but it can be done. I challenge you to take the next six months and determine that you will speak positively over yourself and your situation, no matter what is going on. Call wonderful things into existence with your words. Try to speak positively do this on a daily basis. See what things happen for you this last part of 2008! You will definitely be amazed!!


Oh, and YES, the first two statements above ARE FOR YOU - from me!!! :-) :-)


Have a fabulous day!
Clarissa (misscmac)

The Power of Relationships

I was thinking about a lot of things this weekend, and one of the things that I am most grateful for is the multiple relationships I have built through WOWY and the message boards in Beachbody. Without this unique support system, I really would NOT have made it a year and 3 months in this new healthier lifestyle. I also would not have found some amazing people who are like minded, determined, and the best cheerleaders in the world! Some of these people have become more than my workout buddies - they have become friends.

No man is an island. God did not create man to be alone. He created us to interact with each other and build relationships. It is important to be connected to someone, especially when you are making changes. It makes things easier when you have someone there to exercise, keep you accountable, or just talk things through. Now, we don't connect easily with everyone - there are some people who are negative, don't want to be bothered, envious, not willing to make positive change, and just plain mean. Those people we love from a distance, because anything that you are around for long enough will influence you if you are not careful. We tend to be drawn toward people who give off positive energy, are helpful, and are taking actions to make change. Beachbody's people are exactly that way - so positive, so encouraging, so helpful, so incredible.

Communication and behavior helps us to see who people truly are. It shows us whether we can connect with them or not. In WOWY and on the message boards, the words that we speak are all we have. It is vital that we make our words to each other positive and encouraging. You really never know what the words you type or speak will do to change someone's day - or their life - for the better. YOU may be the only positive thing in their life at the time!

Let's connect!

Working together - we can make things happen!!

SERVICE - what a Beachbody coach is all about!

I went to Vacation Bible School Monday night.

The theme is God's Big Backyard, and we are discussing service. Service to our families and friends, service to our neighbors, service to our communities, and learning how Jesus served so we can model our lives the same way. The instructor for the adult class gave us a challenge for the week - to set aside some time to do something good for someone else. Some ideas she gave were to join a missions group, become a mentor (Big Brothers/Big Sisters for example), visit a nursing home or senior community center, do some type of volunteer work, help clean up the community, or feed at the homeless shelter.

When I came home and really thought about it, this IS what Beachbody Coaches are all about!!! SERVING OTHERS! We are in this business because we have a heart for helping other people to look and feel healthy and fit, building up self-esteem and confidence, and showing others how to get their lives on the fast track financially. As coaches, we are out there, in the community, sharing our stories and doing amazing things for others. We are serving our customers, our downline coaches, and everyone we know who wants to change their lives for the better! We are serving just like Jesus (whether we know it or not)!

So, ask yourself:
CAN I THINK OF NEW AND CREATIVE WAYS TO BE OF SERVICE TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, MY NEIGHBORS, MY CO-WORKERS, AND MY COMMUNITY THROUGH COACHING?

Once you answer that question, then go and do it!! Remember, you have the support of an incredible company and other amazing coaches behind you - don't be afraid!! The worst others can say is "No, thanks".

Let's go out there and serve like Jesus!

Come Workout With Me!

Hey everyone! Come Workout With Me!!

In the years that I have attempted to keep a consistent workout schedule (and failed), I have never seen anything like the WOWY online virtual gym! WOWY stands for Work Out With You, and it is one of the critical elements that helped me to lose 48 pounds since March 2007 and keep it off. What is it? Well, think about how a regular gym works.

You go to the gym, and you get on the treadmill (or do a rotation on the weight machines, or take a class). There are others there from different households doing different workouts, but they are all there with a similar purpose - to lose weight, to tone up, and to maintain their great shape. Now, imagine that all the gyms in the country were connected to each other. You were able to see photos of other people in different states doing their workouts at the very same time. Again, everyone is doing different workouts, but all are there for the same purpose - to lose weight, to tone up, and to maintain.

Hey, here's an added bonus - this new, interconnected gym is absolutely FREE to join! No monthly gym memberships to pay, no additional gas to use, no extra daycare fees for keeping the kids until you do your workout, FREE!!! Wait, one more thing - what if you could WIN something for doing your workout that day? Yes, WIN CASH AND PRIZES UP TO $1,000.00 DAILY!

Well, that's what WOWY is all about!

You log in free to the online virtual gym, select your workout (whether it's staying in and doing one of the incredible Beachbody programs, taking your dog for a long walk, going out to swim with the family, etc.), say hi to the people who are already there, go do your thing, and come back and click "Done". That's it! You not only got in a great workout, you now are entered into the drawing for the prize of the day!! You can also invite your family and friends to join you and give them a chance to win as well! Plus, as you work out more consistently, people who are logged in see that you are working out at the same time, and will send you an invitation to work out. So you are meeting new people across the country that are changing themselves for the better, just like you!

Oh my goodness! With so much motivation to do your workout every day, why wouldn't you get started? Come workout with me in WOWY - you will be GLAD you did! :-)


Remember, if you need ANYTHING, please feel free to contact me - I am just an email away! Have a wonderful day!

Setting Goals

As we get ready to head into the month of June, it's time to take stock of where we are right now. I know that a lot of us have different goals for different areas of our lives (work, family, financial, spiritual), but do we have goals for our fitness and nutrition? It is important to figure out what direction we want to go, or it will be really, really hard for us to get there. All it takes is asking ourselves one question:

Where do I want to be in terms of my fitness and nutrition at the end of THIS month?

The reason we are just looking at the month and not at the ultimate goal is because it is so much easier to accomplish smaller steps on the way to the ultimate goal. It is more difficult (and depressing) to look at the big picture. Focus in on the smaller steps to get you to the big picture! I believe that if you write down specific things that you want to accomplish this month in fitness and nutrition, you WILL make those changes, and it will increase your motivation to do more!

Remember when you make your goals, make them SMART:
S - specific: Focus in on a few things that you are going to accomplish
M - measurable: Make sure that you have a method to see that you are making progress
A - achievable: Can you truly do this (do you believe in your ability)?
R - realistic: Is it realistically possible to achieve this?
T - timed: Your deadline for achievement on this goal

Here are a couple of my goals for June:
- I will finish the Rockin' Body rotation by the end of June.
- I will use the Team Beachbody meal planner at least 2 weeks of this month.

If you want to send me your goals so that we can hold each other accountable, you are more than welcome to do it! Just send me an email at misscmac@blessingoffitness.com with your fitness and nutrition goals, and I will help you stay accountable to them!! Now let's get those June goals DOWN! :-)

The Power of Relationships

Summer 2008 is going to be known around Beachbody as the Summer of Support. What does that mean, you ask? I know that connecting with someone who is concerned with your success makes you want to keep up with the exercising and proper eating. We will be linking up with each other and holding each other accountable for our different exercise and nutrition changes. Through emails and online posts, we will be checking on each other and cheering each other on to success! Even though we may not be doing the same activity or eating the same foods, we CAN make sure that we keep moving forward. There may be small challenges during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but they all will be geared toward YOUR weight loss success!! I have seen the power of relationships in action. I watched people who think they are all alone and no one on their side be embraced by a community of like-minded people, and they have seen amazing results. I have seen Success Stories that share the power of a friend or a coach on their weight loss. I see people daily making new friends through WOWY and the message boards. Relationships - connecting with others and truly desiring the best for them - are so important, especially in this day and time when anger and hate seem to be running rampant.

I encourage you to join me and link up with myself and someone that you know this summer! Let's make Summer 2008 the HEALTHIEST one EVER!!!

Have a wonderful day, and be blessed!

Just Do Something!!

You know, when you stop exercising for a while, it can be really hard to come back to it. I have been really struggling with my morning workouts since coming back from over a month's rest and recuperation from surgery. Sometimes when that alarm clock goes off, I just want to turn over and get an extra hour of sleep. But, in order to combat that, I have to tell myself those three little words...just do SOMETHING! Even if I just get up and stretch today, or I get outside for a walk in the fresh air, or I get my little weights and do some bicep/tricep work for a few minutes, that's something. I am finally back to the point where I can do my Hip Hop Abs, but I know that the little things I did helped me, too. People will tell you that if you are not breaking a sweat every time you work out, then you are not doing anything. I don't believe that. Any movement is okay, as long as you start somewhere.

So, what SOMETHING will you do today? Do you have it scheduled with all the rest of your appointments?

MAKE TIME FOR YOUR "SOMETHING" THIS WEEK!

WHAT IF?

On Thursday (3/13/2008), I celebrated my one year anniversary with BeachBody! One year ago that day, my Hip Hop Abs DVDs were waiting for me at my door when I came home from work. I popped in "Secrets to Flat Abs" that evening and that started a journey that has transformed me, in more ways than one. I have lost a total of 44 pounds and 27 inches everywhere, and I have maintained it for the past 2 months!! My health is SO much better than before! My blood pressure is regulated WITHOUT MEDICATION, and my cholesterol is coming down. Plus, I was the BIG WINNER for February's best female transformation (the video of my story will be online March 17).

As I was reflecting on this journey last week, a question came to my mind:
W H A T I F?
I really thought about that question.

What if I had turned away from the Hip Hop Abs informercial that morning?
What if I had never used the products I ordered, and left them on the shelf of the entertainment center?
What if I had never contacted my coach for help?
What if I never reached out on the message boards for support?
What if I had not changed my eating habits?
What if I did not stick with it and persist to this point?
What if I never made any changes?
WHAT IF I HAD NEVER TRIED????

We all have been here - questioning ourselves and what would have or could have been. My suggestion to you is to STEP OUT IN FAITH! Amazing things could be in store for you. Who knows? A year from today, YOU could be fitter, healthier, more confident, more energetic, and a BIG MONEY WINNER, plus helping others in their transformation journeys as a coach.

Yes, sometimes we step out and it does not turn out as planned. That is okay, too. Life is not about perfection. It's all about doing YOUR best and pushing YOURSELF to excellence!! Make the decision to step forward TODAY! I am so thankful I did one year ago!!

Hope that something here will motivate YOU to GREATNESS! :)



Have a wonderful day, and keep doing it BIG!
Clarissa (misscmac)

Let's help OTHERS get healthy!

Hi all!

Check out this incredible video from Carl Daikeler, CEO of Beachbody. His vision to reverse the trend of obesity is absolutely incredible, and I am so glad to be a part of his team! Come and join us in helping others lead healthy lives!

I DID IT!!!

I am so excited that I am about to POP!!

Yesterday, January 28, 2008, I weighed in to see where I stand with my exercise program. When I started Hip Hop Abs in March of last year, I was at 178. Yesterday, my weight was 134!!!! Yes, I reached (and surpassed) my goal weight of 135! 44 pounds and 26.75 inches all over are gone forever! That is so amazing to me! I just cannot believe how far I have come! I am happier and healthier than I ever have been before. My life has been transformed in such a wonderful way.

Yesterday made me realize that I CAN DO ANYTHING that I put my mind to and stay consistent with. There are a lot of other areas in my life that need the same type of consistency, but I know that I can do it because of this success. I also see that God helped me through it all. When I did not feel like doing my exercise for the day, He always put me in a position to get it done before I went to bed. It just made me feel better, you know? When I did not want to eat right, He made me see how sluggish I became and I did not want to feel that way. So, I thank Him for this journey - because I now see I can succeed.

My next task is to get myself out of debt. To do this, I am looking into a few new opportunities that have been placed in front of me. I am also building my MDB business and working to get my two coaches as soon as possible. I know that if I am consistent, I can see the same type of results in my finances that I see in my weight transformation.

Okay, it's time for me to go to bed, but a little motivation for anyone who is working to change themselves in any way - YOU ARE TRULY WORTH IT!! Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. You are important and special. There is potential inside of you for GREATNESS - let it shine to the world. Know that there is Someone in your corner and He is cheering you on!!!

Best of blessings, and have a wonderful night, all!!

National "Before" Day - February 4, 2008

Hey everyone!!

Have you heard about the new national holiday? It's called "National 'Before' Day". Yes, the day after Super Bowl Sunday is the day that you can start a new healthy lifestyle!!

All you have to do is take your "before" picture, commit to exercise at least 20 times in 30 days, and control your portions. Then on March 6 (Day 30), take your "after" picture. You will be surprised by what you see! Keep it up, and you could shock everyone with a rockin' body by summertime!!

Don't forget, you could WIN UP TO $1,000.00 every day just for working out in the WOWY online virtual gym! Now that's what I call MOTIVATION!!

FREE SIGNUP - visit my website (http://www.blessingoffitness.com/) and click on "Play the Game" to register! I would love to help you take that first step to the best YOU that you can be!!

Looking forward to seeing you start YOUR journey on February 4!

Great health is truly a BLESSING!

Hello,

I am so excited that I have created my own blog to post my thoughts and ideas for my business!

Who am I, you ask? I am an independent Million Dollar Body fitness and business coach. I am a "walking billboard" for Hip Hop Abs. I am a person who loves God and wants Him to shine through this business. I am a daughter, a girlfriend, a hard worker, a marketer, and a businesswoman. I know that great health is truly a blessing - because I am living proof!

In 2005, I was diagnosed with endometriosis (a woman's disease where I have abnormal cycles). I had surgery to remove scar tissue and had part of my right ovary removed. In 2006, I was at my heaviest weight of 186 and was very unhealthy. My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high, and I was still dealing with endo. It did not help that my self-esteem and confidence levels were really, really terrible. I thought that looks did not matter, and I used that as my excuse to not do anything better. I felt tired all of the time. I hated shopping, because the size 16s were usually the first things to go. I was the "resolution breaker", starting out strong at the beginning of the year, but I gave up on myself and just stopped doing anything. I just did not like who I had become.

In January 2007, I had a blood pressure scare. I was not feeling well at work, and taking advice from my mama, I went to the nurses' office. They checked my blood pressure and immediately had me to lie down. She told me that my pressure was 168/101, which is very high. She informed me that I would have to see my doctor about this and maybe go on medication. I am not a big fan of medication, especially if I could do something about it. I knew I had to make a change, but I did not know exactly what to do. I was walking with a group at work, but I got bored with it and stopped. I was at 178 and miserable.

In March 2007, I saw an informercial for Hip Hop Abs. Now I NEVER order from informercials, but they looked like they were having a blast! After waffling back and forth, I ordered the program. I started when I received my DVDs. It was tough to get the moves at first, but I was determined to get it, plus Shaun T. made this so much fun to do!!

It is now January 15, 2008 (a bit over ten months later). I weighed in today at 136 pounds!! That's 42 pounds lighter than when I started, and one pound away from my goal of 135!!! I am so amazed! I have never stuck with an exercise program for this long and gotten such an incredible result before!!

What's most important to me is that my health has gotten so much better! My cholesterol is down to 203 (not where I need it to be, but MUCH better than it was), my blood pressure stays normal 100% of the time now, and my energy level is through the roof! I feel so much better. That's one of the reasons why I became a coach with MDB (the company that markets Hip Hop Abs and other great fitness and nutrition products) - because I have transformed myself so dramatically, I want to help others to do the same! In being blessed, I can be a blessing to other people! You see, great health IS truly a blessing!

I will be using this space to post about fitness and nutrition, my business goals and status, and other things I think are important.

I will blog more later.