Sunday Smash Up- Faith Bigger Than Fear

My fall outfit w/ adorb black cat pin /  Ralph, the pensive pug  /  My guilty pleasure reading

I typically try not to get too personal on the blog- but Sunday will be the day I let my hair down and give you an update on all the personal shizz that’s circulating in my life.  This past week was a challenging one full of change and commitment, but alas, a totally rewarding one.

So, what’s the deal with “Faith Bigger Than Fear?”

Since I moved back to California, I seem to live in a state of exhilarating uncertainty that is challenging me both emotionally, financially and physically.  I am still preparing for my very first half marathon in January, but now, I’ve made some exciting career changes and am thrilled at the next chapter of my life.  My boyfriend and I came to a decision that our life and careers will be best built together in Chicago and while I still run my own business, work on my eBook & train for my first runDisney  half marathon, I’m also looking for marketing jobs in Chicago.

In every sense of the word- I’ve been hustling hard.  Though life is filled to the brim with opportunity, a bit of stress, and plenty of challenge, I am committing to living the next few months with faith  stronger than fear.   I know I will find the right job in Chicago, I know I will find a few new clients at CakeMix Media in the interim for winter.  I know that Rockstar Blogging will do as well as it’s meant to, I will give it my utmost best and that’s all I can hope for.

I have faith that I’m doing all that I can to prepare properly for my races, if I fail on race day, I know that I will have put in as much as I could… but of course, it’s still scary to set big, audacious goals (publicly no less) and put your pride on the line.  As the Rolling Stones sang, “You can’t always get what you want, but you find sometimes, you get what you need.”  I know that no matter how long it takes to find the right job and be reunited with the love of my life (gasp! yes, he’s just that special) or however well the ebook does- this isn’t a matter of pride, it’s a matter of purpose.  I’ve set high standards, it’s time to put ego aside and do my best work, regardless of how it turns out (or when it turns out). Faith. Stronger. Than. Fear.

 Luckily for me, not all challenges are life altering-  some are just beautiful…

My first trail running experience- 3.6 miles on road and winding trails, totally gorgeous!

So, in the theme of change and “faith bigger than fear,”  I’ve been pushing myself to try new activities and foods to better propel my ginormous half marathon training goal… luckily though, the changes have been totally worth it!  This Saturday was my first trail running experience and I’m hooked.  Each Saturday, my group and I run a different location in north San Diego county and go as far as we want to, then circle back to the start point.  I love, love, love trail running, and yes, my Mizunos are officially christened in mud!   I think I’ll be ready for some serious hiking and even a mud run in the near future!

 My daily green smoothie inspired by Kaia F.I.T. / Eating healthy / Gorgeous early morning trail runs

This week I was SO sore from Kaia F.I.T.  and am entered in the “Plank Off” where you hold Plank position (like doing a pushup without going down) for as long as you can stand it.  I topped out at 1:20..yes, that’s all I had in me!  Each week we record our time during class, and whoever has the longest time at the end of the 5 weeks wins a prize.  I’m not going to bet money on winning that, but I can see the progress happening already!  For a few days, lifting, laughing, or bending over to pick up items was quite a challenge, I was so, so sore!

Donated blood this Saturday which means I have to rest today…but that’s OK, it’s worth it!

Though there seems to be a lot on my heart and mind about the many changes I’m working on implementing, I try to find a moment to feel blessed despite the stress!  Yesterday, I had an enormously wonderful day by finally getting to donate blood again and spend some time with two of my good friends who are planning their March wedding…  We also got to get Pho after discussing life, love, weddings & centerpieces…I would have taken a picture had I not inhaled what was on my plate, sorry!

Hard Work & Faith.

It’s All I Have To Give So I’m Going To Give It All I’ve Got…

It’s exhilarating to put your heart and soul into an online product- to cultivate your best advice and experience into a book, but it’s also terrifying to put that same heart+soul work out in the open.  I feel as excited as I feel vulnerable-  I’ve put endless hours into this book and recording videos, reaching to readers to answer questions and to edit, polish & promote it.   I have been told that “win or lose, it’s all data, it’s all a lesson,” and I know I have a lot to learn whether it exceeds my expectations or falls short- I stand behind my work and know that Rockstar Blogging is my brainchild and will help other bloggers.. let’s just hope we can get the word out!

Right now, my faith needs to be bigger than my fear.  Of course I’m nervous because I set a monstrous goal for  Rockstar Blogging– to sell 130 copies!   I need not only to prove to myself I can do it, but also to replenish my emergency fund (which you can read about it here, it’s totally depleted) but help pay for my half marathon travel and holiday gifts/travel.  I’ve done my best, now I must hope for the best… faith, faith, faith!

So, Saturday was all about counting my blessings- and today, as I write this post, I count the many amazing things going on my life.  I’d rather be challenged and a little nervous that bored and unfulfilled- and if you’re reading this and you’re on a journey too, I want to hear it, please share!  🙂 

Have you ever had faith bigger than fear?

What challenged you?