If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you 💪

Mar 21, 2018

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#WednesdayWisdom

"Getting over wanting everyone to like you will free you to do what you were put on this planet to do in the first place." —Latham Thomas

Morning Musings

As I mentioned , I started seeing a personal trainer. Back in seventh grade, my math and science teacher told me, "If you do the same thing you've always done, you'll get the same thing you've always gotten."

The YouTube workouts, MyFitnessPal app and Fitbit tracker weren't cutting it. If I really wanted to lose these extra lbs., I'd have to do something I'd never done before. I'd have to get help.

Thankfully, my gym offers a complimentary assessment and two free sessions for new members (and, even more thankfully, my husband graciously transferred the free sessions he never used when he joined to me). And we're off!

When the fitness director asked what I was looking for in a trainer, my first response was a woman of color. I don't want to get rid of my curves, I just want to tone them up.

So I figured a WOC would understand ... plus, I just prefer to support my people whenever possible. My second requirement was that she be encouraing, but firm. I don't need a drill sergeant yelling at me at 7 o'clock in the morning. That type of "motivation" does nothing for me.

So I was matched with Sonya. And it was love at first deadlift. (Okay, I may or may not have stalked her IG before meeting IRL and was equal parts inspired and intimidated. But she also loves dance and yoga, so we're basically twins. And I now have a new #GirlCrush. Obvi.).

During one early-morning session, Sonya asked me how the weights were for a particular set. Now, I could have half-assed it and said "great!" But I asked her to up the weight by 5 pounds.

She cheered me on. "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."

Of course, this was in the context of working out. But I believe this mentality applies to life in general. So this week I want you to ask yourself: what are you half-assing? Now go out there and challenge yourself.

Love,
L'Oreal

IRL

I'm so excited to share my first two speaking engagements of the year! If you're in Chicago, you can catch me at the following spots:

March 27: Ignite Chicago (use the code SPEAKERFRIEND for 15% off your ticket)

April 11: Go Forth Panel: Finances, Pricing & Transparency (this one is FREE!)

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So after meeting with my personal trainer last week, I had a complimentary consultation with the gym's resident dietician. We went over a typical day for me and she suggested healthier options.

One of those suggestions was overnight oats, which I'd seen on Pinterest, but just assumed were too difficult to make IRL. I was wrong, so very wrong. In a matter of minutes, I made a delicious AND nutritious breakfast for the whole week!

And it was super easy, too: Simply add 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk; 1/2 old-fashioned oats; 1 chopped apple; sprinkle with cinnamon and a little bit of honey. Refrigerate overnight and top off with some chopped pecans when you're ready to eat and BOOM! Breakfast is done, baby.

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Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this edition of LT in the City Weekly! Be sure to follow me on the Interwebs using the buttons below or simply click "reply" to tell me what you think. Thanks a bunches!