I'm back!

8 months.   That’s how long it’s been since I last posted on this slice of the blogosphere.   Why the hiatus? Well, it’s complicated.  (Isn’t it always?)  

I started feeling like constantly writing about fitness and nutrition was a bit hypocritical since I am by no means the picture of perfect health and don’t always set a good example.  How could I preach it if I didn’t always practice it? 

Also, it felt a little egotistical to think that anyone was interested in reading about what was going on in my life, outside of family and friends. 

But recently, I’ve started really missing my little blog.  I looked back at old post and re-read  “The Reasons I Started This Blog”.  All the things I wanted to accomplish by blogging, I did.  And those are the reasons I want to start blogging again.

So I’m back!

Maybe it is egotistical to think anyone wants to read my words, but I’m not blogging for other people, I’m blogging for little ol’ me.

And maybe I’m not always the best leader when it comes to diet and exercises, but I try hard and have a few tips and tricks to share.  Plus, doesn’t everyone struggle with staying on track?   

Now... Let’s catch you up to speed.

Did you miss me? :)

The Reason I'm Not Quitting Blogging

I received my first negative feedback from my blog yesterday.  It wasn't a posted comment, but someone I know, criticizing me face to face.

You see, I post about my victories and triumphs as well as my failures.  If I skip a workout or eat something awful, I confess it on my blog.  Showing you one side of things (only my great workouts and clean eats) would be misrepresenting myself.  I think it's important for readers to understand my struggles and know that they aren't alone if they, too, sometimes struggle to fit in every workout and cave to the temptation of ice cream.

One of the reasons I started this blog was to be more open with my life.  Because I grew up in a hyper-critical household, I am very closed off.  (Note: It was also a giving household.  I love my family very much and am very thankful for them and the opportunities I have because of their hard work.) I don't share much of my life with anyone, because I don't want my decisions and choices to be picked apart.  Recently, it's something I have been struggling with, because I now fear it will keep me from ever truly being close with anyone.

Of all people that should know this about me, my criticizer should. She, in a very judgemental tone, asked "When was the last time you even went to CrossFit?"  Then said she noticed on blog post I skipped Tuesday's WOD.  She was drinking, and I will give her the benefit of the doubt that she wouldn't have said it sober.  The thing is, she knows how busy I've been and on top of that, I'm the one that convinced her to join our box. It was a slap in the face.

When I woke up this morning, my first thought was I can't blog anymore.  If this is going to be a source of criticism and judgement, I don't need it. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that would be cutting off my nose to spite my face.  (A phrase I love, and something I do often.  I can be quite spiteful.)   I can't let one little comment stop me from doing something I enjoy.  Most feedback I get through my little space of the blogosphere is positive and encouraging.  Why should I let a bully keep me from doing something I enjoy?

People will always judge and criticize.  It's inevitable.  All I can do is live my life in an honest way and let the comments roll of my back.  This particular comment stung extra hard because it was from someone I didn't expect about something I have been feeling guilt.

So, even though I planned to go to CrossFit this morning, I slightly overslept.  I eased my guilt of playing hookey (again) by doing a warm up of 4 minutes of jump rope, 20 push ups, 20 burpees, 20 squats, and 20 sit ups.  Then, I did a tabata workout of squats, push ups, sit ups, and burpees.  (If you don't know what tabata is, here is an article that explains it in a simple way.)  My glutes and arms BURN!  Oh, and I'm going to try my hardest to make this WOD this afternoon.  More push ups and squats?  Why not!


How do you handle criticism?  If you're a blogger, has it ever made you consider quitting your blog?

What I _____ Wednesdays, Vol. 18

I've been thinking for a while that I wanted to write a post about why I love the blogging community.  Yesterday, after reading about the Valentine's Day Swap over at Christina's blog, I was again reminded why I love all you bloggers.  So arose the perfect opportunity to write my post gushing about my adoration for the blog world.  (Head over to Hungry Meets Healthy and e-mail Christina before January 23rd to sign up for the swap!  Maybe we will get matched up! :) )

What I Love About the Blogging Community Wednesday

1.  Motivation to eat healthy and exercise.  I am constantly reading about others workout and diet routines, which inspires me to stay on track.  Also, when I write about the same, I always recieve great comments that encourage me.

2. Ideas for workouts and recipes.  Healthy Living/Fitness bloggers provide me a never ending resource for new foods and new exercises to try! (which also helps with #1 and motivates me to stay on track!)

3. Experiencing new places.  I love reading about each blogger's adventures in their respective cities.  It makes me feel like I'm exploring their streets.  Talk about travel on a budget!

4. Discovery of new products, books, etc.  Instead of wasting money on a product I may or may not like, often y'all let me know whether or not it's worth my hard earned dollars!

5. Giveaways!  I love winning free stuff!

6.  Laughs.  Bloggers are so funny!  Some in a sarcastic witty way, and some in a really over the top cheesy way...both of which I appreciate. 


I'm sure I could continue on and on, but I'll spare you reading any further!


Why do you love bloggers?  Why do you love blogging?



A Reflection of My Blogging Experience

I have been blogging for over a week now.  Reflecting back over my week and my blog posts, I've realized a few things...

1. Blogging has been really helpful in keeping me motivated about nutrition and exercise.  Since I have been confessing via this blog, I feel more accountable for my actions.

2. I have a wonderful support system of family, friends, and workout buddies.  Everyone has been so encouraging and supportive of the blog.

3. Blogging takes time. I thought writing a blog post would take 10 minutes max, but it takes 30 minutes minimum.

4. I don't take enough pictures.  Most of the pictures I have posted on my blog are old as dirt or stolen from some internet source. I vow to start being my own paparazzi and photo documenting my life.  The blogs I find the most intersting are the ones full of pictures.