Tag: fitness

The Balancing Act 🏋🏻‍♀️

How’s it going, warriors? I bring you a young Jim Hellwig in his early bodybuilding years today, but what a balancing act he had trying to figure it all out for his future back then. No black-and-white photo from me in a few years~~~ not counting a banner I used last year near Halloween actually. Warrior certainly was walking that metaphorical tight rope between career choices but we all have those moments right? It doesn’t even have to be quite in that way as my followers know me by now. My journey would be more like having 1 foot in Spirit and 1 on Earth and it can be a challenge balancing it all every day. All of us realistically are this way whether you truly identify with that concept or not. Most of us don’t need to work that scale of balance between fame and a personal life, but we all have other ideas that will tug on our rope.

Here’s a few thoughts of mine that I think you totally can relate with every day, all day. How about these? Who we are on the surface versus who we truly want to be, things we know versus what we share or even don’t share, and even work versus play. We somehow balance them little by little, even though nothing will ever be perfect or even on both sides. That’s just life and we need to believe we are doing the best we can. To circle back to Warrior for a minute, all you skeptics still doubting the spiritual aspect with him~~~ just look up info on your own. His “Destrucity” principles? His first comic book topic? Yep, it’s all there in those and a few other works he put out as it wasn’t just his wrestling career of UW.

None of us has the full proof plan for how to have all our ducks in a row 🦆🦆🦆, and it may never happen or at least not happen the way we would like. Life is not a straight line, it’s full of curves and detours. 〰️➰ Let’s always remember what Warrior spoke often and that is once again how it’s not the destination, it’s the journey. Yes, we all are heading somewhere but need the experiences and adventures to make it a great life. Some days we seem to have it all together and everything is even keel but then other days~~~ not so much as is life readers. Nobody has the answers and we don’t get them many times but we keep going because we are warriors and that’s what we do.

I’ll take this another way with me regarding balancing and maybe some of you can connect a little. In mentioning the photo today and the next few weeks, I did some research but had to balance my time that afternoon. I wanted a new pics and without seeing some I could use on FB or my collection, I went to Instagram which I had not in a while. I follow a few pages, but haven’t scrolled back through photos of him over the years. There are 3 groups I had seen and 1 didn’t take that long, but the other 2, oh my… 😬 Once I started, I had to finish~~~ you know what I mean? Time just flew by and I will not say how long but it did take over an hour! The scale was tipped with time that day.

As a parent, my life is a constant balancing act~~~ even with these young adult children. It just takes on a new form with them navigating their way through a different chapter once childhood dissipated. With all of us, life is always evolving, shifting, growing, and changing until we leave this planet~~~ even though it may not feel like it. What do you personally feel the need to balance day by day? It may change overtime or remain the same for a bit. How I like to approach it is to truly prioritize what actually needs to get done versus what isn’t necessarily as important. Always make time for those wants too but schedule your activities wisely. I do realize like my IG scrolling how time gets away from us but try to truly commit to a set block and stick to it. Give yourself 10 minutes to meditate (like me…) or 30 minutes to go for a walk, it doesn’t matter. I’m not talking about time spent at a paying job but those other interests we need to have in our lives. Warrior spent time working out, painting, and writing… ✍🏻

Don’t beat yourself up for spending more than enough on something that fills your soul because quite possibly, you were meant to do that. Not everything has to be super scheduled around every minute of our free time. Even if you need a nap, take it without guilt. As a wrestler, Warrior’s routine was very set in place with little time to just be. He tried to carve out some here and there when he’d be alone away from possibly partying or hanging with the guys. We can’t be in 2 places at once doing it all. Yet another reason I would never split holidays. That’s just me though… Some would split let’s say Christmas Day between 2 homes, but how very stressful… If it has to be done OK, but I am grateful it did not and still does not with my family.

Well, warriors~~~ is your scale tipped more to one side than the other today or will it be? Just accept that and begin again tomorrow. You might be in the circus act walking a tight rope or even like a pro wrestler balancing on that top rope *BUT* we always figure it out on the way down. Decide what really matters to you and leave the rest on the arena floor. We will always have things that need our attention in life but we also need to follow those things that want our attention~~~ big difference. I hope you know this. A young bodybuilder had to do just that when starting out on the road to success and we do too, just in the way that works for us. Warrior’s fitness always remained with him as part of his balancing act while other passions faded away. It just might be the same for an area in your life as I know for sure it is with mine. Lighten your load by moving some to the other side of the scale if you can. Work out those compromises and see if it makes a difference.

Your balancing act will always be part of your life. Will you balance, fall, or just walk away? Your choice warriors. If you fall, just don’t submit. Break out of that hold and start again.

*** I’ll be here next week for the end of October!!! Halloween is coming. Get out your 🎭 masks and face paint. 🎨

P.S. BTW to any of you Warrior fans ever wondering this concerning “ Destrucity.” YES… it did totally connect to Buddhism as I thought possibly many posts ago. Not sure if Warrior was ever asked that in any formal interview but believe me on this, it *DOES* relate. I have an “inside scoop” that is very accurate as a source so I can’t fully reveal how I know. It’s so great to finally get that answered… 💙💪🏻🙏🏻

My February Loves

🩷💚💪🏻

Hello everyone! Here we are just 2 days before that “ LOVE” holiday of Valentine’s Day. I have shared my husband’s and I story of getting engaged that day (24 years ago now) but that post was last year. I wish you all a beautiful day so please celebrate however it works in your life. Over here, our local shops were having a “ Ghoulentine’s Day.” They have had “ Galentines”for the gals but ghouls? I’m not sure what it was all about as I associate ghouls with Halloween. 👻🤔 Well, if it got the places business and foot traffic, I’m sure it was a fun yet different theme…. You’ll notice I use that word of love in the title once again so maybe next time, it won’t be around February! 💘

The photo today got used on Instagram last month as part of my 400th post so I kept it for these writings. I should’ve put it on here but wanted to use a UW pic then so now it’s time to bring it to show my love. I of course, like you have many things associated with this day of love but it brings another yearly mention. 33 years ago, I started my “version” with working out down in the basement of my childhood home. That story is in my book : “ Spirit and Belief” as it began very comically indeed. 🤭 It was during the Winter Olympics of ‘92 as I was feeling blah with cabin fever. Much has evolved with my routine naturally as I practice yoga, but sometimes need new to activate different muscles and my core.

My daughter actually brought that up just the other day. She noticed our arm weights near the fireplace where they sit. She knows this but asked if I had weights in my old home. I laughed and said: “ Do you think your grandparents would’ve bought those back then?” 😂It could’ve been my Dad though as he got much into fitness in his mid 40s, but my Mom was not interested. Some of that is generational for sure and she did walk or bike a little but not working out in other ways and that’s fine. We never had equipment at all as my Dad used the machines at work. I just thought it was amusing how she brought up the weights like they were new sitting in that space! Fitness is a love of mine as well, so it can be and is one of my ideas I will bring with this title. Hard to believe it began when I was just 19, going on 20. Most of my adult life too…

Here’s another love of mine. Loyal readers, can you guess? What are some other connectors which become funny like today that I’ve brought up MANY times? OK, I will fill you in. Music and songs, of course! Always a love of mine and always will be. I will share a few songs that I heard most recently but you know with me, it isn’t just that simple sometimes. I’m gonna say a 3️⃣ count although one I had mentioned before…. My husband and I wanted to use this 10% off coupon for “ Texas Roadhouse” that we got at the basketball game a few weeks ago. Typically though, he is either in the middle of doing something or isn’t aware of the time. Restaurants fill up pretty quickly around here near dinner time and especially on a Saturday night.

We got to the parking lot and it’s packed! I knew it. I’m not much of a steak person anyways, but I’d find something. We left though and never went in. So, we decided on “Ruby Tuesdays” nearby as I love the garden bar! 🥗I did get shrimp 🍤as well so it was a yummy time. 😋They were playing such fun 80s songs as perhaps “ Texas Roadhouse” would not have. See, we were meant to be there~~~ at least I was anyway! It took so much for me to A~ not dance in my seat or move while eating and B~ not to laugh. OMG moments here we come as I share my fun and silly Kathy memories. 😜

The first song played was “ Word Up” by Cameo. Does anyone remember this one? It was very popular when I was in high school. In fact, I think maybe I was a junior when the seniors used that song for a skit. I totally remember them dancing to that all those years ago. Why this song on here you might ask? Well…… just add two letters and switch it from “ Word Up” to…. you can probably guess. They spell the song so go from there. I’m still laughing and all these years later can recall the skit with my little play on words., Teen Kathy, I love her. 🙋🏻‍♀️Not just in February either, ha ha. The thing is, I don’t think I’ve ever heard that song in public, *** EVER***. Even more special. Me dancing in my seat giggling, can you just picture it?

The second song was when I walked up to the garden bar and all of a sudden I hear: “ Come on girls, do you believe in love? ‘Cause I got something to say about it and it goes something like this...” Know the song? It’s “ Express Yourself” by Madonna. Yep, another goodie with my little memory bank. You can look up the other lyrics but do some fit for this post? Ultimately, yes they do! I even had some actions for a few verses, oh my. How did I keep my food down with my husband sitting across from me? 🤣 It is one of my favorite Madonna songs as it fits for me too.

The last one was “ Emotions” by Mariah Carey. I had mentioned this one at the dentist’s office a few years back. I can’t hit her high notes but try to do my best, just not in a crowded restaurant with on lookers thinking I’m crazy! Those 3️⃣ songs can relate to Valentine’s Day too. OK, “Word Up” has no “psychological romance”, but dancing is great to love! Both “ Express Yourself” and “ Emotions” are also perfect for this holiday. I as usual first say to myself: “ No way am I sharing that experience” but then I decide to anyway. We need to make fun of ourselves sometimes, right? So, if you can’t or don’t want to celebrate Vday, just read this post for a couple of great laughs at my expense. I truly won’t mind. Enjoy all your loves whatever they may be. I know you’re singing now, right? I am as usual. 🎤🎼🥰

P.S. Love to you all for making me part of your day! Happy Valentine’s Day. Love the warrior YOU are! 🫵🏻

P.P.S. Guess we’ll use that 10% off another time… 🤷🏻‍♀️

From Skinny to Strong 💪🏻💙

Welcome to June warriors! Summer☀️ will officially be here in my area later this month as it’s my favorite season. I told ya I’d be using some newer pics on here once again so as you can see down below, we have a young junior bodybuilder named Jim Hellwig, aka- Warrior. Yes, I can finally relate to *** THIS*** topic just a little as that part of Jim’s career was off-limits to me. If I can’t connect, it doesn’t get written as you readers know. Now, however, I have a story. I’m quoting from my book: “Spirit and Belief” for the second week because well, this story comes right after the tattoo one of last time. I had to look it all up since I couldn’t remember but how awesome to have a story about my daughter and my son in a row~~~ not planned. That story is called: ” My Skinny Strong Warrior” from chapter 24.

To rewind just a little, several years ago my husband bought our kids a beginners workout bench to use. I thought at the time it would get ignored and at first, it did not. After a bit though, it did as he eventually gave it away. 😟 The novelty wore off but I so enjoyed seeing them put it together. Here’s part of the story I wrote back then: ” My son seems so young and yet I was reminded of Warrior who was around this same age when he began lifting weights.” My son at that time was 12 and is now 20. 😳 I continue on with this: ” I hope he develops a consistent practice so his interest peaks more and more. This young man of ours might be finding his destiny just like another skinny kid did back in the day.” Well, he is finally more so doing just that- only 8 years later…

This final semester in college he had gotten a new roommate briefly. His one friend transferred back closer to home, so the new guy hailed from Maryland! Why he is studying in Ohio, I still am not sure 🤔 but we were told he is an amateur weightlifter. He had piqued my son’s interest and gave him some pointers. Some of those ideas I had given years ago but it’s always different coming from a peer and not a parent. When our guy got home for his summer break, he started using my husband’s workout bench as I just SIGHED knowing we had given away the other one. Nowadays, you can download a Fitness app to your phone or watch YouTube videos which is what he is doing. Times have changed, haven’t they?

Lately, he’s been slacking but began running 🏃🏻, playing more basketball while working up a good sweat 🏀, and then finishing with weights 🏋🏻‍♀️. He also improved his diet but by being home eating Mom’s meals and packing a lunch more, it helps. No more of McDonald’s 🍔🍟 while working all the time, heck no! He’s even lost a few pounds so it’s turning into muscle. Is he into bodybuilding? No, but is definitely taking a more active approach to fitness which started with his new friend. He may not see him that much come fall but hopefully, my son will continue down this more physically fit lifestyle. He was never a big kid but wanted more strength in his core.

We shall see what the future holds with his endeavors, but like I said in my book ~~~ I will stand by him and who knows, he might just have some help from that “warlord” up above. Years prior when in middle school, one of my son’s vocabulary words in social studies was warlord AND he even was a warrior in a game they played at school. All of his friends were peasants or merchants but HE was a warrior. He only shared that story with me and not his dad. How about that? 🥹 Warrior went from skinny to strong and now my kid is doing the same only of course not in the exact way. He was just inspired by another young bodybuilder type of a different generation.

Have you ever had something in your life that didn’t exactly work out the way you’d hope but then years later, it finally does? If you truly think about it, we probably all have at some point. Sometimes, it just isn’t meant to be or wrong timing maybe. Months or years go by and then it gets “locked up” to make it work. It could be a job that didn’t pan out, a move which doesn’t line up, or other issues in your life. You can let it go for a bit and just let it FLOW or keep pursuing it (like most of us do) where we push too hard, fight, and it doesn’t happen.

We need to abandon things at times because honestly, it shouldn’t be that hard and if it is~~~ it’s forced. The Universe helps or however you define it but we still need to do our part. Just don’t “over effort” like I’ve said before as I truly need to remember always. My husband pushed our workout bench on the kids and got them excited to keep track of reps, lifts, etc. but then it waned. We really tried to get them into other interests besides video games or YouTube. We need as parents to back off and let them choose their own way. We can give foundations or directions but then let it be as the seed gets planted. You can go from skinny to strong on your own terms but often, we need time to develop. It worked for Warrior to go fast but for most of us, we are not that rocket ship at full blast. 🚀 Enjoy June my readers and pick up a copy of my book if you feel so inclined for summer reading! You’ll find that story, last week’s and many more at a retailer of your choice… 📗Book plug, week 2…

P.S. Remember summer reading lists for school if you are old enough? Not to worry, no book report due! I always read mine— of course… 😉📚

Never Play Small 🫵🏻💪🏻🏋🏻‍♀️

I am sure you’ve heard of that saying above as Warrior would 100% agree. Yes, I know he writes about 1994 there on the side and a memory I have is from 1993 (I think?) but that’s in a bit. I must admit, I used to place small but not so much anymore. Why? Because it doesn’t lead you anywhere except to frustration and disappointment all centered around expectations. It’s kind of like how back in the day, some would never ask for directions if physically lost while driving or something like that. Now, we have Siri but I’m sure you all can relate. I can be quite stubborn but nowadays, I ask for help because it sometimes is necessary. If it pertains to the kids, I’ll ask questions if need be instead of struggling on my own. Nope, not playing small on most topics anymore.

Let’s talk birthdays a moment. Maybe you celebrate yours in a grandiose fashion but maybe you’re more low-key. When younger, it’s all controlled by your parents or maybe older siblings help to plan a party. Once in school, did you tell friends when your birthday was? I did but we all have to let go of any possible outcomes. Just because you tell someone, they may not get you anything except telling you : “Happy Birthday!” 🎂 How about as adults in a workplace? My husband hates the attention which I can understand but we all deserve to be celebrated and not just as kids or on milestones. I’ve had a few fun surprises over the years (and still do 🤭) from others but in a workplace is different. A few coworkers of mine brought a beautiful lunch one year just for me, which was in 1993 that I mentioned earlier. One had asked if I liked chicken salad~~~ very random?! It totally floored me as I had no idea. I have never forgotten that… At another job, we used to do birthday lunches where everyone contributed. It was so fun, but then I never wanted to work the afternoon class!! Was that playing small? Nope, because if you don’t share, nobody ever knows. Some prefer it that way but to me, it gets lonely. We deserve that special attention but can’t expect it..

I have played small when younger like I said but other times it affects us differently. It isn’t just speaking up or sharing but also acting. Always playing small will never increase confidence as Warrior came to know many times in his life. He didn’t even play small alone doing his workouts! If he never walked into that weight room back in high school, Coach Pate never would’ve seen his potential which went from small to BIG… That of course led to so many other opportunities career wise for him and with Vince McMahon~~~ NEVER small either! I’m so grateful he had mentioned those in his HOF speech who motivated him to keep going and to not play it small. He never forgot them but we shouldn’t forget those in our lives too who motivate us for similar reasons. 🥹🔥

We all have those down days or even moments, but then something snaps us back when another picks us up. No, I don’t mean a press slam! Those who truly care will know the right thing to say or do when we think we aren’t making a difference. On my spiritual journey, there’s been several people who saw, and still see my potential and despite some humility always, I don’t play small with unworthiness. OK, I don’t go out there and do book projects anymore but I am still doing what I love~ just in another ways. I’ll have those “Ms. Resistance” times and then I’ll get a message full of compliments that I wasn’t expecting. Sure, I can always go BIGGER in many areas but there are ideas I prefer to stay smaller . Does it mean I shy away all together though? No and it shouldn’t for you either. What are some ideas or projects you might be playing small upon? Maybe you can just amp them up a little if you like. We all deserve our own praise. even if others disagree.

Lately, I’ve had people reach out to me for various reasons that I wasn’t anticipating. I even got asked to go on a retreat with my former book club ladies. I couldn’t attend, but so nice to be included and feel special. They could’ve just invited the current group but thought of the others they begin with. That’s not playing small fellow warriors…. Some friends take pics of my kids with their bands and not because they have to but because we have gotten close and they enjoy doing it. The lengths they go to get the right shot just for us parents is no small feat indeed~~~ at least sometimes. I even get sent some from extra parents which is so sweet. I have returned the favor because I am a proud mom too. 🥰📷🎼

How about those 80s wrestling podcast guys I have referenced? If you’ve heard them, they certainly have included me with their mostly regular male callers. Talk about a BIG deal. Nothing small about that and I can run with the big boys anytime! *****Switching my gear over to the feminine, my cousin doesn’t hold back when sharing spiritual topics with me either that she can’t share with anyone else. I certainly don’t restrict by being small around her as well. We won’t be small when it’s with those we truly care for and vice versa. Sometimes, I might over share but it’s only because I trust the other and feel myself enough to be ME… That includes humorous antics too as very few experience that side of myself. When I’m goofy, I’m not playing small and those select few just know my vibe! 😜You have people like that too, I know you do. I bet they let their guard down and don’t play small with you either.

Just because stuff is the best because we can celebrate friendship without there being a big celebration of sorts. It’s those real ones who ask how you are despite their own chaotic life and don’t mince words. Some of us love BIG but it isn’t because we’re clingy, it’s because we are genuine and the real deals. Playing small just kept us that way and then we’d never evolve into the big hearts we want to give without expectation. I’ve been there~ I know, but this girl doesn’t place small because there’s no winning that match. You can do you, I will do me. Let’s just agree that some things are worth playing big for. You get to choose which ones. Look to Warrior. He knew too… 💙

P.S. Guess what? No P.S. this week! It’s been a long time for that… 😉

Home Gym Stories 💪🏻🏋🏻‍♀️🧘‍♀️

I love that pic of Warrior above years ago at his gym in Arizona. He looks so happy and I’m very glad he was able to have that in his life at that time. Years later, he had his barn gym on their property in New Mexico but today, I am sharing a few of MY home gym stories. Fitness has been a huge topic on here over time plus it’s mentioned in my book, “Spirit and Belief” but I wanted to delve a little more into it today. You can say passion or even obsession which I blogged before, but it is different for us all.

I won’t get into my beginnings as that has been told, but of course much has evolved. Working out became fun for me although it may not be for some. It shouldn’t all be sweating your body weight because come on, that’s not fun. Warrior may not agree or look at his routine the same way, but it can be both WORK and FUN! Maybe some aspire to the ” no pain, no gain” attitude and I DID years ago but not anymore. Obviously a bodybuilder or pro wrestler mindset will be entirely different and I respect that. Our mindsets in other ways do take on a few parallel roads as I will share with you all today.

Warrior had mentioned doing 500 sit ups (or crunches which are easier) but my number was half that at 250. Well, the 250 came a few hours after dinner but I probably did 100 or so earlier in the day. Sure, you can maintain those muscles but losing weight won’t happen with crunches unless you combine it with other exercise and diet. It all depends on your personal goals. So, this is about ME now and not what Warrior did or how hard he did things. I did those 100 crunches as part of my routine every day but the extra 250 was because of guilt tripping over food at dinner. Yeah, it was that way for a while. I don’t do those crunches or any at all nowadays but push-ups replaced them. I do 20 but I used to do 30. I feel that more in my core as sit ups hurt my back. If I would’ve been more disciplined with them years ago, perhaps it could’ve gone another way but these times require more of a new approach with my core strengthening which works for me. 

Squats were a huge part of Warrior’s regime and as years progressed, they became part of mine. He showed the heavy metal rock band “I See Stars” how to properly do a squat as part of “The Warrior Show” which you can find on YouTube. I watched these years ago but had to find them again for this post. He lifts a bar and shows them how it‘s “like shi**ing over a hole!” Warrior the drill sergeant indeed. We have a 20 lb. kettle bell that I used for a few years and would do 20 squats, 5 days a week. I loved it but over time, the body responded. Readers will know my posterior is nonexistent and a piriformis muscle along with the glutes became affected. I pushed through the pain but needed my PT to help realign those areas. I can use smaller weights and squat but don’t. Oh, there’s more…

My husband has always had weights and lifted on his own workout bench for years. We have some little arm weights of 3, 5, 8, and then bigger 10 ones. The 30 lb. one always alluded me until a few years ago. He would do arm curls and I eventually was able to lift it somewhat at my elbow. I sure did want to try and lift it. I started small of course but it kept calling to me as an “ultimate challenge.” Finally was I able to lift it above my head like a gorilla press! I actually cried. I did 10 reps but probably should’ve just done it on occasion. Never did I feel any pain but after looking at my paperwork from the ulcer (a couple years ago,) a hiatal hernia was listed. My doctor never mentioned it as a concern since internal ones go away with medicine. How would I get that on top of everything else including gastritis? It’s all in the gut for sure. I was never told the specifics (but I DO know how I got the ulcer and it wasn’t medical) so I put it together with lifting that 30 lb. weight. Maybe not but with my lack of power legs and a backside always, I just assumed. No lifting again for me and it made me sad. 😞 I loved lifting that 30 lb. weight and my workouts are fun. 

The kids even would say how Mom will miss her work out when we were on vacation. They wouldn’t say that about their Dad! I would do little things in hotel rooms though… They were right so I would either do much before we left or after getting home. Not anymore. Sweating isn’t that common for me either. On the elliptical machine, jumping rope or jacks for a minute, or in the sauna is where I sweat. Still cardio but more yoga and you know what? I am FINE with it. I proved some things but don’t need to at this point in my life. Even on our old elliptical machine I was crazy at times. It was only 20 minutes a set but once we had neighbors unexpectedly come over and I was downstairs working out. For some reason, I didn’t get in my morning time— I can’t remember. I had 5 minutes to go and warriors- I finished before greeting them! 5 minutes can seem fast but when company is over, it is an eternity. I was too close with finishing and just had to do it to the end. 

That’s all in the past as my attitude is somewhat more at ease. I still believe in anyone becoming disciplined in the way that works in their life but unlike my emotions~ I don’t push to extremes. It isn’t for me. We now have a more modern elliptical which I get on from time to time plus a few other machines. We also have a big exercise ball I use as well. Does anyone have an inversion or teeter table? It’s great for a whole body stretch and back pain. The guy in the commercials is in his 80’s I think! It works and I love it. The recumbent bike is more of a rarity but those do make me sweat a little more and I need that in the winter. My hamstring and sciatica might act up, but no more other injuries coming my way. The body doesn’t heal as fast as it used to which sucks… I know… ☹️ I do use our chair back massager and belt which works wonders. I’m not gonna get an A** at my age either! 

Well, warriors~ those are some of my home gym stories that many who work out may identify with. If you don’t, that’s OK as we all need exercise but our body will tell us. YES, the body can handle a lot but risking pain isn’t my thing like it used to be. Don’t get me wrong as I am not an old lady but I will still be active someway, somehow, even as I age more. Who knows exactly as we probably can’t take all this equipment with us when moving elsewhere but couch potato or TV junkie, I am not! Whether you go to a gym or do stuff at home, just move your body every day. We need to as being active and fit matters. Not excessively, but it does. Warriors get the job done but be your own warrior with fitness. Now, get off the couch and move it! 

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving to my U.S. readers! Be grateful always… 🦃🍽️🥧😋🙏🏻🍎🌽

P.P.S. I recently just posted my 50th YouTube video!!! It’s all about a few U.W. fans who had contacted me as I share a little of their stories… Check it out here:

https://youtu.be/_LtbMEbht1E

*** If this link isn’t active, just search up my channel.., I hope you enjoy! It’s called: “To all you Ultimate Warrior fans!”

*** You can find me also on a U.W. fb group, Twitter, and Instagram which has a tribute group as well. 💙🥰👍

Alone at the Top 💪🏻💙🔝

“You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.” ~Marianne Williamson

I think that quote fits for today as does that photo you see of Warrior above. Do you feel alone at the top? Are you even at the top or do you ever want to be? All interesting questions that I’m bringing into focus or should I say: “FOKE!” like Warrior had said. Whether or not one is alone at the top, this concept can apply to us all in many ways.

Let’s start with Warrior. Did he feel alone at the top? First off, as a champion in the business of wrestling, you alone have that title and nobody else so yes– that applies. But, of course I always mean deeper stuff as you know. Some may like it up there where others may feel intimidated. Warrior wanted that title eventually and most who pursue something similar also have that same motivation. It does come with some issues and sacrifices. Warrior’s title wins made others jealous of his fast rise to the top but he set a goal and achieved it. He got attention a different way than many before him ever got and they had been there much longer. People say Warrior was a “loner” of sorts but does being at the top make you lonely? That all depends as they are not the same thing. I can’t really say if he felt alone for sure but it did factor in with how he already appeared to some. He did it his way and had support from those he trusted.

We all run like the Ultimate Warrior did. 🏃🏻‍♀️Yep, you read that right. We do in a way. It’s the running or the chase that excites us to go after that job, relationship, position, or anything that interests us. That strive to get to the top pumps our adrenaline of competition. The question is: When you get there, then what? Do you run to the next goal or revel in the current one for a bit? Being alone at the top can be great when you achieve it but you need to think carefully of your next move. 🤔Once you have that elusive thing you’ve wanted for so long, are you satisfied? Maybe you crave more or perhaps are happy with being where you are right now. I can attest to all this with my writing. It’s up to you warriors. Just know that our lives are fluid, not stagnant. We do need to keep pushing ourselves but it’s quite alright to celebrate a victory for a little while- even a small one.

For some of us, we may never strive for that top status and may never be alone. You can be at the 🔝 without necessarily being alone. The opposite is also true. I of course identify with Warrior on many levels and being alone is one I totally connect to. Being at the top— well, that all depends with how it’s defined. I never pursued a career the way he did but still felt at the top many times in my life. It’s not just that career as I’ve said before. You can be at the top with fitness which is how Warrior trained himself to be. It doesn’t need to be taken literally but just being satisfied with how your life is going. We all need to be better though because we learn and evolve always.

Warrior was alone at the top with his disciplined mindset and his spiritual beliefs. Am sure others like myself understand but at the time of sharing his points of view back then, all alone. He totally echoed other great spiritual thinkers and some I follow today. When I first discovered their teachings several years ago, Warrior’s philosophies sounded so much like work they were putting out into the world. So alone? Maybe not totally but to others outside that thinking, yep.

It’s ok to be alone in your thoughts but we do enjoy sharing with like minds. I am grateful to be able to do that now as these past years of gaining or remembering different beliefs have been a struggle. I do like my alone time but some are afraid of it. The mind will wander, oh no.., Warrior wasn’t afraid of that, I’m not either. We are social creatures but NEED time by ourselves even though some may not know what to do. Being at the top will be different for every single person with how you view that idea. If you give your best and be yourself, you’ll know you were at the top when it’s time to hit that pillow at night.

Just because you achieved that dream, wish, or goal doesn’t mean it’s all over. Plan a new one, keep going, and of course- always believe. Take that time to relax if at the top or even at the top alone. You will know what both of those mean and how to interpret them. The running can be fun but know when to slow down once something is caught. The Ultimate Warrior’s running will always be remembered as his time alone at the top wasn’t long. He needed to be alone to use his mind and attained the top win of all. Whatever your goals, be the warrior you need to be to make them come true.

P.S. Wasn’t gonna have a PS this week but just thought of something… Maybe it was Warrior inspired…. Well, his top win of all involved getting that heavyweight title BUT I can hear him saying what his REAL top win was: his girls… 💕

www.spiritandbelief.com

~~~Find me here for book info or check out Amazon on that guy who’s at the top of this post. His spiritual energy inspired those stories to come to life. I write another blog there so feel free to find that if interested as well. I am also on some social 📲like Twitter fb, and youtube(: THANK YOU all for checking in and that ‘lil video I made about the Warrior bio- well it has almost 900 views. I am ultimately humbled as always….🙏🏻

Morning warriors or Night owls ☀️🦉

Do you remember my city/country post of a few months ago warriors? Well, today’s story is kinda like that one only with times of day instead of places to live. Which do you prefer– the morning warrior or night owl? I’m actually neither since most of my energy is spent in the afternoon. If I had to choose, it would be the morning. I was never a night owl. Guess who was though? You know who I’m talking about– Warrior.

I have referenced this a little before with being a WWE performer and superstar. Sleep would be hard to come by what with all the adrenaline. I know I’d be the same way if I did what they did and do! Downtime is required in order for me to prepare for dreamland… If I don’t get comfy before bed with my routine, falling asleep becomes quite the challenge. Warrior confesses on The Ultimate Collection DVD to surviving on 3 hours of sleep and calling it “neat.” Um, NO– not for me! This post is one of the fews where we are not in agreement upon. Once your body gets used to a routine or practice, it does become hard to change even out of a profession. I’d barely make it for Saturday Night’s Main Event sometimes and I was younger then!

When I was a young child, napping just wasn’t for me. I was good and stayed quiet but not many times of actual sleeping. Kiddos need that rest but it wasn’t happening for me. Now, it’s a little easier with a busier lifestyle and some cold wintery weekends. I was told that I have more energy than ever realized. 😬 That does explain why my brain and body need to work together to achieve rest. Like I always say, we need the balance and that is true with activity and sleep too. 😴

My workout is the afternoon as my husband’s is in the morning. I have done some fitness in the evening but gotta tell ya– it doesn’t work for me. If it’s getting close to 8 p.m., I am way too wired and already know sleep will be difficult that night.

There are some who workout at midnight or so like Triple HHH and Stephanie McMahon. Often, that’s the time that works with hectic busy families. If I had to do that, I would but sleep would have to factor in as well. Sure, sometimes I have a few sleepless nights but it isn’t a constant. I do know that my workout and fitness are a priority so it would get done in some way. Maybe just yoga. Maybe just cardio but probably not all if my schedule was different. I’d rather start at 5:00 A.M. and crash earlier at night instead of trying to find the energy at midnight!

How does this work for you warriors? It doesn’t have to apply to fitness but anything else. I also will never be one of those late night shoppers either. Ya know, the Wal-Mart types. If you are, that’s fine but it isn’t me. Guess I’m not the all-nighter kind of gal. I wanted to watch T.V. and school wasn’t like that for me anyways.

Many activities I prefer doing in the morning versus night like errands or chores. We all do what works for us and some can’t switch their schedule around. I like relaxing more in the evening or doing family stuff minus homework. 😳Our schedules can be so opposite of others but we shouldn’t judge since everyone is different. I love the idea of starting the day with a workout since your energy will get peaked. At the end of a day, my tiredness creeps in and it’s more difficult. If you have some motivation, even better.

Being up all night can have advantages too since most could be sleeping or some even work night shifts. You’d have no distractions at home or very little but will have to be quiet. You can get your own space like Warrior had which worked well out in his barn gym. When we are alone, we can mentally prepare better for whatever tasks lay ahead of us. Knowing myself, I’d probably fall asleep at 7 p.m. being up all night…

So, morning warriors or night owls? Whichever is your thing, just make it work in your life. Do the work of your life as Warrior said. Make your time count because it truly does. 👏🏻😉😊

WORK+REST=BALANCE Always!!

P.S. Last month on Friday, Dec. 13th, we had an owl in our backyard tree! It was so cool seeing this “night owl”! ~~ It was also a full moon!! 🌑

***P.P.S. The card deck above I have mentioned before. It’s the Mystical Shaman Oracle by Colette Baron-Reid. ***

The “Point” of Perfection

Do you strive for perfection? Does it frustrate you when things are not perfect? The photo above looks so perfect to me after my hair was highlighted. That isn’t my “real” look, other selfies will prove that. 😉 I’ve discussed this topic briefly but wanted to explore a little deeper. Warrior wanted perfection in many areas of his life. Some days, I want to scream at him and then some I say: “I get it…”

I’ve never really explored ME and perfectionism. You see, it’s kinda easier talking about someone else but when it’s yourself, that’s tricky… I am a Virgo so being organized is my thing but there’s another challenge. A big issue with me that I have in common like Warrior is body image. O.K.— obviously NOT in the same way but remember, feelings are.

All three of my siblings had the same body type when they were younger and then there was me. I was never that heavy but they were all smaller than my size. Boys metabolism is different than girls but I struggled with weight issues often. I wasn’t necessarily jealous of other girls since being a size 0 is not a number to me.

I even worked out with my best friend at age 12 the wrong way just to lose weight. Now, I have these faded stretch marks that aren’t from birthing babies. Slimfast became part of my life for a few years in high school in beyond. It’s great and worked but the truth is, I didn’t really need it. Plus, it hurt some of my heavier friends that felt intimidated and threatened. Ahhh, girls…

Now, it is much different for me with healthier food choices, a workout of cardio and yoga, and feeling good FIRST. I can’t do a headstand but I can rock push-ups!! It isn’t the number on a scale anymore. Maybe being different then got me thinking more like a warrior. She was always there. I just had to find her. I did get some help later on from the Ultimate one! 🙏🏻💙

Being in a body conscious profession is much different but hey, even “Mr. Perfect” wasn’t perfect! Warrior lived his whole life with that body molded the way he wanted. The truth is– that shouldn’t and doesn’t define us. When I’d watch certain parts of The Ultimate Collection DVD, I would cringe when Warrior discusses perfectionism. He had to go back eating tuna fish and water since having THAT body is what people would remember about his character and “that’s what they were going to get.” I still shake my head in disbelief. Sure, it’s right there in front but his body is never what this warrior girl would remember— EVER. Alright, the teen girl yes, the real me, no. We are all more than bodies.

I always wanted to ask Warrior if he was satisfied with his body. Was it ever enough? Maybe it never was for him. There’s a line in the movie “Welcome to Marwen” that says: “Pain is our rocket fuel.” I paid attention to that and right away thought of Warrior. Perhaps that’s true for some.

I also want to know about why he didn’t get Hulk Hogan “all the way up” in WMVI. I mean, were his elbows bent a quarter inch? He said he “can’t sit with anybody…” Am sure he’d sit with me by now and explain all of it. I would love to hear his side. He even admitted that maybe shaking the ropes on his final RAW appearance was too much. Even then he was still his own worst critic. We all are.

It isn’t just fitness that propels perfection. It can be any area of your life really. Personally or professionally. What is it like for you? Being perfect is non- existent and yet we strive for this in many ways everyday. Sure, sometimes when things line up we feel a huge sense of accomplishment but there is so much more to ourselves, so much more. Often times, body issues tend to reflect girls and women but it does affect boys and men too.

It all depends on your mindset and self-esteem. I thought people would notice me more once I lost weight. Well, they did but at that time it was for others, not me. I hate to use the word “obsession” since it depends on your situation. You can push to exhaustion but is it truly the right way to go? I know Warrior had no regrets but perhaps now as a spirit, he is evolving another way without his physical self.

The pressure is enormous and we put way too much of it on ourselves. You can be fit, healthy, and active but is it worth the pain for you? Maybe it is, that’s your answer to figure out. I always admired Warrior without judging him as we all have mindsets filled with our own perfection.

I cry, scream, maybe laugh, and then just reflect. More and more I try my best to understand Warrior’s “point” of perfection and all the whys. Yours can be big or small but just know life is deeper. We are perfect in better ways and it isn’t our body that needs to to be all the time. I believe we need to accept ourselves more. It can be enough that day even if yesterday wasn’t.

I saw so many other qualities of Warrior besides his character. He wasn’t perfect. I am not either, none of us are in life. My “point” isn’t perfection. It’s respect. Then. Now. Always…….💖👏🏻💪🏻