Relationships are a big deal.

Written by stacey on January 29, 2012. Posted in Traverse City. 4 Comments

Relationships are important. With your kids. Friends. Coworkers. Loved ones. Family. Self. My relationship with others creates a self-perception (work with me on this one). People in my life view me a certain way–some see me as motivational. Some see me as positive. Others see me as random. Their perception of me is widely based on their exposure to me (facebook, real life, work, high school, etc.) and what I choose to allow them to see. So….they have a perception of me. I, in turn, have a perception of how I’m perceived. I try to see me the way you see me.

Left to my own devices, I’m pretty mean to myself. I’m very critical–always have been–and have spent the bulk of my life trying to make sure you like me. It was so important that you approved of me that I would

Don’t sacrifice what you want most for what you want at the moment

Written by stacey on January 25, 2012. Posted in Coaching, Fitness, Nutrition, Traverse City. 1 Comment

Getting healthy can be a challenge. I know, it sounds simple enough in concept, right? Eat less–exercise more. But the reasons WHY we eat are so HUGE. We tend to discount and dismiss them and, in my never to be humble opinion, that’s the worst thing we can do. It’s right up there with bringing a knife to a gun fight. A gallon of lighter fluid to a blazing inferno you’re trying to extinguish. A candle to a table at midnight when you’re trying to avoid moths. I think you’re getting my point…….

Getting your mind right will

Self Sabotage, Self Loathing & Stepping out of my own way

Written by stacey on December 24, 2011. Posted in C2F, Coaching, Divorce, Fitness, Michigan, Nutrition, Relationships, Running, Supplements, Traverse City. Leave a Comment

I’ve just recently learned to like myself. The cool thing is that, yes, you can learn to like yourself and stop hating yourself. Yes, you can push those ugly thoughts aside and find a way to look at yourself and actually smile. The bad news is that it requires a LOT of work. Determination. Perseverance. Oh…and a lot of support. I wouldn’t recommend going down that dark path without backup–some friends or resources that will light your path in front of you, hug you when you need it, and gently encourage you to keep going because you’re worth it.

I’ve spent years in therapy working on me and have invested

Believe in me…cuz I often don’t

Written by stacey on November 26, 2011. Posted in Fitness, Michigan, Relationships, Traverse City. 2 Comments

I just ran my first 5k without stopping. This was HUGE for me. HUGE. And when I say “just” I mean on Thanksgiving…a few days ago. Imagine my surprise when I found myself in line to sign up for the Bayshore half-marathon that will be held on May 26, 2012. How did this happen, you ask? Why would I make such a leap from finally running 3 miles without stopping to committing to a 13 mile run?

Because no one told me that I couldn’t.

We all have voices in our heads. Voices that

Holiday Traditions (and a Turkey Trot)

Written by stacey on November 24, 2011. Posted in Fitness, Michigan, Relationships, Running, Traverse City. Leave a Comment

Holidays can be a time of great joy or great angst for people. It’s often forgotten that others may feel differently about a holiday than others and I want to take a moment (as a person experiencing great change) to encourage patience and understanding for those that experience change, are forced into new traditions, or walk willingly into new traditions.

Thanksgiving has always been my most favorite of holidays. My kids ask me why it’s not Christmas and my answer is simple: Thanksgiving is one day that is set aside to be grateful and appreciative of what we have. It’s not about getting stuff or giving stuff–it’s an opportunity to truly sit back and be thankful for what we have (and sometimes, what we do not have). We are taking time to