The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans

Good morning sisters (and brothers!)

This week was an interesting one, right? We got to step a little bit more outside our comfort zones, physically, and do something different. At least I hope we did! Did we? It’s a little scary isn’t it? How do you feel today? Fearless??

So often I find myself on the outside of the glass looking in and I feel like I can’t quite get the guts up to ask questions or join in. It has been baby steps. I’ve spent a lot of time on the outside of the glass. Until one day I opened the door and walked in. Then the next time I did it, it was easier. And the next time, even easier.

It’s still not easy. But at least now I’ll take the first step.

Yes! It’s scary! But each time you step outside your comfort zone and figure out that it is indeed, okay, and no, you did not die either physically or of sheer embarrassment alone, you gain confidence.

Each time you gain confidence, you venture a little further. And then a little further. And a little further.I really hope you took this challenge this week and if you haven’t, I really encourage you to take the plunge sometime before this challenge is over.

I went to a women’s retreat with my mother over the weekend. It was a very, very spiritual and motivating retreat. And one of the speakers said this: (and I am paraphrasing here) Yes, you have fear. Yes you are scared. Everyone is!  When you try new things, when there is something you have to do, it’s ok to be scared. But you know what? DO IT ANYWAY. Do it scared.

Do.It.Scared.

Those three words left such an impression on me. Doing it scared means at the very least, you’re doing it. And when you’re done, you’re done! Then, you’re probably happy you did it. And you probably realized about halfway through that you didn’t have anything to be scared of, anyway! This brilliant lady also broke the word “FEAR” down for us. And that’s a big one. Because I’m a big baby. I’m scared a lot. And I end up doing most things scared.

FEAR:

F: False
E: Evidence
A: Appearing
R: Real

How true is that? How true is it that we “manufacture craziness” in our minds and make what we’re afraid of so much bigger than it is? How often do we become complacent in our own bodies and our own minds because of fear? How often does fear paralyze us?

It happens to me all the time. So often, my fear is more real than the task at hand. *Big huge hint for the next Monday project!*

Anyway, go ahead, link it up! Tell us what you did different this week and how you ventured outside your comfort zone! And if you didn’t, DO IT! Just know, there are other sisters here among you also doing it scared. Including me.

Oh yes, there are two prizes up for grabs for random commenters!  A BPA-free water bottle, I love this guy (I have one myself). It has little messages all over it like “Dream” “Hope” “Love”, and I’m all about messages.

And a pack of eco-friendly shopping bags, wrapped up in its own bag, labeled “Hottie”. Because you know you are.

You are hot and you like to save the environment. That’s how great you are. Winners announced on Monday and I won’t be late this time.

Have a wonderful weekend!! And go ahead, be a SWOF! (SISTER WITHOUT FEAR!)

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Speaking of late: I know I’m late with this one, but last week’s winners of the LA FITNESS workout bags are: 
BROOKE AND NANCY (BACARDI MAMA!) woohoo! E-Mail me (christieo@shrinkingjeans.net)

Have a wonderful weekend ya’ll!