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Saturday, December 31, 2016

Happy New Year

Once upon a time, I hated New Year’s Eve. It meant that I had to make some vow to change, in a way that I didn’t really want to change. Every year, I would make my obligatory New Years’s Resolution without heart, vision, belief, or commitment. Of course, I always tried to make it at least a few days. Then, I could proclaim that I had at least tried. However, I didn’t. I didn’t try to better myself or my life. I was stuck in a negative pattern of hopelessness and I chose—year after year—to stay there. 

It wasn’t until I dared to dream that I truly started to live. I can’t even tell you the power of a dream to a broken heart. My dreams helped me to climb out of the hole of pain, helplessness, and depression. A vision for the life I wanted to create gave me hope. And hope gave my life meaning again.

Now every year, I sit down as a little kid on Christmas with my pad of paper and heart full of dreams. I no longer look at what I have to give up, but I’m excited for what I have to gain. And for several hours, I just write—all of my big, scary dreams. I shed a few tears, say a few prayers, and ask God to lead me. 

It’s so exciting to envision what could be. So often the devil lies to us and tells us that we can’t do this or that, and we believe him. What we need to believe, however, is the power of our Lord. With Him all things are possible. He will give us the desires of our heart. I am proof of that. This year, I got a new thumb. 

My advice to you, my sweet friends, is to get out your paper and pen and start dreaming. Then, every day look at your dreams and ask God to help you bring them about. Let’s make 2017 wonderful!

Love and blessings, 

Candida


Friday, December 30, 2016

Silencing the Inner Critic


Every time that we decide to be brave, to take a leap of faith and try something new, or work a little harder our inner critic shows up ready to take us down. Of all the mean things that people have said to me in my life, no one has ever spoken to me as hurtfully, cruel, and negatively as I have spoken to myself. But the saddest part of all is when I nurture those ugly words, and believe them. 

The moment a hurtful thought occurs we usually absorb it. When we start thinking about it and dissecting it, the ugliness of it grows. By concentrating on the negativity, we are helping it to expand in our lives. Suddenly, that is all we can see. How often have we ripped ourselves apart over something that was actually a lie?

I wish I could say that I have mastered this process, but the truth is that I am still learning. My mind is still honed in on negative words and phrases. While I can usually dismiss the thoughts quickly now, I still feel the hurt of believing the lies—even for a moment. However, I have a system to help me overcome the process. 

  1. Examine the thought. Is it the truth? How? In this system, I force myself to think about the situation, and back up my answers with facts. I will not allow myself to give a vague answer. 
  2. Show myself some love. This is where I try to be my own best friend. When I’m down and feeling bad already, I don’t need more negativity. I need love and encouragement. 
  3. Realize that not everyone will like me nor get me. I am unique. Not everyone will understand my dreams and goals. That is why their opinion should not matter to me. I can’t give up on purpose in life just because someone doesn’t understand nor like me.  
  4. Reconnect with my why. Why do I do the things that I do? 

When I go through this process, truthfully, it helps me to break free from the negative cycle. Once I interrupt my negative thoughts, I am able to overcome them. The only way I accept criticism is when it comes from a place of love. Otherwise, it tears me down, instead of helping me to improve. 

Love and blessings,


Candida

Thursday, December 29, 2016

The Power of Scheduling


I never thought I’d fall in love with a schedule. When I first started planning book signings and speaking engagements, I was overwhelmed by my schedule. With every new entry, I became more stressed. I hated knowing that on a certain day, at a certain time that I had a commitment. 

Fast forward a few years, and I have fallen in love with the process. When my day is planned, I get more done. I feel accomplished when I get to check my tasks off my to-do list. Without a schedule, I end up wasting my day—and I hate when I squander my precious time. 

Pain woke me up this morning. I had some work done on my foot yesterday. It gets out of alignment because of the formation caused by Amniotic Band Sydrome, and it affects my hip. It will be fine in a few days, but it has bothered me all day— therefore, rearranging my day. 

Usually, I write early in the mornings. After I finish my blog, I exercise. Due to the pain, I just couldn’t do either one this morning. So instead of diving into my day, as usual, I took a nap. Hoping my pain would ease. No such luck. 

So I’m reminded that we can’t just show up on the days when we feel like it. If I’m going to reach my goals, then I have to show up every day—whether I feel like it or not. Today, has reminded me to be grateful for all the pain-free days I’ve had lately. And that it’s okay to modify, when needed. 

Hopefully, tomorrow I will be all better and I can get back into my routine. 

Love and blessings, 


Candida

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Drawing A Line In the Sand

Have you ever had a moment that changed your life? One moment that triggered something inside of you and made you want to change something about your life? 

I’ve had several of these moments through out my life. None of them have been pleasant. Usually, I’m heartbroken and defeated by the time that I get to the place where I want to change.   But once I decide to change, the change happens immediately. It’s not the change that is so difficult, but the desire to remain the same that causes our heartache. 

We love routines, comfort zones, and knowing what to expect. It is the uncertainty that causes us discomfort. We all hate to feel vulnerable, unsure, and afraid. What we don’t understand, however, is that when we remain the same, we are still making a choice. Usually, it’s just the wrong choice for us. 

So how do we move forward? By deciding right now that we will not accept our previous behavior any longer. When we raise our standards for our life, our life will change—immediately. 

I vividly remember the day I ripped my favorite jeans. As I burst into tears, I vowed to myself that I would never again utter the words “I don’t care” in reference to my health. That day, I decided to change my eating habits and I have never looked back. 

It was the same way with my scars. The day that I accepted them, wholeheartedly, they no longer had the power to hurt me again. I stopped crying, stopped having pity parties, and stopped wishing them away. 

For so long the fear of becoming disabled loomed over me. Every time my health would decline, the fear of not being able to work any longer burdened me. But one day, I had to make that choice. Once I decided to fight for my life, that I would do whatever it took to live the life of my dreams, I haven’t worried about it any longer. 

It’s a beautiful gift when we reach that place of discomfort and are forced to make a decision. Otherwise we would always remain the same. 

And it’s such a blessing when we can follow the voice of our Lord and do what He wants us to do. That is when we really start living. 

Love and blessings,


Candida 

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Today Is The Big Day

I’ve been counting down the days. Today, Beachbody is launching their new all access Beachbody on Demand. I’m so excited about this amazing offer. What does that mean for you?
Starting today, Beachbody is offering an all access pass to their workout programs. For one low price, you can stream all of their programs to your computer or iPhone. This includes every program available now and all the programs that will be released this year. Even my favorite, Core de Force, that was just released. 

Workouts on Beachbody on Demand:
Core de Force
21 Day Fix
21 Day Fix Extreme
County Heat
22 Minute Hard Corps
Hammer and Chisel
Piyo
P90X
Insanity Max 30
Turbo Fire
Body Beast
Brazil Butt Lift
Cize
T25
Etc.

They also have a challenge pack offer. If you’ve been considering Shakeology, now is the time to try it. It helps me curb my cravings, gives me natural energy, and gives me a boost of superfoods every day. With so many delicious recipes, it’s my favorite meal of the day. 

Each program has been specifically designed with a nutrition plan. All of the information is loaded onto to Beachbody on Demand, so you can follow the program perfectly to get the results you desire. I absolutely love how easy they make it all. With the challenge pack, you also get the portion control containers. 


I will also be doing a yearly challenge group. We will be in a private group where we will do the same workout plan, share our recipes, tips, encourage each other, and keep each other accountable. If you are ready to make changes in your life and feel your absolute best, then comment below or send me a message. I would love to help you. 

Love and blessings, 

Candida

Monday, December 26, 2016

Change Your Story, Change Your Life


How many lies do we tell ourselves everyday? In some instances, it is so much easier to believe the lie than it is to go searching for the truth. The lies might make us feel good for the moment, but in the long term they tear us down. Anytime we feel the need to justify our behavior, then we should take a second look at what we are doing and what we are telling ourselves. 

For years, I was bound by the limitations that I had placed on myself. I was always sick, and I felt bad everyday. My mind was convinced that I would never be healthy again. One doctor, however, challenged my limiting beliefs and urged me to try new things.

Once I started exercising regularly, my body started to change. As my body changed, my thoughts also started to change. Instead of viewing exercise as torture, I started seeing it as an outlet for stress and as a way to fight back. With each session, I got stronger and started questioning my negative beliefs. Every time that I challenged myself and went beyond what was conceivable for me, my confidence increased. During my struggles, I found my strength and a life that I didn’t know was possible for me. 

As we enter a new year and start making New Year’s Resolutions, so many will focus on what they have to give up, instead of what they have to gain. When we decide to go on a “diet”, then right away our mind starts listing all of the things that we can’t have. If we only focus on what we lose, then we will never be able to see what we have to gain. 

I absolutely love exercise. It makes me sleep better, makes me more patient, helps me to deal with my pain and stress, gives me confidence, and makes me feel so strong. Yes, it hurts. In life, pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. I learned, while lying in bed for months barely able to move, that exercise is hard, but so is not being able to walk. So I had to choose which one of them was harder for me. When we keep going and focus on how we feel when it’s over, then we are able to increase our endurance. 

It was the same way with my food. Yes, it was hard to give up gluten and all the yummy treats that it is in. But it’s even harder to have daily headaches, joint pain, brain fog, etc. When I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried new foods, I discovered so many wonderful foods that I had overlooked for years. Everything we eat, either harms our body or nurtures it. We get to choose which one we want to consume. 

I don’t know about you, but I hate feeling bad all the time. I would rather eat healthy, exercise and feel great, than eat junk, sit around, and feel horrible all the time. 

So today, I challenge you to choose your hard. What do you want your life to be like? If you are not happy, then you don’t have to stay that way. 

Love and blessings, 

Candida


Sunday, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas

I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas, filled with God’s peace and love. My Christmas was wonderful. We spent time with our loved ones, went to church this morning, and was blessed with God’s presence and beautiful Spirit of Christmas. 


From my home to yours, Merry Christmas and God bless. 

Love and blessings, 

Candida

Saturday, December 24, 2016

The Reason For The Season

I love Christmas! All of it. The beautiful sounds of Christmas music, the lights and trees, the presents, kindness, and amazing love that overflows my heart. It brings out the child in me. I can’t wait see my family and go to church tomorrow. 

Hearing the Christmas story, and how God loved us enough to send His only begotten Son into this world to save us, makes me feel so loved and cherished by my Lord. Oh how God loves us. That is what it is all about. His wonderful love is what we should focus on. 

When we focus on God and the real meaning of Christmas, then gratitude will fill our hearts. That is when we are truly able to enjoy Christmas. 


Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas!

Love and blessings, 

Candida

Friday, December 23, 2016

The Christmas Blessing


Years ago, my husband and I were so poor that is was hard to buy Christmas presents for our children. We raked and scraped and barely had enough to buy our children gifts. Every year it was so stressful for me because I wanted to give my children good gifts and make memories that they would cherish forever. 

Because times were tough back then, I allowed the devil to beat me up and make Christmas more about the presents than the love in my heart. But it is the love that we all desire and often overlook or take for granted. 

Today, as I was doing laundry and cleaning house, a little girl knocked on my door and asked me to take her shopping. Her siblings had all pitched in to buy her Grandma (that takes care of them) a present. She said, “She does so much for us, we just want to do something for her. We might not have much, but we know what is important.” Talk about touching my heart. 

What a gift it is to be a child of the King, and get to witness His blessings. It’s the presents bought and received with love that mean so much anyway. It’s all about perspective. If we appreciate what we have and what we give, then it will always be enough. If we are ungrateful, then it will never be good enough. 

God has blessed me abundantly and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience His beautiful love. My heart is overjoyed and today I feel as if I have been around His angels. God is so good! I love His wonderful Spirit of Christmas. 

Merry Christmas!

Love and blessings,


Candida

Thursday, December 22, 2016

The Greatest Gift


In the hustle and bustle of Christmas, it is so nice to find a quiet place and think about what Christmas really means. When I think about the magnificent gift that the Lord sent into this world, I am humbled and overwhelmed with love. Even before I was born, He had a plan for me.
Luke 2:8-12 (KJV)
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

The day that I opened my heart and invited Him into my life was the greatest day of my life. That is when I truly started living. My heart overflowed with love, and peace— and it still remains today. 

Nothing can separate me from my Lord. He loves me and He takes care of me. The God of this world knows my name and He takes time each day to care for me. Salvation is the greatest gift. Regardless of my problems, nothing can steal the peace in my soul. It’s priceless, and yet God gives it freely to us all.

Merry Christmas!


Candida

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

New Year = New You


Now is the time to starting thinking about the new year. In between Christmas and New Year’s Day, I reflect back on my year. I like to remember all the good times and accomplishments, and develop a vision and plan for my new year.

Through out the years, I have learned to work on all areas of my life. Everything that is important to me, goes on my list. My health, my relationships, business, and finances. Once I create my vision, then I’m able to create a plan to help me get there. 

My health is always at the top of my list. If you’ve ever been really sick, then you understand what I’m talking about. Our health truly impacts every area of our life. I break it down into the different areas; spiritual health, physical health, and mental health. In order to feel my best, I have to work on all three areas. 

For my spiritual health, I go to church, read my Bible, and pray. I also try to be obedient to my Lord and follow His instructions. I purposely make the time to talk with my Lord each day. As my relationship with Him grows, so does my strength, faith, courage, etc. 

For my physical health, I workout daily and eat as many whole foods as possible. I notice how certain foods, like sugar, make me feel and I try to stay away from the ones that make me feel bad. The better I eat, the better I feel. God gave us tons of foods to enjoy. It the ones that man created in a laboratory that we need to avoid. 

My mental health is also very important to me. I’ve battled depression many times. It is so hard to overcome. Exercise helps me with this so much. The endorphins released during and after exercise helps me to not only feel better immediately, but it helps me to put certain situations into perspective. I also read encouraging books and meditate. 

Taking control of my own health was one of the greatest things that I have ever done for myself. Give yourself that gift for the upcoming year. I promise you will never regret changing your life for the better. 

As a Beachbody Coach, I’d love to help you. We have a new opportunity coming up at end of December that will give you the tools you need to improve your health . This has never been offered before and it’s amazing. For one low price, you can get access to all the workout programs for an entire year. Comment for more details. 

Love and blessings,

Candida


P.S. Have you downloaded my free app, “Words of Encouragement” yet?

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Living Beyond Regrets



One of my biggest fears is that I will wake up one day with a long list of regrets. I don’t want to look back on my life and wish that I would have worked harder, loved deeper, been more compassionate, etc. God gave me this beautiful life, and I want to use it according to His will. 

I’ve heard my daddy say so many times, “It takes you a lifetime to learn how to live for the Lord. By the time you figure it out, you are ready to go home.” 

We are all just a work-in-progress. God works on us a little at a time, to mold us into the person that He wants us to become. Sometimes I get irritated with myself because of the lessons that I’ve had to repeat due to my resistance to change. Not to mention, the number of times that I’ve wasted my precious time. 

While it’s so easy to beat myself up over the past, I have learned to ask the Lord for forgiveness and move on. I don’t want to waste today, regretting yesterday. Sometimes, however, it is just my perception of the situation that is not right. The part that belongs to my Lord is perfect. And I have never regretted giving my heart to Him. 

We can keep a record of all the times that we have failed or we can keep a gratitude journal. Our minds are programmed to believe the bad, to complain, and to be regretful. But if we change our mindset about the situation, then our thoughts about the situation will change. We can reprogram our minds with gratitude. 

If we are grateful for every day and look at every moment the Lord gives us with a grateful heart, then how could we be regretful? Focusing on our flaws will not move us forward. We cannot change the past. But we can make better choices for the moment that we are in right now. 

Every day we just have to ask the Lord for forgiveness and then forgive ourselves. Regrets are the devil’s way of stealing our precious time right now. Don’t allow him to take another minute of your day. If you listen to the enemy, he will beat you up, and bring up your every flaw and failure. When we start contradicting him, however, with praise for our Lord, he will flee. 

Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Love and blessings, 

Candida

P.S. Have you downloaded my free app, “Words of Encouragement” yet?



Monday, December 19, 2016

Progress Over Perfection


Have you ever started something new, and not gotten the results you were after? Therefore, quitting after a few days or weeks? Trust me, you are not alone. 

We want immediate results. If we start a new workout program today, we usually expect to see some type of results the next day or definitely within the first week. When we don’t get the desired results, we usually claim that it doesn't work and abandon the program. If we gave it sufficient time and effort, however, we would eventually see results.

One of my biggest problems is organizing and scheduling my day. For some reason, I resist being scheduled. While I can definitely see progress in my business and overall life when I follow a strict schedule, I still end up abandoning my schedule after a few days. It has been so hard for me to stick with it. 

Starting the first of the year, I am going to schedule my tasks everyday for 30 days. It takes at least 30 consecutive days for me to develop a habit. I know this is an area of my life that needs attention, and instead of picking something easier to work on, I am going to face my biggest challenge head on. Even if I don’t get it right the first few weeks, I am not going to allow myself to quit. Because I know that if I stick with it and learn to master my day, then all areas of my life will improve. 

What kind of changes would you like to make for the new year? Don’t be afraid to tackle the big, yucky problems. It may take awhile to develop the habit, but think of the rewards. 

Love and blessings, 

Candida


P.S. Have you downloaded my free app, “Words of Encouragement” yet?

Sunday, December 18, 2016

God Provides

We always believe that it is impossible, until we do it. When the thought first came to me to blog every day, I initially dismissed the thought. In my mind, it was impossible. How in the world would I be able to find the time to sit down and write every day? What would I write about?

The negative thoughts prevented me from even trying for months. Then one day, my heart was burdened with the desire to at least try. So I stepped out in faith—not knowing what would happen. Turns out that God had a plan all along. Every day that I’ve sat down to write, He has blessed me with a thought. 

Today makes 60 consecutive days that I have blogged. Note to self: Never doubt the power of the Lord. If He puts on your heart, then he will give you the resources to see it through. While the extra time didn’t magically appear for me, I was able to figure it out. I have learned to get up at 5 a.m., even on Sundays, so I would have the time to write. 

I quickly learned, if it is important to me I will find a way to do it. If not, I will find an excuse. This morning, I even woke up on my own—with no alarm clock. And I truly enjoy my early mornings writing and talking to my Lord. 

Today I am thankful for the nudge God gave me to start this daily routine. I am grateful for every thought and every word that I’ve been able to write. My Lord is teaching me discipline and how to develop better habits, and I’m so thankful that He takes time to work with me. 

Isn’t it sad that when He asks us to do something, so often we claim we don’t have enough time? But when we are scared, in trouble, hurting, etc., He is always there for us.  Something to think about. 

Love and blessings, 


Candida

Saturday, December 17, 2016

My Theme Word

Every year, I pick a theme word for my upcoming year. Then, I focus on the word all year. It helps me to grow in certain areas of my life because I am constantly thinking about the word and what it means to me. I always pray about it so that my heart is where it is supposed to be. 

For 2017, my word will be love. I want to react with love, live every day with love, learn how to be my own best friend, love and nurture my body, and freely give my love to others. When love becomes my immediate reaction, I believe my life will change. 

We all have so many reactions in any given day. While I want to always respond with love, sometimes my other emotions triumph what my heart really feels. When I respond with anything other than love, it makes me feel bad—as well as others. 

Love is really all that matters anyway. God is love. 

Love and blessings, 


Candida 

Author shares message through Zippy the zebra