It’s live: living in the moment

The alarm went off at 5:05 a.m. “Hot yoga or more time in my warm, cozy bed?” That was the question at this early hour. I didn’t get to bed as early as I had planned. Who am I kidding, I never do. At least it was before midnight. After the alarm’s sound and a couple of snooze hits, I tossed and thought about skipping my morning mat time with the rest of the early bird yogis at Barefoot Studio. “Nah, get up. You won’t regret it. Come on!,” said my inner voice.

I’m glad I went, of course. Nothing like a good sweat and power flow to start the day as the sun rises. Instructor Marcus always prefaces the class with how the music might tie in to the practice. Today it was all live music. Whenever your mind starts wandering, imagine you’re at whatever live show is playing, he said. Get lost in that moment like you would at a show as the band ignites whistles, applause and “woohoos” among the crowd.

We get so busy living in our heads and wherever our bouncy thoughts take us. We obsess over the past, how we might have done things differently, or jump ahead to the future and how much we want something not yet attained. We forget about the present moment. I was reminded today to enjoy the very moment I’m breathing and honor all the moments that led me here to the now.

It’s a new day, a new month. Lots of moments to live. Enjoy.

Believing is seeing: how Arbonne changes lives

I’m not a particularly peppy person. That didn’t matter.

I don’t particularly like being in a crowd. That didn’t matter.

I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve yet sometimes have a hard time expressing when I feel an overwhelming sensation of happiness or sadness. I had no problem freely letting my smiles shine and my tears flow.

The scenarios I describe above happened at the Arbonne Global Training Conference (referred to as GTC) in Las Vegas. Last week at this time, I was tired and probably sleeping on the plane ride home from Vegas after four days in the city that never sleeps. We had late nights followed by early mornings. My feet hurt. I never felt fully rested. I wouldn’t change it for anything. Having my always reliable Arbonne supplements – energy fizz sticks, digestion plus & immunity booster – made the packed days more doable. And that de-puffing eye-cooling gel – thank the skincare and scientist gurus at Arbonne for that!

I came back a more proud, more confident Arbonne Independent Consultant. This company is top-notch, friends. I’ve never been around a more professional, genuine, transparent, honest, do-the-right-thing corporation. Since making one of the best business decision of my life a year ago by becoming an independent consultant, I’ve listened to recorded calls and trainings from professional and open-minded women and men in the business who have made a hugely successful career out of Arbonne. I came to GTC expecting to see more of this professional culture. I didn’t expect to be blown away.

Being among nearly 18,000 fellow Arbonneites (as I like to say) from around the globe – the UK, Canada, Australia, Poland and launching in Taiwan soon — was electrifying. We believe in the vision that Arbonne founder Petter Morck established 35 years ago. His pure transformation mission lives on today. Pure transformation can mean different things to different people, but I love this description: “Body, mind, spirit, friendship, community, earth. Wherever you decide to start, one change leads to another … and then another. Over time, many little changes can equal one total transformation.”

For me, this transformation started with body. I fell in love with Arbonne’s vegan nutrition supplements when I accepted the healthy living challenge last year. That physical transformation soon began to transform my mind and spirit, and I gained new & inspiring friendships. I now am part of this community of like-minded women and men. We’re caring for each other and the earth. We’re lifting each other up, and as we help each other grow and flourish, we individually grow. It’s a beautiful thing. I love that Arbonne means “beautiful tree.” That image is so symbolic of what happens when you see and experience the Arbonne advantage.

This photo pretty much sums up what I’m saying. Breezy, my yoga instructor, re-introduced me to Arbonne. Together, we’re growing together. And just like when we take tree pose in yoga, we sway, we fall down, we lose our balance. But we get back up because we can and we know the journey is so worth it.

www.jillianmcgehee.arbonne.com

 

Sharing healthy happiness

I’m sharing this post from my new (old, but new to me) bedroom in my new place. Finally, I’m feeling settled. This past weekend I finished the room I will use as a home office. This room is where I will write more. That’s the plan anyway!

I started the Arbonne 28-day clean eating challenge again on Monday. No wine for me 😉 Looking forward to getting more on track. Goodness knows I need the energy!

I’m feeling inspired tonight after my monthly Discover Arbonne meeting with my team and fellow health trail blazers. I enjoyed the opening discussion so very much from a breast cancer survivor. She jokingly said she might have given herself cancer because of all the chemically filled products she used all her life – a former product whore, she called herself. After she survived cancer and cancer treatments, she was talking to her oncologist about how to feel more energetic. After all, what good was beating cancer if she felt bad all the time? Her doctor, I proudly write, recommended Arbonne. Now, she’s using pure, safe & beneficial products and helping other people. Soon, she is hosting an event and all her proceeds from Arbonne sales will go to this fund that helps women get to the bigger city so they can undergo their needed cancer treatments. Women who otherwise might not have the means.

I love being surrounded by amazing people. We’re being authentic together, lifting each other up and helping others feel and look good.

I’ve always felt I was meant for something greater in life. Something by which to express myself, my passions, my dreams without getting shutout or put down. This, my friends, is it.

Hello, 2015!

This year started off sprint speed for me. After coming back to work from the holiday break, a co-worker who’s been at the magazine as long as I have announced she’s moving to Florida for her husband’s work. I’m moving out of my grandparents’ home – the home that’s been in our family for more than 60 years. I moved in four and a half years ago after my divorce. It’s well over time to let go and sell the house. I’m in the midst of publishing two books with my small publishing company, and I just had my best month yet with my Arbonne business!

Whew. I’m tired but feeling more alive than ever! I’ve declared this year the Year of Change. It’s also been a remarkable year so far for personal growth. I’m practicing writing down affirmations and goals. It’s amazing the difference writing things down can make. My goals came true. And I actually exceeded one goal. Put them down on an index card, tape them around your house and watch the magic unfold.

At our Arbonne monthly team meeting this week there was lots of celebrating and recognition going on. I love being around this culture of honoring each other’s successes. A fellow consultant and district manager closed the meeting with kind words for everyone and how each motivates her. In pointing out how we each bring something different to the table with our unique talents, she specifically mentioned me and how my writing inspires her. Sometimes I write on this thing and wonder if anyone pays attention. My heart lit up when she told me that. “To change the world, start with one step” … or maybe in my case, one blog.

This weekend is moving weekend. I look forward to writing more once the dust settles. In the meantime, cheers to doing whatever makes you thrive!

Joyful health

I’m sore. Really sore. But it’s the good kind of sore – is what I hear. I’m happy to be back on a more regular basis at one of my favorite workout spots, ZenStudio. Barre, spin and tabata are my favorite classes they offer. And I have my yoga. Nothing beats yoga at Barefoot Studio. Reflecting on this year, I’m thankful for my more consistent willpower to care about my health, both inside and out. Self high-five for finally being brave enough to try headstand without support from the wall. I’m seeing handstand in next year’s landscape. Yay!

In April, I made a commitment to care more about what I put in my body for fuel. I was feeling tired a lot, irregular and unhappy. It’s amazing what a difference a meal makes. The simple act of cleaning up my diet has made me a happier person. I’m continually learning about bodily functions and how food might affect those functions. During this journey, I’ve learned that emotions are largely influenced by our gut health. It didn’t take me long to realize peaceful gut = happy Jillian 🙂 I encourage you to read this article about how our gut is our body’s second brain. It all makes so much sense to me now.

I have a dream to further my nutrition knowledge and become more credentialed. Hence, the above photo. On a recent trip to Chicago (thanks, Kari!), I was walking along Michigan Avenue and came across this neat city project. There was a set of box structures for the public to write in chalk what they envision in the world.

I’m putting it out there that 2015 will get me closer to this goal to inspire and inform more people. In the meantime, I’ll continue sharing my knowledge and products through the company that aligns with my nutrition and personal care needs – Arbonne.

I can’t believe the holidays are just around the corner! Where does the time go? That saying reminds me of one of my favorite songs – “Where does the time go” by moe.

Cheers to good workouts, good food, music and all the things that make each of us feel joy.

‘My fear is my only courage’ – bob marley

I recently heard one of the most inspiring speeches I’ve ever heard. This inspiration has fueled me even more to follow my dreams. Sounds trite, you might be thinking. But I challenge all of us to examine whether we’re really doing something we love. When we finally decide it’s OK to do what drives us, what makes us feel alive, we’re true to ourselves and are who we’re really meant to be. No mask. No facade. No compromising to please someone else.

We have to unbecome what we aren’t and remove the facades and compromises to become our authentic selves. This art of unbecoming may be uncomfortable, scary and spark all sorts of emotions, from happy to sad. When we believe our dreams, rather than doubting them or running scared from them, we become free in our own skin. There’s a freedom in our soul that energizes our being so we can do more, be more and give more. The destination will be there. If you want it badly enough, you can count on that end result ready to greet you. It’s the process, the journey, that counts. That journey isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. The hiccups we face only make us stronger. We have the power to reach the top of the mountain. And just think: The top of any mountain is the bottom of another.

Keep reaching.

Cheers!

Note to self: I give you permission.

A segment on entrepreneurship happened to be on the air today while I was driving along. This part hit me … the “crazy” doesn’t begin with the idea. It begins after you give yourself permission to follow your dreams and in the midst of the doing part. The biggest hurdle we all face is that mass between our ears – our head and the debilitating thoughts that stop us in our tracks. The timing of this radio interview couldn’t have come at a better time. The same theme was touched on during a meeting I attended this week.

“Give yourself permission.” I love that statement. So many of us grow up with the idea that it’s best to follow the status quo. We don’t know any differently. Go to college, get a good job, save what you can, retire. I followed that path, and I as a full-time writer, I enjoy what I do. Living paycheck to paycheck, though, I needed a change. And I realized I couldn’t wait for that raise or “perfect” job that would offer me more money. I had to make it happen. I’m giving myself permission to acknowledge what’s been brewing inside for a long time – my passion for health & wellness and the desire to share it with others. I realized this opportunity is the vehicle that will allow me to pursue other dreams, such as the publishing company that I licensed two years ago.

The other night I met with my Arbonne team in the comfort of one of our Regional Vice President’s home. I became an independent consultant in April to share the pure, safe and beneficial products. Friends and family were asking me about the nutritional supplements I had been using on the clean-eating challenge, so I figured I might as well sign up and be compensated for my recommendations and enjoy a healthy discount. The business plan looked intriguing, but my fears set in. “Oh, that’s good for other people. Sure, she did it, but I don’t think it’s for me. What will people think of me? What if it doesn’t work? I don’t like selling things. I don’t like standing in front of people.”

I still face those fears daily, but my belief in what I’m doing and sharing keeps me going. After signing up in April, I simply kept talking about my favorite products or would recommend something relative to casual conversation. I’ve been honest. I’ve been real. And guess what? I just promoted to the next level – District Manager! I was recognized at the meeting and also asked to give my “Why”.

The five ladies pictured with me above have inspired and supported my journey soooo very much in their special ways. I’m so grateful for their friendships and belief in me. My mom (camera-shy mom) is my biggest cheerleader. She wants this venture for me so badly and does whatever she can to help.

As I reflect on the past four years since my divorce (which left me with a lot of debt to take on), I realize I had been missing four major needs: choice, freedom, connection and flow. All four of those things are back in my life since discovering Arbonne. I feel and look better. I have more confidence. I’m learning new things every day about myself and the world of health & wellness. I’ve made new friends and work with women who support me. We believe in each other and praise each others’ successes. My life is flowing more naturally, and I’m feeling more grounded in all facets because I’m sharing my light with others. Fear of rejection used to have a leading role in my life. I have faced rejection a lot over the past six months. But  the “yeses” and connections with people who I never dreamed would see the value in what I’ve taken on far outweigh those rejections.

I have no idea where the journey is leading. But, as I know to be true in yoga, the unknown is a beautiful thing. Each time you step on the mat, you never know what you’ll learn, see and experience. As long as I continue fueling my health & wellness interest, I can’t go wrong. Same goes for you. Thoughts and over-thinking are what kill our dreams. Do what you love and I believe your individual life’s journey will present itself just how it’s meant to be.

Health & wellness, what I love

I was reminded today that you can’t run from what pulls you, what you’re passionate about. You can try, and maybe you’re not even consciously running from it, but for some reason, doubt sets in and you feel distant from that passion.

One of my biggest passions is my health & wellness business I discovered back in the spring when I was doing the Arbonne 28-day clean eating challenge. I had a beautiful Arbonne launch party last month. My whole life, it seems, has led me to this point as I’ve found myself leaning toward a more natural, less materialistic way of living. When I see an article about making homemade non-toxic sunscreen or the potential harmful effects of genetically modified foods, I can’t help but stop and read them. This habit doesn’t make me popular in many circles. I hear the sighs and see the eye-rolls. I often get caught in the self-doubt tunnel. But the urge to pursue my interests and learn more always returns. I can’t always eat organic and non-GMO foods. I’m exposed to toxins. I’m human. But I can choose what I put in and on my body. Knowledge is power. And that’s why I keep reading and learning about these things.

Last weekend, I came upon a recipe – grain-free, dairy & sugar free banana pancakes. Two simple ingredients: eggs and a banana.

The process was simple. Blend the two eggs and one banana in my NutriBullet, spread coconut oil in the pan and make your cakes. They didn’t turn out pretty or perfect – so much so that I couldn’t even take an after-photo. 😉 But they tasted good. Before the clean-eating challenge, I would have seen this recipe, maybe tabbed it for later, but that later would never come. Now, I see a recipe and I give it a go. Like these pancakes, the recipes usually turn out far from picture-perfect. It’s the simple steps of accomplishment and trying something new and different that keep me coming back for more.

That clean-eating challenge was so much more than physically life-changing for me. It gave me a renewed confidence and opened the door to a business so I can share health & wellness – my passion – with others.

Summertime

It’s clearly summer, because I have what I call “summer brain.” You know, where mustering up the energy to fix your hair and look presentable on a work day is a good feat in these energy-sucking hot temps. And doing things like updating your blog fall by the wayside because a friend invites you to the pool or you’re living in the moment on vacation.

No excuses, I know, I know, just being honest. And certainly not complaining. Despite the heat, I love the laidback feel of summer.

I was lucky to enjoy a weeklong vacation roadtripping, enjoying new sights and spending a whopping five days in one of my favorite cities: Chicago!

I stuck to my healthy eating habits for the most part but also didn’t punish myself for indulging. It’s all about balance. That’s what I love so much about what I’ve gained from the clean eating challenge I completed back in April. No deprivation. No crazy, unattainable diet. Just real food for real living.

I want to write a longer post about my trip with some lovely images, but until then, I’ve got to get some sleep for a busy Tuesday! I’ll leave you with a new find that I’m digging.

An herb saver that has saved me from the frustration of buying fresh herbs only to watch them wilt before I could use them up. Yay for small victories!

Artist’s Way

I have so many things running through me right now. Ideally, I’d be in bed right now, but I feel compelled to write. I’m feeling the need to connect here, this public forum that has been right by my side for marathon training, on regular days, holidays and most recently on this clean eating journey I started nearly two months ago. Wow, I can’t believe it’s already been two months.

What has changed? So much. Aside from having more energy, clarity and a feeling-good body, I can actually now say with confidence that I’m a cook. That’s right. I can plan, shop and cook some pretty darn good meals. They may not be the prettiest. I’ll keep practicing my presentation skills. As with anything in life, you just keep practicing. Not until you’re perfect. I’ve never liked the saying: “Practice makes perfect.” Everything, every creature is imperfect in its own perfect way. No one can be you or do it like you. It’s your practice. Your journey. Your dance.

The Dance by Artist Andrea

Call it the Artist’s Way. I’m about to delve into that book, which supports and nurtures the artist in each of us. Writer, photographer, painter, musician or even cook – I believe we all have a creative spirit inside itching to show itself. This blog and my recently adopted eating/cooking habits have taken me out of my comfort zone, and new doors are opening. I had no idea how much the artistic spirit inside me needed to get out.

Ideas are flowing, and I’m practicing the art of letting go – letting go of expectations, phrases like “I need to … ” “I should be …” “I wish …” and my proclivity to make excuses for things that happen in my life. Being honest and taking responsibility for my past, present and whatever may come – I think that’s the path for me.