Day 5 #fallbackintoshape2017. I started my day with some scriptures that had an uplifting message: "But that ye have patience and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions" (Alma 34:41). I woke up yesterday in a funk. I was in a hole and could not dig myself out. I spent a lot of time by myself, reflecting. I still can't figure out exactly what was under my skin. I think it was a lot of  little things, subtle things that affected me much deeper subconsciously than I thought. I haven't had that happen in years. It was a whole body takeover. Both mind and body went almost completely black. It was overwhelming.

Marianne Williamson in A Return to Love had some great reminders for me this morning which also helped pull me out of my funk (along with a huge hug from my sweet little boy when I got him out of his crib this morning and that elusive thing we call a good night's sleep). :)

1. "A thoroughly loving person is like an evolutionary mutation, manifesting a being that puts love first and thus creates the context in which miracles occur...The mutations, the enlightened ones, show the rest of us our evolutionary potential. They point the way" (43).

2. "Surrender means, by definition, giving up attachments to results" (56).

3. "In Zen Buddhism, there's a concept called "zen mind." or "beginner's mind." They say that the mind should be like an empty rice bowl. If it's already full, then the universe can't fill it" (59).

4. "To let go, to just love is not to just fade into the wallpaper. Quite the contrary, it's when we truly become bright. We're letting our own light shine" (60).

My takeaway from these readings:
- Challenges are opportunities for growth and are temporary. Have hope.
- Push out all but love. That is the goal isn't it? I can work harder at that.
- Clear my mind. Be teachable. Let go of pride. This might be the hardest one.
- Being loving, kind and refusing to adopt a fight mentality doesn't make me weak. It's the conquering of self that gives me the most power over my own life and emotions. I can control how I experience things.

So grateful for this challenge and the chance to really read and reflect each day. I'm also checking in with myself daily which really helps me to keep track of where I'm at emotionally, spiritually and physically. Here's to continued growth, increased love and feeling more grounded in my life.

OH and my workout this morning was called "15 minute sleek body barre workout." Loved every second of it. I can feel my booty lifting. It burned so good! If you've never done a barre workout, challenge yourself! It's amazing. And you're worth it.