Whatever Is Meant To Be... Will Be.

I just got the results from an exam in nursing school that I was so STRESSED OUT and sick to my stomach over... and I PASSED!!!

I am not posting this to brag, but because this semester has given me a run for my money. Hours of studying, long days of early mornings and late nights. Last week, I felt like I hit rock bottom. Defeated. I cried every single day, and was sure that my future in nursing was done. I even went so far as to make a list of back up career options, as a "just in case".

Being 28 years old, living at home, and barely being able to work due to the demands of school is tough. Throw in the possibility of all your hard work, thousands of dollars in student loans, and your future career path thrown down the drain... and it's a recipe for feeling pretty lost.

Some may think that is a bit dramatic, but I will say that to date, my track record on exams has been just below the percentage mark we need. It's embarrassing and disheartening to keep falling short, time after time.

Especially when I KNOW I will make a great nurse!

However, something changed the other day. I was sitting at a stoplight, and had an "a-ha" moment. I realized how silly I was being for focusing on the worst possible outcome. I've come way too far to turn back now. I decided to change my outlook, pick myself up, and give it my absolute best. A few tears of exhaustion later, my hard work finally shined through!

It just goes to show that when you want something bad enough, you will do your absolute best knowing you couldn't have possible done any more. If the end result is meant to be, it will be.

Shine Bright, My Fellow Coffee Lover.

*google image.

Sitting here in silence listening to the soft hum of my Keurig as it heats up the water for my second cup of Vanilla Starbucks coffee. A warm cup of delight. Delicious. My puppy is cuddled up next to me with a slew of her toys, and the washer is quietly cleaning our well-worn clothes. I silently wonder if this is what my life will look like with kids?! Only a little less silent, I'm sure.

I have so many emotions running through my mind this morning, and a persistent fire that is burning deep in my soul. I have a passion... a huge passion. It comes from the heart and it's so real, I can feel it. I want to help people. I love to help people.

Most people who know me really well will tell you I was very shy growing up. I still am to an extent, but I've come a long way. I hated being the center of attention, was embarrassed far too easily, and was so very quiet in social situations, it was as if I wasn't even there. I feared saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing... you name it. I focused far too much of my time and effort into what other people thought of me, that I failed to grasp my own personality. My drive. My passion. I knew I was meant for more, but I had no idea where to start.

High school came and went, and I headed off to college for a life changing, eye-opening, best 4 years of my young adult life. I met some lifelong friends, grew into my own person, and began finding my voice... and subsequently, my way. After graduation, I worked odds and ends jobs... reapplied to school, changed my major a few times, and landed in nursing. It's a perfect career move for me because it encompasses my passion of helping people with my delight of giving back to the community. But it doesn't stop there...

My love of health, fitness, mind, body, and soul led me to Beachbody Coaching, which led me to meet even more amazing friends that have become like family. I have found a way to see the positive in a world full of negatives. I am slowly recapturing the drive I once sought out as a young girl, desperate to figure out my "path" in life.

It's funny, you know... how you can find something--or someone--and you just know it is what you are meant for. Your reason for waking up each day and seizing every moment. Failing forward. Constantly learning, growing, and living with purpose.

I can't even count the number of times I was told I would never succeed. That I was making a mistake by going into nursing, becoming a Beachbody Coach, etc. etc. This told to me by people who failed to see my drive for the desires God has placed in my heart. I am blessed that I have found my niche, and am lucky to have my best friend/soulmate by my side for the journey.

I may not have it all together, but together [with God] I have it all. He will not fail me. I trust in his plan.

As one of my favorite authors (Holley Gerth) says in her book You Were Made for a God-Sized Dream, "There's a God-sized dream knocking on the door of your heart. This is your moment. Now is your time [to shine]."

Go out there and chase your wildest dreams.

Give it your all.

"Small, smart choices + consistency + time = a radical difference!"

-Darren Hardy

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

Do you ever have those times where you look around and find you're constantly comparing yourself and your successes to those of other people? If you haven't, you're one of the very rare exceptions. The truth is, we all want to be successful at something - school, sports, our jobs, our relationships. But the difference between WANTING those things and actually achieving them is HARD WORK. It takes dedication and giving your time and efforts to helping others, while expecting nothing in return. It takes perseverance to want something so bad, that you will make sacrifices to achieve them. It takes letting go of your wants, to focus on someone else's needs.

I'll admit, I've been in sort of a funk lately. My biggest passion is helping others to live their best lives. Yet lately, I don't feel like I'm doing that effectively. I could be a better coach, a better nursing student, a better girlfriend, and a better friend... and I WANT to be those things.

I know I am capable of more. I strongly believe I have the capacity to make a positive impact in this world. To help hundreds of people realize their true potential and empower them to take control of their health and their lives. Not only through Beachbody Coaching, but also as a future nurse.

So whatever your passion is, I challenge you to chase it down and don't stop until you've succeeded. Then, push yourself farther and achieve more than you've ever thought possible. Let your light shine through in everything you do.

YOU WERE MADE FOR MORE! ♡

Grain Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I first came across these delicious muffins on a friend's blog, and I went to get the recipe for them this afternoon and realized she got them from here. Oh the beauty of the internet. You can always count on blogs and sites like Pinterest to find fun, crafty projects, baking and cooking recipes, and awesome DIY stuff you might have never thought of doing otherwise!

{Anywho - It is officially Fall... which now means all things PUMPKIN!}

It is also my favorite season, so what better way than to bake some delicious muffins to honor it. These little beauties are perfect paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or by themselves as a little treat. They are easy to make, nutritious, and healthy! Within 10 minutes of them coming out of the oven, my boyfriend was all about trying them out. Needless to say, he loved them. I am sure you and your family will, too! Without further ado... here's how to make 'em!

What You'll Need:

1 cup all-natural almond butter

2/3 cup pumpkin puree

2 large eggs plus 1 egg white, lightly beaten

1/3 cup honey (may substitute maple syrup)

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (I used Pink Himalayan Sea Salt)

1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate chips)

How to Make 'Em:

1. Preheat the over to 350 degrees F, and line a standard muffin pan with paper cup liners.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the almond butter and the pumpkin until smooth. (if the almond butter has been stored in the refrigerator and is hard, it is helpful to bring to room temperature before mixing.)

3. Stir in the eggs and honey. Mix in the pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Stir in the chocolate chips, reserving a few for the top, if desired.

4. Using a large ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measure, pour the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Top each with a few reserved chocolate chips, if desired. (I took advantage of this because I love chocolate!)

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the centers are just firm.

6. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, the muffins will keep for at least a week. (They may also be frozen and thawed as you eat them.)

**Tip: If you prefer to forego the chocolate chips, you may substitute raisins, dried cranberries, nuts, or a mix of all three.

Now go out and enjoy some of these yummy Fall treats! :)

Bombshell Retreat

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to a FREE weekend get-away to a cute little tucked away cabin with some fellow entrepreneurs. I didn't hesitate very long before I booked a plane ticket to fly out to Pittsburgh, PA, where I met some of the most inspirational and amazing people ever. It all came about because of the hard work and dedication I have put into my Beachbody business over the past few months. This business has given me confidence, strength, a feeling of success and accomplishment. It has blessed me with some of the most amazing friends a girl could ask for... and better yet, the most liberating and humbling feeling I get every time I help someone get closer to their health and fitness goals.

So, without further ado... here are some pictures from my weekend get-a-way. It was full of laughs, hugs, smiles, business building, team building, group workouts, and feeling happy just to be in the company of one another. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am SO thankful, happy, and blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful and life-changing weekend away.

This could be YOU!!! Are you motivated by FUN, fitness, financial independence, freedom to be your own boss, HELPING others achieve their goals, FREE trips and incentives to continuously work harder to become a better version of yourself, while motivating, supporting, and inspiring others to do the same? If this sounds like you, email getfitelle@beachbodycoach.com for more details on how to get started on building your own business! I would love to have YOU join our growing team!

From Preemie to Healthy & Fit

Something resonated with me this past weekend. I was sitting at a BEAUTIFUL cabin in Pennsylvania, with some friends. Topics were being thrown around about life at home, our jobs, our futures, and what we wanted most out of life. I felt like I had already learned so much from everyone else... yet, my quiet nature kept me from talking about myself and my goals, too much.

However, something happened that really made me realize what a great gift I was given almost 28 years ago. It all started with someone asking me about my voice. It is raspy and can sometimes sound like I have a cold, to other people. Here's a little back story to set the tone. I was born 4 1/2 months premature, weighing in at 1 pound, 10 ounces and 12 inches long. No need to worry about your eyesight... yes, you read that correctly. I was a miracle baby, as my grandparents and parents always told me growing up. The doctors said I might not survive, and if I did... I would have a lengthy list of medical problems.

Me as a preemie

My parents had no idea what they were up against, as I was their first child. I can only imagine how scary it was for everyone involved. Back then, there was not all of the enhanced technology we have today. Many months, treatments, and prayers later... I was sent home two days before my due date. It is my understanding that I was still quite small, but the nurses and doctors trusted that my parents and extended family would take great care of me. I would be lying if I said they didn't. I have lived a very great life, so far. I fought like hell to survive... and I am eternally thankful to God, my family, and my amazing medical team who cared for me. And, as for the medical problems the doctors thought I would have... the worst of it is a very strong prescription for my glasses/contacts, and a raspy voice to which this blog post all came about.

I should note that I have one of those raspy, made-for-radio voices. So I am told. When I have previously inquired about why I sound the way I do, I was told that it was from all of the tubes I had as a preemie. Anyways, I was asked a few times this past weekend (and pretty much once a day, my entire life) if I was sick or why my voice sounds like it does. I did not take offense to that question as I used to, years ago. I simply smiled and told them my story.

I have had my fair share of struggles growing up. With being made fun of for my voice, being far too shy and quiet, trying too hard to be "perfect" so I could fit in with the "cool" crowd in school, struggles in school with learning, and basically losing sight of the big picture. I focused so hard on what I wanted right this minute, that I never planned for the long term. That was, until recently... Until I found a way to be healthy, get fit, and take charge of my future. Most importantly learning how to feel GOOD about myself! I was sick of hiding and making excuses for why things weren't going like I wanted them to, or why I acted the way I did. I obviously survived being born premature for a reason, so why was I going to waste my time shoving fast food and chemically processed junk into my body?!

I want you to know that it is never too late to change your life around. I used to think my prematurity set me back from the crowd. Like I wasn't good enough, creative enough, smart enough, or interesting enough for other people. Now I realize that none of that matters. What does matter is how I feel about myself, and that I do what it takes to live my happiest life.

It's time for me to DREAM big. BELIEVE in myself. and ACHIEVE the greatness that I know I am meant for. Are you ready to do the same?

Beauty Meets Passion

This is a beautiful message. I am sharing it because I think it is very important that us women see that NO ONE is "perfect". We all have flaws, imperfections, and things we do not necessarily like about ourselves. This message spoke to me that I should love my self and my body. The good and not-so-good. There is no one else like me. That is what makes each of us unique. Each of us an individual.

I realize that society portrays this "ideal" self image of being super duper skinny, starving yourself or using diet pills to get there, and sending the message that this is raw beauty. I'll be the first to tell you, it's not! Beauty is inside each of us. We just have to be willing to see that.

A little bit ago, I had this realization about my life and things that I am passionate about. The tiny thought sort of snowballed over the morning, into something much deeper than I expected. It went a little something like this. Every one of us is passionate about something. Your career, children, education, family, friends, art, music, photography, using your skills and talents to style other people's hair, writing, helping people, health/fitness, and the list could go on. Then a thought popped into my head... something that I have never thought about before. We all share what we are passionate about with our families, friends, and people we meet along the way. We do this because we believe so highly about our passions that we want other people to believe in them and embrace them, too!

This brings me to my next thought. It is very obvious by now that I love health and fitness. Do I love to workout every day? NO! But I do it, because I know it will keep me healthy. Do I love to pass up that second piece of cake EVERY time?! Absolutely not. But I know that my body is fueled on nutritious foods more than processed, so I pick and choose my "happy" meals (aka. cheat meals). Am I saying you can't indulge ever? No way! Moderation is key. In fact... I had that second piece of cake at my niece's birthday party last night. It was delicious! Though, I will not be making a habit of it.

There are times when I feel people misconstrue my passion for living a healthy lifestyle, with pushing people to meet that unrealistic "ideal" image. As I have said many times before... no two people are the same. That's what is so beautiful about life. We each have our own individual personalities, attractions, favorite parts of ourselves, and flaws. That is why I promote HEALTH... not just weight loss. I promote FITNESS. Not a certain jean size. Most of all, I promote the opportunity for each and every one of you to live your best lives. Full of happiness and love for yourself and others. Never let anyone tell you you're not good enough, beautiful enough, or "skinny" enough. Love yourself, because you are worth it!