Shawnda Lee

Country Heat is a new program that will be available on July 27th, 2016.  I'm a big fan of dance cardio, so I can't wait to begin. Things that I will like about this program ---> 1.) I don't have to worry about memorizing/following a full routine because the moves don't build on each other. 2.) When something is this much fun, I will forget I'm even working out! 3.)  High intensity, but low impact.  Just being real here...I've got that baby bladder and jumping around high intensity just isn't for me! Country Heat is a program that involves the workout moves set to country music.  It isn't necessarily "line dancing."  Hence, going back to #1 as to why I will like this program.  I'm not the most coordinated dancer if you can't already tell. The proof is in the pudding (or Shakeology)... there are lots of success stories from the test group.   I'm kicking off my Country Heat Challenge Group on August 15th.

I just Facebook posted about wearing shorts that weren't knee length, started to get some compliments in the comments, and then quickly wondered how to respond.  Do I say thank you?  I then googled, "How to take a compliment." Even my husband brought up this topic today.  He told me I looked good in my bathing suit, and then I quickly tugged at it and made a weird face.  He said, "You take compliments so well." So now I'm sitting here trying to figure out what my problem is.  For starters, I have this thing called a "blue personality."  I get too concerned that I'll be perceived the wrong way.  My problem with posting a picture of myself is that I worry people will think I'm looking for compliments or bragging.  This could not be further from the truth.  I want people to see my confidence and how it has changed in the last year.  I want them to see it so that they can know it is possible. Appearance wise, my body has changed a little.

About half a year ago, I read that I should be using Himalayan salt as opposed to any other salt (because it was better for me).  I'm finally doing my research because, well, I'm just curious. I'm curious because it seems to be everywhere ---> even in the middle of the mall in lamp form. Anyone who has recently been to the mall has probably passed the little aisle booth of salt lamps.  I've now added a Himalayan salt lamp to my Christmas list. Ahhh, and I love rocks and minerals.  Another good reason to find out some info (putting my Geology minor to use). So what exactly is the big deal?  It is very interesting, and I've put it in bullet form for your simple reading pleasure... This salt was protected from pollution because it was enveloped in lava and ice. Many people believe it is the purest salt that can be found. Himalayan salt contains the same 84 trace minerals that can be found in the human body. Less refined, larger pieces = less sodiu

Last night I committed 100% to following a food plan.  Specifically, I committed to Portion Fix (bright, cute, little colored container system). I put it in writing.  I had my day planned out perfectly, and then my day started. First Up: If you're from Pittsburgh, you might know the song "cake in the break room."  Well, there is usually something in our break room.  Today it happened to be lovely looking danishes and muffins. I looked.  I looked again.  I saw a yummy cheese danish that I just wanted to grab.  Then I remembered the text message that I sent to my friend.  A coach on my team.  A text saying that I committed. So...this is what I ate instead: 1 YELLOW (carb), 1/2 RED (protein), and 1/2 PURPLE (fruit).  I felt good about my decision, although not saying it was easy. Shakeology for lunch, another fruit (banana) and a Greek Yogurt for a snack, and my day was going as planned.  Until... Up Next: Apparently dinner plans for me weren't the

It would be best if you just read this out loud and let it sink way in.  To be honest, most people could stand to hear this (self included).  And...there are no fancy pictures in today's blog to keep you engaged.  Just the words and you getting real with yourself. I've learned that for us, as human beings, sometimes the future is hard to visualize because it is way out there.  Many people have a hard time saving money, for example.  We could use our money for current pleasures, but guess what?  We will be paying later when our retirement account doesn't allow for us to retire when we want to. Think about smoking.  People smoke because they get pleasure from it; a relaxing feeling.  Current pleasure = pay later.  Unfortunately, later payment could be in the form of health problems.  What about nutrition and fitness?  Want to eat bad foods day after day while getting very little activity in?  Current pleasure = pay later.  Monday rolls around and you still feel uncomfor

Perhaps the obvious reasons for becoming a Beachbody coach... 1. Financial gain - yep, you are going to make money. 2. Helping others with their health & fitness goals (fantastic, but obvious...you know that is what we do!). Here are some aspects of Beachbody coaching, though, that I had never expected and that I am so thankful for. 1. Ultimate accountability - not only do you have your customers, friends, family, challenge groups, and all of the people out there that just happen to read or listen to what you are sharing, but you also have a team of Beachbody coaches that you are working with.   It would be so much easier to give up if it was >>me and only me<< working on my health and fitness goals!  I'm in it and I won't give up now, no way!   2. Personal development - I really can't even put into words how this has changed my life.  Personal development is learning and working on me.  I commit to one hour of personal development per day. 

Yes, I would have to say this is the happiest year of my life.  Everything is coming together and everything is as I want it to be (except maybe I could wish for a little more time in the day). I'm not saying I've never been in a bad mood or sad, but for the most part, I am what I would consider happy.  I came across this picture the other day and it struck me.  Maybe this is me?  I got to thinking about the words because I know that many people misperceive me as being either shy or unhappy.  Even my own spouse has said he isn't sure of my emotional state at times.  I remember in high school, someone saying, "I just can't read you." The conclusion that I've come to is that it isn't necessarily that I think the world doesn't stop talking, but it is that I am content in observing.  I am happy to process in my own mind before I speak, and then, finally, I am happy to write it all out.  I have always hated being called shy or quiet.  Mostly