Moments That Make Memories
Congratulations, Linda! Last week Monarch Linda Benge won THIRD PLACE in the "Monarchs on the Move" contest. WAY to GO Linda!!!!
“I just got one last thing, I urge all of you, all of you, to enjoy your life, the precious moments you have. To spend each day with some laughter and some thought, to get you're emotions going.” — Jim Valvano (from his speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards)
Action: Enjoy ever minute of holiday season, as it's an opportunity to make memories.
Wow! What an outstanding and brightly shining journey this has been. It was only seventeen weeks ago when we all wondered if Austin would ever be green again or we could spend any considerable amount of time outside after 9 a.m.
Since beginning Journey XIII we have experienced what I consider to be one of the longest and most beautiful fall seasons ever. Despite the rainy days and unseasonably cool temperatures, we've been able to wear our fall and winter workout clothes (so fun) and enjoy the adventures of exercising during rain storms while hiding under pavilions, bridges and overhangs.
Because we've spent time outside under the blue, gray and rainbow filled skies, we've been able to witness mother nature's brilliance in a multitude of magical ways. We have also had the opportunity to feed our bodies, minds and spirits through friendships, a lot of laughter, goal setting, and moving and challenging our bodies in a variety of ways.
If there's one thing I know to be 100% certain, it's that YOU, the iGnite Monarchs are AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL!! There's not a day during Journey XIII when I was not eager to tell Russell about something funny, inspirational or simply COOL that happened during a workout. Amy, Carley, Kathleen, Maurine, and I were always talking about you and the wonderful things we did together. We are so abundantly grateful for you and for the time you allow us to have with you. Thank YOU!!!
Journey XIII is ending just in time for us to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah with our family and friends. Just as we've spent time working hard and focusing on our physical, spiritual and mental goals and making fun memories during Journey XIII, it's now equally important to give yourself permission to relax, recharge and even sleep late so you don't miss the moments that make life memories.
Maybe that means saying yes, or even no, to a party or knowing what to do vs. what not to do. I realize we, as moms and wives, are the ones who predominately make the holiday season occur. But before you get anxious about buzzing around trying to find the perfect gifts, having the perfect outfit to wear to a party, or making family travel arrangements, remember how fortunate we are that we GET TO do all of that!
Enjoy your break Monarchs and know how grateful we are for you and how excited we are to see you during Journey XIV!!!
Monarchs Ann, Kathleen, and Anne at our kickoff party at ZAX in September.
Monarchs Susan and Margie jog for joy during one of the very first rain showers in September!!! YEAH FOR RAIN!!
Monarchs Janet, Becky, Kerri Ann, Neissa and Rae obey Kathleen's spirited instruction to skip and hold the udderball high to the sky!
Monarchs Karen (back), Cindy (middle), and Janet (front) play chase, while “drafting” one another to improve their swimming endurance and technique.....maybe for a triathalon during Journey XIV!!
Back to front: Monarchs Laura, JoAnn, Connie, Cindy and Katherine strike an Eagle Pose near the cypress tree on beautiful foggy, Fall morning.
Monarchs Gretchen and Leslie sport their funny hats and Monarch Money during one of our very recent, cold and windy mornings.
Shining VERY Brightly during our Journey XIII Celebration, Monarch Lisa shows off her accessorizing skills, matching her Monarch Hair Clip, sparkling red dress and her gift exchange red photo album.
Journey XIII Celebration: Monarchs Maurine, Janet, Simone, and Sherry hold their gifts high, for the final round during our holiday gift exchange.
Without having to go through the unfortunate experience that George Bailey did in It's a Wonderful Life, let's treat our break, the holiday season, time with friends and family, and our abundant blessings as George does when he finds out he's alive... by jumping, hugging, kissing, singing and making time for the moments that make memories of a lifetime.
If you don't see a video above, please install the Adobe Flash player.