Finding my place in the craziness of life

This year has been a whirl wind.

I have faced a lot of ugly truths that came to surface.  Some things that I didn't know were really there until I experienced it in it's ugliness.

People say that God only gives us trials that he knows we can deal with and get through.  There were a lot of times that I really thought I was going to lose that battle...but I kept pushing through and refused to give up.  And you know what?  It wasn't easy but I got through.

Depression, anxiety, job struggles, marriage difficulty, struggles with the kids....

But God helped us through.  I've said it before and I'll say it again.  God places people in our lives for certain situations, seasons, and sometimes for life.  This last year has definitely proved that. Late last year, I joined back up with Beachbody through someone who I met on Facebook.  She was specifically placed in my life to help bring me out of the depression that I was sinking in. I joined a really awesome team of men & women who came alongside me and lifted me up out of the darkness.

During that time, my marriage, or so I thought was at an all time low.  A lot of it was miscommunication...OR rather...no communication and some of it was me.  When you're not happy then often the other aspects of your life can be in disarray.

I had struggled with not really liking my job for the past several years but just couldn't figure out how to get out without hurting finances and really truly didn't know what I wanted to do instead.  Some things occurred in the past month that faced me with the realization that I can get out of that job and I will thrive wherever I go...but I also was realizing my love for population health and the community surrounding me in Rochester, NY.  I've always had a love for the disadvantaged population and have desired to work with them.  Well, long story short, I ended my job at the hospital I was working at and I am now working with the community directly around where I live and I visit them in their homes, providing nursing services and case management.  It's awesome to see where God has led me.

Taking you back a little in the story, a friend of mine who I had met through Facebook, started reaching out to me about Plexus.  I told her "No, absolutely not interested.  I just got out of Beachbody and I wasn't interested in another network marketing company."  She insisted that it wasn't about that but that it was about "gut health".  I was still a skeptic.  But it intrigued me.  So I started doing research from different sites I googled that were unrelated to Plexus and every site talked about the importance of gut health and specifically, ridding your body of the toxins and sugar/candida overgrowth in our gut.  I found that when we heal our gut, the rest of our body's systems also start healing and when this happens, many times the symptoms of chronic illnesses and conditions start to disappear.  Many times those who have been on multiple medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, digestive issues, anxiety, depression, and other chronic conditions have been able to wean off of their meds completely!  It's amazing stuff!

So I decided to join up with her in Plexus and start the Triplex regimen as well to see if it really worked.  I can tell you that it's not a weight loss gimmick but instead has regulated my bowel system, decreased and almost taken away the chronic discomfort in my back, neck, and shoulders from stress and overwork.  It has given me tons of natural energy and I feel amazing.  This just in two weeks of taking it!

I'm inviting you to come and try it with me and a small group of women who desire to become healthier as well.  We are intentional in this and are there to support each other.  I'm excited for the ladies in the group!  If you'd like to join us, message me for details or find me on Facebook at Facebook.com/sarahdixonpeers and message me there.

Going back to where I am now after dealing with the struggles from the past year...
I am now doing much better in my marriage as I have started working on me.  My husband and I are communicating much better and I have stopped holding everything inside but instead try to bring my concerns to light when they happen rather than letting them fester and then blowing up.

I switched jobs as I talked about above and now I'm an RN Case Manager with Visiting Nurse Service a service within UR Homecare. I'm an ambassador with Plexus Worldwide and I'm loving all that I'm learning about gut health and our bodies as well as sharing it with you all.  My kids are loving that I'm home every evening with them and not working long hours anymore.  And I have the weekends and most holidays off!  Ah-mazing!!!  I never thought I'd get to this place but it's happening and it's awesome.

Healing and things

The past year or so has brought a lot of change.  Good change....hard change...some not so pretty things and some intense healing.  I am a person of faith and though I struggle with doubt, I believe in God and have a personal faith in Jesus.  I have walked away from it for quite awhile, feeding into hurt, anger, fears, and let it take over me.  This in turn sent me into a deep depression.  One that I really didn't realize was taking over my life until it did.  

God sent a wonderful person named Katy Ursta and her husband Mike into my life and through their encouragement and coaching, I was able to climb out of the crap and see what I was letting happen in my life.  I started to deal with things that were deep under the surface and started learning to forgive and heal.  I stopped denying the things that I was allowing myself to look past and started to deal with them as ugly as they were.

My marriage was struggling and I was able to look through the hurt, anger, and ego to see how I can pick up the pieces and allow God to restore our relationship. It isn't easy but we've been married 15 years and I think God has his hand on our marriage and is allowing us to pick up and make it work.

Coaching was a wonderful experience and definitely taught me a lot about the Do's and Don'ts of social media.  It taught me a lot about helping others in areas of need.  It truly was an amazing experience that I will never regret!  I'm continuing on in my own group that I had started with a core group of women and will continue on with them.  They inspire me every day and I love working with them!

So what have I been doing recently? I had two weeks off with my children.  Two weeks of pure bliss. LOL  Well maybe not pure bliss...but it was definitely nice to be able to stay home with my kids and get them ready for back to school routines.  We did enjoy our summer with lots of trips to the beach or the YMCA to swim.  My son (9) has informed me that he is going to  be a gamer and work for MoJang some day and my daughter  (6) loves all things Littlest Pet Shop (LPS). We got a puppy earlier in the year  and have definitely enjoyed her presence in our family even though she's a bundle of constant energy. She (Lilly) loves to go to the dog park and swim with the other dogs and loves to play with her toys.  My husband and I have been communicating a lot more and I have definitely seen some growth in our relationship.  We are coming up on our 15th wedding anniversary in November and are planning a one night get-away downtown.  It will be a much needed escape.

I've been reading through a book called "The Unveiled Wife" by Jennifer Smith.  It is a marriage book and journeys through her and her husband's struggles in their marriage.  Although I don't relate to their struggles per say, I do resonate with similar issues that she talks about in the book.  It has been a really good read.  Today's reading had this verse: 

           "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." - John 15:1-2

God has a purpose in my life.  A purpose for your life.  He cuts out the areas of our lives that aren't bringing forth good things and prunes the areas that are so that we will be successful in those areas.  God has cut out the fear, guilt, anger, depression, hurt, etc in my life so that it won't hinder my relationships, work atmosphere, etc.  He is continually reshaping me so that I can grow in the good things in life.  So that I can have good relationships both with friends and with my husband and kids. I look forward to what is coming next in my life!  

A view into the future?  Well, I wish I knew.  But I do know that I want to work with the community of Rochester. Our city is so full of hurt, poverty (both spiritual and financial), racial bondage, etc.  I want our children (White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, etc) to know that they are truly of value.  They are worth far more than they know!  They CAN do anything they set their mind to despite what their social-economic status is telling them.  Because #AllLivesMatter #BlackLivesMatter #WeAllMatter

I'm excited to see what the city of Rochester is becoming! So glad that my kids attend School 52, that we live in the city, and our church has a presence in the city's community.  

A Little About Me

I was snail-mailing someone and told a little about myself and thought...why don't I tell it on here?  I mean, I've told my story of how I've dealt with depression and anxiety but I've never really shared about my weight loss journey and my struggles and accomplishments in that area.

After my daughter, McKenzie was born, I had lost the baby weight because I was nursing still and had only gained 18lbs during her pregnancy due to a strict diet I was put on to manage borderline gestational diabetes.  Yep...I failed that 3hr glucose test by one point!!!  And I was strictly monitored.  While this really annoyed me, it also woke me up and made me realize that I needed to change some things in my eating habits and activity level or I would end up getting diseases or conditions that I see my patients deal with in the hospital.

So at the end of 2010, I was ready to work out again and was cleared by the OB to do so.  I started off with Brazil Butt Lift which is an oldie but goody!  It is basically Zumba for Beachbody.  Then I started working out 5 days a week at the gym until I saw some significant weight loss and then dropped down to 3 days a week once I obtained my goal.  The thing was, I absolutely hated having to drive 15 minutes just to get to the gym.  So eventually, I ended up paying for a gym membership that I never used!  Sounds pretty common right!?!

I saw an info-mercial for T25 while at the gym and asked a friend who is a Beachbody coach about it.  She of course told me about her challenge groups that she was running and that I could do that with T25.  You guys...not only is T25 an amazingly fun workout program, but I lost 28lbs!!!  I couldn't believe it!  I get bored easily with workouts that are pretty similar each day so I became a little bored with the T25 routine.  My coach introduced me to 21 Day Fix with had a portion control container system to teach you how to eat appropriate portions of each food group for each meal and the best part was that the workouts were all varied each day so I didn't ever get bored! 

21 Day Fix sold me!  Autumn Calabrese is an amazing trainer and the program "had me at hello!"  I was able to lose 10 more pounds with this and felt the best I have ever felt!  I then went on to 21 Day Fix Extreme and 22 Minute Hard Corps and now PIYO.  I will complete PIYO, however, my first love will always be 21 Day Fix & Fix Extreme! 

So where am I now?  I loved the way I was feeling.  I loved that my labs were showing decreases in cholesterol, blood sugars, and I was gaining so much natural energy without the need for coffee all day.  And I was maintaining the weight loss! 

I can't say enough about Beachbody's programs and Shakeology!  They truly do work!!! 

I would love to pay it forward and help you through your fitness and health journey too!  Maybe you don't need to lose weight but you just want to build muscle or tone.  Maybe you want to lose 10-30lbs and just can't or won't make the time to go to the gym but these 30 minute workouts appeal to you because you can get them done before or after work....or after your kids are in bed! 

It's so easy to do!  I have a challenge group starting up May 9th.  I will be doing Hammer & Chisel along with my other participants in the group.  You pick the challenge pack of your choice which comes with your first month of Shakeology & a meal plan guide and I'll add you to a private accountability group so that we can hold each other to our goals!  Come join me!  Give me a text, call, or email today!
Sarah
585-944-9174
Facebook.com/Aidanskenziesmomma OR
Facebook.com/rncoachspeers
Email: rncoachspeers@gmail.com

The Fit-courageous RN: April showers bring May flowers....right?

The Fit-courageous RN: April showers bring May flowers....right?: Yesterday was awesome, warm, and sunny.  We adopted a little 12 week old Black Lab named Lilly and the two of us took a lot of walks and enj...

April showers bring May flowers....right?

Yesterday was awesome, warm, and sunny.  We adopted a little 12 week old Black Lab named Lilly and the two of us took a lot of walks and enjoyed the warmth around us.

Today...well today is gray, rainy, but spring is still in the air.  It's not as warm but you can still feel the warmth through the sprinkles.  The birds are enjoying spring too and are definitely "twitterpated".  Disney reference from Bambi for those of you who aren't old enough to remember that term.  :)

I have taken a few days off from my usual workouts for a few reasons.  My kids are out of school this week for spring break and I want to enjoy their company and clean the house.  I have a challenge group starting up again soon and another ending so I wanted to make sure that I am caught up with posts, recipes, and such for those.  And my knees are crying for a little break in the intense workouts that I've been doing.

So I've allowed myself a little break.  Sometimes you just need to listen to your body but don't stop for too long.  Get back up and start again or else those ugly bad habits will come back.  Trust me...I know!

My oldest son, Aidan, is turning 9 this month.  I still can't believe he's growing up so fast!  When he was 8 weeks old, we moved to Rochester, NY (Upstate about an hour east of Buffalo).  We didn't know anyone except for my husband's family and friends from high school and I started a new job at University of Rochester Medical Center (UR Medicine) on the advanced heart failure unit where we specialize in Left ventricular Devices (LVADs & HVADs), total heart replacement pumps (TAHs), and heart transplants.  It is a very stressful yet often rewarding unit to work on with a great family oriented atmosphere that is very strong in team-work. 

With all these new changes: new baby, new place, new job...I was overwhelmed with life to say the least and let myself go....A LOT!  I gained a bunch of weight, dealt with pretty extreme depression, and pretty much just held on by a string.

Fast forward three 1/2 years, I was pregnant with our daughter, McKenzie, (now almost 6). I knew that I needed to lose some weight, and I had...a little...but this time I had to prevent myself from gaining too much while pregnant so that I could easily lose after she was born.  With the help of an endocrine nurse assigned to me for borderline gestational diabetes, I was able to only gain 18lbs during the pregnancy by abiding to a pretty strict diet of veggies, lean meats, and fruits.  This intrigued my interest in clean, whole foods.  If I could prevent diabetes by eating a clean diet, then I knew that I could improve my eating habits and lose weight and become healthier by reducing my blood sugars back to normal and by lowering my cholesterol which had also been on the high side. 

When I was okay'd to workout again, I started going to the gym 5 days a week until I saw changes and then backed down to about 3 days a week and also started Shaun T's T25.  That's when I really started to see changes and fell in love with Beachbody's workout programs.  I lost about 15lbs and then switched to the 21 Day Fix where I not only lost more weight but learned to portion correctly and eat cleaner, whole foods...which basically just means not processed, no artificial additives, or flavoring...and no sugar! 

I've tried other programs too some that I loved, some I hated!  22 Minute Hard Corps was one that I really liked but became to intense on my knees....even with the modifications.  So I'm taking a needed break.

My next challenge group starting up on Monday, April 11th is going to be for those that want to learn to eat clean, learn new yummy family-friendly recipes, are too busy to workout in the gym or just can't afford the monthly membership...or just don't have more than 30 minutes to get a workout in before starting their day or getting their kids to bed. 

There are a few of us in this challenge group.  Some are doing PIYO (Pilates and yoga infused whole body core workouts), others will be doing 21 Day Fix (maybe for the second or third rounds), some will be doing Cize (dance based workouts), and others may be doing T25 or other programs.  Our group is here to meet your workout goals and needs and we do it all through an app on your phone or device called Challenge Tracker app. 

I'm so looking forward to doing this challenge with these ladies.  We've started our pre-season already; gearing up for April 11th and I can already tell they will be involved in keeping each other accountable and motivated!  Check out the video below to get a sneak peak at what PIYO is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1yDHYVhuhw

And...21 Day Fix:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNl_JXR_Yyc&list=PL-_9M6wxaOsWG-A9Ryj9vctm9gSrkS479

What has been really fun for me is creating meal recipes for the participants in the challenge groups.  Most are from the Fixate cookbook but I've also included others from Chalene Johnson's Lean Extreme meal plan and the PIYO meal plans.  Pinterest has been a god-sender too.

If you're interested in any of these programs or would like to join the group(s), Please comment in the comments section or email me at rncoachspeers@gmail.com

April Challenge Group

All of my challenge groups are centered around some amazing workout programs that allow you to workout in your own home, your office, hotel...whatever little space you have for cheaper than going to the gym! Plus....you can sweat and not worry about other people smelling you! wink emoticon
I am doing 22 Minute Hard Corps right now and have a love/hate relationship with it but it's really an awesome workout and can be done in as little as 22 minutes for real!
PIYO is another favorite of mine and I'll be doing in April along with other participants in my next challenge group coming up. It's a low impact, whole body workout that combines pilates and yoga. It's a great mix and love it so much!

The 3 Day Refresh is a 3-day detox system focused on cleansing the toxins out of your body, including sugars, and to help kickstart your clean eating and weight loss. I did it and lost 5lbs in the three days....and you still get to eat real foods!

Will you join me in my April group? I'd love to have you! Message me at rncoachspeers@gmail.com or Comment Below "I'm In"

Spring Cleaning

As we march into spring and the warm weather is just a reach away, we realize that our homes need to be cleaned out and have collected maybe a bit too much over the winter.  Right!?!

My kids rooms are a disaster.  Well...my oldest is very Type-A and does a pretty good job keeping it organized but he still enjoys hoarding things that he really doesn't need.  But the minute I throw something out....he knows!

My daughter's room continually looks like a natural disaster hit.  Clothes thrown every which way, toys all over the place....I need to do some serious cleaning in there but I'm scared for my life!  I guess this will be my cardio workout today! 

Do you have any tips or successfully keeping your children's rooms clean and decluttering at the same time?

I'd love to hear your comments!

22 Minute Hard Corps

During Break from 22 Min Hard Corps Cardio 1
Dang is it hard!!!  I love it and hate it at the same time!  Usually I don't mix well with Tony Horton's "hard ass" style but in this series, he is more of a drill sergeant keeping you going. 

Today was my first day doing the workouts in order.  It was Cardio 1 and Core 1 but I had limited time to get it done so I just did Cardio.  Tomorrow I will make up for missing Core and will complete Resistance 1. 

I actually love the meal plans in 22 Minute Hard Corps a lot better than I did with the 21 Day Fix.  Shhhhh....don't tell Autumn!  :)
The recipes are delicious and don't take a lot of time to fix up...and they still use the Fix container system.  It's great.  Here are pics of the recipes and my lunch today (Sesame Chicken w/sugar snap peas, brown rice, and asparagus).

22 Min Breakfast Options

22 Min Lunch Options

Sesame Chicken w/sugar snap peas, brown rice, and asparagus

Shakeology and snack options

22 Min Dinner Options

22 Min. Meal Plan Options
You calculate your caloric need based off of the meal plan calculator included in the Meal Plan "Rations" booklet.  I'm in the Plan 2 bracket but I'm going to use the Plan 1 to see if I'll break my weight loss plateau.

I seriously thought I would hate the workouts but I am starting to feel stronger every day...and the workouts are only 22 minutes long!  I can do anything for 22 minutes...and it's a great workout!!!
www.beachbodycoach.com/rncoachspeers.com

I'm tired...

I'm tired you guys...

I was on night shifts last week and now day shifts this week.  I have to still chase my kids around and still make sure dinners are on the table and the house is cleaned up.

Life can really tug on us can't it?  But somehow, we dig way down and pick ourselves up each and every day.  Some days we struggle...and some days we fly.  What is it for you?

I'm an RN on a busy, sometimes very heavy, cardiac floor.  We specialize with Left Ventricular devices (LVADs & HVADS), total artificial heart pumps (TAHs), and advanced heart failure leading to transplant.  I love my unit, I love the people I work with every shift, and I love the patients!  It's what keeps me there when times get tough.

12hr shifts....is the question.  There is a lot of research out there indicating that 12hr shifts wear on you, causing the individual not to be able to function at their baseline past the 10hr mark.  So hospitals are starting to mandate 8hr shifts...but what does that do to all of us RNs that work 3-12hr shifts and have four days off with our families/loved ones?  Is it worth it?  Would I be less tired if I gave in and switched to this?  Would I be a safer nurse or would it put more time constraints on my already busy day?



I'm tired....but I decided to wake up and give it my all!  I got up later than I planned but still in time to get a 30 minute workout in and get my kids off to school.  I was still able to go to the PTO meeting with the other parents and now I have the rest of the day to clean up the house and have some personal  time.  Books of choice? The Slight Edge (personal development) & Rediscover Jesus (personal spiritual development).  Both are wonderful books if you haven't picked them up.
Workout of choice: I've completed the 21 Day Fix with really amazing results and learned how to clean up my eating in the process.  I've learned new habits and how to eat the right portions/foods.  And I loved the varied workouts because I get bored doing the same thing every day.  And I loved that I could do it in 30 minutes!  But guess what!?!  There's a new one that came out that I can do in 22 minutes and if I still want to go to the gym for extra results....I can!  22 Minute Hard Corps by Tony Horton (P90X guy) is coming to my doorsteps any day now and I can't wait!!!  I've seen people go through it and had awesome results. 

MY goal isn't to get skinny.  I have a medium frame and I'm of German/Irish descent.  I'm not a tiny person....but my goal is to become as healthy and as strong as possible and in turn lose about 25 more lbs.  I can do it....will you join me?  Message me at rncoachspeers@gmail.com

The Fit-courageous RN: Quiet time means planning time

The Fit-courageous RN: Quiet time means planning time: ✨ It's quiet and the house is cleaned up....when does that happen!?! ✨ My work time consists of a power hour of where I read personal...

Quiet time means planning time

✨It's quiet and the house is cleaned up....when does that happen!?!
✨My work time consists of a power hour of where I read personal development & have a "quiet time" and then get my challenge groups set up for y’all.
✨Meal plans are in the works...encouraging and motivating posts are being drummed up...

✨I'm really putting my heart into this friends! I'm an RN by trade and I love what I do...so much that I want to bring it into my home business too! If I can help you to become healthier, more confident, stronger people by encouraging you and believing in you, and coaching you...then that makes me fulfilled!
✨I still have 2-5 more spots to fill in my March 14th group. My target audience for this group are busy people: moms, career folk, working moms, RNs, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, MDs, etc. If you're busy...I want to help you!
✨PIYO (pilates/yoga based core strength workouts), 21 Day Fix (think Crossfit/aerobics), 22 Hard Corps (military style workouts), 3 Day Refresh (jump start to nutrition), and On Demand (stream any workouts to your device for 90days)....are just a few of the programs to choose from.
✨Email me at: rncoachspeers@gmail.com

Shakeology: Not just a protein shake

Do you ever feel like eating healthy and buying healthy food0s is just way to expensive and breaks your bank every time you do it?  I know I did...I was constantly spending almost $600 or more a month on our family's groceries just so that we could eat healthy...it was literally breaking our wallet! 

In stepped Shakeology....
What if you could cut down on your grocery expenses and get everything you need (veggies, fruits, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, stress reducers, etc).
Shakeology has done all that for me...and more!

What I love about it is that its like having 6 salads a day in one serving, it tastes so good, and it's so good for you. **NO 20 letter word ingredients that you can't pronounce, it's fair trade, and all organic** Also, the vegan options have Pea powder for those that are allergic or intolerant to whey and dairy formulas.

I get it, you want to know what you're putting into your body right!?!  I do too and this is what I love about it's ingredients...
What is in it you ask?
*Proprietary super-protein blend: Chia, Flax, Quinoa, Rice, Pea, Oat -->Protein helps build lean muscle and reduce cravings
*Proprietary super-fruit/antioxidant blend: Camu-Camu, Acerola Cherry, Bilberry, Goji Berry, Green Tea, Luo Han Guo, Pomegrante, and rose hips --> loaded with naturally occuring antioxidants
*Proprietary Super-green/phytonutrient blend: Moringa, Chlorella, spirulina, spinach, kale --> phytonutrients help support health and vitality
**Proprietary adaptogen blend: Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Ginkgo, Maca, Maitake, Reishi, Schisandra -->adaptogens have been traditionally used to help the body adapt and respond to the effects of stress
**Propietary Pre-and probiotic/digestive enzyme blend: Yacoon root, chicory root, lactobacillus, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Glucoamylase, alpha-galactosidase, invertase -->probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and enzymes help nutrient absorption and support regularity and healthy digestion.
**No artificial sweeteners or flavors** Organic all-natural stevia is used to sweeten it. I end up actually saving money on my groceries because I don't have to buy vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and I don't have to worry if I don't get a ton of vegetables in my meals. I've already got it just in this one morning shake!
www.shakeology.com/rncoachspeers

Some things gotta change

When life throws you curve balls...catch 'em and run!  No....catch them and run with them....Change is always scary but it isn't always bad!

I lost myself...I really was struggling to figure out who Sarah was...IS...

It took a few years..call it a mid-life crisis...depression..I could blame a ton of things or people for what has happened...for where my life has gone.  But that won't fix anything.  I chose to give in...I was the one that needed to change.

I gave up my marriage...

I gave up on my faith...

my friends...

myself...

That was the biggest and probably the hardest thing to face.  I did not love myself.  I had forgotten who I was and what I was living for.

Have you gone through this? 

So for the past year or so I have really done a lot of soul searching.  I've hit some highs and some really LOW lows.  I almost gave up my marriage because I just didn't have anything left in me to give.

But God is patient and kind...and listens when you call.  I have been in a bad state of mind.  I've struggled with depression for the above reasons.  I hated my job...

But God answers prayers!  I prayed, sometimes silently not expecting an answer, for God to come back into my life and bring me out of the depths of sadness and loss...that I would find myself again and become a happier, healthier person.

Our church community has been very loving throughout all this.  My husband although he could have left and said to hell with you...stayed by my side and didn't give up.  Secretly, I'm sure prayers were said...
My boss didn't give up on me...she supported me through times I'm sure I seemed unstable and lost.  She held my hand and didn't give up on me....

In came Katy Ursta, my coach through Beachbody, the company we partner with.  You see....she is a cancer survivor, a lover of people, and a true friend.  She showed me that even through the crap that we go through in life...we can still develop gratitude and choose to be happy in everything.

What a mind shift...

Did you know that when you shift your thoughts and choose....every day...every minute...sometimes every second...to be grateful in everything...no matter what...that it creates this mind shift that causes you to become a more fulfilled, happier, stronger, more confident person!?! 

It's amazing what has happened in my life in the last four months or so.  It's an awesome feeling to feel love again, to really invest in the people in my life, to love my job again...to really want to love my husband and make our marriage work...

In steps Beachbody again....I don't work for Beachbody...I partner with them.  Coaching has allowed me to find my passion.  It has allowed me to meet people and to invest in their lives by helping them to live better, healthier, more fulfilled lives.




And now...I've been able to form a new committee at work partners with a branch of our university called Well-U that promotes health and wellness for employees of UR Medicine on our unit.  Our Well-U committee consists of providers and nurses.  I'm so excited to get everyone involved and create a fun atmosphere for the staff of 734.

I'm looking into going to school at Arizona State University in their online program for their BS in Health Coaching & Healthy Lifestyles.  Fingers crossed that I can get all the paperwork in and transcripts sent in. 

I'm loving the changes I've seen God make in my life and so excited for what's to come!

Blessings!
- Sarah

I'm a full time RN, mother of two kids age 9 and almost 6.  My first love is taking care of cardiac patients and helping them progress to where they need to be.  My other love is my family...they keep me smiling every day!

But I also love helping others reach their fitness goals whether it's to get more toned, learn to eat healthier, teach them how to meal prep, or to lose weight.  I would love for you to come along for the ride either as a coach or a challenge participant.  Please take a look around my site and if you have any questions, click the contact me button.

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/RNcoachspeers?bctid=4776235828001

22 Min Hard Corps

Have you hard of Tony Horton or P90X?  Well Tony just came out with a new and improved military style workout that is a butt kicker and can be done in 22 mins!

Are you ready to jump in with me?  Let's do this thang!  He has toured all over the military bases to observe the military style workouts and now he's bringing it to us!

22 mins is all it takes to get toned, stronger, and build the confidence you want. 
Military workout you say?? I'm not that tough...I can't do it!

...But what if you could? What if it only took 22mins out of your day and helped you tone, get stronger, and built the confidence you wanted? And this one is for the GUYS and the GALS....
Join me! 

The first 5 people to jump in with me and do this THANG will receive a free gift. ‪#‎askmehow‬ ‪#‎joinme‬ ‪#‎letsdothisthang‬

FREE March fitness Bootcamp

We all have that belly fat...or arm "hang"...or just that area of our bodies that we want to improve right?

Well I am offering a FREE online bootcamp starting March 7th and will be revolving from month to month with different themes. 

Go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/286120124896677/

to join up with us.  I'm so excited to work with all of you.

As always, I want to say that I'm not a fitness or nutrition professional and I don't claim to know everything there is about fitness & nutrition.  I am however, an RN and I do know about fitness, the body, and how eating clean effects us.  I am always open to constructive criticism (if it's done kindly) and would love pointers and tips from other fitness/nutrition professionals who have been in this field a lot longer than I have! 

Post night shift sleep struggles and ramblings

So I can't sleep because I slept until 2pm after my night shift and drank coffee at a late hour.  #thestruggleisreal  :)

I had the pleasure of watching The Good Dinosaur with my kiddos tonight before going to a family party. Let me tell you...it is such a good movie and packed with so many awesome insights.  I'm pretty sure I shed a few tears, both from laughing a little too hard and from crying at the sad parts.  Yep...I'm a cryer! 

But seriously, you have to Red box it or appletv it.  So good!  I might just have to go out and get it for our home!

Faith & Fitness Challenge Group

Depression and eating disorders

I have often wondered about the link between depression and eating disorders.  I mean it makes sense right?  You don't feel good about you and then you try to fix the situation by eating more or eating too little...then feeling guilty about it later...

I was talking with a friend recently who admitted that she's been having a hard time with binge eating.  She knows she has a problem with it but doesn't know how to get out of that habit.  It's usually sugary foods that she craves which brings up another point...

Sugar....depression....food issues....they all go hand in hand!

According to WebMD and other sites: It is not known why depression and eating disorders are linked.  In 2008, a study by the University of Pittsburg Medical Center indicated that 24% of patients with Bipolar disorder met the criteria for eating disorders and another 44% with depression had trouble controlling their eating habits.

Why is sugar a depressant?  Here is an awesome read from Psychology Today about how sugar contributes to poor mental and physical health.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201309/4-ways-sugar-could-be-harming-your-mental-health

This week starts my clean eating challenge.  Clean eating has truly changed my life and helped curb my sugar cravings.  I still struggle with depression and sometimes with a distorted view of food...but it has definitely changed the way I think about food, curbed those awful cravings, and helped me lose some of that added weight.  If you'd like to hear more about my challenge group, message me at sarah.peers@gmail.com or go to my Like page at
https://www.facebook.com/RNcoachspeers/?ref=hl

Goals: Sometimes you try so hard that you lose sight of what really matters. It's not the money we want...it's not the prize at the end...it's to be more about people! Loving others, helping others, and building yourself up in the process!

I didn't make my goal for the month for challenge pack sales but you know what I did gain? Being able to do a challenge with some really awesome women! One centered around the 21 Day Fix and a Clean Eating group that starts today. They are amazing women that I am truly thankful to have in my life and to help them learn cleaner eating and build healthy habits.

Gratitude: it's being thankful in the present! Being thankful for what you have been given in your life and choosing to bless others with it!

Meanderings...

We all have these goals right?  Goals that you think you want and you sometimes make poor choices to get there?  Well I started to do that recently....

I have wanted to become a Health Coach so bad I can almost taste it...So bad that I was willing to go back into debt just to make it happen.  I enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to start in their March program. 

But something inside me was telling me that I've made a poor decision.  Was it the fact that I had to put in on my credit card?  Was it the fact that even though my husband was going to allow me to go for it, he really didn't feel comfortable with it?  Possibly...maybe both...

But there is a part of me that listens to a still small voice.  Call it what you may, but I know it was God.  I know that this stirring inside me to become a health coach is from God and that it will happen in its time...but right now, I am not supposed to go into credit card debt to make it work.

  I actually feel relieved.  I actually feel at peace that I am making a good decision and that maybe next year when I've saved up the money, I can go back and get my certification.  I can be such a control freak sometimes and let that get in the way of what God wants for me.

So for now, I am learning to be content with what I have...where I'm at in my life..and continue to listen to that still, small voice that is there if I really listen. 

What things have you really wanted and tried to make happen but knew deep down was not the right thing?  I'd love to hear from you!
xoxo - Sarah

February Sweets 5 Day Clean Eating Challenge

It is so easy to get back into the habit of eating whatever we want isn't it? I have recently got back into a cleaner way of eating through the 21 Day Fix workout program where you have portion control containers for each category of food and meal plans to assist you in clean eating. The changes in my energy and health have been amazing! I have way more energy and have been able to decrease my coffee needs. What's even better is that I've learned how to portion appropriately so that on my 12hr shifts at the hospital, I'm able to bring enough food to sustain me through the long sometimes arduous shifts. February 1st-5th, I'm offering a 5 Day Clean Eating Challenge. The only cost involved will be a 5 day supply of Shakeology for $30. This can be purchased from www.shakeology.com/rncoachspeers. Click "buy shakeology" and then scroll to the bottom of the page to purchase Sample packs. The check out system is secure. Please fill out the following form to be included in the group: https://rncoachspeers.wufoo.com/forms/february-sweets-clean-eating-challenge-feb-15th/