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Clare Smith

Training Body & Soul

Energize 2012 with {31.3 Jump}

January 1, 2012

Welcome to 2012! I am excited to share with you something I’ve been thinking about for months! I have had so many ideas and options floating around in my head. You name it, I’ve thought of it and it has really been difficult to pin down what exactly I wanted to provide for you all.

I decided to go along with my “313” numbers since it’s served me well so far. January has 31 days and I kept coming back to 3 main points of focus for this challenge.

I’m calling it 31.3 Jump.

• 31 days

• 3 commitments

• Jumpstart your year

Want to know the 3 commitments? Glad you asked!

1.) Eat Clean

I’m sure you’ve heard of this before. It’s a term used often yet is defined differently from person to person! Eating clean eliminates foods that are highly processed, complex and comprised of many ingredients. Think FRESH, SIMPLE and NUTRIENT-RICH.

2.) Move More

Sounds simple, right? This will look totally different for each of you. Some of you do nothing. Some of you are hit or miss each week. Others are pretty consistent. I want you to move more these 31 days and move more, consistently.

3.) Renew Daily

There’s no doubt in my mind that our physical lives are connected with our spiritual lives. Many of you who have been struggling with weight loss, self esteem, or depression are missing an important connection—the body and spirit. Our bodies will die. In the long scheme of things, these 31 days are just a blink in light of eternity. Our spiritual lives are going on forever and we can’t forget about this. I believe you’ll find better results and more fulfillment if you keep this in line. Renewing ourselves both mentally and physically is essential to success!

♥♥♥

What I Want From You:

♦ Your commitment! You can keep it quiet. You can tell your hubby. You can tell me. You can tell us. Just commit!

♦ Your involvement! I’m providing a FREE online message board for you. (See header on homepage!) You can use my facebook wall or even twitter. (#313jump)

♦ Your friends! Yes you have accountability if you use any of the tools above, but it will be VERY easy to get lost in the sea of people. You will have higher success if you have a small group of 1 or 2 other friends who will do this with you. I know you’ve got someone out there! Ask them!

What You Get From Me:

♦ Weekly Support: I’ll answer questions. Offer advice. Give you fresh ideas. Provide motivation.

♦ FREE Online Accountability: I’ll provide a spot for you to come and “check-in” daily and weekly!

♦ Exercises: I’ll have a weekly printable for you that will give you some new ideas

♦ Memory Verse: I’ll create something (cute) for you to print off each week to post on the fridge or keep in your purse!

♦ My Prayers: I love my readers and I am passionate about helping you. I will be praying for you through this process!

♥♥♥

So who is with me?! Let’s get started! Click below to find your 2 page document for this week and be sure to get connected with our message board! (I’ll have a weekly check-in for those of you who want it!)

*31.3 Jump Week 1*

(Below is a sample of page 1! Click the link above or image below for 2 page pdf!)

(Linking up with Fitblogger)

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Filed Under: Challenges, Featured, Fitness, Good Living, Spiritual Tagged With: accountability, clean, exercise, real life, self discipline 57 Comments

About Clare

Comments

  1. Jessica Nichols says

    January 1, 2012 at 10:35 pm

    I came across this on the internet and realized this was EXACTLY what I was looking for. I’ve done everything in the “What I Want From You,” but I’ve never done it with all of my faith in Christ, His guidance and motivation. I’ve shared this with my husband and he was excited that I found it. We are expecting our first child in May, so this is just more encouragement for me to follow through! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Nicole says

    January 1, 2012 at 11:46 pm

    Count me in. Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Andrea says

    January 1, 2012 at 11:51 pm

    I read about this on Facebook, and was really glad I decided to check it out. This is something I feel I really need right now. Many thanks!

    Reply
  4. Melodie says

    January 2, 2012 at 8:03 am

    I love this!!! These are actually the 3 goals that I wrote down day before yesterday 🙂 I really need to work on being consistent with these 3 things in my life, I tend to go to extremes in all areas and then burn out! I read this quote yesterday and it really hit home ~

    “There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results.” ~Kenneth Bianchard

    Excited about this challenge! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  5. Women Living Well says

    January 2, 2012 at 8:17 am

    I NEED this!! I exercised for a whopping 20 minutes last night! My first workout of the year!!! I’ve declared January – a month of salads! I am going to eat a salad every single day – I went through the McD’s drive through yesterday and bought 2 lol! One for yesterday and one for today!!! And I’m headed to the grocery store today to buy more!!! 😉 Although there’s still a boatload of junk around the house – I can’t wait for it to all be eaten up and to eat clean!!!

    Thanks Clare for the encouragement – I’m gonna share about this on Women Living Well on Wednesday 😉
    Love ya,
    Courtney

    Reply
    • Sarah Stinnett says

      January 3, 2012 at 11:07 am

      YEAH!!! LOVE that Women Living Well will pick this up too!!!

      Reply
  6. Leslie says

    January 2, 2012 at 8:34 am

    I’m in! This is exactly the motivation that I need to get started on the right track this year! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Jen says

    January 2, 2012 at 8:49 am

    I am so glad I found your blog. I am so excited to submit this issue to the Lord. Your guidance will be such a blessing!

    Reply
  8. Nikki says

    January 2, 2012 at 8:54 am

    This is great, Clare! I am going on a cruise and will be gone January 20-28, but I plan on trying my BEST to eat clean/healthy AND workout while I’m away. There is no reason why this cannot be done. They have an amazing gym on ship and I know there will be fresh fruits and vegetables galore and I’m sure healthy protein to choose from! This is just the accountability I need!

    Reply
  9. Dawn says

    January 2, 2012 at 9:15 am

    Count me in! Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Tera says

    January 2, 2012 at 9:47 am

    Sounds good! I’m in!

    Reply
  11. Lisa says

    January 2, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Count me in, too!

    Reply
  12. Kelly says

    January 2, 2012 at 9:52 am

    Count me in too!

    Reply
  13. Debbie Thomas says

    January 2, 2012 at 11:47 am

    Sounds wonderful

    Reply
  14. Jessica says

    January 2, 2012 at 11:48 am

    I’m in!!!

    Is there a button for this challenge that we can post on our own blogs?

    Reply
  15. Teresa W says

    January 2, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    Love it!! Just printed Week 1 and making a notebook “Eating Clean & Moving” for inspiration, recipes, and exercise ideas. I LOVE the Soul Food component!! I’m ready to get started!!

    Reply
  16. Summer says

    January 2, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    Definitely doing this! I’ve started reading “Reshaping It All” as well in hopes of having changing my views on food and exercise. I don’t need to lose weight, but do want consistent exercise to be a regular part of my life (I do well for a short time, then slack off, then start back again) and to eat clean!
    Thanks for the challenge.

    Reply
  17. Lois says

    January 2, 2012 at 9:10 pm

    This sounds like the challenge I need to help me with my health goals this year. Thank you!

    Reply
  18. Kimberly says

    January 2, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    I’m in! Sounds great. 3 of my resolutions anyway!

    Reply
  19. Audrey says

    January 2, 2012 at 9:25 pm

    Finally something to get me EXCITED to start exercising and eating healthy, natural foods! Thank you! I’m looking forward to this challenge!

    Reply
  20. Melissa says

    January 2, 2012 at 10:41 pm

    I’d love to join this! Thanks!

    Reply
  21. Emily says

    January 2, 2012 at 11:57 pm

    I’m in. I’ve started back working out and cleaning up my diet late November and have been looking for something like this!

    Reply
  22. Amanda says

    January 3, 2012 at 7:36 am

    I’m so excited! This sounds awesome!

    Reply
  23. Sarah says

    January 3, 2012 at 8:37 am

    Love it! I’m in.

    Reply
  24. Sarah Stinnett says

    January 3, 2012 at 11:06 am

    How amazing is God!!! I started a 30 day fast of clean eating because I want God more than those foods that have consumed me – I started Dec. 28 I am sooo excited for this encouragement and resource He has provided!!! Thank YOU!!!

    Reply
  25. LeAnn says

    January 3, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Thank you so much for doing this. I can’t wait to do this.

    Reply
  26. Molly says

    January 3, 2012 at 3:38 pm

    I want to join this. I signed up for the the message board, but what else do I need to do, please help.

    Reply
  27. Sandy Holtgrewe says

    January 3, 2012 at 11:23 pm

    I’m in!!! After being a wife and mother of 4 under 4 I don’t have (make) time for myself in the area of fitness!

    Reply
  28. Katja says

    January 4, 2012 at 4:09 am

    Clare, that’s just the right thing at the right time! I am in!!!
    Greetings from Germany
    Katja

    Reply
  29. Donna says

    January 4, 2012 at 7:05 am

    Oh, ME! ME! ME!!! Count ME in!!!
    My daughter and I have made a commitment to help each other this year (this is a big thing since she REALLY wants to make a change in her lifestyle – one that I hope will be a permanent one for her health) and this is just what we need to get started and keep the motivation going.
    We’re already “doing the gym” every day, but this has the depth I’ve been looking for to make the change inside and out!
    Thank you!!!
    Donna
    anotherbattlewon.blogspot.com

    Reply
  30. Lisa says

    January 4, 2012 at 7:45 am

    I’m in! Thanks for the motivation and the resources!

    Reply
  31. Sheri says

    January 4, 2012 at 7:48 am

    Count me in, I’m ready to recommit myself to taking care of not only me , but my family as well.

    Reply
  32. Sarah says

    January 4, 2012 at 8:50 am

    Just want I need…3 things to focus on should be simple enough…I hope. Making changes are tough…hope this can kick start my year. Thanks for the encouragement!

    Reply
  33. Kat says

    January 4, 2012 at 8:51 am

    I’m in. I’m in I’m in I’m in. EXACTLY what I need this morning! Right before Thanksgiving I “re-joined” (oh yes, been there before) Weight Watchers needing to lose 20-25 lbs. Most people discouraged me telling me to wait until January b/c the holidays were a terrible time to lose weight. I decided there was no time like the present and did not listen to my discouragers. I lost almost 5 lbs. Well, I make it through Thanksgiving and Christmas, to the week of New Years and I have gained back 3 lbs. Today is my meeting/weigh day and I’ve found myself almost in tears. Then I found this through Courtney at Women Living Well, and again, it’s EXACTLY what I need to get past the discouragement of failure and moving in hope toward my goal. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  34. Bonita says

    January 4, 2012 at 8:56 am

    Count me in!!!! Not very computer savvy, but am willing to try.

    Reply
  35. Maureen says

    January 4, 2012 at 8:56 am

    I’m so in! I love this idea and really do need to recommit myself to being healthier both physically and spiritually.

    Reply
  36. Julie says

    January 4, 2012 at 9:01 am

    This is great for me – exactly what I need for this season of life!

    Reply
  37. Kathy says

    January 4, 2012 at 9:27 am

    Hi I found you through Courtney from Women Living Well. I need help too. I lost 62 pounds and I have already gained 20 back. I need help getting focused before it all comes back.
    Thanks KathyM

    Reply
  38. Tricia says

    January 4, 2012 at 10:53 am

    I am in, I need something like this. Thank you!!

    Reply
  39. Tammy says

    January 4, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    I just found this and I want to give it a try..Count me in!!

    Reply
  40. Caroline says

    January 4, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    Would love to join you in this! Looking forward to losing and learning!

    Reply
  41. Tammyshere says

    January 4, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    Joining in!! Thank you so much for the opportunity.

    Reply
  42. Karla says

    January 4, 2012 at 6:18 pm

    Sounds great! I’ve already started to exercise, but I’ll pretty clueless when it comes to the whole “clean eating”. Looking forward to the information, support and encouragement.

    Reply
  43. Ann says

    January 4, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    Just what I need!! Count me in!!!

    Reply
  44. Michelle says

    January 4, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    Already trying to eat clean. Count me in!

    Reply
  45. Amy says

    January 4, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Awesome Clare- love this!

    Reply
  46. Michelle says

    January 5, 2012 at 2:24 am

    sounds exciting and just what i’m looking for, i’ll be joining you until baby #3 comes end March 🙂

    Reply
  47. Fawn says

    January 5, 2012 at 2:50 am

    I’ve been a sweetaholic my entire life. I would start my meals with dessert first to make sure I always had enough room. I turn 36 this year and decided the last quarter of 2011 that I’d begin eating healthier. I switched to in season fruit instead of candy back in August and oddly enough, if you give me the option of sweet fruit, cake or candy, it’s going to be the fruit every time. It’s true what they say about it taking 21 days to form a new habit. My sweet tooth is gone (at least for the most part). I’ve only had a couple pieces of candy since August and that’s only because they were given to me. But I would have preferred an apple with peanut butter had that been offered :).

    Reply
  48. Duise says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:26 am

    I really need to continue with something lasting, permanent, realistic, and can work with mt life. I have started eating better started an organic diet last year but I really need to get into a commited workout routine. I had me when I heard you say how this connected to our spiritual lives. Never made that connection before, not like that. I can attest that if you want to succeed the best it has to start with God.

    Reply
  49. Duise says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:27 am

    I really need to continue with something lasting, permanent, realistic, and can work with my life. I have started eating better started an organic diet last year but I really need to get into a commited workout routine. You had me when I heard you say how this connected to our spiritual lives. Never made that connection before, not like that. I can attest that if you want to succeed the best it has to start with God.

    Reply
  50. Elizabeth says

    January 5, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    I know I am starting late, but like others I began these tips last year and have been working on improving in them. I love this challange and am committed to it. Thank you!

    Reply
  51. Summer says

    January 6, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    I’m in! Some friends of mine and I are holding each other accountable in this area Jan-June to lose 30 lbs each. It is a big goal, and this month we needed to lose 10 to jump start. I love your facebook posts and especially the spiritual reminders in this venture! I got on the scale today and have lost 4 so far…thank the LORD! Thank you for your good motivation! <3

    Reply
  52. Elaine says

    January 7, 2012 at 11:42 am

    I so want to do this and need to do this. I’m making my commitment!

    Reply
  53. Becky says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    I’m late, but I’m in. :))

    Reply
  54. DavetteB says

    January 25, 2012 at 2:18 pm

    Just found this now. I had already my my 3 in 30: Move a little every day, If I feel hungry and it isn’t mealtime have some broth or green tea and wait, and Stop the negative body talk, because even as it is my body is generally doing what it is supposed to (heart beating, lungs breathing, etc.); this will be some extra help – Thanks :o)

    Reply
  55. Tiffany says

    June 2, 2012 at 12:35 am

    I love this idea! Are you going to do something like this for summer?

    Reply
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Let your complicated, challenging, nuanced situati Let your complicated, challenging, nuanced situation(s) be what forms you. Let it build you into the person God is bringing you to be. It’s not the ability to live life unscathed and perfect that creates a beautiful soul. It’s the ability to feel the heat and pain and come out more tender, authentic, and loving that makes you a person who is set apart for use. A person like this is refreshing and that person absolutely is you. #abeautifulpurpose

(Quote not my own)
I’ll keep this short because I want you to read I’ll keep this short because I want you to read the poem. We can bring our burdens many places nowadays- friends, Instagram, Facebook, text, to gym, to work, to sleep.. you get the point. But let’s make sure we bring our burdens first to Jesus. After the week.. month.. year.. many of us are having, there’s no better time to do this than now. #sweetunfailingrefuge

(I found this tucked in an old book at my family’s 100 year old farmhouse that we were selling this summer 🤍)
•My house was a mess with everyone being home to •My house was a mess with everyone being home today
• I only had ingredients for one batch of soup
• I don’t drink alcohol on Mondays
• Hubs had the sink totally apart in the middle of a project
• The kids were in and out of our deep conversation

Sometimes the quick stop to say hello turns into a therapy session with dinner and wine. Everything was stacked against me – so I thought- but the mayhem is often beauty and normalcy to the person’s life who is spinning. Sometimes “the plan” goes off track... but it’s not off track in God’s eyes.

Living life knowing that the minutes of your day are not yours but for God to use to encourage and be there for people who are hurting changes everything. It changes who you marry. It changes how you spend your money. It changes what you do with your time. Dinner portions may not be what you planned but God always finds enough to fill those who come to His table to be loved on and heard.

If I know one thing – it’s this. People are hurting right now. Some things are private and some are public. What would it look like if our homes became safe places for people to land? For our hearts to enter in the pain? For our embrace to provide the temporary relief needed? We can be people who talk about bringing the kingdom here on earth or we can be people who do what we can with the little we have to be the hands and feet of Jesus. 🤍
I’ve been on a “physical” comeback over the I’ve been on a “physical” comeback over the past few weeks. Between an insane December, Covid recovery, Ohio winters, and the mere fact I don’t have the bounce back that I used to (#thisis40) it’s been a slow go for me to get to feeling where I feel best physically. It’s been discouraging to say the least and I feel like I just turned a corner last week. 

While a lot truly was physical exhaustion, it was more of a mind game I was playing. I had to be my own #hypeman and tell myself to keep chipping away at the goal. I had to tell myself that the only way to the end was through it…no shortcuts. Just time and steady work. I often dismissed the small wins I had because I hadn’t hit the finish line. Well that thinking wasn’t helping me and one day had the “aha”that while I wasn’t yet at the goal, I was BETTER.

Each of us have something in our lives where it’s not what we want. We are on the path to achievement but it sure ain’t there yet. It can be with some of the obvious things such a health or financial goals but I see this often with people regarding relationships. The marriage, friendship, child or community in which we live falls just short of “perfection” and so we just settle instead of putting in consistent, hopeful work, which allows room for the Holy Spirit to work. 

I just want to encourage you to keep chipping away because while things may not be what you want, they can be better. In fact the way we reach what we want is not by snapping our fingers and it magically appearing but by a process or journey which involves ups and downs, straight stretches of boredom, and then finally a renewed energy as you see the end in sight.

What have you given up on achieving because it hasn’t come to fruition in the time you wanted? Remember… things can be BETTER. And that counts for something. 🤍
I was recently telling someone my journey or where I was recently telling someone my journey or where I am today in regards to what I do for a living... the crazy road I’ve travelled over the last 10 years to get me here. It’s changed a lot and if you’ve been here online with me, you have seen it! If you would have asked 18 year old Clare what she saw herself filling her days with at 40 years old, it would be about 5% of what I’m doing. Goodness...none of this was even around when I was 18!

I look back and see all the twists and turns. All these tiny moments and conversations. Many open and closed doors. Things that I thought were just random or not a big deal, but in hindsight, they were a huge deal. I appear to be a very type a “has her stuff together and a plan” type girl but the truth is, I am (was) taking everything day by day.

All I know is that everything I stepped into prepared me for the next thing. Many times I didn’t even know it! But I look back often and am like, “ohhh, God, I see what ya did there!” 

My encouragement to you is this- no matter what age you are- trust the path you are on. Let peace be your guide... not some assumed plan an “expert” or author told you. Sure- be wise with your time. Put in the work with diligence wherever your feet may have you, but be open to the nudges of where to go.

Maybe I’m crazy but living a life of faith in God is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things. I don’t know what He has for me in 5 years let alone 1...and for whatever reason, that thought alone gets me up and helps me live with a holy anticipation. I trust Him.  I live less with resistance to the unexpected now. God is indeed preparing you for what he has prepared for you. What a loving Father!
We all know this but it’s so easy to forget. Rem We all know this but it’s so easy to forget. Remember that seeds are buried and “in the dark” before anything springs forth. Our journeys in life can often feel like that. Do the daily work. Tend your “heart garden.” Time is on your side. And when it’s time...it’s time. 🤍

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬
A few years ago I was the speaker for a women’s A few years ago I was the speaker for a women’s retreat in the Chicago area. I just finished a session & a lady ran up to me asking if she could ask me a few questions. She was early 50’s, striking in appearance… fit & confident. She started telling me that she resonated with my health/fitness message & wanted some encouragement on starting “this late in life”, but as we continued talking, her demeanor changed & tears started to fill her eyes.

She told me that was she was struggling with something that had been weighing on her since she was 18…the decision to have an abortion. The tears were streaming down her face, the clear guilt she carried from it weighing heavy on every part of her beautiful stature. Not many knew about it. Her current husband did not…many friends did not. She felt it was keeping her from this life she saw that was just within reach. The more she sat in silence, the heavier the chains felt. She needed to speak and I watched the tears fall like visible chains.

We chatted a little longer, prayed & hugged, & as I walked away I couldn’t help but think of many women I’ve encountered with this same story but I would’ve never known. Walking through life seemingly fine, yet carrying a deep wound inside, questioning every bit of her worth and ability to make a difference. Heartbreaking. 

If you relate to that woman, I want you to know that you are loved & seen. Your past, as hard as it has been, has formed & shaped you into the woman you are today, & a woman that God greatly desires to use. He wants your broken, fragile heart. He will bind it up and heal it. He will walk with you in the shadows. He will lead you beside still and soul-quenching waters. There may be many words you can attach to your situation but there is one more powerful than all that I want you to keep remembering…RESTORATION. Jesus is renewing and reviving something within you that will bring light to yourself & others.

For the rest of us who may not have this as a part of our story, let’s remember that we are walking amongst those who have & that we are to be healing arms, not ones of judgement & legalism...but ones of compassion & grace. 🤍 DM me if you need prayer!
This came up on my Facebook memories and I just fe This came up on my Facebook memories and I just feel it’s always applicable! There is always something in our lives that if we could just “get our hands on” would work to our favor. We dream about what it would be like if we got that thing/person etc. We think about the 2 tweaks that need to happen for it to occur. We pray about it. Perhaps obsess over it.. sound familiar?

But we also start to resent our current lives. We stop living in what God has fully given us. We live everywhere but the here and now and alongside that dream of yours comes a side dish of anxiety and sadness. So then we get our hands in it, perhaps without God’s “OK” and then we see a mess unfold. We’ve all been there. If only we had waited. 

This is the grind of living in reality. We are pulled from living what is before us into living into a dream we have deep within. Here’s the cool thing. We don’t have to choose.. reality or dream. It’s not an either/or but both/and. We can live fully here while also giving energy to our hopes. The difference is how tightly we hold into those things and how much they get elevated in our hearts.

If you are here this morning I just want to encourage you that you aren’t alone! I truly believe with everything I am, that God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) I believe in His sovereign timing. I believe that the work He started in you (and everyone else in your life) will be completed. (Phil1:6) Keep praying, stay faithful to where you are now, walk in the “peace path” and hold onto Jesus. He will lead you. 🙏🏻
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