Challenge the Challenge

Transforming obstacles into opportunities.

[milenaalbert-blog]

Day 12 of the 48 days of the Great Lent. Wow! I just realized, that's 25% of the total time already. I'm happy with my meals. This is a perfect example of my staple of buckwheat, avocado, cherry tomatoes and kimchi. In addition to my food restrictions, I have restrict myself from being exposed to media that contains disturbing content. I monitor my thoughts and my words. Although, it has been challenging because, as I entered this Lent Season, I also entered a new episode of severe panic attacks. While the symptoms are purely on a physical level and not in my thoughts (I almost never worry about anything), the severity has gotten so bad over the last couple of days that I turned to God for strength and speedy conclusion. I see some symbolism in it, as without trials, there's no resurrection. #greatlent #fasting #orthodoxy #russianorthodox #easternorthodox #trials #easter

[milenaalbert-blog]

Enjoying a training day with my LAPD Chaplain Corp. Most people outside law enforcement have very little understanding of what's it like to serve and protect, and the toll it takes on men and women in Blue. Training to be of service to them is a great honor! (at LAPD Ahmanson Recruit Training Center)

[milenaalbert-blog]

DAY 10 of 48 of the Great Lent. DAY 54 of 84 of the Gold's Gym Challenge Time for one of my favorite snacks! Picture is worth 1000 words. Getting my potassium and omega in one bite. #ggchallenge2017 #contest #fitmom #momof4 #fitforlife #fitbites #banana #omega #commitment #resolve

[milenaalbert-blog]

DAY 51 of 84 Took a day off to attend the Mess, rest, nap and watch some TV. Just a quiet day. Tomorrow back in the saddle. We do need those days of just being. I actually enjoying my new vegan eating style. And definitely ripping the benefits of body purification ☺ So far I only miss the dairy. I've got another 5 weeks in the Gold's Gym Challenge and 6 weeks in Great Lent Fast. Looking forward to all of he benefits waiting for me! #ggchallenge2017 #contest #fitmom #momof4 #fitforlife #vegan #restday

[milenaalbert-blog]

After seeing the Lion, a beautiful tribute to family bond, we went to our local bookstore. While I was wondering through sections on metaphysics, religion and philosophy, looking for a particular book, I turn and faced this book. I've been reglistering The Power by Rhonda Byrne, who quotes Neville Goddard a lot in all her books. So this name has been on my mind as someone to look into. Here it was - and a collection in one book. Needless to say my baby bought it for me! Super excited to start reading it. All 579 pgs. In fact, I'm committing to finish it and apply the teachings in my life by Easter! #spiritualgrowth #spiritualhunger #nevillegoddard #metaphysical #newthought #powerofimagination #awareness #faith

[milenaalbert-blog]

March 4, 2017. And so in conclusion of Week 7 of the 12-Week Gold's Gym Challenge: 1. I have not been as deligent about my sleep time but managed to stay at 7 hours average. Getting back on track. 2. I worked out 5 times and finished my new routine with a bang! However it was a time to switch again. Adding more weight and sets. I loved my new leg routine today! 3. I went down to exactly 164 lbs. Not much but I know it's a real loss. 4. Stayed true to the Great Lent rules with first day water only and three days just bread. Then vegan. My only deviation was coffee.. 5. Being trying to pray and read spiritual writing daily. 6. We went to Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches. 7. I'm still not drinking enough. Need to put some effort. 8. I've been very mindful of sweets. Absolutely nothing Mon through Friday. Sat I allowed myself to indulge a bit with non-dairy ice cream. 9. With so much going on in my life maintaining emotional stability has been a challenge. I'm focusing on making myself better. 10. I FEEL GREAT! #ggchallenge2017 #contest #weightloss #wellness #newme #week4 #challengethechallenge #fitmom #momof4

[milenaalbert-blog]

Treated myself post morning workout to a Multigrain hot cereal made with half-water and half-almond milk, goji berries, blueberries and a teaspoon of almond butter. Yummy and simple! #ggchallenge2017 #contest #fitmom #fitforlife #fiteats #momof4 #gojiberries #hotcereal

[milenaalbert-blog]

DAY 50 of 84 After one week of the new routine and some discussions I decided to switch a bit. Still same muscle group breakdown, but the focus now is on weight load and number of sets. I've gone up and increase number of sets from 3 to 5 with 8 to 10 reps. Today rocked! Not to mention that I increased my cumulative amount of lifted weights by 1400 lbs! #ggchallenge2017 #contest #fitmom #momof4 #weightlifting #bodybuilding #newme #commitment #resolve

[milenaalbert-blog]

Day 4 of 48 Days of Great Lent! Last day of Water & Bread for this 7 weeks. I feel very strong even though I haven't eaten anything else for the past 4 days. I even increased amount of lbs I lift. I also feel in high spirit, in spite of major changes coming my way. I knew it, I felt it, and it's here. 🌃🌃🌃🌃 I had a dream last night that several of my teeth got pulled. I was told it was necessity, but when it was over I realized that I could've said No.... and that now I had to figure out how to fix the situation because one of the teeth was a front tooth.... much to ponder.... But whatever changes come, I have full and unwavering Faith that all is for my greatest good. We are in the Lent Season, and if taken seriously, this time can transform our lives. #fitmom #fitforlife #bodyandsoul #easternorthodox #easter #lent #fasting #motherof4 #christian #jesus #contemplation #spiritualrebirth

[milenaalbert-blog]

Day 47 of 84 Took a day off today. It's been super busy at work. I've been feeling extremely hyper today, and probably would've benefited from a good workout, but time prohibited. Tomorrow! Happy Ash Wednesday to all who acknowledge it! For this Lent I am giving up my belly fat and all that contributed to it, not just food but also anger, judgement and worries! May we reflect and grow further as Spirits during this season! #ggchallenge2017 #contest #fitmom #newme #resolve #fitforlife #commitment #lent #easter #spiritualgrowth #christian

[milenaalbert-blog]

Sunday brunch at Plate 38 in Pasadena, CA is to die for! My last pre Great Lent brunch I enjoyed with my amazing boyfriend after a 2 hour Forgiveness Sunday a service. Smoked salmon, over-easy egg on top of crispy potato cake with a side mixes greens salad and a blueberry pancake! #ggchallenge2017 #contest #fitmom #fitforlife #momof4 #healthyeating #plate38

[milenaalbert-blog]

DAY 43 of 84! My midway progress! I'm very happy with my results. Both my fat loss and my fitness score. Based on measurements taken today I went from 61 lbs of yellow matter to 55 lbs, while maintaining my lean mass and bone weight at 109 lbs. I also went from a 68 fitness score to an 82! Woohoo... killed it with 82 squats and my heart rest rate. I am committed to ending it with 100. Personal trainer Raul was awesome and helped me solidify my plan for the rest of the challenge! I feel pumped up and confident! Week 7 Starts tomorrow! The following six weeks of dedicated weightlifting training, HIIT and cardio, combined with intermitten fasting and vegan diet (while I observe Great Lent) will deliver me to the finish line as a bona-fide winner in life! #ggchallenge2017 #contest #commitment #compete #fitmom #momof4 #fitbooty #fitforlife #challengethechallenge #againstodds #fitgirl #winner #owlspirit (at Gold's Gym)

[milenaalbert-blog]

After getting my 7 hours of sleep 5 nights in the row, I rewarded myself with a 6 am workout! A worry free day! #contest #ggchallenge2017 #fitmom #momof4 #commitment #resolve

[milenaalbert-blog]

Who are we to say God/Nature/Universe/Higher Power made mistakes in regards to our world and who we are? Our mistaken assumptions and support of such are costing and will continue cost more and more lives. We need to pray for mass awakening. God make no mistakes. Only people do. But God gave us free will, and God's hands are tight as long as we are willingly participating in this manmade mess. #faith #god #truth #selfdestruction #prayers

[milenaalbert-blog]

Made myself to turn off the lights at 10:40 PM last night and it sure paid off! I've been surpassing the 7 hours per night goal 3 days in the row! Making it my top priority! You can't be 100% fit if you cut short in a sleep department, and no workouts or diets will substitute that. Do I want to stay up and read or watch something? Of course I do. But I'd rather add some years to my retirement time when I will have unlimited day time to enjoy all that, than do it now at the expense of my sleep. #ggchallenge2017 #contest #fitmom #fitgirl #fitforlife #sleep #sleeptohealth #sleeptostayyoung #sleepandantiaging #challengethechallenge

[milenaalbert-blog]

This week is sort of my cheat week in preparation for the Great Lent. While I no longer can eat meat products, this week I'm saying goodbye to seafood, dairy and eggs. My challenge will be to chose veggies that will serve my body the best, as I move forward towards Easter Sunday while continuing with my workouts. Looking forward to the results on physical and more importantly spiritual levels. #ggchallenge2017 #contest #fitmom #momof4 #fitforlife #russianorthodox #lent

[milenaalbert-blog]

Today my Father would've turned 80! He was an amazing man who taught me many things just by merely being himself. He was one of the most honest, direct and loyal human being. I miss him greatly! I never have regrets, except for things I wish I've done differently in his last two years. He's been gone for over 6 years now, but I can still feel his presence in many decisions I make daily. #fathersdaughter #lovemydad #alwayswithme #80thbirthday #inmemoryof