Motherhood is straight Gangster

When I took this photo & wrote this post, I was four weeks into postpartum life with a newborn.. I hope it speaks to someone who is in this season! You're not alone, sweet momma!!

"Attempt #5 this week at my to-do list 🖐🏻

Please continue to be patient and give me grace y'all as I learn to balance life with my business + social media 💕

Okay...now I'm going to be super honest for a minute.

You know I can't help but keep it real and I feel like I owe it to all my friends who are soon to be moms or those who have recently had babes not to hold back in parenting.

I'm pretty new in this mom world, so I'm NOT going to try to act like I have it all figured out or that I understand all of the pains of motherhood.

While this is the most >>incredible<< love that I could have ever ever imagined, this is by far the hardest season of my life.

So many pieces of being a mother are natural -- because I really believe God created us to do this. 

That's the whole reason I was so passionate about a healthy pregnancy, natural delivery & breastfeeding. I KNOW God made me for this.

But sooooo much of it is also learned through failure, frustration, endless googling & countless tears.

Before Raegan Grace was born..

I anticipated a challenge.

I anticipated some tears.

I anticipated having to eventually ask for help.

And I anticipated life adjusting for this sweet baby.

I honestly wasn't prepared though for exactly how hard, draining and lonely even this can be.

People unfortunately don't share all of the dark and dirty corners of raising a newborn.

Part of that is probably because everyone's story and journey is different, but I wonder if another part of it comes from a place of feeling *guilty* to admit their feelings. Especially when you have a "difficult" baby.

There have been so many moments I've had to put this sweet girl down and walk away with my face in my hands feeling so frustrated.. having to let her scream in her crib.

These moments are followed about 30 seconds to 5 minutes later with me walking back to her with open arms & in tears, feeling absolutely terrible for how I could get upset with this precious bundle.

Then it's back to endless kisses, stares & snuggles.

What a WHIRLWIND!

How could I be SO frustrated & so in love and HAPPY at all once!?

Am I a bad mom?

Is something wrong with me??

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say no.

I've told many friends this before, but taking your own advice is hard sometimes right!?

So are things going to change.

Eh, I'm guessing no.

I see this journey evolving into a different version of THESE feelings as RG grows & goes through different stages of life - and therefore, different hardships//learning curves.

That could be hopeless if we let it be. But heres what I'm holding onto..

I think.. no, I KNOW I'll learn how to lean on the Lord more. How to continually find joy. Learning I let things go. When to give myself grace. How to exercise patience. Keeping myself a priority for my family. And knowing when I need to fill back up each day.

Motherhood is straight gangster.

But I'd choose it over & over again.

Sweet girl.

How about we give each other grace.

And keep learning together.

You are more precious to me than gold.

I love you to the moon & back, RaeRae!!!"

#BabyRaeGhoens #GracefullyBalanced

26 Year Old, Work from HOME Mom

I sure have spent a LOT of time in this office the past week, putting in some LATE hours as I get organized & prepare my business//team to unplug quite a bit when this baby comes.

I'm B E Y O N D overwhelmed with gratitude to be in the profession I am.

Y'all.

Im going to be a 26 year old work from HOME mom any day now.

Putting in the hours when it will work for MY family.. even if it's middle of the night power pockets from my phone while feeding the babe.

Unplugging completely to soak up precious moments without feeling bad about it (oh & still getting paid, by the way).

Not having to worry about finding someone to keep my little one to go back to an office after a few short weeks at home.

The list of reasons.. the FREEDOM I have.. 

I just never imagined we'd have this option or that it would be a decision we could make with such confidence & total peace!

You better believe I'm making sacrifices & working hard - and will continue to do so - but not at the expense of missing out on what matters to me.

Thank you, Jesus.. for coaching.

For this business.

For this company to partner with.

For my team.

For the people I get to help.

This is why I so passionately share about what I do & invite others (maybe even YOU at some point in the past or the in the future) to join me.

Because if this is such a blessing in my own life - I simply can't imagine what it could mean for someone else!!

Want to know more?

Email me at lindseykollar@yahoo.com

#IAmTeamBeachbody #GracefullyBalanced

January 2017 Coaching Sneak Peek

BUSY girls who still want more outta life.

Who refuse to settle.

Who are willing to sacrifice now to experience freedom later.

Who want to be their BEST, healthiest self.

Who want to break CHAINS.

Who want to defeat the odds & overcome self doubt.

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Maybe you crave to be more present in life // Maybe you dream of being debt free // Possibly you'd even just like to save up for a vacation or be able to afford a baby sitter once a month.

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Whatever IT is, you've got this void or this dream even, but that's all it is for now. Just a dream.

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What if I told you I could help you make it happen?

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What if I told you that taking care of yourself & helping others could literally be the solution or next step you didn't know you were waiting for?

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Welp, if you never ask or never investigate, you'll never know.

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So here's what I'm doing.

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I'm hosting a private, online, 4 day SNEAK PEEK group starting tomorrow (January 18th) that is self paced & obligation free.

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I'm going to share some real life stories - including mine. I'm going to answer questions - nothing is off limits.

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But here's the deal.. if you're willing to WORK, you'd be amazed at what's possible. The rest you will learn as you go.

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There's no experience (life or learned) required to do what I do.

Just a willingness to be coached & commitment to do your BEST, even when you may not feel like it.

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Want to find out more without feeling pressured?

Just HERE to request to join my group!

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Seeing this a little late? Email lindseykollar@yahoo.com for more info!

Gracefully Balanced : Will You Join Us

You watched ME start.

You saw the community I created take ROOT.

You saw Gracefully Balanced come to LIFE.

And you've watch us GROW🌱

So who are we now?

women (some fellas too)

sisters in Christ

wives

mommas

fur parents

military

veterans

yoga instructors

young creatives

bloggers

teachers

medical professionals

government employees

masters students

nannies

bible study leaders

department + training directors

musical talent

single parents

busy.people.

& so much more

You see, we're incredibly DIFFERENT ladies united by our COMMON pursuit of healthy, fulfilling FREE lives.

SO if you've wondered what it takes to join us.

What qualifications, transformation, education you need..

Just be YOU - uniquely, truly, unapologetically YOU.

Your life, your story, your gifts & your talents can offer SO much to the world.

Be your best self. Pay it forward. & create a life you love to live.

Our team is GROWING

& you should DEFINITELY join us.

New coach mentorship begins THIS week!

WHAT are you WAITING for, girl!?

#GracefullyBalanced #LifeByDesign #BusyGirlsWorld

It Takes ALL Kinds: Gracefully Balanced

‪#‎TBT‬ to last week hanging out with these ladies in Nashville, TN at our annual coach summit❤️👯🎸

While there were tons of gals on our team who couldn't make it (we MISSED y'all) - even just the three of us represented well our big, diverse coach family.

You see, it takes ALL kinds to make us as special as we are. Gracefully Balanced isn't a bunch of cookie cutter ladies.

We are👇

spouses-girlfriends-veterans-military-mommas-business owners-bloggers-teachers-masters students-young creatives-single parents-sisters in Christ-medical professionals-fitness instructors-department heads-nannies-administrative professionals-etc.

The list goes on.. We have different backgrounds. Different stories. Different things we've overcome. But we're UNITED.. By common goals, passions & community. By the hustle & heart we live by daily.

But what it comes down to is - we want to:

1. Be our BEST self

2. Find fulfillment in what we do

3. Use our natural gifts & talents + learned skills

4. Create more choice, opportunity & freedom

5. Live a life by design

You might have misunderstood who we are, what we do & who this opportunity is really for. And that's okay. But now that you know - you're morally obligated to decide if THIS could help you reach your personal goals.

Greatness lies within you & success is your DUTY.

So will you link arms with us? Email me at lindseykollar@yahoo.com to learn more about joining the Gracefully Balanced team as a wellness coach.

Why not you, gal??

Back to Basics August Challenge: Apply Now

August is quickly approaching & I'm in the final stages of prep to host a Back to Basics Challenge Group with my ‪#‎GracefullyBalanced‬ team!

Why do I host & 'advertise' these groups each month?

- because I was never truly consistent until I had the accountability!

Community & support IS the missing link in a healthy lifestyle. It's time to pay it FORWARD.

Why do I believe so strongly in the programs I pair people with?

- because fitness & nutrition doesn't have to be confusing!

30 minutes a day of exercise & simple, whole foods is all it takes. It worked for me 20 pounds ago. Time to pay it FORWARD.

I'm no magician & I surely won't give you an overnight solution, but I WILL hold you accountable to your goals, provide you with an environment that encourages growth & get you set up with tools that will compliment your healthy lifestyle and help you reach your goals.

No if's, and's or but's.

Accountability + Fitness + Nutrition -- WORKS.

You can keep doing it your own way, or you can join us! We're moving on to total body wellness no matter who hops on this train.

Our Back to Basics group starts August 1 & I'm finalizing selections now.

To learn more & apply to snag a spot - email me at lindseykollar@yahoo.com !!

Gracefully Balanced is NASHVILLE BOUND!

#‎GracefullyBalanced‬ is NASHVILLE BOUND for Summit in T-Minus NINE days!!!

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Each summer, thousands (like 20k +) of coaches gather for our annual SUMMIT -- an opportunity for awesome workshops, incredible guest speakers, live workouts, exciting announcements & good ole fashion fellowship between teams.

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Last July was my very first time attending Summit in Nashville, TN & it hands DOWN impacted myself, my business & my ability to lead my team in such a BIG, positive way.

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Life responsibilities & little nuggets might be keeping a few of the coaches on our team from joining us this year, but I'm SO excited to spend time with Alyssa & Brittany -- connecting on a 1:1 level, introducing them to other leaders, watching the visions for their teams develop & seeing them set some amazing personal goals that will positively affect so many around them.

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You might not be able to join us THIS summer in Nashville, but you can still reach out now to learn more about what it takes to be a part of Gracefully Balanced & the amazing growth happening on our team.

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We're moving onto some big, exciting things no matter what -- but it would sure be awesome if you joined us!!

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Time to JUMP

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‪#‎GracefullyBalancedSummit16‬ ‪#‎DynastyUnitedSummit16‬

Grace Upon Grace

This has been the mantra of my heart the past 10ish days of traveling, preparing for travel, family, preparing for family, etc.

Grace Upon Grace.

I can't do it all sometimes.

And I can't take that personally.

I have to stick to the things I do no matter what to honor my priorities & let the rest go occasionally.

This past week + I haven't been the best coach/social media encouragement/mentor/etc. I just have to own it, give myself Grace & continue moving toward. No guilt. Not getting stuck on it. I'm trucking along👌

I'm calling myself out here for the accountability I need, but also as a great reminder for other women out there.

STOP carrying guilt when you have a few days of having to let "extras" go.. It happens. Just don't stay there. Call yourself out. Receive Grace from yourself. And keep on keeping on.

I'm back, y'all 💕

#GracefullyBalanced #HealthyLiving #MindBodySpirit

Gracefully Balanced JULY Challenge

Prep Prep Prepping as we approach the deadline to snag your spot in my Gracefully Balanced July Challenge.

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This group is for BUSY people who are either still WORKING, taking CLASSES or even TRAVELING during the summer months.

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It's for people who are NEW to fitness & those who want to try something DIFFERENT or more advanced.

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It's for people who want to be STRONGER than their excuses & want to COMMIT to working hard daily to achieve lasting results + create a lifestyle the can SUSTAIN.

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We're not popping any sort of appetite blocker or hoping for an overnight solution. We're using elite TOOLS on a consistent basis & combining them with the SUPPORT of our private, online community.

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The truth is, when you eat with a plan & train with a purpose - results are inevitable. And THAT'S what we're all about.

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So if you want to lose weight, tone up, gain some muscle, maintain your current state AND get healthier from the inside-OUT ---- email me at lindseykollar@yahoo.com to start the application process & hold one of THREE openings remaining for *new* participants.

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You have until 6/28 to join us, we LAUNCH this challenge on July 5th!

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Stop watching & join us!

#ExcusesDontMakeResults #HealthyFromTheInsideOut #GracefullyBalanced

Gracefully Balanced March Accountability

You know what most women crave?

(Besides chocolate 🍫 of course..)

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It's not a six pack.. Or 50 pound weightloss.. Or to be able to run 13.1 trillion miles..

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Most women crave confidence.

A sense of pride.

The ability the give themselves GRACE despite their short comings & to rid themselves of GUILT and pressure.

To be in control of their habits and choices. To feel a true presence of BALANCE in their lives.

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You might {think} you want a 6 pack, but dig a little deeper, sister.. What would it mean for you to overcome emotionally driven eating? This was HUGE for me!

Or what about being able to exercise 5 times a week in a comfortable environment and not feel STRESSED about getting it done? Is that a foreign thought?

Gosh, how valuable & special would you feel to know that you have a community of 

en who are supporting you every step of the way?? Life..changing..

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That's the purpose of my gracefully balanced challenge. I desire for YOU to experience what I have. The ability to implement lifestyle changes and be okay (& even PROUD of) simply doing your personal best each day.. Because this "shin-dig" I'm inviting you to isn't a sprint.. It's not a race #hallelujah 

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..it's a LIFESTYLE, y'all.

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We aren't perfect.. And that's one of the beauties of this group/community. We're real women. Who are really busy. Who really {need} a sustainable change.

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Dare to make a change & let me coach you through it. Join my {online} accountability group in March & see what's possible.

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Apply using the link below {by Feb. 29th} to learn more & hold your spot.

It's time to become #gracefullybalanced 

http://bit.ly/GracefullyBalancedChallenge