sniff...sniff...

A storm rolled into Omaha last night...full of thunder, rain and lightning. I recorded the "HAPPY SUMMER" video, available on facebook, and reflected on the rain and how it signifies a new season...what was yesterday is now gone, we have today to celebrate.

Thank you for your participation in the challenge. Like i've always said throughout this challenge: this is your health and your journey, thank you for inviting us into this part of your life. I encourage you to reflect on the past x amount of days you've done this...share your story and thoughts with us.

So, we've made it to the next season. Depending on what hemisphere you are on, you're either finding some shorts or a coat to wear. Wherever you are, happy new season.

I have found it such a joy to celebrate this season with people all around the world. I am inspired. And seriously, this is one of the first summers i've made an intentional effort to look forward to...and I have you to thank.

I'll keep up with this blog a little bit here and there...I was asked to do another challenge for fall..so stay tuned :) You can find me at Health Hustle on Facebook, i'll have lots of information there regarding the next Birthday Challenge (a simple challenge where you pick ways to be healthy until/and after your next birthday, let me know if you're interested).

So, a few things, send me your mailing address. I'd like to send you something small for your participation!

Also, I want to give a few shout outs to some participants and also tell you about a fun opportunity.

monica alegria frazier - my bff from high school, you need to read her blog. she is on her goal of losing 100 pounds in a year and she is almost there. this girl is an inspiration: http://fraziertoo.blogspot.com/.
jason parmer - bff from college, he owns a design/ad firm in KY, find him! www.apparelstudios.com/
rachelle serlet - this girl is becoming a personal trainer :) and she's a licensed massage guru.
jessica crocker - another bff from college. i love her writing. for some reason every time i read something of hers, i tear up. http://lovinmesome.wordpress.com/
nikki 'hayden' montgomery - in KY folks, if you need someone to inspire you in all areas of your life, this is your woman. met her in college and our friendship has grown since then! http://nikkislosingit.blogspot.com/
david bayne - friend and coworker in argentina. if you want tools on contemplative spirituality, find it here : http://wheresdavebayne.blogspot.com
drew davies - his firm did word made flesh's redesign. love his firm so much. check them out: www.oxidedesign.com
sarah lance - friend and coworker in india. she is a part of Sari Bari, saribari.com, a business initiative of WMF India that invites women to find freedom out of the sex trade. Visit their website for more information.
del marie - Daphne Eck Coppock and Annemarie Fowler..both inspiring women following their hearts, they sell amazing plain, locally grown yogurt. For more information find it here: www.delmariecreamery.com/blog/
melissa koplin - one of my newest friends...met her last year and my life hasn't been the same! melissa works at a collective of women who are inspiring others to find their authentic selves...thecatalystcollective.com/

Wow, that's a long list and that's not even everyone. Take a moment today and look around you at the gifts in everyone who is around you. We live in a time where we can forget the miracle of friendship and talent that surrounds us just today.

And before I forget, a little info on me :) If through this challenge you have found that you need a little more accompaniment and/or tools for your physical health, let me know, visit teambeachbody.com/jarabeara and learn a little bit about my health journey from 230 lbs to where I am now...my health journey has not been just about the weight, but about finding the importance of all aspects of health (mind, body and soul). Let me help you in your journey, too :)

Alright, that's it.

love love love. GET ME YOUR ADDRESS. LOVE LOVE LOVE.