ZEN VIEW

Like many of you I too have had days that I feel I’d rather do something else other than working out again. The thought of doing the same workout I do on a given day can become less appealing over time and even monotonous. This is a good part of why so many of us give up on fitness after just a few weeks into it. Back in 2004 is when I decided to make that life changing decision that I wanted to live a healthy lifestyle. I wanted to live! Up until that time I smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day, drank socially and my eating habits weren’t healthy. I was an unhealthy happy chubby hubby that weighed over 300lbs. I’ve always been a pretty determined kind of person in life never settling for less than giving it all of my 110%. This determination has worked for me through my college years, marriage and as well as recently celebrating being in business for over 31 years. The key to it all is no secret, it all has to do with believing in yourself along with discipline and determination. Let’s start with believing in yourself that you will succeed. It’s a mind set that doesn’t include the words “I can’t” but more so the words “I can.” Frankly I would just tell myself this is what I’m going to do and do it. Not that easy you say? You’re right, but in order to be able to do this I learned how to focus on my goals. If I wanted something I was going to get it. This is how I quit smoking cold turkey overnight, lost the weight, and was able to win races later on down the road. In fact the first race I ever ran was a 5K race in 2004 where I took 3rd place. It didn’t matter that there where only 3 runners in that race, I still took 3rd, “Just jokes.” It was actually a pretty big race at

By Efren Martinez

the YMCA. Friends determination is what drove me across the finish line and to the podium in just about every race I’ve ever entered. Being disciplined in life really is one of the most important keys in accomplishing many of your goals successfully. Just do what you say and fallow thorough no matter what! It’s also all about doing the right thing especially when no one is watching. It’s actually easier to do than most would think. Start with leading by example. When we do so it helps us reinforce this positive way of thinking to success with the gratitude of knowing that others are watching. What’s equally important is you should do this when no one is watching. Stay focused. So yes you don’t feel like working out on any given day. My advice is to change it up or even change the time when you generally would workout that day and always follow through and do it. The whole concept to training yourself to become as disciplined as you’d like over time can be easily accomplished. I’d recommend doing it in baby steps and in fact most of you are already doing this. As we continue to wear our masks during this global pandemic no matter how much we dislike them, we are following through and wearing them. Same goes for staying socially distant no matter how much we want to hug each other. Congratulation friends and thank you, you’re doing the right thing for the greater good of our community. Thanks to your disciplined behavior you are helping us get even closer to being able to re-open our society and stay open as well as most importantly saving lives. Take this positive step further by using this discipline when it comes to choosing what to eat. Always look to make it a healthy choice. All this is so accomplishable. You can lose the weight, you can stop smoking and you can live a healthier happier life. I am proof of it. Just believe! Believe you will succeed and follow through with the right discipline according to your daily challenges. It does become easier over time and even routine. Yes you can! You will succeed in all things in your life. You are a positive beautiful person that can accomplish anything in life. I believe in you!

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Amazing April!By Monica Barber

Spring has sprung and brought with it the loveliest of flowers and greenery this year. Much like the bloom of flowers, things are slowly opening back up for enjoyment. Ms M takes in a book paired

with an iced coffee outside of Preservation Coffee on a warm afternoon while enjoying the sight of people walking downtown again. There is nothing quite like the sound of a busy downtown on a warm day. With the warmer temperatures, you are certain to step outside more often. Here are a few ways you can get the best bargain for your buck. The Easter Bunny continues to hop onward and so should you. Enjoy a free drive-thru Easter EGGSPLOSION event hosted by Modesto’s New Life Church on Saturday, April 3rd from 10 am to Noon. There is fun planned for the whole family that you can take part in all from the safety of your vehicle. There will be Easter Eggs passed out to the first 1000 children. Also on hand will be the Easter Bunny and friends for your enjoyment. Info: fb.me/e/1hXxK0Od0 Never underestimate the power of the theatre! From April 9th through the the11th Modesto’s Prospect Theater Presents The Postman Always Rings Twice via its PTP Radio Cavalcade. The radio play format is a bit of nostalgia with a live theatre feeling. The PTP Radio Cavalcade Players have had a successful season with multiple radio plays that lets you sit back and enjoy a bit of the Golden Age of radio. Enjoy this classic in an innovative and enjoyable format. Tickets to stream: $10. More info: prospecttheaterproject. org/ March Showers brought April flowers to the gardens On April 17th, Modesto Garden Club hosts their annual Spring Garden Tour. From 9 am to 4 pm, you are invited to enjoy 5 classic homes and gardens that are all within walking distance. This event has boasted some of the most delightful gardens and homes in the Modesto area. It is the opportunity to take in the spring colors. Tickets: $25. Info: modestogardenclub.org/ The Modesto streets are typically alive with the sound of music! April 22nd brings a socially distanced event, for spring, An Earth Day Spring Fever Vibes Concert. The event is free and features the 2019 Valley Talent Project, Winner Kalea Jackson. She will be supported by other acts from Modesto Rocks. The event is from 6 to 9 pm and ala tailgate style, with masks required and a socially distanced setting. Donations are encouraged and a Tip Jar will be available. More Info: fb.me/e/1iaMUh85s

Hope your April is amazing, Modesto!

Happy April Modesto! Spring is officially here and Modesto could not be more beautiful. This month, I am excited to announce that I will be attending California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in the fall! For the next four years, I will be majoring in Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences in hopes of pursuing a career as a Soil Scientist right here in the heart of the Central Valley. I feel that this information is very especially relevant considering that my favorite holiday, Earth Day, is this month on

April 22, 2021. Although Modesto’s annual Earth

Day celebration has been canceled due to the virus, Earth has given me a lot to be thankful for recently. I have spent the last several months enjoying the Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge ski resorts along with local rivers and hiking spots. If you are inspired to do the same, I would encourage you to pack a lunch, grab a field guide, and use the

All Trails app on your mobile device to find nearby running, hiking, and cycling trails. What I am looking forward to most, however, are the many species that emerge in the Central Valley during spring time. This includes various native insects, animals, and flowers that can be observed at Knights ferry, the San Joaquin River National

Wildlife Refuge, the migratory bird viewing platform on Beckwith Rd., or maybe even in your own backyard. If you would like more information on the wildlife in our area, The Great Valley Museum, located at the MJC West campus, and the children’s book “Over the Valley,” by Linda Knoll are both excellent resources. The book can be found on Amazon and gives information on native animals in the valley as well as writing, art, and science lessons.

Once again, I am excited for all that this month has in store. I hope you take advantage of the abundance of recreational activities that our area has to offer. Stay active, stay inspired and most importantly, stay safe Modesto!

Happy April Modesto

By Sofia Johnson