So...What NOW?

I feel like I'm in the empty space. It's that space where you find yourself right after you've achieved a goal and right before you focus in on the next one. It's interesting how one will work so long and so hard for something, to the point that laboring over your goal becomes the norm, then you achieve your goal and it takes a little while to figure out exactly what to do to fill that space.


The true test sometimes is in what we do while in that space. Do you lose momentum? Do you lose focus? Do distractions come in and move you away from continuing on to a goal greater than the one you just accomplished? How do you handle yourself when you are in that empty space?


I have been in this space before and wasted time, allowed distractions to come in and have delayed moving forward to the next goal. I don't want to do that this time so I thought I would share my tips for success in the empty space with you so I can be held accountable (don't you just love that?)



1)Give myself some "downtime"- I worked hard! I deserve a break!!!! Right? Breaks used properly can be wonderful. I am setting aside a "refresh" time where I will loosen up a bit on my diet (by throwing in a cheat meal or two per week) and gym time (that means working out 5 days instead of 7).

2)Set a new goal- Do it soon!!!! Don't allow too much time to pass before you set your mind on your next venture...

3)Check my Priorities- Make sure the most important thing is still the most important thing. For me, no matter what the order MUST be 1)my relationship with Jesus, 2)My husband and family and THEN 3)my workouts/fitness goals

4)Make a plan- I like to map out a timeline for my new goal. If things don't go exactly as planned, that's ok!! It's better to have a plan and change it then no plan at all :)

5)When downtime is over, GET BACK TO WORK!!- That's pretty self explanitory.

If YOU are in an empty space, hopefully you can use these tips and stay on track!! Let's do it together :) Onward towards making our dreams a reality...

In Health,

Jada

I WON FIRST PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!!!! What a night! I gave my all up there at the NPC Tournament of Champions last night and came home with a 1st place WIN!!!!!!! I am so thankful to EVERYONE (because there were soooo many) who supported, encouraged, motivated and loved me :) You had a part in pushing me to be my best and because of that, YOU had a part in the WIN!!!!

God is sooooooo good...It took me a second to realize I won but as soon as I got backstage, it hit me and I started jumping up and down in my plastic heels screaming THANK YOU JESUS!! hahaha I found and stage hand and made her give me a "high five" because no one else was there at the moment...

Special thanks to my amazing husband Jelani Kelly...I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU. You have been more than wonderful and such an encouragement through this whole process. Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you Michele!!!!!! Michele D'Agona (http://www.empoweringbody.com/) is my coach and she is a master of perfecting stage presence and posing. She is also my "glute princess" and knows how to shape a KILLER lower body. Thank you for bringing out my best.

And to everyone who sent me an encouraging email, phone call, text or anything like that, THANK YOU!

On to the next one...

3rd times a charm...I think...

Hello everyone! I just finished the prejudging portion of my 3rd bikini figure competition with NPC. I was sooo excited about this show I could barely stand it! When my last show in July ended with a decent 7th place (but slightly disappointing nontheless), I knew that I needed a fresh start. I started training with a new coach, new workouts, new diet and new sense of purpose. I have always worked hard in preparation for a competition, but this was different. I was fresh off a loss and I was hungry...well honestly, STARVING for a win. It funny how sometimes a little bit of failure (for lack of a better word) can kick our butt and bring out our best...

I stood backstage and watched through the curtains as the class before mine finished their poses and walked offstage. I felt the adrenaline rush through me as I heard the stage hand call my group out and wave us towards the main stage. Instantly this moment became mine. Everything I practiced kicked in, nerves faded and I owned the moment. With each pose, I thought about all the sweat, leg presses, cardio sessions and asparagus went into this moment. Each thought brought a bigger smile and a little more sass to my steps. I felt like I had won...

I'm at home now, waiting until 630pm to find out the final placing. Even though I don't know for sure who won (there were some GORGEOUS women in my class), I feel like I already took 1st place!!!!!! I gave my all, I brought my best and rocked it on stage in a 2-piece...I think that qualifies me to be a winner :) We'll find out soon if I will be a winner with a trophy...

My Favorite Lunches :) First installment...

I love to eat!!!! Even when I am dieting for a show, I do everything I can to make my food taste yummy :) Here is one lunch that I LOVE that is easy to prep and tastes great!!!



Layered Taco- serves 2-3
What you need:
1/2 ground turkey breast

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp Mrs Dash spicy blend

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp dried cilantro

1/4 tsp black pepper

6 corn tortillas

1 can black beans (low sodium)

1 cup salsa (low sodium or fresh)

1 red bell pepper (sliced)

1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)

2 Tbsp reduced fat cheddar cheese (to sprinkle on top)

What you do:
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Slice the bell peppers, put them aside. Spray medium pan w/PAM or non-fat cooking spray. Brown ground turkey in pan on medium heat and add in ALL spices listed while you brown the ground turkey. Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan and sautee for at least 5 more min until peppers and turkey are cooked through. Put pan aside.

Get out a small baking dish (square or rectangle or circle is cool) and spray with PAM. Layer (in this order) 2 corn tortillas (side by side), 2 spoonfuls of black beans (spread out over the tortillas), 1/3 of turkey and peppers mixture and 1 layer of salsa. Repeat the layers 2 more times. Add the cheese on the very top :) Put the whole dish in the oven for about 15 min or until everything is hot and bubbly!!! ENJOY!

I'm featured as Bodybuilding.com's Fitness Amateur of the Week!!!!!!!!

OMG I am so excited!!!! My amazing husband sent in my pictures and bio in hopes that I would be chosen as the Bodybuilding.com Fitness Amateur of the Week. This week I am featured!!!!! Check out the link below to see the entire article!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!
www.bodybuilders.com/jada-kelly.htm


In Health,

Jada

6 days out...how I really feel :)

Like so many others, I will be strutting my stuff next Saturday of the Tounament of Champions Bikini competition in Culver City. Although I am not PRO (yet), I am one of the hard-working, determined, hopeful amateurs that live fitness and enjoy the thrill of the competition. Like most of those girls, right now, tilapia and asparagus with garlic Mrs. Dash is a staple in my diet. I long for the taste of a cupcake or chips and guacamole (my personal favorite) but forgo these delightful treats in order to focus on the pursuit of a 1st place win. It’s amazing the things that we can do when we are laser focused. There were days (not so long ago) in my life that even the idea of going 2 months without sugar or salt made me cringe. Now it’s my 3rd time dieting, preparing, tanning…all for a series of solo walks, model turns and comparisions that last maybe total of 10 minutes. But we all know it’s not really about the time on stage. It’s not about knowing you looked better than the other girl, and sometimes it’s not even about doing better than you did the last show. For me and others who have done this more than once, it’s about winning. We want the win. Don’t get me wrong, I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing my preparation for the show. I love the energy rush I get right before it’s my turn to walk into the spotlight. I love the stories of goals reached, trials overcome, and encouragement that we share backstage. I love and enjoy and look forward to all those things. Even though I know that all those things are honestly more important than a trophy, Pro card or placing, I still came to WIN. And without winning it is hard to not feel just a little bit defeated.

With all that said, I am excited, inspired and eagerly anticipating Sept. 11th. I, and so many others, will walk in ready, full of hope and expecting that day to be THE day. Wishing anyone who is competing that day the best of luck!! Get ready for some stiff competition because I’m coming to win.