abbeyflinn

It's now easier to send abbeyflinn a message.

Went on a little visit to Polly today 🤍 I am loving the sunshine and getting back outside. Anyone else feeling the winter blues slowly wash away?!

If you’re looking for me, I’ll be by the water ✌🏼 @ Polly's Cove

Went on a little visit to Polly today 🤍 I am loving the sunshine and getting back outside. Anyone else feeling the winter blues slowly wash away?!

If you’re looking for me, I’ll be by the water ✌🏼
@ Polly's Cove

Just a small town girl trying to get some mental clarity and a little bit of sunshine in a pandemic

It’s Sunday! Time for a new week which means...staying persistent and consistent and doing the hard things everyday because all the little choices you make throughout your week add up to the success of your bigger goals! Who’s ready?!

Happy Friday!! Who’s ready to spring forward?!

Our days are getting longer and this weekend we are “springing ahead” with the time change. I can feel the winter blues leaving my body and mind as I write this. I am so excited for more daylight and more sunshine ☀️ who’s with me?!

I can’t say this enough. Self care isn’t always bath bombs and spa dates!!

Self care is taking care of yourself, being a mother to yourself. When you were younger and your mom told you it’s bath time, you didn’t always want to did you? But she knew you needed it.

Self care to me is doing what I want in my free time (like going to Peggy’s Cove).

But, self care is also saying “no I can’t go to the gym today, I really need to clean my apartment.” I let it get to this point and being around mess and clutter isn’t any better for your mental health than not moving!

Sometimes self care isn’t glamorous, sometimes it’s not even fun. But it’s what you’re mind, body and soul needs. When you need to rest from the gym, rest! When you need to get to the gym but maybe would rather watch Netflix, get up and go to the gym!

All of these decisions are easier said than done. Trust me. For a long time I struggled with pushing myself enough that was helpful, but not so much that I wasn’t listening to my body. It comes with practice, like anything in life. Slowly but surely I’m getting better at it.

So today I may not have got my training in before work, as much as I wanted to. But damn my apartment is clean!! And that’s another form of self care for me.

@ Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Happy International Women’s Day! Thank you to all the inspiring women that have come into my life or I’ve had the pleasure to meet. You make me want to follow and chase my most wildest dreams. I love and support you all ❤️

Day 66/66 gymshark66 🥳

We did it!! We’re at the end of the challenge! First of all congrats to everyone that took part in this challenge - you all helped inspire me and push me when things got tough.

I was scared to take photos this morning because I was sure “nothing changed”. Part of the reason was because between these two pictures there’s only a 4lbs difference. That just goes to show that the scale should NOT be your only measure of success. My body composition has clearly changed over these 66 days. (Take photos!! It’s so helpful)

Like I said before, there might be physical changes. But there are a lot of mental changes you can’t see between these two pictures. From the amount of confidence and empowerment I’ve felt from posting more frequently to actually wanting to take photos of myself and feeling GOOD in front of the camera, for the first time in a long time.

Like every good journey, this is only the beginning. The way my body and mind have felt over these 66 days has been amazing. Falling in love with myself and the outdoors all over again - there’s no way that ends here. I’ve found what helps my body thrive and live to the fullest, so why stop now?!

Thank you , , and for the consistent help and support on my journey!

It doesn’t stop here, this is just the beginning. The best is yet to come.

Day 65/66 of gymshark66

Tomorrow I’m posting my “transformation” pics...eek! I honestly haven’t taken any updated photos since I’ve started this journey 65 days ago, but whether I can see a difference in my body or not, I know FOR SURE, I made a difference in my mind.

Progress isn’t always perfect. Sometimes you might even find something you weren’t looking for, but maybe it’s what you needed most 🤔

“the best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn’t even think to ask.”

Little photo dump of photos I’ve taken while out for walks.

Today I went to my first therapy session since 2019. I’m proud of myself for going. I say this so hopefully someone else sees it and remembers that it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to do it alone.

@ Nova Scotia

✨Things you can do for yourself this week ✨

- do your skin care routine, wash your face, sis!
- read a book YOU want to read.
- make yourself a meal with lots of nutrients.
- move your body. However you want, there’s no right way to do it. Lift weights, walk, bike, stretch, anything!
- reach out to a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with.
- drink water!
- say no to any extra commitments you don’t actually want to do.
- get up when your alarm goes off.
- pick up a new hobbie or interest (maybe some crystals? 😅)
- reach out to someone if you need help. It’s okay to ask for help, you are not less of a person, it does not make you “weak”, it is a sign of strength and insight.

Happy Tuesday everyone 🤍

It’s day 58/66 of the Gymshark Challenge!

Being so close to the end (just over a week away) I’m starting to reflect about what I’ve taken away from this challenge and it has changed my life for the better.

1. First thing first, I am LOVING ME. That’s not to say I don’t have difficult times with loving my body etc. But way more often than before this challenge I am feeling confident in my body, I am loving my outfits I’m wearing, and for the first time in my life... I am loving being in front of the camera. Who would’ve thought?

2. I have a better understanding of my body. I know when things are feeling right and when things are feeling off. I know which foods my body fuels off of, and which foods make me feel bleh.

3. 100% my body is less inflamed. The scale hasn’t change dramatically for me, but the ways my clothes fit and feel has. And I am loving this new feeling - I don’t need a number to tell me that!

4. I’ve fallen back in love with being outside. I missed it, truly, and forgot how much nature helps me feel grounded and at peace. This challenged helped me get back outside more often than not. It improved my mental, physical and emotional well-being.

These are a couple things that stand out to me. I’m going to do a final pic on the last day of course and completely reflect. But right now... I am grateful I took on this challenge and I am proud of myself for doing my best.

1 week left everyone!!

Gymshark’s Week 9 challenge is SupportLocal66 🥳

I thought I’d share with you all some of my favourite local businesses that are truly STAPLES in my everyday life!

- amazing protein bars, amazing coffee shop, 10/10 stoke swag and the nicest people to stop in to chat to!

- the scrunchie you didn’t know you needed. Holds my keys when I run, my rings while I’m at the gym, or just ties my outfit together to look cute as heck!! (Code: ABBEY for 15 % off!)

- one of my favourite restaurants. Also my Mom’s fav... coincidence? The ambiance is breathtaking, the service is great without fail and the food is delicious, what more could you need?

- beautiful gym space, cleanest place around. Engaged coaches who care about you and a great community of like-minded individuals!

- training coach that works remotely with his clients but is always down to meet up and chat about programming, life, or whatever you need that day! Helpful for MANY different training/ fitness goals or needs. Cody has been a rock in my training life for over 2 years now!

- naturopath at .r.o.active. Such an important part of my wellness journey both mentally and physically. Think of naturopath meets coach, meets therapist, meets hype girl, meets hormone guru, meets amazing human being with a wealth of knowledge!

- nutrition specialist. Although she’s not physically local, her presence in my life makes it feel like she’s right here! Laura helps many people remotely and actively checks up using FaceTime calls and chatting over text. Laura has helped me with so many things from find out which nutrients fuel my body, to helping me plan for day-to-day life. She has a new program coming out too so make sure to take a look 👀

✨ Confidence ✨

Everyone wants to be confident in their own skin, yet it can be one of the hardest things. I’ve struggled with it for 23 years of my life and counting. I’m beginning to find things that make me feel powerful and confident. One of them being dressing up and getting photos of myself. Some people may see that as “self absorbed” or “narcissistic” - but what it actually is, is a small piece of MY puzzle of what helps ME on MY JOURNEY to self love 💕 maybe it’s from always not wanting to be in photos as a child, always trying to hide my body. Regardless, it’s what feels good in the present so I’m rolling with it!!

There are many more pieces to the puzzle for finding self love, and I’m so excited to keep moving forward on my journey to find them one by one. It’s a big step forward from where I was in January, and I’m ready to take another leap.

When my mind is racing and I don’t feel like I’m in control of what’s going on around me, I always turn to nature. The stillness and the quietness of it grounds me. I have my specific spots I like to go, but I always like adventuring to new places.

This is at one of my favourite spots I like to go to try and reset my mind. I went on my break from work today because that’s what I needed.

Still got my training in after work (check it out in my stories✌🏼).

I feel a rest day coming on...

Happy Monday 🌥

Yesterday felt like a perfect day.

I went for a run that made me feel as free as anything, even in -6 weather. And am so proud of myself for running over 9km!

I lifted weights which made me feel strong and powerful.

I bought new jeans in the size I am NOW because I deserve to have clothes to wear that make me feel good. None of this waiting “till it fits again”.

I took a nap because my body needed some extra rest.

And last but not least, I had an amazing evening and delicious dinner at one of my favourite places .

And the best part about it all, I didn’t feel guilty for eating out, I didn’t go running because I ate too much the day before. I did it all for myself because it’s what I wanted to do. And that makes such a huge difference for me 🤍

Well there’s a first time for everything! Here goes my first full workout post

Post night shift training session today. Usually I feel like lifting after a night shift, way more than any kind of cardio. So here it is!

Warm up:
3 rounds
20 hamstring curls
20 banded good mornings
20 Russian KBS
20 skips

⭐️ 5RM trap bar deadlift @ 8 RPE. 110kg/242lbs. Then -10% for 2x5

⭐️ 5RM barbell hip thrust @ 8 RPE. 95kg/209lbs. Then -10% for 2x5

⭐️ 3x10 Front loaded good mornings with 70lbs d-ball

⭐️ finished with E2MOM x 4
1. 10 double db RDL
2. 10 double db bent over row
3. 20 double unders

The glutes and hammies are 🔥🍑🥵

Haven’t been feeling like myself lately...

Whenever this happens to me I always know what I should do but it’s not always easy.

Get back on track with eating whole, clean, and real foods.

Get back to to lift some weights and move my body.

Go for a run to clear my head.

Plan out my week in my planner.

Have self compassion for going off track and get right back on.

I can do this. I am doing my best. I am enough. Here we go 🙏🏼

Happy Valentine’s Day to my favourite person ❤️ I don’t know how we found each other but thank you for always supporting me and believing in me even when I can’t do it for myself. I love you endlessly.

Snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing & warm fires. Easy to move everyday in winter paradise ❄️🔥

@ Cape Breton Island

Happy Hump Day!

Quick reminders for the rest of this week 🙌🏼

✨ be kind to yourself
✨ eat to fuel your body
✨ move for wellness, not for the scale
✨ there is no “right” way to move your body... do what you love!
✨ it’s okay to rest when you need to
✨ get outside!!
✨ you are doing enough

One of the hardest and worst things to go through might be feeling good for a period of time, but then realizing you’re slipping backwards. You’re trying to fight your own mind & emotions and grab anything to pull you up, but you’re slipping further down. The sadness, anxiety, hopelessness overwhelms your brain and clouds your judgement. You’re not sure how long you’ll fall, if someone will catch you, if you’ll hit the bottom, or if you can just pull yourself back up to the top.

It’s so interesting that this feeling is so familiar to me - yet I panic every time I feel it because I don’t know how to get myself back to the top again. It becomes better with time but it’s truly a chronic battle. The climb starts this week 🤍

Sundays have forever been my day to relax and reset for the week ahead.

Last week is in the past. I’m bringing more compassion, more love, more determination, more acceptance, more knowledge, more positivity, more gratitude, and more smiles into this coming week.

And of course more meal planning to keep me on track with my gym shark goals.

What are you goals for this week?

This week has been hard. Mentally, physically and emotionally difficult and draining. Set backs are normal, but they never seem to feel any easier in the moment.

During weeks like this, I still try to find ways to find peace in my mind and a smile in every day... especially the days where loving myself just seems impossible.

I may not be there yet but I’m closer than I was January 1st.

I’m about half way through gymshark66

I went to fill my planner in for this week and flipped the page to see “January Review” on the top page. It asked what I accomplished, what was great, what wasn’t so great etc.

At first I actually thought to myself “I didn’t really accomplish much”...

But then I thought a little harder

I lost ~4lbs, PR’d my power clean, got outside a lot more than in December, and didn’t drink alcohol the entire month. And that’s not even everything.

I definitely wasn’t perfect following my goals through the month of January, and I didn’t accomplish everything I had hoped for or imagined... but sometimes we have to focus on the small wins. Small wins are still progress, small wins lead to success.

As frustrating as trying to see progress and being consistent can be, giving up won’t make your goals come any faster.

Stick with it.

People who meet me once only see one side of me ✌🏼

PSA to everyone and anyone, be whoever you want to be. Screw what other people think. You only have one life, may as well make it fun 🔥

The only way I can describe days like today is imagine if you were trying to do your day-to-day activities but you had a weighted vest constantly on your chest and ankle weights on.

Everything just feels heavy. And I can’t carry it all by myself all of the time.

Thankfully I have an amazing support system. I got a nice peaceful rest at home (with no construction noises) and was able to visit my parents which always helps.

Tomorrow will be a new day. I am strong. I am worthy of happiness and love. I am doing enough. I am enough.

Keep talking about mental health. Ask for help if you need it. You are worth it.

Day 28/66 🥳

Working one night then two x 16 hour shifts (yesterday and today) already has me exhausted. But I know 30 mins of movement is attainable whether it’s a walk outside or whatever my body needs today. Yesterday I got out for a walk on my break at work and caught the sunset which was so worth it 😍

I told myself I would get out for a run one of these days but my body’s lack of sleep and energy is telling me that might not be the best idea... and our bodies know best!! As hard as it might be to “take a rest day”. Another walk today sounds lovely regardless.

From the amount of photos I am posting of myself I think it’s safe to say I am slowly loving myself more and more everyday... and that is priceless.

Can’t wait to get after another week!

I was watching a Tik Tok last night and it put “being in the present moment” in a whole new perspective for me, I just have to share it with you all.

There are no problems in the present. Stay with me here. Really think... what problems do you have right now? Not in 5 minutes, not in 30 minutes, not tomorrow or in a week, but right now.

You rarely have a problem in the present moment, problems exist in the future.

And the funny part is that the future never actually comes, it’s always the present moment.

I know it makes your head spin to think about. But when I’m feeling really anxious and my mind is racing through a million different scenarios, I put my hand on my chest and breathe. And I think to myself “what problems do I have right now?” and the answer every time has been none. Right now I am okay. I just need to breathe and believe in myself.

It will get better.

Thank you .murnane for the inspiring video I came across ✨

& god bless 🔥💇🏼‍♀️