Santini Serenity

Forget the old image of dainty ladies. Powerlifting is exploding with women who are crushing weights and stereotypes. This sport, focused on three key lifts – the squat, bench press, and deadlift – is more than just muscles. It's a journey of empowerment. Powerlifting empowers women both physically and mentally, building a supportive community.  I am doing my first powerlifting competition in May called Xpand Your Limits 2025 SQUAT, BENCH, DEADLIFT MEET - COLUMBUS  with other women from Steadfast Performance Training. What's the draw for women in powerlifting? It's more than just getting strong. It's about empowerment, challenging norms, and achieving goals. Empowerment and Confidence Lifting heavy weights does wonders for your self-esteem. It's about proving to yourself what you are capable of. Powerlifting creates body positivity. It helps you appreciate your strength and what your body can do. You'll feel like a total badass. Challenging Societal Norms ...

Life today can be overwhelming. The constant noise of social media, busy schedules, and endless responsibilities pulls our attention in every direction. It can feel like our minds are running a marathon, filled with racing thoughts that never slow down. This chaos can lead to stress, anxiety, and poor choices — all too familiar for many. Mindfulness offers a way to manage these relentless thoughts and regain control over our mental well-being. Understanding the Nature of Thoughts The human mind is often described as having a "monkey mind." This term captures the unpredictable and restless nature of our thoughts. Many of these thoughts can be negative, leading to overthinking and rumination. Recognizing these patterns is essential. When we identify and observe our thoughts without judgment, we can begin to untangle the chaos. Negative thought patterns can include: Overthinking, which often leads to paralysis in decision-making. Rumination, where one constantly rehashes p...

Ever been in a tough spot and acted in a way that surprised you? Maybe you laughed when you were nervous, or got angry when you felt sad. We all do things to cope. These reactions might be defense mechanisms at work.  I decided to explore this topic after I found myself becoming defensive recently when my husband asked me a question.  He acknowledged my response but re-asked his question because I did not give him the information he needed. Defense mechanisms are like secret strategies. Your mind uses them without you even realizing it. Their goal? To protect you from feeling too much stress or anxiety.  Basically, they're there to guard your ego, your sense of self. They keep you feeling okay, even when things get tough. While they can help in the short run, understanding them is key. It's about your mental well-being over time. Let's dive in! What are Defense Mechanisms? Defense mechanisms are unconscious ways of dealing with difficult emotions. It's the brain...

The power of human relationships binds us together. In today's fast-paced world, we often overlook how vital genuine connections are to our happiness and overall well-being. As we navigate through life, it's essential to recognize the multifaceted value that these relationships offer. Feeling lonely can have serious effects on health. Research shows that loneliness is not just a feeling; it is linked to significant mental and physical health issues. People who are lonely often experience increased anxiety and depression. This emotional pain can spiral into more serious health problems. Loneliness has also been connected to a higher risk of chronic diseases. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even a shorter lifespan can result from prolonged isolation. Support networks can act as lifelines during tough times. When life throws challenges like job loss or serious health issues our way, having friends and family by our side can make all the difference. These close conne...

Napping has a special charm. It's like a little slice of heaven in our busy lives. But what makes it so delightful? The answer lies in science, biology, and the way our bodies react to brief moments of rest. The Universal Appeal of Napping Most people have experienced the urge to nap. It transcends age and culture. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a busy professional, naps can be refreshing. Endless Benefits : Short naps boost energy, improve mood, and enhance creativity. Natural Response : Feeling sleepy after lunch isn’t just a coincidence; it’s part of our natural rhythm. Beyond Tiredness: Why We Crave Naps Why do we find ourselves yearning for a quick snooze? It goes deeper than just battling fatigue. Mental Break : Naps offer a mental pause, allowing our brains to reset. Coping Mechanism : In stressful times, napping becomes a tool for coping. Research shows naps help with memory. Napping can enhance learning by promoting better recall of information. The He...

The Power of Authenticity and Kindness Many today struggle to be real. Society pushes us to fit in. We hide who we are to gain acceptance. Individuality fades, replaced by a need to belong. This creates inner conflict. Many never learn to accept themselves. They drift, lost in a sea of expectations. Self-acceptance is key to finding happiness. Without it, we feel empty and disconnected. Kindness, on the other hand, starts a chain reaction. Your act of kindness spreads to others. This lifts spirits and builds connections. Studies show kindness boosts mental health. It lowers stress and increases joy. Being kind creates stronger bonds. It builds trust and helps communities grow. Small acts add up to big change. When we’re real and show compassion, we shine. Authenticity draws people in. Kindness makes the world better. Being true and kind inspires others. They see your light and want to share it. This creates a world where everyone thrives. It proves that being real and kind matters. ...

This post will be live by my birthday on Saturday, February 15.  I'll be 52 this year. So far, 2025 has not been what I hoped it would be.  Perhaps that is because what I hoped for is not God's will for my life.   I injured my neck and shoulders and underwent PT.  I graduated from PT this week but I will need time to regain lost strength.  I need to be smart so that I don't reinjure myself.  Despite getting injured while doing bench press extra credit, I do not regret the time spent with my friends Kathy and Jodi. Adding to my injury was increased stress from returning to Columbus office hours.  My driving anxiety and stress over completing all of my chores caused extra muscular tension. I was doing a Bible Plan in YouVersion to read the Bible in 365 days.  I stopped this plan as I want to focus on plans that will help me overcome stress, anxiety, and worry by increasing my faith and learning to trust God. I also realized that with my return ...

In honor of Valentine's Day, how about we take a look at Love Languages? Understanding how we express love can change everything in our relationships. Each person has a unique way of showing affection, making it crucial to know your love language. This knowledge leads to better communication and stronger bonds. The Importance of Communication in Relationships Clear communication is the backbone of any healthy relationship. When partners share their feelings openly, it builds trust and understanding. A big part of this communication involves knowing how to express love. Our love languages shape how we relate to one another and can determine the success of our connections. Below are suggestions to improve communication. Adjusting Your Expressions of Love Modify how you show love based on your partner's needs. If their main love language is physical touch, make hugs and cuddles a priority. This minor adjustment can significantly impact your relationship. Active Listening and Rec...

Sometimes, we find ourselves in a place that feels hopeless. We struggle, pushing against life's challenges, thinking the answer lies in our own efforts. Yet, when we finally let go, we discover a profound peace that comes from surrendering our worries to a higher power. The feeling of being stuck may not be a sign of failure; it could mean that God is waiting for us to stop relying solely on our own understanding.  To practice trusting in God, start small. Take daily moments to pause and reflect. Acknowledge that you don’t have to figure everything out alone. By doing this, you open the door for guidance and support.  I ask God to help me trust Him and to lean on Him rather than myself. Feeling exhausted or defeated is common. These emotions often show that you may be trying too hard to control what happens. Realizing this is the first step in letting go. Consider this a wake up call for both you and me. Have you ever ignored advice or your instincts? Disregarding these fee...

The feeling of being stuck can grip anyone at any time. It creeps in when life doesn’t go as planned or when dreams seem distant. Many people find themselves paralyzed by uncertainty, unsure of what step to take next. However, this feeling might not mean you’re lost. Instead, it could signal a divine invitation to move forward in faith, even without knowing the outcome.  In simple terms: "God's Will Not Mine." Understanding God's Timing and Our Role Many folks believe that God orchestrates every detail of their lives like a puppet master. This misconception can lead to inaction, waiting for a sign or a push. But God often waits for us to invite Him into our journey. It’s essential to recognize this invitation. Active Participation : Our role is to step into faith actively. We are not mere spectators; we have a part to play. Scriptural References : The Bible is filled with examples urging proactive faith. Hebrews 11 highlights many who acted boldly without knowing...

Proverbs 31 speaks to women across generations. Its verses portray a powerful image of a woman who embodies strength, virtue, and worth. These traits are not just ancient ideals; they resonate deeply in today’s world, where women strive for excellence in various aspects of life. Proverbs 31:10-11 reads: "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." This passage is part of a broader section that extols the qualities of a virtuous woman. It provides profound insights not just for women, but for everyone seeking to understand true character and value. I have tried to live a life like that of a Proverbs 31 woman.  Have I always been successful?  No, especially during my period of active alcoholism where no one could depend on me. Sobriety has allowed me to be more dependable and reliable.  The COVID Pandemic allowed many, but not all, to work remotely.  For roughly two year...

Giving your burdens to God can bring relief. When stress weighs you down, trust that He will lighten your load. Letting go of worries frees your mind and heart. With faith, you can find peace amid life's chaos. Surrender your fears and doubts. God's strength can support you in tough times. Embrace this support and experience true comfort. It's a simple act that can transform your life. I ask God to relieve me of my burdens daily, several times a day. One frequent request is to help me live by Faith Over Fear.  Fear increases my stress and lessens my joy.  I need and want to trust in Him. Resources: Ryan Robinson Blogging Tools YouVersion - Scripture Image

As I was driving to and from the Lewis Center Women's Freedom meeting today, I realized something; my driving fears and insecurities could have helped contribute to the issues that I'm having in my neck and shoulders. In my a recent life update , I shared that I recently returned to office hours in Columbus.  I had been given a reprieve from on-site hours during the holidays and while my husband was on business travel and I had to care for our home. I have written previously about my driving concerns during winter weather  but also my driving insecurity in general.  I recently went to Ignite Physical Therapy and Performance for an assessment.  Carlin was so patient and kind.  It was quickly realized that I needed more extensive assessment so she spent an hour taking me through range of motion checks before and after a session of dry needling.  As someone previously scared of needles, I will say the dry needling session was not bad except for a bit of twitc...