Lebron James famously had a Nike campaign built around witnessing greatness, namely his, but Nike related it to the city of Cleveland and the entire Cavs franchise.
This Mother’s Day we took a memorable road trip to Indianapolis to cheer for the Cavs and try to cheer them to an away game win this playoff season. Instead we encountered the great post season massacre of 2025. The Cavs were just not showing up and showing out in the way we know and love. This loss was one for the ages.
There are so many lessons to glean from this experience, but the most memories are forged at the intersection of fun and fire. We are all witnesses that things are rarely linear so we might as well try to find bright spots.
If the Cavs come back to win the series, it will be an adrenaline rush to be witness to the greatest fall before the rise. If the Cavs lose the series, we can say we were there when 2025 fell completely off the rails for Cleveland.
No matter what the Cavs did, I won. The ROI was a 20 year old and a 17 year old son loving every second of 10 hours round trip in a car with 48 hours of spontaneous adventure with their mom and dad.
Mind: Filled with joy, family love, and laughter.
Spirit: Encouraged and thankful.
Body: Irritated that my current tendon issue is still rearing its head. After 1 mileage step back week and 2 weeks of almost no running, I was not very successful at starting my build back this AM. 4 slow and painful miles when a month ago I was fine…….Such is life. My cardiovascular health is sustained by cross training and I’m healthy overall, so I must continue to go slow to go fast again. This is the plight of all runners everywhere at various junctures, so I have lots of people to commiserate with.
This post is truly a random musing, but the applications are there. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose.
We all have outdated practices, old mindsets, and habits that no longer serve us. We tend to default to the familiar, even when that familiar is broken.
One broken practice I often observe is the cycle of complaining about everything and everyone.
Executive coach Marshall Goldsmith found that almost a third of American workers spend 20 hours or more monthly complaining about their bosses or upper management; that doesn’t even include time spent complaining about their peers and other topics.
Based on my anecdotal evidence as a human, but most importantly as a trained educator and HR professional, these same people talk about how they have no time and are busy.
Imagine the productivity gain of reducing all those complaining hours.
Imagine the mental and emotional wellness you could restore to your world with negativity reduction.
Complaining only momentarily feels good because it triggers dopamine. Complaining negates the ownership of your behaviors and actions that have helped frame the current situation. Complaining strengthens the blind spots we have about our contribution to the issues surrounding us.
Stop complaining. Start owning. Take personal responsibility for what you can control. We either passively allow or actively create our environment.
Your words and actions have power.
Reflection:
What personal and professional behaviors and patterns need to be tweaked to move forward?
Whether it’s a person, process, or policy, where do you need to focus energy for successful transformation? What can you control and contribute to for productive, lasting change?
What if we stop complaining and blaming circumstances and instead identify how we contribute to outcomes we are frustrated with?
How can we align our actions with desired changes and drive results while managing challenges?
Who can help you identify your blind spots and things you have the power to change? Assistance makes us all better. Strategies and alliances can be formed and strengthened. Time can be invested in change-making conversations instead of time wasted.
A good assessment of where you currently need to focus energy for successful transformation is to pay attention to what you are negatively attuned to. Pinpoint some needed areas of actionable change and prioritize strengthening your self-awareness.
Your time and productivity ROI from personal and professional development is enormous.
What if we dont immediately need new processes or systems, but instead first think about what we need to stop and what we need to start?
My personal intersection of mind, body, spirit:
Body side note: I have triggered an old running injury again and I’ve had to stop running temporarily the last couple of weeks, since completing the CLE Hermes 10. I used to try to push through these things, but now I know stopping, assessing, cross training, and doing both rehab and prehab will get me where I want to be quicker!
Mind side note: I am trying to stop searching for perfection because it can lead to paralysis. Excellence and perfection are not the same.
Spirit side note: I am focusing on finishing all things well. God goes before, beside, and behind. God knows the beginning and the end. I need to just lean into His will and His way. My responsibility is just to press toward God’s high calling on my life. His power begins and ends His work in and through me.
I’m excited to say that HealthFullLiving is at home here now.
While I have left all of the old, outdated, and somewhat embarrassing souls and sweatband posts up, especially since I still run, walk, adventure, live, laugh, and love, I want to lean in to a more strategic focus.
I have spent the last few years writing, speaking, and sharing through many other mediums, but the time has come to collaborate at this location again. Life moves at the speed of relationships, and I want to connect!
As a coach, faith-led strategist, consultant, concierge, communicator, and curator of stories and information, I envision this space to be a mutually beneficial partnership that helps you and I create and live lives we love—on purpose & with purpose. For me, this involves being a purveyor of Mind, Body, and Spirit.
I have always enjoyed writing and sharing, so my abundant LIFE needs to include that. You can check out my LinkedIN and my Facebook, but HealthFULLliving, as a blog, will combine a growth mindset and lifelong learning posture to coach and coax you into whatever authentic, vulnerable, and transformational path you may desire personally and professionally.
Mission
To inspire and equip individuals to live abundantly by aligning mind, body, and spirit. Through faith, professional wisdom, and purposeful living, Healthfull Living empowers people to grow, lead, and thrive in every area of life—personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Vision
A world where people live fully—grounded in purpose, strengthened by faith, and energized by well-being. Healthfull Living envisions a community of individuals who are strong like a cord of three strands—thriving in their health, leadership, and calling—while making meaningful impact in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
Core Values
Faith-Centered Living We believe in God’s promises and the power of living on mission. Our faith is the foundation that guides everything we do.
Wholeness True well-being is found at the intersection of mind, body, and spirit. We cultivate all three to create sustainable, joyful, and abundant living.
Empowerment Everyone has the power to transform their life. We provide tools, insight, and encouragement to help others step into their potential and walk boldly in purpose.
Authenticity We lead and share with transparency, integrity, and heart. We honor the full spectrum of life—because people are multidimensional.
Growth We believe personal growth fuels professional growth. Through learning, coaching, and development, we help people evolve into the best version of themselves.
Community We were not meant to do life alone. We build bridges, foster belonging, and create safe spaces for others to be seen, heard, and supported.
At Healthfull Living, we believe you weren’t made to just survive—you were made to thrive. To live a life rooted in faith, filled with purpose, and aligned in mind, body, and spirit. Our symbol, the rope of three cords, reminds us that true strength comes from wholeness—and that you are strongest when you live from the inside out.
This is a space where personal growth meets professional purpose. Where we talk about leadership and wellness, faith and focus, family and calling—because life doesn’t fit in a single box, and neither do you.
Whether you’re navigating a career shift, seeking deeper purpose, or simply ready to live more fully, Healthfull Living is here to cheer you on, equip you, and walk alongside you.
Your life exists on purpose and for purpose. Let’s build it—boldly, joyfully, and intentionally.
Together, let’s CREATE and LIVE a life we love.
Who is we?
You may notice that sometimes I use “we” instead of “me”. HealthFULLliving as a brand is an LLC that was started by my husband, Joanthan Buckland, and me, Jessica Buckland. While I will be the primary driver on this blog, you may also see insight from him. He is also available to help you strategize around concepts to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit.
On May 7, 2017 I ran my 10th full marathon in the Steel City of Pittsburgh. It was the most difficult course I have ever run, and my third best marathon finish time. I feel the need to let the world know my chip finish time of 4:18 included a pit stop, but I’m assuming approximately .67% of you even care about that. The few who would care are also most likely runners and understand how every second/minute on your chip time is a self imposed reflection on your self worth and perceived success. The rest of the world is thinking the very fact that I have run 10 Full Marathons (26.2 miles) since September of 2012 puts me in a league of my own. Yes indeed, you read that correctly. The Akron Full Marathon (another challenging, but simply amazing course) in 2012 was my first foray into full marathons and by May of 2017, only 4 and 1/2 years later, I crossed the finish line of my 10th.
Let me encourage you by reiterating a part of my story that now seems so distant. In January of 2010 I was 60 pounds heavier than I am now and couldn’t run 1 straight mile. I was knocking on the door of turning 30 and making a decision for who I wanted to be when “I grew up.” Embracing a theology of the body, meaning the revelation that God cares about how my physical human body feels, runs, and looks not because it matters in eternity but because it determines how I live and feel on this earth and the ability to which I’m able to discover and live out my purpose, was one of the single greatest things that has ever happened to me. I’ve also run 6 half marathons and countless 5K, 8K, and 5 mile charity races.
I am currently signed up to do Full marathon #11 in November and then reassess my situation. I’d like to do an ultra marathon, perhaps a 50K before or during the year of my 40th birthday. I’d like to ride my bike and participate in a “century” (100 miles) event. I’d like to get fitter and stronger than I ever thought was possible. I’d like to actually develop my writing voice and consistently blog. I’d like to scratch as much off my bucket list as possible. But for now, for this sacred space between 10th marathon’s finish and 11th marathon’s training plan, I do what my body wants me to do.
Week 1 Post Marathon: More walking and elliptical time than running, although I did run 6 whole miles that week. My lowest mileage week since I started the run streak I was on from 2011-2014.
Week 2 Post marathon: Running 16 miles, including the Cleveland Marathon 8K with my work charity fundraising team. Cycling 20 miles. Lots of walking. Some stair mastering. Strength training/weights.
Week 3 Post Marathon: Running 21 miles. Cycling 30 miles. Lots of walking. No stair mastering. Strength training/weights.
Week 4 Post Marathon: Here we are! So far (Wednesday) I’ve run 13 miles with plans for 12 more and I have plans for a 25-30 mile bike ride.
I just wanted to check in and let you know I’m alive. I have many things germinating in my mind and heart to write about and feel like I needed a blog that was a soft launch back into all things Jessica, Jesus, Family, World Changing, and running.
Remember, the world will tell you you’re “TOO MUCH”. Don’t believe me, try running as much as I do. They will tell you they don’t have time and therefore you shouldn’t have time. Don’t believe them. These same people are not the ones getting up at 5 AM to prioritize the one body God gave them. IN prioritizing physical self care, you also end up with excellent spirit and mind care as well. Try communing with nature on a run, walk, or bike every day and then tell me if you feel closer to God, more tuned into yourself, more awakened to wonder. This might not work if you stay confined to a stuffy gym. You need to breath in the perfection of creation around you.
This same world will then turn the narrative on you and tell you that you are “NEVER ENOUGH”. You still haven’t gotten that Sub-4 marathon finish. You don’t grow your own Kale in your background organic garden. You ate ice cream. You didn’t widdle your own furniture from a pocket knife.
Have no worries though fellow travelers. You can walk wildly into what God created you to be. We aren’t free just for freedoms sake alone, but we are free to sing this song of hope over the world, just as God sings it over us. Go on. Be brave. Put one foot in front of the other and start checking off those bucket list items. I know I did. Marathon #10, bucket dumped. The end.
My ode to fitness as a lifestyle:
Running. Fitness. Meditation. Contemplation. “I don’t have time for that.” I won’t prioritize soul care. Self care. Personal health care. I’ll sleep when I die. Your mind. Your body. Your spirit are on a budget. You can’t spend what you don’t have. Stay in the red and you’re lethargic anxious sick, and worse, nearly dead. Without a strategic investment, physical, emotional, and spiritual bankruptcy will soon follow. Start small. Start doable. Find scalable, sustainable. Prioritize your family and career by filling your proverbial cup so you have something to pour out. An empty well never hydrated anyone.
My Facebook Reflection from that day:
10 full marathons completed! There are moments in life that change you. These moments are rarely found in your comfort zone. A constant stream of “nothing is given, everything is earned”, “you put in the work, the results are yours to own” and “train your mind…your body will follow” flooded through my mind, pulsates through my veins. Pittsburgh, your marathon was amazing. The hospitality of your city, the vibrant crowd support, and the scenic route were what make it amazing. Your course was grueling and the most challenging, life changing, epic marathon I’ve ever done. I wouldn’t have wanted number 10 to have been any other way. I felt like I was equal parts mountain climbing and running. It never let up. There was no reprieve, but I ran strong. I had my 3rd fastest finish ever and even out ran my husband. I waited for him at the finish. Sweet sweet victory!!! #crossover#runnergirl#runnerofsteel#gameonpgh
Today is National Puppy Day and the perfect opportunity to tell you
(1) There is a God
and
(2) He loves you
I swore I would never own a dog. I have a million reasons why I do not want animals that cannot be confined to bowls or small cages roaming my house, the least of which is the potential for clutter, stench and dander. I mean, why don’t we just get a panda bear or a lion while we are at it?
Don’t get me wrong. I love nature.I love adventure. I love being outside. However, I like my domain.
My selfish reasoning was all very noble of course.
My husband deals with allergies and has PTSD about dogs due to a family member being bit by a dog with rabies that altered his childhood, and I just can’t comprehend wanting an animal in your home who poops, pees, eats, costs as much money as a human kid, and takes precious time out of your day.
In addition, I appreciate cleanliness and maintaining the value of the material objects in my home.
My children, however, were insistent for years in their plea before the proverbial “throne”of mom and dad’s mercy for a dog. A pet. A best friend for the little men to call their own.
I watched their love and care for my mom’s dog and saw the deep desires of their heart. The passion was so deep and intense that my oldest son told me numerous times that his dream in life is to have 5 dogs and no wife. I told him that if he truly gets 5 dogs, he will never get a wife. He can declare a mission accomplished.
My heart started to soften to their requests. I do not know what happened to me except that I told them it had to be divine intervention, and to this, they both agree.
I started researching dogs and breeders and pet stores and pounds. From this, I discovered I wanted to rescue a dog if this pet reality was going to happen.
After some searching, even my husband came around. He discovered that Yorkie’s don’t bother his type of allergies too much, but we knew our boys were set on a dachshund. I definitely wasn’t going to get a dog they weren’t even into. What would be the point? This was all about them, but for Jonathan’s sake I continued to research Yorkies on petfinder.com and just wasn’t at all impressed.
Then one day, in a split second, I saw Chip. He was a DORKIE.He was the fur and face of a yorkie, which was good for the allergies, but the build and body of a dachshund. It was like God created him specifically for my boys.
His little picture pierced Jonathan and I’s heart and literally in the span of an hour, we had the ball rolling to get this dog. Just like God, we didn’t move quickly (boys had been pleading for years), but when the time was right, we moved suddenly. We picked them up from a birthday party and told them what had transpired and they went into fits of ecstatic hysteria. Tears, cheers, disbelief, and celebration filled our car.
I hopped on amazon and ordered a bazillion dollars worth of dog paraphernalia, loaded up on food and supplies at Costco and Target, and made plans for us to drive 2 hours to pick Chip up from his foster mom. He was 10 months old and a nervous wreck when we brought him home.
Between adoption costs (they have a pay it forward system), grooming costs and vet visits, supplies, food, and household puppy destruction, Chip has fulfilled all the terrible prophecies I imagined.
Several pairs of shoes: Destroyed
Rugs: Gone
Carpets: Torn Thread Bare
Multiple types Dog Beds: Ripped to shreds
Blankets: Half Eaten
Leather furniture: Scratched
Piles of poop in the house: Numerous
Time spent training and cleaning up and restructuring the whole house to try to salvage things and keep him from “burning” the place down: way more than I even want to think about
Yorkie separation anxiety and Dachshund Hound induced barking: never ending
Boys in love, learning responsibility, taking charge, and growing in maturity:2
Adults suckered into petting, walking, rubbing, caressing, nurturing, and snuggling:2
Reminders through Chip daily how Christ “adopted” and redeemed us even while we were yet sinners (and still are while wearing these suits of flesh): Constant
You see, we are both the dog and the children in this story. We are God’s children and He wants good things for us. Our pleading to him does get to his heart. He answers our prayers.
But, we are also the dog. We live messy and carefree lives with no thought to the house of God or the plans of God and yet he is still faithful.
PSA: A cat will never happen. If you hear I got a cat, immediately call 911 and have them put me on psychiatric lock down. It means everything I’ve ever stood for has crumbled and I need protected from myself. Not even God would require such levels of “death to self” from me.
Create a life you love 