Monday, August 31, 2015

Mudras, Pajamas, and Fools (Oh My)

Yup; that's me!  I did a video the other day and posted it on YouTube.  I was super scared and nervous, but excited to share what I knew about changing your posture in just a few minutes a day. All stuff you can do while in your pajamas.  Hence, the title and my awesome wardrobe choice.

I didn't post yesterday because I was on a very long bus ride back to Wisconsin.  And as noted, it's not possible to post a blog from an iPhone. Out of all the things you can do, you can't do that.

Instead, I started reading about mudras in Mudras: Yoga in your Hands by Gertrude Hirschi and another book, called Fools Rush In: An April Fools Day Anthology. They are both very interesting and I plan on posting the mudras that I have been practicing from the book. 



I'm not even through the first story in the Fools Rush In book, but I like it already.  The first story is about a teenage nerd that get courted by the popular cute guy and ends up getting hurt in one of those horrible public ways.  It keeps alluding to what happened, but it hasn't actually said yet. It's 12 years later, and Alex (the nerd girl) is putting her life back together and running her own floral shop.  She begins planning the wedding flowers for a local celebrity; one day, Beck (hot, popular betrayer) walks in with said celebrity client.  It turns out he's the brother of the celebrity lady. I'm really interested to see what else happens.  This is the point where my bus pulled up to the stop.  I'll keep you updated.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Get the Party Started

Favorite Song(s) of the week:
Thunder - Leona Lewis
Get the Party Started - Pink
Shake It Off - Taylor Swift (so darn catchy!)
Hold My Hand - Hootie & The Blowfish
Anywhere For You - BSB (forever)
Wherever You Will Go - The Calling
That Wasn't Me - Brandi Carlile



Favorite Quote(s) of the week:
Confidence is like a muscle; you can strengthen it.
"Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are." - Arthur Golden
"Your strength is how calmly, quietly and peacefully you face life." - Yogi Bhajan
"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are." -Anon
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." -Proverbs 18:21

Favorite thing done this week:
A hike with my friend and then watching a wedding movie
Cize with my sister
A long walk and morning dancing

Favorite show/movie of week:
VH1 has music videos in the morning (who knew).  That is why there are some oldies in the mix of favorite songs.
I started Downton Abby season 4

Favorite thing read:
Some information on forgiveness.  It was eye opening

Favorite event:
Webinars.  I used to hate the very word.  Now I look forward to it weekly.

Most inspired moment:
I was on 2 webinars this week and they were both very inspiring
Time with my friends always inspires me

Thought(s)/Epiphany (ies) of the week:
I am for sure staying away from fake foods forever.  Someone close to me was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's at a young age.  She's young and they say that her illness may have started as much as 5 years ago.  Clean eating all the way for this girl!

Weirdest dream:
I haven't really been dreaming lately.  Or if I have, I haven't woken up and remembered any of it.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Metamorphosis

I started a doodle today, just thinking about the transformations that all of us go through.  Every day, every second we are always making decisions that are changing our lives.  Every day we are making choices that will make us better or worse.  Those decisions are up to us to make.  Sometimes, our choices transform us right away and sometimes it takes time.  Like a butterfly, the cocoon isn't going to break open when we think we're ready; it'll happen when it is meant to happen.  "Be patient and trust the journey" has become my new mantra.  Just believe it and you will receive it!


Health: It's such a journey.  And I know there are always going to be highs and lows and in-betweens. It's the same story again as my first round.  I lost a few pounds and have gained them back by the second week.  Well, I'm ignoring the scale and what it says.  I know I haven't been pushing as hard with the workouts with my pulled hamstring, but I know I'm going to my limits.  I also can tell that I'm getting results because my pants to my underwear are beginning to feel loose.
Besides from the physical, my anxiety over getting a career going made me have a tiny panic attack.  My heart started to pound and my tummy got all rumbly.  I was just trying to clean up when this wave of feeling completely inadequate and "am I making the wrong decision" hit me. I just had to stop myself and go take a minute to meditate.  I laid down, put on my meditation eye pillow, and spent 8 minutes doing a body scan meditation (just checking in with the feelings throughout all the different parts of your body).  I was able to pull myself back together, refocus, and continue on with my day.  That anxiety still tries to creep back in; it wasn't a one and done type fix.  It's an every day, every thought decision to change negative self-talk to positive.

Relationships: So you know how I said I was having some forgiveness issues; well this morning I was hit smack in the face with it.  I was reading about what it means to really forgive.  Even though I keep saying that I have forgiven and given a second chance, I've been harboring bitterness, trying to control current behavior, and constantly bringing up the past.  This is what I mean when I'm trying to walk that delicate line between forgiveness and letting myself get walked all over.  There was also a section of the book that broke down forgiveness and reconciliation and the differences between the two.  It's going to be a long road, but I'm ready to start walking that road.  I don't want to be in the prison of un-forgiveness anymore. I don't want it weighing me or my thoughts down anymore.

Career:  Have you ever just got it in your head that you need something and you need it to happen NOW!  That's how I felt this week about jobs.  I'm tired of applying and I found one that I was really hopeful for; however, I called yesterday and they said they were calling candidates that day.  No call.  I held out hope that maybe today I'd hear something.  Still no.  I'm trying to trust God through all of this; he'll direct my paths and He knows exactly what I need and when.  I just have to be patient enough to let life happen.  On my webinar for my awesome coaching job (yes I love it and I wish so much that I could be helping more people all the time), I was reminded that this is a journey.  I just have to keep sharing my journey and helping people.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

You are Powerful

I've been feeling really inspired lately.  Wonderful people have been sharing their stories and it gives my soul so much hope.  I've been reading the best personal development book there is around; the Bible.  Today I came across a passage that really struck me. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Nathaniel Hawthorne: "Words-so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become, in the hand of one who knows how to combine them."  Our words are so powerful.  Simply smiling and saying hello can change some one's day from bad to good.  I hope and I pray that my words will always be for lifting up others, so that I may reap the fruit of all that good.  And I don't mean that selfishly.  What an honor to know that a few kind words made someone else's day.  It would also mean so much to have a kind word spoken when you are need.  So today, and maybe even tomorrow, take time to consider the power of your words.  Do you want your power to be for good? Or do you want it to be for evil?  I completely understand that it is a hard choice to make each and every day; even every time you open your mouth.  I often have issues with hasty, biting words coming back to haunt me. So remember that you and your words have the power to lead and inspire others.


Also, Happy National Dog Day.  I love my puppies and I don't know where I'd be without them.  Love you little ones that have touched my life with your cuddles and silly antics.  You make a wonderful listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a wonderful workout partner.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Loco for Coco

So I'm not really a beauty expert or anything.  My "face" is basically mascara (sometimes eyeliner) and some lip balm.  Recently though, I've had people stop me and ask me "my secret."

First: "You're never fully dressed without a smile." Little Orphan Annie was so right on that account.  Smile from ear to ear and no one will care what is on your face or what clothes you are wearing.  It's also infectious, and who doesn't like to smile?  Share your joy and passions through a smile and everyone can see your genuine beauty.



Secondly: Coconut oil.  This stuff will change your life!  Every morning I take a big spoonful, add a drop of peppermint essential oil on it, and then swish that stuff around in my mouth for about 20 minutes.  My mouth always feels "just from the dentist" clean.  The added peppermint is a breath freshening bonus. I tongue scrape and brush and voila, you are ready to dazzle everyone with a beautiful smile. I also like to melt a little and oil myself up BEFORE every shower.  That helps keep all the moisture in your hair and skin and you don't have to try so hard to replace that stripped moisture after your shower.  There are so many medical benefits from the stuff, I can't even begin to expound upon enough: anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, moisturizing, helps with cell rejuvenation, has some sun block protection, can be good for weight loss, etc.
Until recently, I'd still been using wipes and soaps on my face. I have horribly large pores and I've always wanted to shrink them down to nothing. I recently purchased a facial brush that was on clearance, because hey, I always wanted one.  I used that with strips and face washes.  It was working, pores were shrinking, my skin looked awesome.  Then one day, I decided to just put coconut oil on my face and use it.  YES!  My pores shrink, my skin glows, my skin feels baby butt smooth, and my face is washed and moisturized in one easy step (plus, I've got my sunscreen on with it too)!  Plus, the best thing about it, coconut oil removes eye makeup so easily! Or if you have a little boo boo with eyeliner or mascara (I almost always do), just rub a little on the end of a q-tip and erase away the oops!

Monday, August 24, 2015

Forgive like Jesus

I love books.  Ask anyone who knows me, books are one of my giant obsessions.  Give me hot chocolate, a cozy blanket, a good book, and a dog or two (or even three), and I'll be set for a day.  You could probably leave me in one spot and return 12 hours later and I'd still be there reading away.

Okay, so I think you get how deep my obsession is with books.  I just got two new ones today.  I don't really have the money to buy stuff yet, but I thought these two books were something I should invest in for my own personal growth as a human.  Normally, I'm all about going and renting from the library and then buying as a last resort (unless I really love it or it's on uber sale). And heck, these two books were $6.29 total.  I picked up Procrastination: Preventing the Decay of Delay  and Forgiveness: The Freedom to Let Go, both by June Hunt.  I'm really having difficulty in the area of forgiving some of the betrayals I've felt in the last year, so I thought this book would be perfect.  I often have a hard time with forgiving.  And it's not the typical problem.  You could hurt me a million times, but if you said sorry, I'd accept it and forgive you.  I give so many second chances, I often get walked all over.  I'm hoping this book can keep me forgiving like Jesus, but still drawing the boundaries to keep from being a door mat for others.  The second is just because I love to put things off and then the next thing I know, I've run out of hours in the day!  I'm so a list maker, so I'm hoping this will help me work through my lists in a timely manner and not always losing hours of sleep to get things done.  I'll have to keep you updated on what I learn from these babies.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

The Other Sister


So my friend is getting married in November and she decided it was her goal to watch 50 wedding movies before her wedding.  Tonight I helped her check another movie off the list.  We watched The Other Sister after a lovely hike.



Carla, Juliette Lewis, is a mentally challenged young lady that comes back home to be with her family after completing her schooling at a school for mentally challenged children.  Both her and her family have some bumpy times trying to get used to life together again.  Carla wants to continue on her education and convinces her family that she is responsible enough for the challenge.  While attending classes, she meets a man named Danny that will change her life and open her eyes to love.



This movie is odd, heartwarming, and predictable. Most romantic movies are, so I won't hold it against it. Juliette Lewis and Giovanni Ribisi star in this romantic coming of age movie. It truly is a sweet story of romance and coming of age. I think it has been highly over-looked in the category of romance/wedding movies.  As my friend said, "The movie gave me the feels." 

Friday, August 21, 2015

What's Your Stone

Favorite Song(s) of the week:
Let it Grow - Clapton
Cheerleader - Omi
Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon
Believe - Mumford and Sons
Strawberry Fields - Beatles
Fight Song -Rachel Platten
Bad Blood - Taylor Swift (usually I don't like her, but this song gets to me)



Favorite Quote(s) of the week:
"I may only have one match, but I can make an explosion." - Fight Song
"Learn, Love, Grow, Explore, Adventure." - Personal Statement
"What's my stone?" - Kathy Lee Giffords tribute to her husband
"Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear." - Tony Robbins
"I'm so proud of you." - My husband to me :)

Favorite thing done this week:
Making my vision board, doing art, and starting a new job as a LifeStyle and Wellness Coach

Favorite show/movie of week:
I watched a few Friends episodes with my aunt this week and remembered how that show is so hilarious.

Favorite thing read:
How the Scots Invented the Modern World by Arthur Herman

Favorite event:
Team Meeting last night.  It was so inspirational and full of hope!

Most inspired moment:
Again, last nights team meeting was powerful.
And also, Kathy Lee Giffords tribute to her husband, Frank.  Makes you want to get up and do some good!

Thought(s)/Epiphany (ies) of the week:
I can do this! 
Life is so full of potential at all moments.  You can choose to see it or ignore it.

Weirdest dream:
I have a lot of weird dreams.  Like, a LOT!  I'm sure not many people have dreamt about being a rat or having a conversation with Walt Whitman.  I'll usually have something good, but nothing this week.  Watch, tonight I'll have a crazy dream!

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Exponential Power

Wow.  It has been a crazy long time since I last blogged.  I didn't have Internet or a real computer in Puerto Rico.  Did you know, it doesn't allow you to write a blog from an iPhone? I've really missed this; I love writing. I think it is fitting that I start my blog back up with this days post.  These 3 areas of my life have changed drastically in the last several months.

All I can say is: Life is full of potential. It didn't feel that way a few months ago.  In fact, I felt quite the opposite a few months ago.  I was depressed and wanting to hide my head under a pillow any time I wasn't helping take care of my aunt with dementia.  I was jobless, nearly broke (still am), my marriage was on shaky ground, and I felt completely alone in the world.  I was pretty much back to where I was when I first started my journey towards health and wellness (in all areas of my life).  Crying in a ball on my bedroom floor: hopeless and lost. Thank God for God and my family and my husband.

Health: So I moved back in with my parents earlier this year to help take care of my aunt that has developed dementia.  She's young and she can't get aid until there is a firm diagnosis.  So no one in the family really had the time to take care of her like she needed.  I was able to step up and step in. In that time, I became highly sedentary.  I mostly sat around watching tv with her.  That, in addition to my mom's very good and very high fat/highly processed/highly sweet cooking, I put on 20 pounds in a short period of time.  I tried to get more active, but I was still feeling depressed about the my life.  Vicious cycle of feeling blue, eating junk food to feel better, and wanting to sleep all the time only led to my weight gain and feeling more blue.  In 21 days I was able to change that all around.  I started eating clean, portion correct sizes (us Mid-Westerners really like to load up a plate) and working out for just 30 minutes a day.  BAM! I lost about 7.5 pounds and a total of 8 inches.  1.75 inches from my waist.  So excited to keep doing this program and see where it takes me.  Hello elusive 135 I've always thought was impossible, I'm coming for you!

Relationships:  I had a really rocky time in Puerto Rico.  I honestly love the island.  And oh my, I love the food.  I may not name a kid after pasteles, but I sure as heck would name my first born Mofongo (that stuff is addicting).  I even met a ridiculous amount of interesting people.  However, I was no where near the same path as some of these other people.  Most of the people my age were into never letting the party stop (drunk or high, or both) or they wanted to lounge in front of a fan and a tv. I had just spent the better of the last 2 years of my life, trying to make a healthy and active life; not veg out in front of the tv all the time.  My husband was working almost all the time (about 12 hours a day, 6 days a week) and I felt like I never got to see him.  My dog became my best friend!  I literally had conversations with my dog.  I love that doggie with all my heart (now I have 3).  I'm also pretty sure they were a deterrent for crime. 
The town I lived in was less Americanized than the next town over.  The city is beautiful, but I always drew stares.  I didn't really mind, go ahead and stare, but being followed by people in cars or having people shout: "hey white girl, where you come from?" was a little scary.  Sometimes locals were shocked I'd walk alone anywhere.  That didn't make me feel too safe.  My husband and I are still working on some of the issues that came up from me practically turning into a version of "The Bell Jar." There were days, if our oven had had a gas hook up, my head probably would have been in there.  There were far too many endless days of sitting around in the house alone.  I know, I know.  You are probably thinking: "why didn't you get up and go somewhere or do something?"  I almost never had a car to go anywhere, money was tight, and I had almost no one to do things with me.  I could have gone alone, but there's only so far I can walk alone and my safety was also a concern.  I loved going to the beach, but it took about 45 minutes to walk there.  And again, not so fun when you are there all alone.   If I did find someone to hang out with, it was going out to eat and then watching a movie or movies.  My husband was also exhausted from working long days, so vegging out on his day off was his ideal.  Other times, I'd ask people to hang out and they'd never respond back.  I felt trapped and alone.  I was just plain miserable. So not only am I working on building up my relationship with others, I'm working on building up a loving relationship with myself.




Another relationship that has picked back up is my relationship with God.  I went through a very dark time, multiple times.  I keep trying to give over my doubts and worries to God.  I know that He is bigger and that He has a plan for my husband and I.  He's got plans better than I could ever dream up. I'm so grateful to have a Savior that loves me through thick and thin; even when I don't love myself.  And He wraps me up in His arms of Grace and leads me down the path of life.  He's always beside me.

Career:  There is one word that describes this area of my life perfectly and that would be: POTENTIAL.  I've started the amazing journey of being a LifeStyle and Wellness Coach with Beachbody.  I'm so excited to help others realize their fitness goals and achieve a healthy body that will take them through many years of loving and living life to the fullest. I've also been told some of my "art" would look great on fabrics or as a print.  I'm flabbergasted because I wouldn't ever really consider myself an artist. I'm also looking into potential in other areas.  I also applied for a job in a library.  I am hoping that I get called in to do an interview soon!

So while there is lots of work to still be put into all of these areas of my life, I see nothing but potential in my future!  And if you want any help or accountability in changing your life in these areas, let me know!  I'd love to help you along your journey.  We're all in this together.