Dream...Actually Make IT Happen!

Photography Print from Etsy...Recently Purchased

This year has brought a lot of change...extremely POSITIVE change. I feel extremely grateful that so much positivity has come my way, but one thing that continues to make itself present is the idea that I can make my dreams and goals a reality through my thought and intention. It all started with a leadership training that included a small snippet on life planning. As a yoga teacher and practitioner I am aware of how much your thoughts can affect your everyday interactions.. And as an advocate and constant striver {is that even a word?} for growth, I surprisingly have never formally written down my goals.  

So...the day after my leadership training, the message continued in my favorite Saturday morning yoga indulgence through a passage read by the teacher. And then...my sister and I happened to book a yoga retreat with wine, yoga, hiking, and duh goal planning. Since all signs are pointing to putting thought to the things that I dream to achieve within this amazing life, I wanted to share what I'm doing. Maybe it's a message that speaks to you as well:

1. Create a MISSION STATEMENT for yourself... 

Your mission statement should be how you want to be remembered when you're no longer here. It sounds kind of morbid, but if you know what you stand for, this mission statement will guide you each day.

2. Set the TIMEFRAME that you want to achieve your goals...

3 years, 10 years, 20 years. Mine are set for 3 years, and after 3 years I will reassess what my next goals will be.

3. WRITE down your goals...

Whether they're personal, professional, monetary, anything! Don't doubt yourself for wanting the things that you want, it is possible!

4. REFERENCE them often, daily if possible... 

The more you visualize each step needed to reach that dream, the more you will find yourself taking steps to manifest them into your reality. 

5. Find OPPORTUNITY in the challenges...

And speed bumps along the way. Stay positive when you get off track, and surround yourself with people that drive you to continue moving forward.

{In case you're interested in the passage that was read in class, see below, I have been referring to it often}

Infinite Spirit is within me and flows through me now and in every moment. This loving power is everywhere present and is mine by right of consciousness. What I give my attention to is created in my world. As I expand my thought, believing, I know the loving Presence of Spirit within does the work.

As I turn my attention to the spirit of my being, I realize I am allowing myself more as I resolve to evolve. I decide to be more because this is Spirits gift to me. I accept this gift knowing it is the Universes intention to give me all that I am willing to accept. As I open myself to the blessings surrounding me, Infinite Spirit supplies me with all I envision. It truly is done to me as I believe.

Life is good and I celebrate every day with joy and gratitude, knowing I am given the gifts of increasing goodness. I now use these extraordinary gifts to create a life of clarity, joy, love, and wisdom through the clarity of my thoughts.  I let this be. And so it is.

Smoothie Selfies

Happy New Year Everyone!

This year has definitely gotten going at a running start, and it's hard to believe the first month of the year is already more than half-way over! The first few weeks of the year were spent recovering from holiday food coma, getting back into a FULL work week, and transitioning back to a healthy and productive routine.

In the spirit of New Year's resolutions and getting back to routine, my sisters and I have been inspiring each other through smoothie selfies each day...so so silly I know! But honestly...their daily smoothie photos and ingredient lists have been inspiring me to get my daily dose of blended greens each day. No matter how silly the motivation, finding a support system that is working towards the same goals as you can help tremendously with your resolutions all year long.

Here's to finding inspiration and motivation in 2014, and surrounding yourself with people that support and promote your best self! 

The JOY is in the Journey

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Well friends, I have decided to start a new journey and am in my second week of Yoga Teacher Training! Remember last year when I talked about 'Finishing What You Start' and said this was one thing I would love to accomplish...well, I'm doing it! I'm a bit terrified, but overall I feel that this is exactly what I need to be doing right at this moment.

For the next 8 weeks, I will be consumed with reading, practice teaching, trainings, lectures, and improving my own practice. I am excited to see where the journey takes me, and can't wait to be able to share yoga with others.

Our first homework assignment was to write an essay on what yoga is to ME, and I decided to share a few highlights of the reasons why I am drawn to this practice, and hopefully you'll be inspired to go take a yoga class this week and feel it for yourself!

The moment I reach my mat, I begin the process of uniting or re-uniting with myself. The world behind and ahead of me disappears, and I suddenly feel comforted, calm, and quiet. The insecurities, the worries, my relationships, and many other thoughts that cloud my mind suddenly begin to fade away, and my focus moves toward my breath and the strength of my body on that day. With each practice, I am amazed and grateful of what the body is capable of, which nourishes and pushes my mind to continue further in my practice. And sometimes, it is not my body that needs the extra attention and love, but my mind, and yoga is the silence.

My regular practice has truly made me more accepting of myself and my body, and if you can love and respect yourself to the fullest, then the love and respect you bring to others will only be greater. If you can't love yourself, then it's very difficult to truly love others in an unconditional and nonjudgmental way. No one is perfect, and yoga is forgiving, and teaches you to be forgiving. Each time I practice is a new chance to start over, to recreate, and decide the path I want my life to take that day. Yoga creates a calm strength, not only in my body, but throughout my life and interactions when I leave my mat. My yoga practice has encouraged me to crave and seek positive experiences and positive relationships.

I am truly grateful for the community of yoga that is always there to comfort me during both the hardest, and the best times of my life.

The Day of LOVE.

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Ohhh Valentine's Day!

I have to admit...I have mixed feelings about Valentine's Day. I think it's a wonderful day to celebrate our relationships and those we care about most, but sometimes I think the flowers, card, and candy cliche that is expected ruins the whole idea of the day. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE getting fresh flowers and gifts, but it means so much more when it's just because, and not because Hallmark created it.

To me, a perfect Valentine's Day involves a shared meal {without the fixed menu}, quality time spent remembering why you love the one {or ones} that you love, and maybe a nice little love note!

Whether you have a Valentine or not, you can try one of these LOVEly LOVE day activities:

1. Wake up early, and make coffee or breakfast for your love {loved ones}.

2. Leave a surprise note for your love {loved ones} letting them know how much they mean to you.

3. Take a yoga class together, enjoy a walk at the beach, or spot eachother in a CrossFit class.

4. Draw a bath for your loved one after they come home from a long day. Add lavender essential oil to make it extra indulgent.

5. Cook a favorite dinner instead of fighting the crowds at local restaurants. My Valentine and I will be cooking up some homemade pizzas at home, my idea of a perfect night!

6. Treat your love {loved ones} like it's Valentine's Day everyday. Affection, kind words and gestures go a long way in keeping your relationships strong and fulfilling!

Enjoy your day of LOVE tomorrow!

...And Happy Valentine's Day to my LOVE!

Detox from the Inside Out this New Year's

**Published on MindBodyGreen

I am so grateful to have another article chosen for MindBodyGreen, and hope you all enjoy my intrinsic goals for the new year...

The end of the year is a time to focus on where we’ve been, and where we strive to go in the coming year, whether it’s making a change towards a better diet, implementing a new workout plan, or perhaps making a career change. All of these resolutions may bring you more happiness and make your life feel more full, but consider some intrinsic ways to detox this year, and experience more happiness than any crash diet or juice detox will ever make you feel.

This year, try out some resolutions that will fill your life from the inside out:

1.  Focus on needs vs. wants.

As a society, we tend to focus on material objects, hence buying and receiving gifts throughout the holidays. My father always told me, “You can only have so much ‘stuff’!” I am now starting to realize how right my father was all these years, and have found myself needing and wanting less ‘stuff.’ I started my New Year’s resolution early this year, and gave away bags and bags of clothing, shoes, and jewelry that I don’t really need. My life feels organized, light, and ready to take on the new year. Less is now more.

2.  De-clutter your relationships.

Just as material things tend to build up in our lives, so do relationships that don’t serve us anymore. You may have individuals in your life that bring more negativity than inspiration, and are constantly trying to bring down your sunshine. It’s time to let go of those relationships and focus on nurturing the ties that help us to realize our full potential and continue to allow us to grow into thriving individuals.

3.  Give more than you receive.

I’m not talking material objects when I say ‘give,’ I’m talking about the non-material things that we provide for others. Give more love, honesty, and support in your relationships. In your career, be the team player instead of the competitive player. Do selfless gestures that others may not anticipate, without expecting anything in return. The return you will receive feels better than any material gift.

4.  Have kindness and acceptance for your body.

Focus on nourishing your body with healthy foods as much as possible, and don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t eat perfectly everyday. Integrate physical activity into your day, whether it’s walking the dog, taking a yoga class, or cleaning the house. Accept your body for the strengths that it has, and don’t dwell on your faults, it’s the only body you have, and deserves only the best treatment. Avoid extremes.

May you feel fulfilled, energetic, and surrounded by love in the coming year!

Just Breathe

 As I was trying to manage through the hustle and bustle of holiday traffic last night, I received a good helping of road rage from someone out of nowhere. 

It shook me up a little...as my tiny little Mini Cooper was no match to the giant truck that wouldn't let me live down the accidental last-minute merge I attempted. It really made me think...what makes people so worked up during the holidays, or any time of year, that they feel it's necessary to threaten harm on another?? ...Especially over something so small...

The reason I bring up my road rage incident is because it was so small, in comparison to the extremely tragic events in Connecticut this past week...yet people still allow themselves to get so stressed and worked up, they take it out on everyone around them...especially this time of year when emotions are magnified. 

While we can't control the emotions and actions of others, we can control OURSELVES. When the stress is rising through holiday functions, family gatherings, and all of the buzz of the holiday season...take a second to... 

BREATHE...

 and be grateful for the life you have...

just a little reminder :)

Happy: A Documentary

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To end a great weekend celebrating my sister's birthday with family and friends, I finally got around to getting cozy and watching a great little film called 

HAPPY:)

Happy explores cultures around the world, in search of what makes people happy, and I am happy to say, it is not $$.

This documentary was extremely touching, and focuses on the true journey of happiness and where we experience it most...through community; through active, productive, and enjoyable activities; and by helping others, and contributing to their happiness.

So if you have an hour of time...discover HAPPY...

Happy is available on Netflix instant, or for $2.99, you can watch Happy through the official Happy site here.

The Little Things: Giving Thanks

Here are a few of the little things that made the holiday weekend one to be grateful for:

1.  Super-packed, pre-Thanksgiving donation class to raise money for prevention of human trafficking in India.

Photo Via

2.  Cooking an Italian Thanksgiving with my mom and sister. My mom's health has prevented us from cooking and having a holiday that included too much work and stress the past few years, so it meant the world to be in the kitchen cooking together again.

3.  Crawling back in bed the morning after Thanksgiving, instead of battling the crowds for Black Friday shopping, which I have promised myself I will never do!

4.  Celebrating a second Thanksgiving, and also a second birthday with my guy's family.

5.  A much needed reunion dinner with high school friends. Unfortunately, we were having way too much fun drinking wine and catching up, we didn't take a picture together, so I have this little gem from our glory days...thank goodness we all look better with age! :)

The Little Things

Quote Via

I truly believe that the little things are really the BIG things in life, and as the week begins, it never hurts to look back and have gratitude, and recognize some of the little moments that make life so BLISSFUL!

A Few of the Little Things Last Week that Made Me Smile:

1.  Brisk but sunny Fall days, perfect for weekend walks by the beach.

2.  A long phone conversation with my sister in Seattle who is working her butt off in nursing school. Our phone calls are few at times with busy schedules, but always inspiring!

3.  A splurge at the market for my favorite oil which guided me to a new sauce recipe which I can't wait to share soon!

4.  Time with my absolutely adorable goddaughter. Her cuddles and smile melt my heart every time.

Find the little things that make your world SMILE this week!

A Few Things I Learned From My Dog

Meet LILY...Cute huh?!

This little dog has taught me so much about life and love, something which, unfortunately, is hard to find in people at times, as love can often be conditional, with some judgement...jealousy...and selfishness mixed in! I know I probably sound like the crazy dog lady, but she really has brought so much joy and LIFE into my everyday. I was never a HUGE dog person before, but this little gal has sure got my heart strings!

Here are a few life lessons I've learned from Lily...

1.  Sometimes you just need to roll around in the grass and have a little fun!! At times, life can be so serious and overly scheduled and planned, that it feels good to let loose and enjoy, even in the craziness of things!

2.  'Unconditional' love is given and shown even when things aren't going so perfect, or when it's not returned...real love is never 'conditional'

3.  Greet the ones we love with great excitement and enthusiasm, as if you haven't seen them in years...our time with them is precious!

4.  Take time each day to stop and 'watch the birds'... s l o w d o w n, and enjoy the small moments!

5.  You don't have to eat everything in your bowl everytime...eat to live, and don't let food control you. Don't be hard on yourself for enjoying some treats every so often as well!

I know this list may sound a little silly, but sometimes we take ourselves so seriously, it's fun to find light in the little things.

Opening Our Eyes to a Plant-Based Diet

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What is a Plant-based diet you may ask?

Well, according to Wikipedia, it is a diet that is 'dominated by fresh or minimally processed plant foods and decreased consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy products.'

When I first started hearing about the plant-based diet, I thought... well...I'm good. I'm already a vegetarian, and I don't eat much processed foods at all, so how could this be different than what I already practice? It wasn't till I started doing my own research, and watched a few uber-informative documentaries on our food industry where I really saw what a huge impact a plant-based diet can have on your body, mind, and the environment.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of integrating this type of diet into your life, then I suggest watching a few documentaries that really opened my eyes to the industry that provides our food sources, and tells us what is "healthy," and the real chronic illness and disease that can come with the American diet. I am definitely not trying to plug veganism, and I do enjoy eggs, cheese, and fish a few days of the week, but it never hurts to educate ourselves on the messages that surround us.

We deserve to put the best fuel possible in our bodies, so that we have more energy for our lives, our families, and ourselves!

Start here and get educated:

Forks Over Knives

Official Website with Recipes Here.
They even feature a firehouse in Texas, and a MMA fighter that are huge supporters of a plant-based diet!

FOOD, INC.

Official Website Here.
You will definitely think twice about your purchases the next time you visit the grocery store, but extremely informative.

Crazy Sexy Cancer

Official Website Here.
She is extremely inspirational, and makes a quick switch to a plant-based diet when she learns she has a rare form of cancer.

Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead

Official Website Here.
An eye-opening visual of the power of fruits and vegetables, and their ability to heal and balance.

Finish What You Start

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...But finishing what you begin can bring you even more glory than you ever imagined!

I am not a huge fan of starting projects or goals that I can't finish. As a perfectionist at times, I tend to feel let down if I can't achieve what I set out to do. I think this thought or fear holds me back at times from even beginning the process, as I don't want to bear the disappointment or failure.

 This past weekend, my guy and I finished a little home project we had started a few months back. It wasn't a difficult project, but each weekend there were other commitments that were taking up our time, that it seemed it would never be complete. I felt so much glory and pride that we had finally achieved the vision I had in my head months ago. I know...I know...this was not a life-changing, groundbreaking feat by any means, but it got me thinking...what does it take to start AND finish a project or goal you may have?

It's super simple, and to sum it up, you need:

1.  A Vision

2.  A Plan

3.  A Support System

4.  Challenges and Changes in your Course Along the Way

5.  A Push to the Finish

One thing I do know about setting and reaching goals, is that some of the most difficult to begin, have always brought me the most growth and satisfaction. Besides my little home projects, my real goals that I would like to begin achieving within the next year would be a yoga teaching certification, and a stab at a Masters' program to further my career in worksite wellness.

Where our little project began...

And where it ended...

**Just as a little side note, the Etsy site where I got the first photo has letterpress prints with some great inspirational quotes, and are super cute! Check them out here, it doesn't hurt to have little reminders around the house sometimes.

Balance and My Mat

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This past week has been so jam-packed with work and social priorities, I have had little time to focus on ME. I made it a priority to make it to my hot yoga studio this afternoon, despite feeling extremely s l u g g i s h. I should know that exercise is the one thing that can cure my fatigue and racing mind, but it still was not easy to make my way to the mat.

Once I walked into the studio, the s l u g g i s h immediately turned to p e a c e, and my mind was clear and ready to take on the challenge that awaited me on my mat. The mat is my safe place, and I finally felt the energy I had been lacking all week. This was a good reminder for me of how easily stress can take over us, and how the power of a good sweat can calm all the racing thoughts and to-do lists in our mind. 

So take a minute for YOU today, and find your own batch of balance and peace.

A New Beginning!

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Hi New Friends!

I am so nervous about starting this journey, but I feel compelled and excited to share my adventures in cooking, loving, and living a green lifestyle! 

In no way am I proclaiming to be a wellness/nutrition/life expert, but I find passion everyday in the journey to find a balanced lifestyle through food, activities that you enjoy, and time with those you love and adore! I hope that you'll find a few new recipes to try, learn to integrate more green foods into your diet, and seek the experiences and challenges that will help YOU grow! 

To Life, Love, and All Things GREEN!