Pushing Through It!

Happy Friday! In my opinion Franklin Roosevelt is one of the more inspirational people in American History. His words are quoted all the time. Today, while browsing for some inspiration, I came across this and had to share!

I am sure at one point or another all of us feel we’ve reached the end of our proverbial rope: ‘I just can’t take it anymore,’ ‘I want to give up,’ ‘this is just too hard’ – sound familiar?!?! Whether its work, life or both we all have to remember to hang on!

I know not everyone is religious but I am a firm believer that God doesn’t ever give us more than we can handle. The concept in the quote above is no different – you’re always capable of more than you believe and if you just hang on, you’ll come out the other side on top (even if you have to swing there for a little while)!

Its Friday!! Let your hair down, have some fun and don’t forget to hang on!

 

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Change it up!

Just like the header of my blog (did ya notice, no more Big Sur?!?), its always good to change things up, keep them interesting and branch out!

I know the header of my blog isn’t THAT big a change but its a perfect example of my point. When I started the blog I wanted a peaceful, natural image and that was the best one I had. The image was shot by one of my colleagues, Vince Piecyk, and I always meant for it to be temporary. The newest image I’ve added was also shot by Vince but the colors, life and natural feel of the flowers/foliage resonate strongly with my personality and the message I’m trying to send. For me, there is still a sense of peace in the chaos!

Finding peace and happiness in the chaos of life is exactly what I strive for and I find that keeping things interesting, by changing it up, helps me accomplish just that.

There are so many ways you can make little changes in life to keep things interesting. In my opinion, we all are guilty of becoming complacent in our routines and could stand to spice it up a bit.

Whether its a change in your workout routine, a change in the color you paint your nails, a change in the cuisine you choose when dining out, whatever…just change it up!

Monkey Around

Even when work, school, life, etc.. get stressful, you should always make time for a little Monkeying around…

Laughter and keeping things light is the best way to unwind a little in the middle of the day!

I have a monkey on my fridge, a rubberband gun in my drawer and a barrel of monkeys in the corner…just in case!

Don’t let the day’s stress keep you from monkeying around..

 

Making Moves

In life, change is inevitable. For some, change is exciting: the prospect of moving into a new space, starting a new job, entering a new relationship, or growing up is an opportunity for a fresh start! For the rest, change is daunting: the idea of anything outside the daily routine is simply an invitation for chaos.

For the former folks, congratulations!!! Its wonderful to approach such things with an open mind and an open heart! To the rest, I feel your pain, haha! While I would like to say I handle change with ease and grace, its more like an anxious fool bumbling in the dark!

Alas, I can’t fight the inevitable, so I either need to adapt or die (I swear, I am not dramatic in the least)! One of the ways I try and be more open minded about change is looking at the positive side – “how is this going to positively effect my life?” Its much easier to worry about all the little things that will be different, that will require adjustment, and that might not work out, instead of being excited for the positive outcomes down the road.

Don’t be afraid to make moves! Look on the bright side, you could just be standing still!

New Chapter

As my 25th year ends and my 26th begins – oh yea, my birthday was yesterday – I open a new chapter in my life. With that in mind, it was only fitting I officially begin my holistic health education at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

While I try to grow every year, I am confident this will be a landmark year. Branching into a field I’ve always been passionate about and exploring the possibility of a career in which I could find fulfillment is very exciting but equally nerve racking.

I am so thrilled to share the information I learn and questions that arise through the program with all of you. IIN talks a lot about creating a ripple effect  – spreading the knowledge gained to the community. I hope to create that same effect in my physical and digital communities.

With an open mind I invite the lessons and challenges of the coming year and with a grateful heart I thank those in my life in advance for the support!

Surprise yourself

Are there certain things you tell yourself you can’t do? Sure, sure not all of us can be Olympic athletes or brain surgeons but there are things within the scope of our reach that we deny ourselves because “we can’t do that.”

I am a self proclaimed technotard. I could try and define my trademarked term but I think it’s fairly self-explanatory. ANYWAY, I set up my first computer today! I can tell you technology quite literally freaks me out. I’m afraid I will break something every time I touch a computer and 9 out of 10 times I do. Today I needed to set up a new computer for work and our IT associate (and personal good friend) was working from home. Now, if asked, she would tell you I didn’t set ANYTHING up I just plugged in a computer but I digress…

The point is that I took on something I “couldn’t do” and did it. We won’t get into the fact I knocked the monitor port into the computer by accidentally unscrewing it trying to plug in the cord because in the end, that sucker was up and running!

We always tell ourselves we can’t do something. Instead of saying “I can’t” why not give it a try and surprise yourself!

Cleansing Clarity

Feeling overwhelmed? Perhaps feeling a little like there is more going on than you could possibly keep track of? Trust me…I can relate!

If you begin to feel like life is stacking itself higher and higher, take a look around you – can  the same be said about your surrounding space? Often times our space, work or home, reflects the way we feel.

When work feels overwhelming, I take a look around and there is usually just stuff…EVERYWHERE! No, I am not talking empty food container/coffee stained papers status but definitely not the most conducive environment for organization or clarity – two musts when you’re trying to get things done!

In your personal and professional life its always important to cleanse! I talk a lot about taking care of yourself and feel cleansing your space is just as important as your cleansing your mind and body!

Whether its clearing clutter around your desk/office, cleansing your wardrobe of unworn clothing, parting with knick knacks simply taking up space or really cleaning your home, take the time.

Sure you could be busy doing other things but by taking the moment to clear away, you may reveal something you’ve been missing!

Cleanse for a little clarity…

Celebrate Love

It’s rare to find and acknowledge the souls counterpart in another.

Love is something special and intimate that you can’t short change.

Tonight we’re celebrating my parents 30th wedding anniversary and I couldn’t be more proud.

To grow up with a constant example of love and devotion in this day and age is something to be cherished!

My siblings and I have brought my parents out to acknowledge the example of a loving partnership and the work it takes to commit yourself to another.

Love is special, unique and down right insane! Recognize the love in your life and be thankful!

Yoga Lunch

Today is the first day of yoga @ lunch! A coworker and I organized a once a week yoga hour and I am so excited for the first one!

Admittedly I probably did less than Frank but we’ve been kicking this idea around for the better part of 5 months, so I’m thrilled its finally happening!

As I am not a teacher yet and neither is he, we have an instructor coming in to lead the group in some spirited flow and calming meditation as a little mid-day, nearly end of the week treat!

While I know not everyone has the flexibility to organize a yoga lunch hour, I’m sure taking five minutes to stretch, get some fresh air and decompress is a reasonable possibility.

The benefits of sunshine, fresh air, movement and release are immeasurable and can undoubtedly make you more productive through the latter part of your day!

I plan to post later about how everything went, with pictures of some of my lovely coworkers but I was so excited I couldn’t wait!

Do you think?

“Think before you speak” is one of those things I remember hearing all the time as a kid. I’m sure many of us are familiar with the old adage but is it something we practice in our adulthood?

Often times we don’t ask ourselves five simple questions before opening our mouths – Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? – even though we probably should.

While I can’t say I do it all the time, I make an serious effort to think before I express myself. Many of us have seemingly forgotten how powerful or painful speech can be; especially online. In our digital age people say ANYTHING they want without seeing the impact of their words.

Take time to ask if what you’re saying or writing is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind…you just might surprise yourself!