13

Feb

I’m High off Running

My love affair with running began my sophomore year in college. I’ve mentioned before in an earlier entry that I was not always a workout enthusiast. Quite the opposite. But a broken heart and massive amount of pent up anger and sadness took me downstairs to my college apartment gym, to the one and only treadmill facing the suburban road and there began my journey…

In the beginning I could barely run for ten minutes. I’d run, walk, run, walk, walk and try to run some more. But each and every time that I stepped off that treadmill, I always felt better. Stronger. Clear minded. Invincible. Those feelings kept me coming back until I was like an addict, hooked on endorphins and the strength that comes from daily exercise. Eventually I worked up to a 7 mile daily run that took almost no effort at all. At that time and age, I wasn’t concerned with running as the sport, but rather just getting it all out on the treadmill. I worked through every emotion and feeling and thought on that treadmill. Best damned therapist, I have ever had!

Today, it’s now going on two years  that I have exercised consistently, averaging around five days a week. Rain or shine. Tired or energetic. Weekend or vacation. Bad day or good day. Busy or bored. No matter what, exercise is a part of who I am .Ever since I’ve started reading healthy living blogs, many of whom are runners, I’ve started taking my casual running exercise to another level. I monitor my speeds, my distance and am constantly trying to push myself to go faster and longer. I LOVE a good challenge. I THRIVE on a difficult situation, so running faster than I have before, gets my blood going. It makes me so happy and prideful that my body can be pushed so hard! One of my goals over the next few months will be to finally purchase a garmin, commit to some longer weekend runs, sign up for a RACE and see just what I can do with this sport. Nothing tops the feelings of elation and strength that I get after a good run. Nothing. Any runner can attest to the addiction.

Lately I’ve also been reflecting on what exercise has done for me on a spiritual level. Running does more than just make me healthy, happy and help keep me in shape. It’s strengthened my inner core. I’m not talking about my ‘abs’ or the core you get from planks and sit-ups, I’m talking about who I am deep down. You see, this past year (as you’ve read), has been quite the bumpy journey. A lot has changed. A lot continues to change. That IS the only constant. I am no longer in college, surrounded by friends and belief that ‘life just works out like a fairytale.’  Not every girl has the Sex and the City best friends who are always there, not everyone finds their dream job in their twenties, or settles down with “the one”. Which is OK. But we have come to expect a happy ending, so when life  doesn’t happen according to ‘plan’, when friends don’t act like you’d hope they would, or relationships with people you love don’t last, you don’t land the dream job, or you find yourself scared, confused, lonely, it can and will shake you.

Wasn’t it supposed to be easier than this? Shouldn’t everything be hunky-dory, happy?

No. Nothing is guaranteed in life.  All you really really have is yourself to battle the winds and weather the storms. I know most have a family, but I’m saying a lot of times, in many situations in life, you are left with yourself. Running has helped me build up a strong core. A foundation that is so fucking rock solid, nothing will ever break me. When I run  I connect to my inner most self.  I get this sense of absolute invincibility, power, unwavering strength, clarity and self love. No matter what happens in my life,  the good or the bad, I can always turn to that one place I know will always be solid and loving and warm and that’s my internal being. My self. My God? Running and yoga and all of the various exercising I do have helped build and solidify that. I’m stronger than ever. I am so utterly grateful that I have this special place, where no matter what happens, I can always turn inward and be OK. Nobody and nothing can take that away!  More than ever I appreciate the power and strength of my body and what it does for me on a daily basis. Silly you think? Some people have their churches, others have a pog collection, I have exercise :)

Source: soon2befit.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

 

I also have an incredibly loving family and loyal friends as well.

By the way, this is not a sad post :)

How fitting that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. No matter where you are in life, who you are with, or not with, go do something special for YOU. Because as Carrie Bradshaw oh so famously said ” …the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well that just fabulous”

Goodnight :)

x0

-M

102 days ago Short URL 4 Comments

Life

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24

Jan

Help Me Solve This Puzzle…

I’m in a pickle.

For the last five years I have lived in San Francisco. A beautiful city. One that many would give anything to live in and those who visit here, never want to leave. I’ve liked it. I’ve LOVED it. But more consistently than not, I have wanted to leave. Move somewhere warmer, somewhere new, somewhere I don’t run into people everywhere I go. Somewhere more than two hours driving distance from my comfort zone. Somewhere I can challenge myself and see what I become outside of my routine and people I have known for years.

I grew up on the Peninsula, in another gorgeous town of Monterey and traveled up north for college at Santa Clara University. Only two hours away from home. I was accepted to other schools, but due to financial situations, the grants they awarded me and maybe some apathy on my part, I went to college there. It was great. No regrets. Actually that’s not completely true, but I’m not adding that onto my list of “shit to be upset about.” It’s long enough. Overall it was awesome as college is for the most of us.

After college and post back-packing trip, I was confused as ever. I traveled to NYC for a few interviews, uncertain about moving there, or staying near home. I had NO idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had a Finance/Economics degree in my back pocket, but no direction or even any idea of where to start. Most of us were just as confused. It was MY generation who coined the term Quarter Life Crisis. Anyways, some of us went onto Graduate school, others took a leap of chance and moved somewhere new, the rest went back to their home towns. Others moved up to San Francisco ( a mere hour drive up north from Santa Clara). When I received an invite to my college graduation a few months back, there was a crazy statistic included about how 85% of my graduating class remained local. That says a lot. Or maybe not.

ANYWAYS

For every year I have lived in San Francisco, I have been plotting/thinking about my escape. But something always comes up. The first two years I was VERY happy, working at a large successful company, living THE Dream with my single girlfriends and multiple weekly adventures. It was a blast. But even at that time, I was starting to get the itch.  The third year, I fell in love and was in a relationship. But even then, I visited Austin and was convinced I needed to move THERE. So here we are, going on my 5′th year in wonderful San Francisco. I am currently employed by one of the fastest growing technology companies in the Bay Area. The company is doing fantastic, the culture is young and fun and there is a lot of personal and career development opportunity for me here. Or is there….

Because no matter how hard I try to shake it, I can’t get this feeling out of my mind, that I NEED A CHANGE. I need a fresh new start. Let me also add, that I’ve been in the same apartment for ALL OF THIS TIME. This apartment is beautiful. It’s MY Home. The views are outstanding. The PRICE is ridiculous compared to the average rate of rent here in the city. I’ve considered moving to a new location (becuause while mine is decent, it’s not exactly central). I have to walk (god forbid) 4-5 blocks to get to bars/restaurants (although those aren’t even my favorite….). I thought maybe if I move neighborhoods, I’ll have a different feeling and experience in San Francisco. I’m not so sure anymore. The city is 7×7. I’d still DO the same things, SEE the same people, make plans to TRY to do the different activities, and shell out a SHIT ton more on rent for a tiny little studio.

Do you see? LOTS of trade-offs and confusion and I don’t know what the hell to do.

I just turned 28 years old. I have ONLY lived within a 3 hour driving radius of where I grew up, only 1 hour from my family AT THE MOST. I am a person of adventure. I THRIVE on change and challenges and NEW experiences. I went to Costa Rica ALONE. I can make friends with a homeless junky for craps sake. I am certain I will do well in a new city.

The issue is job/career/fear. HA those rhyme. Like I said I’m in a good company. But I’m not IN LOVE with my day to day job. Sure there are HIGHS and really GREAT moments, but I’d say 30% happy at best…..I am certain there is more that I can do. The past nine months I’ve really been trying to dig deep and figure out my passion, which direction I want to go into next. One day I’ll think ” no matter where I go, I’ll feel the same. I have to be happy with me, anywhere” Which is true. BUT other days, I can’t stomach coming home to the same apartment, the same evenings out, the same cab route, the same COMMUTE route, the same type of work. I’m in such a stale state of routine.

BLECH

I’ve mentioned before that I commute and I sorta despise it ALTHOUGH today, I thought to myself ” gee wiz, I think I’m getting used to this.” ANYWAYS, during my miserable period, I got SO tired of the radio, I discovered Jillian Michaels Podcast! I’m a BIG fan of hers for several reasons. One being her belief that all health/weight issues stem from something emotional or mental. Oftentimes, I find her blog topics (she talks or has a guest speaker on for about 30 minutes and then takes calls) or her calls/advice completely in tune with what I NEED to hear that day.

And today of ALL days, she took a call from a girl who is 29 years old, in a job she “likes” (but is sticking it out to get promoted), commutes 2-3 hours daily, and comes home with TEARS in her eyes from exhaustion. Her schedule leaves her very little time to workout or socialize and all she wants is to have energy to grab a drink or do something during the weekday. HELLO. THIS IS ME. This has been ME for the last 9 months. Jillian advised her to make a drastic change, whether it’s moving closer to work, or finding a job she is absolutely passionate about. Or move closer so she can STOP WASTING HOURS OF HER LIFE DRIVING FOR A JOB she is so-so about. Jillian referenced her own experience of feeling miserable at jobs she hated and spending the majority of her younger years unhappy. She even referenced Steve Jobs speech to Stanford commencement speech  who says if you aren’t waking up 70% of your days saying “I’d be happy to spend my last day on earth doing this,” you’re wasting your time.

I agree. I just don’t know which choice I should make (do you see a theme here). But perhaps the physical move to a new city, with a new CLIMATE (I live for warm days and nights), with new surroundings and people would get me in the right direction.

Even writing this, dreaming about doing it, gets me SO excited. It’s a trade-off. I walk away from a solid company with potential to go public and for me to make a comforting amount of money. I walk away from stability of my core group of friends. I walk away from a gorgeous city that EVERYONE wants to live in.  What if I’m always seeing the grass as greener? What if I’ll HATE it? What if I can’t afford to move back/find a good apartment again?

But regardless of those questions, when I wake up tomorrow, I know most certainly, it will NOT be how I’d want to spend my last day on earth….

What do you guys think?!! WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Have you ever faced a similar situation or decision?!!

122 days ago Short URL 3 Comments

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23

Jan

Real Body Composition Change

I HAD to share this blog post with you guys! These are not my words (I can’t believe he plagiarized my mind! :) ), but it speaks 100% to my beliefs about lasting changes in health and weight.

READ

Take notes

Then be patient, because real change DOES take a while…..

http://www.healthandwholeness.info/blog/2011/10/03/real-body-composition-change/

123 days ago Short URL Comments

Lifestyle

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20

Jan

Quite Honestly…..

Blogs take work. I have commitment issues. And I don’t want to be so incredibly exposed on this public thing called the world wide web.

This is why I have taken a slight hiatus from blogging. In fact, I wasn’t even going to post anytime soon until a sweet fellow blogger told me to BLOG!

Admittedly I HAVE missed having a place to VOICE my thoughts, beliefs and two cents on life and fitness.

I started this blog because it sounded like a fun hobby to share my love for healthy living, the tips I have picked up and all of the information I accumulate from my reading. Within one post, it also turned into a therapy chair where I was also sorting out my history of disordered eating behaviors. I received positive responses and felt proud and strong that I could so honestly speak about my history and hopefully help others.

But about two weeks ago I posted a humorous blog about climbing into my window from the roof and blah blah funny jokes. I topped it off with mentioning that I was going to calm down about over working out and stressing about the last x amount of pounds. One of my twitter followers/ real life friends responded with less than favorable words. Granted HE was joking, but suddenly I felt completely exposed. How much do I really want to share with people? These are words that will be tied back to ME for years. Once on the internet…always on the internet. So I deleted it. I was PISSED I deleted it. I was also slightly discouraged. Angry. Annoyed that I cared, when previously I felt GOOD about being so open. I even questioned the purpose of this blog. Despite my initial thoughts, I don’t think I will EVER become famous for my blog. IT TAKES SO MUCH WORK. I have ZERO interest in uploading photos and publishing daily. I mean, maybe one day it will change, but for now, I’m not sure what I want with this place.

In fact, I was going to start an anonymous blog, where I could be completely forthright in ALL the going-on’s in my life. My dating. My work. My HUMOR. My CrazyFunness.  That stuff is the GOOOOOD stuff. It’s what has my girlfriends cracking up and me patting myself on the back. Because I live life BIG.

But I also like this skinny healthy little me place. So I will keep it. And I will try my best to tend to it. I just don’t want to be judged or labeled or over criticized because health and behaviors are VERY sensitive matters. For all people. But that is tough shit. Life is full of judgement and criticism. It’s what YOU chose to allow to affect you. Also, its how much YOU want to be affected or share. I have a choice.

As an update, I’m doing REALLY well. Overall this is the most content I have been in a long time. No I am not in my dream career, or what I think is my dream city, or with my dream man, in my dream body, but I guess with age comes the wisdom of YOU BETTER ENJOY THIS NOW because time flies. You get older. You only have one chance and I HAVE IT SO GOOD compared to many. I’m learning the art of gratitude, patience and enjoying what I have. More than that, I am deepening my relationship with myself. I’m good. Really good ;)

Here are a few pic updates!!

My new roommate is WONDERFUL. Plus she introduced me to Tootsie :)

I have never lived with a dog before. Toots is the sweetest. Never barks, doesn’t smell and gives HUGS all day. Adorable.

I went to Los Angeles to visit a close friend from high school. I LOVED it much more than I had expected. So much, that I’m dreaming of moving. But my job and career are going well, so well that the reality is I’d be a fool to jump ship right now.

That’s the thing with being an adult. Freedom. Choices. Ability. It’s hard to know what the right ones are. For now, going with the flow a bit, letting things unfold naturally is working for me. Keeping myself open, dreaming BIG and enjoying the beauty of life.

Happy FRIDAY and weekend friends. It’s raining here. I’m taking this time to relax, do YOGA , SLEEP, finally try a new recipe and root for the NINERS to get to the SUPERBOWL!!!

Love

-M

126 days ago Short URL 5 Comments

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10

Jan

Mama didn’t raise no fool…..or did she?!!

Top Two Reason’s I’m a silly Fool This week:

1. I was taking the dog (YES I’m LIVING WITH A DOG NOW!!!!) out for a walk. In my excitement to get HER excited bum out the door, I locked myself out of the apartment. I never do this. Actually I have done this 3 times before. I don’t call a locksmith. Instead I walk one flight up to  my roof. Walk over to the edge and climb DOWN the fire escape aka SCALE the wall of our  5 story old San Francisco building and climb into a cracked window that has no ledge below it, which requires me to do some balancing, stretching, praying and sweating.

Well this time, my wonderful roommate said she would be home in about 25 minutes. I don’t know the word patience and good sense, so instead I tied the dog to a post and followed my daredevil self up steps above to the roof. The entire time I was doing this (it takes about 2 careful minutes), I was thinking to myself  ”this is how freak accients happen. this is not safe. why not just be patient and wait  for her to come home? take a longer walk. fuuuuuck careful”  I successfully foolishly climbed into my fourth story window via the fire escape. I am a fool. Think I’ll learn my lesson next time? I sure hope so….

2. I just tried to make a smoothie. A bit of kale, some green powder stuff, almond milk, water. I’m feeling “run down” and am trying to infuse my body with nutrients. Alcohol does NOT count (until this weekend). Anyways, I put the smoothie in the thing, and then the thing on the BLENDER and green liquid started spilling out. I said WTF and twisted it tighter. It did it again. So naturally, I brought it over the sink to tighten it even MORE. Still a bit of liquid. Whatever. So I blended. Shit went flying a bit. And then, only THEN I realized, I was missing a piece. THE CAP TO THE THING THAT GOES ON THE BLENDER. I am a fool.

3. I forget I am not perfect. Ever have this problem??

I have a tendency towards overdoing ‘things’. I go big in every way. I have a history of becoming compulsive about things I deem important. These personality characteristics are perfect setting to wind up with an eating issue. Type A’s, OCD, anxiety, perfectionists. Driven folks who require FAR too much off themselves.

I have known this about myself. I KNOW this about myself. But I tend to forget to manage this daily.

There has been a theme in my thinking over the last few weeks. The words “calm down calm down calmdowncalmdowncalmdown” have been ringing in my ears, head, eyes, throat and heart over and over again. My intuition and gut is telling me to CALM THE FUCK DOWN about everything.  I obsess over my workouts. By obsess I mean making sure I hit my target of several runs a week, strength training, switching it up, doing speed work, keeping the body guessing, trying new workouts, waking up early, not waking  up early, taking  a day off, or doing some light yoga. I mean these are just SNIPPETS of my thoughts. Please don’t mis-understand me. I don’t stress about these workouts out of compulsion to lose weight, but more because I love ALL of these types of fitness and what they do for my MIND and body. But regardless, it’s over thinking and stressing.

The same goes for food. I haven’t talked about my eating preferences on this blog much. I won’t go too in depth right now, but I was raised on very clean, simple, green food. It was a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I ENJOY simple healthy meals.  I don’t crave much processed junk. A curse because it led to bingeing on things I thought were “bad” at a young age. Over the past five years, I’ve been trying to reconcile the two behaviors and seeking to learn/find a balance and master intuitive eating. After years of disordered behaviors or dieting, it’s MUCH harder than it sounds.  Lately, I’ve noticed I’m being far too stringent with what I eat, obsessing on making sure it’s perfectly “healthy.”  Apparently I’m not the only one. There is now a new eating disorder called orthorexia. ”Orthorexia” is defined as an obsession with “healthy or righteous eating”. I am NOT orthorexic, but as I mentioned, I tend to get obsessive. I think my EXTENSIVE knowledge on food/health, history of disordered eating, and obsessive personality has created behaviors where I try to eat perfectly at every single meal every single day. WTF. I KNOW better.

These perfectionist behaviors and thoughts spill over into every other area of my life. It’s too much. I’m too hard on myself. I stress out about things that hold very little weight in the delicate timoe f life. And it is POINTLESS. I strongly believe life has a way of working itself out. Being somewhat calm and level headed throughout this journey, would be an uber helpful skill to figure out as well :)

I’m going to start listening to that voice inside of me. I’m going to work on calming down. I’m going to learn to take deep breaths. OFTEN. I’m going to learn to eat MORE variety. I’m going to let my body tell me what it wants. I’m going to stop trying to lose any weight. It’s not necessary. The more I try, the less it works. I’m not 16 anymore. My focus is no longer about being “skinny.” I know better. I’m going to forgive myself. To expect less where it doesn’t matter. I’m going to stop panicking about things out of my control.

Now, mama didn’t raise no fool (or did she??????) :) I know these behaviors take time to change. I will never been a “laid back, go with the flow girl” completely. That is not who I am. And that’s MORE than okay by me.

But calming down, I can do. In fact it might be a welcome respite :)

Source: etsy.com via Bonnie on Pinterest

136 days ago Short URL Comments

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31

Dec

It’s A NEW YEAR…almost!!

I can’t believe 2011 is over! Every year we say the same thing about how quickly a year passes, but 2011 felt like it was over in a blink of an eye. Reflecting back over this year, I can definitely say it was one of the tougher ones. From the ending of my relationship, the change in my work environment and pressures, to family happenings, I spent the first part of this year rather unhappy and confused and lost and grasping at anything that could give me solace. Most of the solace was unhealthy.

Today I feel VERY different. I am entering 2012 HAPPIER than I have been in a LONG time, feeling incredibly positive, optimistic, strong, HEALTHY, and excited for 2012. :) The last few months I’ve dedicated time to working on my mental and emotional health. I recovered from my relapse in disordered behaviors and I really think this final time and I have been changed forever. The thing with disordered eating, is it’s always in the background. It is a relationship that you develop so intensely, that to really separate from it, requires effort and work and persistence. You have to change your behaviors and thought patterns and beliefs. You also have to accept that you will slip and fall occasionally. Its’ a relief to be on the surviving end of this issue. Although I still have work to do, I”m no longer in the midst of binge/emotional abuse hell. It’s a relief. A deep huge ass sigh of relief.

Life is too short to engage in these patterns. My family friends 14 year old daughter was admitted to the hospital for Anorexia. If I can give someone ONE piece of advice, someone who is struggling with an Eating Disorder, is DON’T. GET HELP. You can’t fight it alone. Also, the fight for what you belifeve to be the ideal size isn’t worth YEARS of misery. Eating disorders steal the years out of your life. Get help. Work on the FEELINGS that are driving the eating issues. Most of the time it is not about being skinny. It’s what’s below the surface.  Read ” Life without ED.” It changed everything for me.

So onto the standard RESOLUTIONS talk! I have always loved goal setting and creating resolutions. It’s important to write down what you wish to achieve, otherwise you’re just floating aimlessly through life. However I haven’t been very good about this as off late. I have my goals in mind, but not on paper. There have been studies that show writing out your goals increases the chances of hitting them by a larger percentage than not.

Here is what I want my 2012 to look like :)

1. Healthy:

-Continue on with recovery behaviors/exercises and therapy.

-Practice more YOGA. January is dedicated to yoga. I bought a groupon for unlimited studio time for a month. My goal is to go 4 times a week (it will likely be 3), but I’m curious to see the emotional and mental changes that can occur. I really love Yoga. I’ll post about this in more detail another time.

-Continuously improve my running speeds. I used to run a 10 min/mile. Now I can do 8:40 and 9 pretty easily. Potential half marathon (I’m weary about this because I’m injury prone, but we’ll see)

-Take new classes: Salsa and ZUMBA! Keep going to Group X classes.

2. Career:

-Give 100% to any job that I am working.

-Focus on consistent improvement: read and study to improve results at work

-Dedicate time to thinking about long term goals

-Save save save

3. Year of Learning:

- Start reading the NEWS and technology articles actively

- Begin my “incomplete education” program

- Take any opportunity to learn MORE

-Check out potential short term classes/certifications

4. Personal Life:

- Be a YES girl! Say YES to more events/random outings/happy hours with new friends

-Stop being so mentally tired and get off the couch on more weeknights

-Strengthen the old and new relationships that I have

-Volunteer!

5. Attitude:

-Continue to practice being happy and optimistic. It’s been working so far!

-Learn when to keep my mouth shut and calm down a bit when needed :)

- Be okay with all feelings and practice new coping mechanisms for the bad ones

6. Plans

- Start finalizing next 2-3 year plan and BIGGER goals of travel/move/career steps

AHH I”m excited to finalize this list! Some of these resolutions are conceptual, part of my Happiness Project and others are reminder of what I need to work on. Overall, I think they are attainable ;)

I’m REALLY excited for 2012. It’s going to be a good year. A BIG year. A year of positive change, growth and happiness. I can’t wait to see where I am next New Years. Life is such an adventure. It’s scary and hard but also so fantastically wonderful. We are the drivers of our destiny and fate. We have so  much control over what happens and how we feel and what we believe. No matter what, as long as you have your strong sense of self and close relationships, all will be okay.

I’m off to do some Yoga, a 30 minute sweaty cardio sesh, a long walk to get fresh air/errands done and my nails. And then I’m getting sparkly and pretty for a party tonight. I’m going to be surrounded with some of my favorite people and best friends this year. Surrounded by love, it’s the best way to ring in the new year.

Source: babaloud.com via Kara on Pinterest

 

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR Friends!!! Be happy :)

LOVE-

M

146 days ago Short URL 5 Comments

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22

Dec

If You Want It, You Can Have It

HI :)

I’ve been so busy with the Holidays, end of work madness and social events, I haven’t had the time or energy to post. But I did want to share this with you:

I’m a huge believer in the Law of Attraction and the Secret. If you’re not familiar, the idea is you control most parts of your life and existence and dreams through your THOUGHTS. I have been a fan of Abraham Hicks for several years now and I subscribe to their daily quotes. I’ve mentioned before how much I LOVE quotes, and Abraham sends so many that catch my eye. I reallly wish there was a way to remember every single one and implement it.

But this one in particular hit home because it’s premise is that EVERYTHING lies within our control and I wanted to share it with you guys.

“    Each and every component that makes up your life experience is  drawn
to you by the powerful Law of  Attraction’s response to the thoughts you
think and the story you tell  about your life. Your money and financial
assets; your body’s state of  wellness, clarity, flexibility, size, and
shape; your work environment, how you  are treated, work satisfaction, and
rewards-indeed, the very happiness of your  life experience in general-is
all happening because of the story that you tell. “

— Abraham

I know the Holidays can be a time of extra stress and with the approaching New Year, you are probably reflecting on the past year. Did you make any resolutions? Have you achieved them? Would you do anything different? Do you feel good about 2012 or not?

Well the good news is from today and on, what YOU want, you CAN make it HAPPEN. We have a lot more control than we think and realize.

I follow The Daily Love (blog) on Twitter and there was an excellent post yesterday with an exercise of how to set yourself up for a successful New Year. Here is the link to the article:

http://thedailylove.com/crap-you%E2%80%99re-leaving-behind-in-2011-and-what-to-take-into-2012/

It’s titled ” The crap You’re leaving Behind and What to Take into 2012″! I plan on going through this brief exercise and resolution setting within the next few days.Make time for yourself to think, reflect, plan, DREAM, hope and execute! This is your life. You only get one chance. Make it what you want it to be.

Hope you’re all enjoying the Holidays and remember, its NOT about the tree , or presents, or even how much you’re abstaining or not from food/drink….its about the SPIRIT. Be happy :)

Love,

M

Back to work :)

156 days ago Short URL 1 Comment

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17

Dec

Tips for Working Out Consistently!

Working out is my religion. Is that too dramatic? Perhaps. But my love, obsession, addiction and unrelenting dedication to fitness has been going strong for almost two years now. Averaging between 4-6 days a week for two years of pure fitness. And I don’t see it ever changing.

What, you think I should look like  a supermodel by now?

Source: google.com via Lisa on Pinterest

I’ve been meaning to post about my relationship with working out for some time. After all, this is supposed to be somewhat of a health/fitness blog. I have accumulated several tips and strategies for developing a commitment to working out and I thought it was time to share it. After all, it’s one of my great loves :) I know I sound sort of crazy. But in my experience and observation of people who are naturally thin, athletic, overall healthy and live long lives, those people consistently CONSISTENTLY do some form of exercise at least 4 times a week. If not more. I am now blessed to be part of that group. I NOW genuinely love to work  out and sweat.

But, this has not always been the case! In fact when my mom forced me to go to the gym with her, it was an excuse to flirt with the front desk guy. Haha-not much has changed! Even when I went onto college, my roommate at that time was an avid runner, had a fantastic body and urged me to find the benefits of working out. But I was inconsistent at best. My relationship with fitness only changed after my first serious breakup my sophomore year of college. I was so FUELED by anger, hurt, resentment and 15 extra pounds of baby fat+beer+freshman fifteen, that I began to hit the treadmill. And I didn’t stop. A few months later I lost all of that weight, had the body I had always dreamt off  and was running seven miles daily. I was HOOKED. I literally ran off ALL of my anger and pain.I remember saying quite seriously that the treadmill was my therapist.

Source: Uploaded by user via LeeAnn on Pinterest

It still is. But so is the pavement or anywhere that I can lace up my running shoes. So is my yoga practice. So are my group classes. The elyptical. The stairmaster. Anything that gets endorphin flowing. It’s one of the best things I do for myself almost daily.

After college, I had a tough time keeping up with my routine. With the transition into the working world, I felt tired all of the time and couldn’t summon the strength to work out. Silly, because that is what gives you real energy. I moved to San Francisco and again my working out was spotty. Unless you count trips to the bar and parties. That was consistent :)

Last year I was employed at a company that was pretty close to a 24 hour fitness. Our work schedules were really flexible and my co-worker and I began a health regimen. Every M-F at 11:15 off we went to the gym. That’s when things shifted for me. My body began to transform back to it’s normal size, before all of the years of unhealthy partying and binge eating. I discovered strength training and how it makes you skinny! IT DOES. I fell in love with group classes. One teacher in particular inspired the hell out of me. She was a passionate latina who made us sweat like there was no tomorrow. She called us gorgeous and reminded us to move our body daily. She made pain feel GOOD. It was a game changer for me. I honestly wasn’t focused on weight loss for the first time in my life. But I ending up losing over 10 pounds and re-shaping my body, mind and metabolism.

Working out became a non-negotiable activity for a minimum for 5 days a week. This might sound extreme to some, but I’ve learned that I need that kick of endorphins and steady flow of serotonin. I’m a better person with 5 days of fitness. I have less cravings. I eat better. I sleep better. I’m just nicer :) So always let me get my fitness on!

Here are some tips I have accumulated over the years to help me stay on track. To be honest with you, I’m at a point now where working out is a LIFESTYLE. This is absolutely key for long term success. You have to look at it as a long term commitment. And walking a few miles a day counts! Do your best. Start slow. See how addicted you get. Why do you see so many regulars at the gym? People DO keep coming back. I promise you will get hooked. Just make it your own.

Source: sunshinem0n5t3r.tumblr.com via ckea on Pinterest

1. Make it non-negotiable. Tell yourself I am going 3 times a week. No  matter what. JUST DO IT. The less you think about it, the easier you get there. Sometimes I don’t want to work out, but I tell myself if I get to the gym and after 5 minutes I want out, I can leave. And that rarely happens! My old roommate used to tell me, the hardest part was getting there. Lace up your shoes and go on auto-pilot. Don’t think too much about it. Just go

2. Working out produces endrophins and serotonin. These are feel good chemicals that change your brain function and mood. They are the same mind altering chemicals found in ANTI-DEPRESSANTS. There are studies that show exercise can lower depression as much as some of these pills. Working out makes you happy. Be happy. Go.

3. Join CLASSES. THEY ROCK. The energy, the instruction; all of that is motivating. Also, it pushes you in a way you wouldn’t  do yourself, at least initially. If you can’t afford a gym, pop in a DVD. There are some incredible ones out there including Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper, other Bootcamp type of workouts. Body by Jake. The list goes on.

4. Don’t ever use that excuse that you feel silly or stupid or too fat to go to the gym. This is YOUR life. I don’t need to reference studies and articles that prove exercise is KEY to maintaining health and longevity. Don’t give a shit about others. Get in your groove. Go for you.

5. Focus on HEALTH not vanity. This is hard. We are all driven by our skinny jeans. I have a hard time changing my thinking when I don’t see progress happening. But then I remind myself that progress has only happened for me when I look and use fitness as a tool for a healthy lifestyle. Don’t put pressure on yourself to get to a size overnight. You are now active because it makes you feel good, it makes your skin glow, you crave salads and you’re not a heinous bitch when you work out.

Source: healthyisalwaysbetter.tumblr.com via kate on Pinterest

6. It’s just ONE hour out of the 24 you get each day. You spend most of your days at work.  If you’re lucky, you love what you do, but a lot of people are miserable for over 40 hours a week. Many of us SIT for HOURS. We rarely walk b/c most Americans have cars. Yes, this is why other countries are significantly healthier than us. THEY MOVE DAILY. Doesn’t YOUR body deserve ONE hour of movement a day?? Or even 30 min of rigorous heart pumping cardio? I’ts JUST one hour. Go. Now. Do something GOOD for YOURSELF. Remember, the more you go the harder it will be to stop.

Source: reasonstobefit.tumblr.com via Mollie on Pinterest

7. I make bargains with myself. Before working out became a hobby and I used to party a lot, hangovers would mean laying around ALL day eating junk. Now, I ALWAYS work out after a night out. Why? Because it makes me feel better. I sweat out the nasty toxins. It’s the least I can do. On really tough days when I just want to vegg, I tell myself I can after some exercise. Only THEN can you eat junk all day. More than likely you won’t want to binge. You’ll be good with one bad meal if you even still need that;)

Source: reasonstobefit.tumblr.com via Zsanett on Pinterest

8. Working out is FUN. Make it YOURS. Do what you love. Love dancing? Try zumba. Or join a sweaty hip hop class. Never lifted weights? DO IT. We were born with legs and arms to move. Not to sit there mindlessly eating chips and watching Bravo.

9 Always remember. You NEVER regret a workout, but you always regret skipping one. Right? How much TIME do you spend feeling GUILTY for NOT getting your fitness on? You might as well just go to shut that voice up. I’ve never walked out dripping in sweat and said ” damn, I should have sat on the couch “

Source: reasonstobefit.tumblr.com via Zsanett on Pinterest

10. No excuses. Ever had a tough coach or teacher who pushed you. Have you ever been inspired? Use those memories and voices to push yourself. Or YOU push youself. Make a pact to hit the fitness train hard for a few days a week. No bullshit or excuses. You can ALWAYS make time for a workout. Run 15 minutes from your house and then turn around and run back. There is your 30 minutes! Use Youtube. Print out workouts and sweat at home.

Just Do It

You’ll thank yourself.

Have a wonderful Saturday. I’m off to sweat :)

xo

-M

160 days ago Short URL 5 Comments

Fitness

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16

Dec

H I D I N G

Greetings Earthlinks,

I have come out of my hiding. I was not hiding only  because I failed miserably at NOT complaining about my commute. Although for the record, I was able to keep mum for several days. Do you know how hard it is to stop bitching? I mean, really. What else is there to discuss? The weather?

I’ve accepted that you can’t change yourself overnight. In fact, everything worthwhile takes effort, practice and persistence. It’s actually MORE exhausting to put pressure on yourself to change under a certain time-frame. Don’t get me wrong, goals are KEY. You NEED concrete goals, with steps to action in order to achieve them successfully. I just think letting go ocassionally and being easy on yourself can pay off as well. As long as you’re always progressing.  But that being said, I’ve enlisted the help of my brain to come up with a solution to my sitting on my arse all day and long commute problem.

Source: teachersnotebook.com via S on Pinterest

 

What do you know? Your head is good for  more than just a fancy hat!

I created a make-shift “standing desk” at work. Read the article. Beware: it might scare you into standing more.  Basically the more you sit, the higher your chances are for every cancer, health risk and scare out there. Sound familiar? Like every other study on ‘bad foods/smoking/not exercising’ that you’ve read? Well that is because it goes back to the basic idea that movement is KEY to health. Fidgety people are  even linked to being thinner.

My idea to STAND was not driven by the desire to help lose poundage, although burning an additional 500 calories a day is certainly a plus.  But part of my issue with my commute and desk job was the SITTING for ten hours a day. TEN HOURS A DAY. My legs were almost cramping. I HATED IT.  Our bodies and my body especially weren’t meant for that. My company is moving into a new office and I’m going to see if I can request an actual ergonomic standing desk+floor mat. Yes, I am high maintenance. But part of my problem is  solved.

Source: alexli.posterous.com via David on Pinterest

Aside from standing, running FAST (four miles in under 35 minutes!!!), eating lots of chocolate (who the hell invented nutella? they are an a-hole) CHRISTMAS PARTIES, social events, and sleep,  I have avoided blogging just a teensy little bit because….

A. Anything that holds me accountable or committed INSTANTLY makes me want to FLEE. Hi my name is Maria and I have major problems with commitment.

B. I’ve felt sort of insecure? compared to the other uber successful blogs out there…as though my writing and format and font and lack of pictures makes this little lovely online space worse than those other popular sites (that for the record bloggers spend HOURS creating).

Well, I’ve turned a corner. I no longer give a fuck. I like writing. In fact I’m starting to LOVE writing. Accountability is KEY and speaking of promises and accountability, YES I have worked on areas of my Happiness Project which I will post about eventually.  So here’s to moving forward, no more comparing my HOBBY and BLOG to another’s. That behavior is just another way to have an early heart attack.

Other good news include a NEW ROOMMATE who is fantastic and going to be a great friend :) Also, work (I’m a software sales gal by day) has picked up. I proved to myself I do NOT suck at this career. So that is a plus.

Overall I’m content in a way that I have never been before. Things are good. I’m focused in-ward and spending this time working on ME in every which way. It’s glorious and I’ve never felt both so at ease and dis-ease at the same time. But the dis-ease is a catalyst for change and growth and I’m savoring it. Because lots of great stuff is in the works and I’m excited for what my future holds. After all, we control the majority of it. You just need to be patient, persistent and kindness also helps. Both to yourself and others.

I hope you all (phantom ghosts who click on this in hopes of diet advice – STAND MORE SIT LESS), are having a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY season. This is a time to wear warm sweaters, drink a bit, indulge when it matters, LOVE your family and cherish your friends.

 

Talk to you peeps soon.

I’m off to bed. And yes, I’m aware its 9 pm on a Friday. This is how I roll.

161 days ago Short URL 1 Comment

Uncategorized

01

Dec

Shut Yo Mouth…

I don’t when this happened, but I’ve turned into the most positive upbeat WHINY NEGATIVE person I have ever met. Oxymoron? Why yes I am, thank you….

Source: supergostei.blogspot.com via Ale on Pinterest

My parents told me when I was a baby, everyone commented on my smile. I was a very happy kid. To this day, I still hear compliments, because it’s often plastered on my face. Thank you dental work. However, I have noticed and others have pointed out that I complain A LOT. I have become amazing at it. I can tell you every single thing that is wrong with pretty much anything. Now, don’t get me wrong I don’t go around bitching about EVERYTHING constantly. Nope, I just chose something that is realllllyyyy getting to me and I talk about it. To everyone. Everyday. To anyone who will listen. Over and over again. At nauseum.

Since I started my new job, my favorite thing to bitch about is how TIRED I am, how waking up at 6 am doesn’t work for me, and how I HATE MY COMMUTE. There has not been one day in my 9  months a this company, that I have not complained. Actually, that is a lie. The days I work from home in my underwear, I keep mum and you might even hear me say “oohh I am sooo lucky to work at this company that allows such flexibility…”

The next day I am back at it: Bitch. Moan. Cry. Pissed. Whine. Repeat

This bitching or ‘venting’ never helps. It doesn’t change my current situation. In fact, it only coins me as “the girl who whines” Even at my LAST job, it was a joke among my close friends “ooh there she goes. what is wrong now?” And my schedule/commute was perfect then! There will always be something to be upset about. It’s what you CHOSE to FOCUS on that matters. At least 30% of my coworkers make my same commute at this job. I don’t hear them crying like I do daily. Okay, so granted I am an outspoken person. I wear my feelings, words, and thoughts on my sleeve, shoes, and hair tie….but regardless, nobody wants to hear how “over this drive” I am.

IT CHANGES NOTHING TO COMPLAIN.

In fact, Law of Attraction and all that hoopla states what you put out into the universe, you get back. When I talk about being tired and hating my commute, well that only makes me FEEL more tired and HATE my commute. One of the resolutions Gretchen Rubin made in her Happiness Project, was to “act the way I want to feel”. It helped! Especially acting as though she had energy, made her feel that she did! Dwelling upon exhaustion, only exacerbates it.

Source: fuckyouverymuch.dk via April on Pinterest

As it stands, I can do nothing about my situation. I can stay at my parents house (closer to work) a few nights a week (but then I’ll bitch about how I can’t get my ‘life changing activities done down there), or I can commute with others, or I can go to bed earlier ( but then I’ll have no time to do life and like, watch Real World San Diego)

DO YOU SEE I’m already talking myself out of positive suggestions. It’s SO easy to do…

There is NOTHING I can do to change my circumstances right now, except re-frame my attitude and what I say out loud and internally. In fact, this concept that What you Say, Becomes what you Really Feel, can be applied to any area of your life; especially food, diet and being skinny healthy

Try listening to the things you say to yourself and others about your body. “I’m fat, I’m bloated, I’ll never lose weight, I have no control, I hate the gym, I don’t like broccoli” These are common STORIES we have come to believe and say to ourselves. In fact, it’s like a record on repeat and we don’t even notice what we are listening to!

 Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. - A wise person. I’m too tired to google the author. You get an extra point if you tell me who said this ;)

I challenge you to CHALLENGE YOUR NEGATIVE SELF TALK. It’s not easy, otherwise we would all be living hunky dory like Mary Poppins, but it sure is a start.

Have you guys ever REALLY listened to what you say to yourself? Have you found that ACTING and SPEAKING more positively, helps you feel better? 

I know I have soooo…..

 I am pledging here on my blog, that for this month of December, I will Not utter one word about how TIRED or HATEFUL I am of my commute or the Hours.

Okay? Capiche? Keep me honest ya’all….

Source: urbancomfort.typepad.com via Gena on Pinterest

I’m off to bed. I had a hair appointment this evening. I’m back to being a very BRIGHT blonde :) (Hey, now it matches my new attitude) , I elypticzied for 45 minutes with the Biggest Losers and tomorrow is my company Holiday Party.

Hooray for life!

NIGHT :)

xo

176 days ago Short URL 1 Comment

Uncategorized

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