The power of words and mindful speaking

The power of words and mindful speaking

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” As a child you probably heard that chant, were maybe even given that advice by well-meaning adults. By now, you know the deception of that statement. Words are powerful. So powerful, in fact, that they are even said to be mightier than…

Spring 2019 bucket list

Spring 2019 bucket list

Spring is finally here! After a long, hard winter, I couldn’t be happier. Spring means flowers, birds, warmth, and a new bucket list. Before I get too carried away, here is a quick report on how I fared with my winter bucket list. Final winter bucket list report Health & fitness 1. Choose a race…

Transformation Challenge 2019 results

Transformation Challenge 2019 results

Real transformation requires real honesty. If you want to move forward – get real with yourself.” ~Bryant McGill We’ve come to the end of the 2019 Orangetheory Transformation Challenge, and in the spirit of real transformation requiring real honesty, I’m laying it all out here for you today–the achievements, the struggles, and the lessons learned….

Thank you notes – March 2019

Thank you notes – March 2019

It’s easy to get so caught up in the hustle of life that we forget to appreciate the small miracles that happen every day. I created the monthly Thank You Notes post to help me relive the happy moments, savor the gratitude, and share them with you. I hope they also inspire you to think about…

Starting off on the right foot: ideal morning routines

Starting off on the right foot: ideal morning routines

  Two years ago, I asked the question can a morning person be created or are they born that way? While I have not yet learned to love my alarm clock, I am happy to report I have developed a deep appreciation for the morning, thanks to my ideal morning routine. Affirmations The very first…

How to write about the unfamiliar

How to write about the unfamiliar

Since I wrote about the need to re-evaluate my writing goals, I have been writing the additional scenes my novel needs to be complete. I made a commitment to schedule time specifically for this writing every week, and I’ve stuck to it. I was making pretty good progress, and then I ran into a situation….

Winter bucket list update #2

Winter bucket list update #2

We’ve survived (and hopefully thrived) through another month of winter, and it’s time once again to check in on our bucket lists. Health & fitness 1. Choose a race for 2019 and get registered. This was accomplished last month. 2. Four weeks of clean (semi-clean?) eating. I’ll be focusing on lean protein and vegetables, supplemented…

The painful beauty of impermanence

The painful beauty of impermanence

This past Friday was Nirvana Day. No, not that Nirvana. This one. Nirvana Day is the day when Buddhists commemorate the death of the Buddha, the day when he reached final Nirvana. It is also an opportunity to honor our loved ones who have died and a chance to contemplate death and impermanence as the…

Thank you notes – February 2019

Thank you notes – February 2019

It’s easy to get so caught up in the hustle of life that we forget to appreciate the small miracles that happen every day. I created the monthly Thank You Notes post to help me relive the happy moments, savor the gratitude, and share them with you. I hope they also inspire you to think about…

7 ways to celebrate a heart-healthy Valentine’s Day

7 ways to celebrate a heart-healthy Valentine’s Day

When you hear Valentine’s Day, what comes to your mind? Is it chocolates, a romantic night out, or a party with sugar-fueled children bouncing off the walls? Does it include overindulging in rich food and drink? Considering Valentine’s Day is a holiday of the heart, and February is American Heart Month, why not celebrate in…