Changing course mid blog post

Changing course mid blog post

One of the items on my Winter Bucket List is to start querying agents (again). You’d think since I have written a query letter and only need to tweak it and start researching agents, this would be an easy matter. But more than a month into winter I haven’t even begun. Part of it is…

Here we go again: Orangetheory Transformation Challenge 2019

Here we go again: Orangetheory Transformation Challenge 2019

Last year, I participated in my first Orangtheory Transformation Challenge. From that experience, I learned that transformation doesn’t necessarily happen in eight weeks (unless you’re a butterfly), but that eight weeks is a solid start to forming healthy habits that aid in the ongoing process of transformation. If you’d like to see other lessons learned…

Winter bucket list update #1

Winter bucket list update #1

A month has gone by since I posted my Winter Bucket List, so I am pleased to present my first check-in. Health & fitness 1. Choose a race for 2019 and get registered. Mission accomplished! I registered for the Swiss Days 10k in Midway. I chose that one, because it takes place late in the…

Are vitamin supplements good for you?

Are vitamin supplements good for you?

I just spent more than $30 on calcium and fish oil supplements. A nagging voice in the back of my head reminded me of a recent news story about the inefficacy of supplements. An opposing voice cautioned about the dangers of osteoporosis and heart disease, not to mention dry eyes. (I know, I should probably…

Forgiveness: starting 2019 with a clean slate

Forgiveness: starting 2019 with a clean slate

January 1. There’s something magical about that date. Perhaps you hang a clean, blank calendar or crack open a brand new journal. Your options are wide open. Anything is possible. The beginning of a new year represents a chance at a fresh start. Why not take this opportunity to get rid of old hurts? Wipe…

Winter bucket list

Winter bucket list

As I write this post, those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are approaching winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the official beginning of winter. I am celebrating by posting my winter bucket list–those things I’d like to enjoy this season. I’ll be checking in on the 21st of each month to…

Meet yourself with kind curiosity

Meet yourself with kind curiosity

Saturday morning I woke up feeling “blah.” I don’t know why. I mean it was a Saturday morning; the weekend stretched out before me. It’s the Christmas season—the most wonderful time of the year. So I pushed myself to cheer up. The self-talk went something like this. “What are you moping around about? You are…

Increase your holiday joy with mindful eating

Increase your holiday joy with mindful eating

If you live in the U.S., or have friends that do…or use the internet…or just haven’t been in a coma for the past month, you know that this Thursday is our Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is not just a time to express gratitude and spend time with loved ones, but also an excuse to overindulge in…

Harnessing the power of music

Harnessing the power of music

Have you ever had a strong emotional reaction to music—the kind that causes you to smile, cry, dance, or sing involuntarily? Or just to stand a little taller. You know the kind—the song that makes you crank up the radio in your car and sing along at full voice. Or maybe you’re running and that…

Are you stuck in exercise hell?

Are you stuck in exercise hell?

Have your workouts become hellish? Do you dread the exercise hour? Have you reached the point where you’re willing to trade your soul for eternal fitness if it means you never have to step on a treadmill again? I was at that point a year ago when I started looking for something new and discovered…