photo courtesy of BN.com

This post is going to get filed under the “Indulge” category. For me, leisure reading is definitely an indulgence. I developed a love for reading at a young age. I used to spend hours with my nose buried in a good book. When the Harry Potter series emerged, I would sit down on a comfortable couch and read each book from cover to cover.

As time went on, reading lost its spot as a top priority on my list. In college, partying with friends and working a part-time job came first. Every now and then, I’d dig into a new novel, but not nearly as often as I would have liked.

Even after I graduated, it was hard to spare a moment find time for myself because my time was divided between a full-time job, relationship, my friends, exercising and sleeping. Reading was just something that I never had time for.

But now, as my perspective has evolved, I understand that I must make time to read. So this past week, that’s exactly what I did.

The Hunger Games was brought to my attention at the bookstore, and through word of mouth. I had read the overview of the book on the Barnes and Noble website, and well, to be honest, I wasn’t initially drawn in. In fact, it all sounded a bit stupid to me. “Two child tributes are sacrificed to fight to the death in the Hunger games…” Really? Sounded a bit too simplistic and barbaric to me.

As I was browsing on the E-Book Fling website (www.ebookfling.com), I noticed the Hunger Games again, as it was one of the featured books. Seeing that I had two credits and so virtually “borrowing” the book would be free, I figured, “Why not?“

I am so glad that I decided to give this series another chance.

I began reading book #1: The Hunger Games on a Friday during the slow periods at work. I finished the book by Saturday mid-morning. Once I had started, it was impossible to stop. Collins’ writing style is simple yet mature and flows easily. The excitement begins to bubble up by the end of the very first chapter. She doesn’t hesitate to start the action…and from then on out, you are on a roller coaster ride towards the end, always wanting to find out what’s going to happen next.

I moved directly to book #2: Catching Fire and sped through it, devouring every moment of Katniss’ journey and wondering what would be the fate of the 12 Districts and the Capitol, (altogether known as Panem). Book 2 was over before I knew it, and finally I was start book #3: Mockingjay. I managed to finish all three novels in about four or five days. (That’s some sort of new record for me, I think.)

I ended up enjoying the books so much that I purchased the Hunger Games Trilogy for the Kindle through Amazon. (Only $18! What a steal.) This is a series that I plan to read time and time again. And I am especially looking forward to the first moving making its theater debut in March!

What won me over about the series was the perfect balance that Collins presents. Though it is a fictional story, the characters and their actions were very realistic. The main character didn’t present a facade of false bravado or become an instant hero, but instead was presented as an ordinary girl who became a symbol of extraordinary meaning through her courageousness and her ability to overcome the parts of her that were “only human”–doubtful thoughts, selfish desires and the instinct of self-preservation. Anyone can relate to Katniss, the poor girl who was only doing her best to help her family survive, and who ended up in the Hunger Games to save someone who was important to her.

I would highly recommend the Hunger Games series to anyone, no matter what your preference of genre. Collins perfectly intertwines moments of happiness, humor, desperation love and rebellion to complete a tale of total intrigue for the reader. And as for any worry you might have about the books possibly being too gruesome (being that one of the major highlights of the story is kids killing each other for the sake of survival), just be reassured that it doesn’t dwell too much on any terribly gory details.

As for the ending, I can honestly say that I went to bed perfectly satisfied, (at about midnight because I needed to know what happened) after completing Mockingjay. There were certainly heartbreaking moments and unjust losses, but overall, it was an absolutely acceptable conclusion and couldn’t have been written any other way.

(image courtesy of Google.com)

Perspective: the state of one’s ideas, the facts known to one. (definition provided by www.dictionary.com)

Everyone sees the world through their own set of eyes. We don’t all agree on what the best movie is; how society impacts the general population; what the ultimate job or the most exciting hobby is. Two different people living right next door to each other might interpret their neighborhood in opposite fashions–one being content with the environment, and the other possibly despising it. And in these comparisons, I simply point out the fact that despite how similar our situations can be, everyone is different. 

Your perspective on things is an influential factor in making up the unique person that you are.

It may motivate you to follow a daily routine and avoid any opportunities for change because you are comfortable exactly the way you are, in your current state. But someone else’s perspective on this sort of lifestyle may lead him or her to embrace a completely different way of life–especially if they anxiously await change and are scared of what they consider to be humdrum monotony.

I have personally begun to see my own life and personal situations in a different light. For the past few months, I was slowly becoming more aware of how much negativity seemed to be creeping in the corners of my mind. I had negative thoughts about myself and my abilities, my job and sometimes even my relationships. After dwelling on these problems and assessing what the possible causes were, I simply realized that I needed to make some changes.

My perspective shifted and I finally realized that instead of accepting my current circumstances–which kept me feeling uneasy and trapped, I needed to make some moves to create a better situation for myself.

This “big change” was largely dependent on me finding a new job. I was neither gaining any sense of fulfillment nor establishing a greater amount of independence through my position as a restaurant manager. Without the resources to improve myself and sustain a happy personal life outside of work, I was losing myself completely because of all of the energy that I had to dedicate to my job–for so little in return. It took a few pounds gained, a huge void in my social life and the realization of my jealousy towards others whose companies offered them more for me to open my eyes to the fact that I was most certainly steering myself down the wrong path; one that was leading me straight into a brick wall of self-destruction.

By shifting my perspective, I was able to focus on the personal traits and characteristics which would guide me towards a more fulfilling and rewarding job; a position that offered the ability to grow–both inside and outside of the workplace. I dug deep for the confidence to go out and search for what it was that I truly wanted: better opportunities.

The struggle to obtain what you want and to make changes is never easy. There were many moments where I felt discouraged and seriously doubted whether it was truly in my power to find something better. But I pushed through those negative thoughts and opted to keep my goals in perspective, realizing that I did not have the option of giving in or giving up on this current goal. And in the end, my perseverance paid off.

Now, after hurdling past so many obstacles, I have found a renewed confidence in myself and in my ability to create change. I realize that you can create your own happiness. You just need to change the way you think, make plans and follow through. (And you also have to be ready to adapt yourself to the plans changing, because not everything always turns out the way that you had originally hoped.)

I am embracing a new way of thinking and the state of my own unique ideas has been somewhat altered. I welcome challenges even more readily than I have in the past, knowing that somehow, I will find a way to succeed. I haven’t always been brave enough to believe that I could come out on top, but now I know better. “Anything is possible.”

So, now I ask you…

How will your perspective encourage you to make changes? Is there a need for you to shift the way you think; the way you interpret your own world?

This ability to change your mindset can be applied to all areas of life.

Do you hate exercising, even though you know that sparing a measly hour for it each day would greatly benefit you? Is there a relationship you have with someone that might be in need of repair or that you might have been neglecting? Or have you simply lost your luster for something that used to bring you great joy? Reassess your desires and your approaches, change your perspective, and embrace the ability that you possess to turn your life around.

photo courtesy of drfranklipman.com

“Oh no…”

This was my first waking thought this morning; not because it was 6 a.m. (or maybe that was partly the reason), but my concern was mainly for the slight itch/tingle and feeling of discomfort that was originating from my throat. I had barely regained consciousness and yet I was completely aware that the first sign of something that could turn very bad had appeared overnight.

“This is no way to start the new year!” I told myself.

I went about my morning routine, simply ignoring it and hoping that maybe it would eventually go away. But hours later, I found myself at Publix purchasing Halls Natural Honey-Lemon lozenges with high hopes that they would inhibit my impending sore throat.

I hate getting sick. I don’t have the time for it. These days, who does? I’ve got a full-time job to attend to, my own apartment to keep tidy and a dog to look after. (Oh and did I mention that I have this fabulous blog that I have to update every now and again, for my few loyal followers?) So as soon as I start seeing and feeling the signs, my mind races with a list of things to do:

• Drink hot tea with honey and preferably a squeeze of lemon too
• When not drinking tea, drink lots of water
• Get ahold of lozenges and medication
• Overdose on echinacea (Ok, maybe not “overdose” but 4-6 capsules a day couldn’t hurt)
• Exercise!
• Tuck in early

The body’s immune system is a sensitive thing. Treat your body right and you’ll be strongly defended against falling ill. And if you start to feel like you might be coming down with something, do some light exercise (brisk walking, biking, etc.), get to bed early so that you get plenty of rest and pour yourself an extra large glass of orange juice in the morning.

Want to pull out all the stops to fortify your body’s defense systems? Whole Living magazine’s website boasts an impressive collection of articles on what types of herbs to take, and what stretches to perform in order to be more protected. Check out some of the following:

Immunity Boosting First-Aid Kit: http://www.wholeliving.com/133791/immunity-boosting-first-aid-kit

Detoxifying Stretches: http://www.wholeliving.com/136269/detoxifying-stretches-boost-your-immunity

Foods and Recipes: http://www.wholeliving.com/136241/immunity-boosting-foods-and-recipes/@center/147786/colds-and-flu

And for a super-detailed read on boosting immunity, try: http://www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/how-to-boost-your-immune-system.htm

photo courtesy of Health.com

It’s a brand new year, which means it is a time for fresh starts and for renewed dedication. Resolve to be healthier, happier and more grateful for all the things that make your life great. Reflect on what you can do to make it even better.

My resolutions are:

1. Explore my potential and seize every opportunity.

2. Spice up my workout routine. Find time to try new things–like spinning at Sweat Therapy Fitness and taking my runs from the treadmill to the great outdoors.

3. Take Mocha to the park more. I have a great and loyal dog who loves to play and run around. Due to my busy schedule, we don’t get out together as often as I’d like. I need to rearrange my schedule and pencil in some play time with her each weekend.

4. Practice more patience. In certain situations and with certain types of people, I can lose my cool a little quickly.

5. Write more often. I love my blog and I look forward to investing more time in updating it.

6. Plan meals and workouts ahead of time. Sometimes it’s hard to stay consistent when trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Indulging in junk food and skipping gym sessions are usually the consequences of a busy unplanned week for me. Setting aside a few minutes once a week to sit down and plan things will help me tackle the obstacle of being unprepared.

7. Practice yoga regularly. Ideally, I’d like to attend class 2-3 times a week and keep up my own home practice daily. Yoga helps to keep me stress-free, centered and focused. And it’s not just good for your mind, it’s a great workout for your body too!

8. Pay off debt and save! Enough said.

9. Control clutter. I plan to clean out my closet and go through containers that are hidden away to get rid of the things I don’t use or need anymore. It’s time to simplify.

10. Do my best to keep my life balanced! Get enough sleep, exercise, play time, and creative time.

The resolutions that you choose don’t need to be long and complicated. Actually, it’s probably best that you keep them simple. A long list can be daunting and you’ll be overwhelmed to stick to it. Be realistic and do what you can! Take every opportunity to improve your life and yourself. And most importantly, if you slip up, don’t give up! Tomorrow is a new day.

May 2012 bring you countless happy moments, great experiences and an abundance of joy!

photo courtesy of Health.com

Energy!

Doesn’t just reading that word make you want to get up and go? That’s the effect that it seems to have on me…Whenever I see a headline on the cover of a magazine like, “50 ways to increase your energy,” I am totally intrigued. What could their secrets possibly be? I wonder. How can I stop feeling so tired and sluggish all the time? The majority of us probably wish that we had more energy–or a backup store that we could use during that afternoon slump that seems to hit us every, right after work when we finally have some free time to do something enjoyable; or as soon as our significant other or best friend becomes available to hang out.

I feel as if I have a never-ending “To Do” list…and no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to get all of it done. After all of the chores at home are taken care of, where am I supposed to find the motivation to go out and run errands like grocery shopping, taking Mocha to the dog park and making deposits at the bank. I just get so tired, that even the simple thought of all these tasks becomes absolutely exhausting!

Part of feeling tired is most certainly mental. If you think it, then you’re probably going to feel it as well. Sometimes, you just have to push yourself to keep going. And in most cases, that mental push works.

But what about those days that you just feel completely drained? You know…the ones where you plop down on the couch at the end of your 8-hour workday with a microwave dinner and vow not to move until it’s time to hit the hay. The only thing you want is a glass of wine for dessert and maybe a nice romantic comedy to forget about your stress. Maybe I’ll go for a run? you think, and as quickly as that thought enters your mind, it is dismissed. Ha! I definitely don’t have the energy for that.

Eventually, this horrible cycle of negative thinking, followed by lazy action leads to a not-so-great version of you: tired, irritable, overweight and unhappy.

It’s true when they say: YOU are your own worst enemy. And you are your own best source for cultivating extra energy. Just the right combination of positive thinking, a nutritious diet, ample exercise and sufficient sleep time will get you completely recharged. Those of you who hibernate for a few extra hours on your days off aren’t doing yourselves a favor. In fact, I bet you wonder why you are even more inclined to stay in bed after too much sleeping in. Catching zzz’s alone isn’t the solution. Oh, and neither are those 5 cups of coffee you’re drinking every day. (Caffeine dehydrates you and its other costs can certainly outweigh the benefits.)

And even if you finally get the equation right, don’t expect to up your E meter in just a few days–or even a week. These things take time and require a little patience…So take it easy on yourself because stressing out about it won’t make matters any better.

Some tips:

• Assess your sleep patterns. Keep a journal and record how many hours of sleep you get each night. Write down how you feel; your energy levels, moodiness, and take note of what you ate as well. Lack of sleep can induce cravings for fatty and sugary foods in order to temporarily increase energy levels.
• Eat clean. Limit yourself to eating whole foods–nothing processed! Keep up this new eating pattern for a couple of weeks and observe the difference in how you feel.
• Schedule your sweat sessions and stick to it! Regular exercise will help to increase your energy.
• Eat healthy foods that are full of fiber and protein. They will keep you fuller longer and give you steady energy, as opposed to sugar and other simple carbohydrates which will increase your blood sugar to give you a sudden jolt, only to leave you in a slump just a couple of hours later.

For more tips and a 3-week plan, check out this article from Natural Health magazine: http://www.naturalhealthmag.com/health/power-surge

Life is too short to sit around and be an observer. Don’t let your lack of energy stand in the way of you enjoying your life to the fullest! Let your passion ignite you so that you can spend more time creating, playing and making memories that you will look back on in the future.

photo courtesy of Google.com

Tonight, I performed a 50-minute self yoga practice (in my living room!)–a mix of different poses with vinyasas intermixed. I mostly followed a sequence that was featured in Yoga Journal magazine, but I also did a few poses from class that came to mind and that were my favorites. After about 40 minutes or so of practice, I laid back in savasana (corpse pose) and allowed myself meditate for as long as I needed.

This meditation was absolutely A-MAZING, (emphasis on the A).

It was different from any other time that I have meditated. I’ve never really had a problem doing meditation. In fact, I was surprised that my mind slipped into it so easily when I first gave it a try. Maybe there were a couple of times here and there where I wasn’t completely focused or in the moment and couldn’t seem to lay still for too long. But this time, my mind was entirely engaged. I felt a strong and intense energy in my head, clearing out the clutter in my brain and sweeping away the negative thoughts that had been residing there just moments before.

My body felt light as a feather throughout, and there were a couple of instances when I wondered whether I was still on the ground, laying on my yoga mat. I felt the strange sensation that I was sort of floating; lifted away from the earth. Maybe this was simply the feeling of my mind being free. A few thoughts bounced through my head during this deep meditation, but they weren’t distracting; they were just passive thoughts which I observed without judgement. It was like standing in an empty room and speaking, only to hear your voice echoing off the walls and then quietly floating away.

Minutes passed. I could have been laying there for 20 minutes, or maybe just 5. I have no idea. In the midst of it, time was absolutely frozen and I wasn’t bound by its chains.

After a while, I felt the energy grasping my mind diminish very slowly. It was little by little; a very gradual release of the engagement of the meditation. When I felt that I was ready to come back, I wiggled fingers and toes to wake my body up (just like we do in class) and then I opened my eyes and entered back into the physical world.

Now, I feel like a new person. I’m full of optimism and happiness. I am motivated again, to continue down my path of fulfillment.

I am now entirely convinced that I should be making yoga a part of my daily routine. It opens up the channels of creativity and allows the body’s energies to become unblocked. Yoga and meditation are surely the best stress treatment there is and a necessity to complement a healthy lifestyle.

–

More about meditation: http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/2600

Practice at home, with help: http://www.yogatailor.com/ or http://www.gaiamyogastudio.com/?linksiteID=UO85MF6im_8-eIlb4.tDiicnPPSIDLInGg

Namaste!

photo courtesy of lifegivingmantras.blogspot.com

I can personally relate to the challenge of finding the balance between “strength” and “softness.” An article in YogaJournal magazine recounts the story of Laura, who feels no connection between the person she is at work, in her yoga practice and with her boyfriend.

Find the article here: http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2617

I was very intrigued with the main idea of this piece. I found that I could relate to its core message–that I could recall many instances in which I was slightly conflicted about who I felt that I should be and who I wanted to be. In our society, we concern ourselves with the image that we portray to others. We want to be seen in a certain way that we believe is acceptable or maybe even expected of us. And in seeking out this acceptance, we sometimes sacrifice our true selves for fear of rejection.

Today, women are more independent and empowered than they ever have been in the past. The traditional role of the woman as always gentle and passive has almost completely vanished. Women are occupying powerful, important roles in the workplace and society. Independence is an emerging female characteristic that is praised by many but also looked down upon by some.

The writer brings to our attention the Indian goddess, Parvati, and explains how she is an ideal example to the women of today, in teaching us how to embrace the balance of our feminine and also our masculine qualities. The story of Parvati brings to light that in order to be whole, we must have a balance of both. Through the mythological tales of this Indian deity, she flows seamlessly from role to role. She is independent and strong; yet she is a loving and loyal wife to her husband, Shiva. And although she is dedicated to him and their relationship, she holds her own through their disagreements and does not settle for constantly being submissive to his decisions and desires. She is respected and revered for this brave independence and the will to always be true to herself.

Deity meditation is suggested by the author. Focusing on qualities of the gods and goddesses helps us to bring out certain characteristics in ourselves. They can be looked to for guidance in our current situations, the things that we deal with in our everyday life. The different deities represent different archetypes of our personalities–the warrior, the lover, the nurturer, etc.

Not only is Parvati an example for women, but she is often times considered and reflected upon by men as well–men who realize the importance of integrating feminine aspects such as creativity and love into their masculine personas. A balance of feminine and masculine allows for the unity of body, mind and soul.

It is stated about Parvati that “…she is the very force of transformation, the instinct that carries human beings to the recognition of our greater destiny.” She encourages us to strive for success and achieve our destiny with a desire that originates in love. She represents the self as an integrated whole.

Another article about Parvati: http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2009

Audio meditation: http://www.yogajournal.com/livemag/lmcontent/58

photo courtesy of naturesbountycafe.com

It has been a very busy week and I am now just having the opportunity to write a Thanksgiving blog post. This year, I am thankful for my family, my friends, my wonderful boyfriend, my dog, my health and the happiness that my life brings me. It isn’t perfect, but I know that I am blessed.

For Thanksgiving this year, Chad and I went to Pensacola to spend the holiday with his family. Luckily, the trip from Tally to Pensacola isn’t too far and we made it there in about two and a half hours. I have to admit, I was a little bit anxious, as I had only briefly met his parents once a while back when they were passing through town–and I had yet to meet his sisters and their families.

But of course, later I would find that I had nothing to worry about. Everyone was so nice and it was great to spend the day with them. The food was delicious, the weather was cool and breezy–absolutely gorgeous, and we had a great time.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is just around the corner! (I really hope that the Tallahassee weather starts to cool down sometime soon, because as of right now, it’s not very reminiscent of past Tally winters. I mean, I don’t like to freeze, but a nice breeze and the need for a sweater and boots just makes it feel like the holidays).

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you were able to spend it with the people you care about.

photo courtesy of Google.com

I have to remind myself to do these things from time to time. Okay, okay…maybe it’s more like most of the time. I like to get things done and feel productive. So if you know me, you know that I am constantly on the go. My calendar is full of appointments. I schedule time to work out, study (I’m in the process of getting my Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant certification), clean and organize and sometimes I even pencil in a nap.

I seem to have a hard time relaxing, even though I know the immense value of even just a few minutes of relaxation. Letting our minds wander and forgetting about our responsibilities for a while is what helps to keep us sane. If everyone constantly focused on the stresses of work, school, family and relationships 24/7, we would never be able to function properly.

So as I’m reminding myself now that sometimes you need to take a break in order to balance “work” and “play,” you should do the same. Take a breather; stretch; do something purely because you want to. Those are the moments that make life worth living.

“But I don’t have time to workout today.”

This is a common excuse and an easy one to use. Who isn’t busy? When I was in school, I had to find time to study, have a social life, hang out with my boyfriend and also have a little “me” time every now and then, (during which I would read, nap, watch TV, and nap some more…). Finding the time to exercise was difficult.

Even now, after I’ve graduated and really only have one real time-consuming responsibility (aka my job), I still find myself skipping out on logging enough time at the gym. I somehow always find myself preoccupied with something more important.

But I think that, in general, once the situation is assessed, there aren’t too many things that are more important than taking great care of your body. Exercise is a key player in how healthy we are; and in turn, how happy we are as well.

“There are 24 usable hours in every day.” I’m not quite sure who spoke this quote, but whoever they are, they’re a genius–because it’s true! Every minute of the day offers an opportunity for accomplishment. Who says that a workout has to be an hour, or even 30 minutes long? I believe that this misconception is one of the major reasons that most people claim they “don’t have time.”

Divide your time. Work out for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. It is recommended that we get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day. To fulfill my personal 15 minute increments, I do a combination of jumping jacks, jump roping and crunches. Just keep your heart pumping and you’ll be doing your body good! It’s also good to keep a pair of dumbbells lying around so you can bust out a few reps as well. Before you know it, 15 minutes is over and you are halfway to your daily goal.

(More ways to sneak in exercise: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/tips/quick-tricks/workout-tips-for-busy-schedules/?sssdmh=dm17.557456&esrc=nwfitdailytip110311&email=3053375765)

Work out on your lunch break. If you prefer to do one chunk of time and get it over with, try to find a window in your day where you can get to the gym, like during your lunch break. If like me, you don’t get an actual break, you can take a few minutes at your desk to do stretches and then get up and walk around. It’s all about movement! Avoid being sedentary. That means: Get your butt outta that chair! For those who do have time to work out mid-day, check out sites like Shape.com and Fitness.com to find time-saving routines that meet all of your needs.

Schedule it. Treat your fitness classes and gym workouts like meetings or appointments. Pencil them into your calendar and dedicate that 30-minutes or 1 hour to exercising. Learn how to schedule your other priorities around your exercise time, rather than the other way around. It’s all about your priorities.

Be held accountable. Pair up with a friend who has the same attitude and goals as you. Hold each other accountable for gym dates and instead of scheduling time to sit down and catch up, get moving! Walk your dogs; try out a Zumba class; or just get into the gym and lift some weights together. Committing to working out with a pal means that you’ll be less likely to skip out because not only will you be letting yourself down, but your friend too.

Change your sleep schedule. If you’d rather get up early in the morning and immediately lace up your sneakers for a run instead of waiting until the afternoon or evening, schedule your bedtime so that you can get enough rest (7-8 hours of sleep) and be up early enough to run and then get ready for the rest of your day. Don’t waste time doing mindless activities at night when you could be resting up and getting ready for an energizing morning workout routine.

When you stop and give it some real consideration, you realize that you do have time to work out. You just have to plan and act accordingly! Start out slow and try to add just 30 minutes to each day. After a couple of weeks, you will probably be more energized and you’ll want to work out even more.