Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Time to clean up your act heading into 2012!


I am talking stream-line baby! Make a list (seriously, get out the paper....), what is important to you? 

Now, prioritize it. Don't worry, nobody's feelings will be hurt, you are the only one who can see it.



**To prioritize is to:

  1. Designate or treat (something) as more important than other things.
  2. Determine the order for dealing with (a series of items or tasks) according to their relative importance.


Really think about what or who is the most important to you. For some of you your kids are going to hit the top of the list without a second thought, for others it may be our current goal, or it may be just a thought. A something we are thinking about all the time...

Make your list. 

I know many people can relate when I say I am a list person. Look through my journal and there are multiple random lists, check out my phone and I have everything I possibly need to remember in a list, take a look at my work area in the basement and Steph will tell you I have my whiteboard staring me back in the face. Everything is organized under "to do's" and focuses based on the different areas in my life: personal, professional, relationships (family/friends), and goals. Every category is prioritized.

To stream-line is to create efficiency. Efficiency means the lowest input (energy) for the highest output. When you are able to wake up every morning and have focus on what you want to accomplish and purpose behind it, you are efficient.

Stop wasting your time with decisions. The right one's you do not need to talk yourself into. Have faith in yourself. Stop wasting time with people who bring you down. We naturally gravitate towards like minded individuals, trust the intuition you have. Relationships should always challenge you but only to make you better, not to exhaust you. Stop worrying about things you cannot change and being afraid to accomplish something because you might be wrong. Take the risk. Feel strong.

Trust in your focus and your life priorities. Live as the person you want to be. Who is that? Maybe that answer will help you build your list. Dream big. Do you want to be respected? Do you want to be trusted? Do you want to leave those you spend your time with feeling good when you leave?

We each must know what is important to us to be able to accomplish our goals and to have purpose in our lives. Change your list. Many times. Each day may bring something new. Feel that control over your life, your thoughts, your plans. Sleep better, stress less, smile more. Be someone who your future self will look back at and be proud of.

 It is simple, not easy, but simple. 


De-clutter Home Tips:
-clean your house/space: a tidy space will keep you feeling lighter
-throw away or donate items you have not used during this past year
-buy rubbermaid organizers, throw in similar items, seal up, LABEL, and stack
-clean out your computer: organize files, print pictures you want to frame, delete old files
-re-evaluate your routines: make grocery lists, meal plan, prepare, list repairs and complete things all at once
-auto-mate bills
-recycle

De-clutter Relationship Tips:
-be honest. Think it, say it. They can handle it, they are an adult and they want to know.
-take responsibility for what you do and what you want. 
-spend your time with people who like you with all your crazy and all your 'baggage'. Do not spend your time with someone who 'you just have to fix this one thing and they will be perfect'. You must like them for the things you love and the things you can live with. You may not change someone.
-do not spend time with people who just need you.....you do not need them. Relationships are meant to be equal: you must get out what you put in. 
-be positive. Focus on something you admire about someone (friend, family, colleague). 

De-clutter Self Tips:
-Respect yourself. This brings peace. Do not change.
-reduce your commitments: say no. And when you say yes, follow through.
-examine yourself. Try not to repeat situations that did not work, look back and determine why they did not work and decide how you would like to change it.
-trust yourself. Take risks. Experience. Love. Smile.

Do not be lazy; work hard, play hard, recharge. Get the most out of your life. You are worth it and you deserve to be happy. 


Saturday, December 24, 2011

Be Merry, Be Thankful, Be the ultimate gift of YOU!

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!!
This is the time of year we are blessed to spend time with the family and friends we love. Cherish each moment as we do not know what lies ahead in our futures. Practice patience and be thankful for the time we have with one another while remembering those who we no longer have.

Laugh, love, be merry. 

For those who are traveling over the holidays, travel safe and god bless.


"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it from without" Buddha

Monday, December 19, 2011

Close your eyes & breathe...



One of our pretty Chicas recently went through her Moksha yoga instructor training in Montreal. What a great experience for her after a whirlwind year. I am so proud of her for having the courage to take this on.


She invited us to a few trial classes as she hones her yogi skills and she did awesome! In yoga there is a strong emphasis on your breath. Breathing is life. Your breath brings oxygen into your body and your mind as it flows through you. Your breath is your energy. Your centre.


To truly focus into your breath...in her words:


"Close your eyes, place your hands over hearts centre, inhale into your belly, ribs, chest.....and exhale slowly".



This resonates with me. Self check. Just breathe. Be thankful.



As we go through this hectic holiday season remember to stay present, pause for a moment and become aware of your breathing. If it gets too much just close your eyes, breathe slowly and deeply.... With each breath comes an increase in peace. 


We take approximately 21,600 breaths of air each day. Staying present in only a few of these can positively change your outlook or give you back control. Your breath regulates your heart and is a powerful stimulant. It is the highest form of purification and self-discipline, covering both mind and body. The slower and deeper your breathing, the more able you become. 


Your breath is also a natural tranquilizer and can be used to reduce stress and release pain.


Learn to breathe energy as opposed to air. When you learn to open your breath and relax in the presence of your feelings, you create a natural healing flow. Your awareness will be heightened, old behavior patterns will change. Health and youth have the power to replace physical disease. The reults are permanent.

Conscious connected breathing is communication with your source of life and peace. The physical body feels lighter and freer, we are clearer in our thinking. We are able to experience a happier outlook of ourselves and others. Emotionally we will be calmer and more confident in dealing with the situations in our daily lives. 


This state of calm gives you the ability to make healthy decisions for yourself and those you surround yourself with. Take strength in this. 


Breathe. Think. Smile. 




Check out: Moksha Yoga Winnipeg
Learn: How to meditate!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Cancer hits home...

I sat with a good friend last week during her chemo treatment. She was so beautiful. I hadn't seen her in almost 2 weeks (which is a long time for us:)). She was smiling and happy and all she wanted to know is how I have been and what my week has been like....


She is an angel.


All that she wants is her life back, her health back. She is fighting everyday with all that she has.


What are YOU fighting for?


If you are choosing to not take care of your mind and body every single day you my as well ask her to warm the chair up for you. Next week, next year, in 10 years, you are creating your future by making the choice each day to ignore your health. To make excuses. She did not have a choice.

Let her be your inspiration. What if she was your friend, sister, mom, girlfriend.... Help each other. Save each others lives by taking care of each other and expecting the ones you love to do the same.

Make your choice.







BE AWARE!
What is Non-hodgkins Lymphoma?
What is Follicular Lymphoma?

CHOOSE HOPE!

Thank you to Mark and Bev, her amazing nurses. <3

Monday, December 12, 2011

A journey....

"I want to be your friend so I can feed off your energy" 

Who do you want to be in life? What kind of impression do you want to leave? What can you offer?

Be honest. 
You are powerful. 
Every damn day. 

I want to help and share my passion for health with others. I want to experience life and smile and laugh allot with the people I care about. Health & Wellness are incredibly powerful, they can change your life and save your life.

I am very impressionable, therefore I find inspiration in many forms. Music, quotes, friends, family, a good hug, a game, a change, a smile. This blogs quote came from a friend who knows I am going through a transition. Kind words. *Inspiration

I am incredibly honest with myself. I am moving forward and taking risks. I believe that I am able.

In early 2010 this stage of my journey began at a moksha 'hip hop yoga' class with Steph & the chica girls...the instructor was amazing...he repeated a quote that really stayed with me:

"If something doesn't feel, right rise up and face it, because we are not guaranteed tomorrow"

This quote helped me find the courage to change. I was unhappy and not moving forward. My wellness score was low....

"We are not guaranteed tomorrow" Repeat. Understand. We only have one chance. Take are of your mind and your body. Love.

Everyday: Play the cards you are dealt the best that you are able. GO ALL IN.